Patent ID: 6588548
Filing Date: 2003-07-08
Classification: G07F,G16H

Abstract:
A method of filling a prescription, the method comprising:receiving a written prescription from a customer by a service representative located at one end of a workstation; entering prescription and customer information data into a computer using a keyboard by the service representative, the keyboard located proximate the one end of the workstation; placing the written prescription into a basket by the service representative who places the basket into a chute for guiding the basket onto a conveyor; conveying the basket containing the written prescription to a staging area of the workstation; electronically printing material responsive to the information data input into the computer, the printed material including prescription preparation instructions and customer information; comparing the printed material to the written prescription by a filling technician; placing the printed material and the written prescription into the basket by the filling technician if matching information is identified; retrieving a drug carried in a container from a storage area; retrieving a vial from a gravity fed dispensing bin; filling the vial with at least a portion of the drug; retrieving a cap from the gravity fed bin and securing the cap to the vial for providing a finished vial; placing a label on the vial, which label was printed and provided with the printed material; placing the finished vial, the container from which the drug was stored, and related paperwork including the printed material and the written prescription into the basket and moving the basket downstream towards a checking process area; comparing the written prescription to the container from which the drug was retrieved, by a pharmacist, which pharmacist then compares the written prescription to the drug in the vial, and checking the label on the vial; placing the container on a drug return shelf; retrieving a bag by the pharmacist and placing the vial in the bag, sealing the bag shut; placing the bag, now a finished prescription package bag, in a mobile cart; placing any remaining paper prescription into a written prescription file located at the workstation; and moving the now empty basket downstream for reuse by the service representative.