Abstract:
A method for accessing a person&#39;s medical information in an emergency, the medical information stored in a database of a medical records system includes calling an emergency telephone number; entering an access code to access the medical records system; receiving a prerecorded message reciting the medical information; in response to a prompt by the medical records system, choosing to receive the person&#39;s medical information via a text message to a cellular telephone; and receiving on a cellular telephone the text message containing the person&#39;s medical information. The steps of calling the emergency telephone number and entering the access code cause the medical records system to automatically notify at least one emergency contact of the person. A telephone number for the at least one emergency contact is stored in the database of the medical records system.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the priority of the U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/080,863, filed on Jul. 15, 2008, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    This invention relates to an emergency medical information service and health records system. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    In the event of a medical emergency, a person may be unable to communicate his or her medical conditions or needs to emergency responders. However, it is often necessary for the emergency responder or bystander to be aware of these medical conditions in order to provide proper medical treatment to the person. To ensure appropriate medical treatment in an emergency, a person may carry a list or description of his or her medical conditions that can be accessed by the emergency responder or bystander. For instance, medical alert jewelry, such as a necklace, bracelet, or watch, displays a recognizable medical symbol to alert emergency responders to its presence and may also contain a brief list or summary of a person&#39;s medical conditions. This information may be engraved or printed on the jewelry, or the jewelry may have a small compartment inside of which a more detailed description of the medical information can be stored. Some medical alert jewelry also lists a phone number which can be called to retrieve additional medical information. Other medical alert jewelry contains electronics that allow electronic storage of and access to medical records. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    In one aspect, this invention relates to a method for accessing a person&#39;s medical information in an emergency, the medical information stored in a database of a medical records system. The method includes calling an emergency telephone number; entering an access code to access the medical records system; receiving a prerecorded message reciting the medical information; in response to a prompt by the medical records system, choosing to receive the person&#39;s medical information via a text message to a cellular telephone; receiving on a cellular telephone the text message containing the person&#39;s medical information. The steps of calling the emergency telephone number and entering the access code cause the medical records system to automatically notify at least one emergency contact of the person. A telephone number for the at least one emergency contact is stored in the database of the medical records system. 
         [0005]    In another aspect, this invention relates to a medical records system for providing access to a first person&#39;s medical records, the medical records stored in a database of the medical records system. The medical records system includes a non-emergency access module configured to: accept input of or modifications to the medical records by the first person, contact the first person with a reminder of an upcoming medical event by sending a text message to a first cellular telephone to which the first person has access, accept from the first person a selection of a subset of the medical records as emergency medical information, and accept from the first person a designation of at least one emergency contact; and an emergency access module configured to: accept a phone call to an emergency telephone number from a second person, identify the first person&#39;s medical records by an access code entered during the phone call by the second person, send a text message to a second cellular telephone to which the second person has access, the text message containing the emergency medical information, and automatically notify the at least one emergency contact of the first person. In some embodiments, the first person inputs or modifies the medical records by faxing medical records to the medical records system or by using a mobile communication device. 
         [0006]    In a further aspect, this invention relates to a method for accessing a person&#39;s medical information in an emergency, the medical information stored in a database of a medical records system. The method includes obtaining an address of an emergency website and an access code; accessing the emergency website using a computer; entering the access code to access the medical records system; viewing the person&#39;s medical information on the emergency website. The steps of accessing the emergency website and entering the access code cause the medical records system to automatically notify at least one emergency contact of the person. A telephone number for the at least one emergency contact is stored in the database of the medical records system. 
         [0007]    Embodiments may include one or more of the following. The emergency contact of the person is automatically notified by an email message, a text message, or a telephone call. The access code is displayed on an item, such as a jewelry charm, carried by the person. The person may possess a plurality of items, each item having a different access code, each different access code usable to access the person&#39;s medical information. 
         [0008]    A medical records system as described herein has a number of advantages. The system allows a user to store and access medical information via the Internet, telephone, or fax. The interactive nature of the system, which provides for multimedia inputs, reminders, and alerts, enables a user to take advantage of the stored medical information to improve his or her health and wellness. This everyday wellness access combined with emergency access to selected emergency medical information in an emergency situation provides the user with a complete solution to managing his or her health information. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0009]      FIG. 1  is a cartoon depiction of a medical records system. 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  shows a charm displaying information to access the medical records system. 
           [0011]      FIGS. 3A and 3B  show a cartoon depiction and a flow chart of the emergency access procedure. 
           [0012]      FIGS. 4A-4E  are screenshots of the basic medical information page of the medical records system. 
           [0013]      FIGS. 5A and 5B  are screenshots of the medication information pages of the medical records system. 
           [0014]      FIG. 6  is a screenshot of the healthcare providers page of the medical records system. 
           [0015]      FIG. 7  is a screenshot of the insurance information page of the medical records system. 
           [0016]      FIG. 8  is a screenshot of the calendar page of the medical records system. 
           [0017]      FIGS. 9A and 9B  are screenshots of the emergency information pages of the medical records system. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0018]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , a medical records system  100  provides both non-emergency and emergency access to a database  102  containing a user&#39;s medical records. For instance, database  102  may store medical information such as blood type, illnesses or medical conditions, allergies, implanted medical devices, immunizations, current and previous prescription and non-prescription medications, healthcare providers, limited insurance information, emergency contacts, and a schedule of medical appointments or other health-related events. Medical records system  100  contains a non-emergency module  106  and an emergency module  108 , which are software modules that reside on a server and are programmed to allow non-emergency and emergency access, respectively, to medical records system  100 . For non-emergency access, a user  104  establishes an account in medical records system  100  and accesses non-emergency module  106  of the account through a computer or other mobile device  110  connected to the Internet  112 . Through non-emergency module  106 , user  104  inputs his or her medical information to database  102  and views medical information previously entered into database  102 . If requested by user  104 , non-emergency module  106  is configured to send reminders by text message to a cellular telephone  114 , by voice message to a telephone, or by email to computer  110  of events stored in database  102 , such as a medical appointment, a time to take a medication, or a need to renew a prescription. User  104  may also select certain medical information to be transmitted by a voice message, text message, or Internet message by emergency module  108  and may designate emergency contacts to be alerted in the event of a medical emergency, as described below. 
         [0019]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , information to enable access to emergency module  106  of medical records system  100  is inscribed, printed, or otherwise recorded on a charm  200 . In other embodiments, the information may be included on other items such as clothing or sneaker labels, stickers for telephones, wallet cards, or keytags. User  104  wears or carries charm  200  on a piece of jewelry such as, for instance, a necklace  202 , a bracelet, or a keychain. A medical insignia  204  is displayed on charm  200  to draw attention to the charm in the event of an emergency. An emergency telephone number  206 , a website address  208 , and an emergency access code  210  are also displayed on charm  200 . User  104  may have multiple charms, for instance to wear on different pieces of jewelry, with each charm displaying a different emergency access code  208 . Through non-emergency module  106 , user  104  can configure medical records system  100  to link each different emergency access code  208  to his or her account. In this way, emergency medical information about user  104  can be accessed in the event of an emergency regardless of which charm he or she is wearing. 
         [0020]    Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 3A , if a user  104  has a medical emergency, an emergency responder  300  (e.g., an emergency medical technician, paramedic, nurse, physician, or bystander such as a teacher in a classroom) accesses emergency module  108  of the user&#39;s account in medical records system  100  to obtain emergency medical information about the user. Medical insignia  204  displayed on charm  200  worn or carried by user  104  alerts emergency responder  300  that charm  200  is of the type that includes information desirable for obtaining important medical information. Emergency responder  300  uses a telephone  302  to call emergency telephone number  206  and to log into emergency module  108  of medical records system  100  using user  104 ′s emergency access code  210 . Once logged in, emergency responder  300  listens to a recorded voice message that recites the medical information. The emergency responder is then given the option to hear the message again or to receive the message as a text message to a cellular telephone  302 . In particular, emergency module  108  provides a prerecorded voice message or text message that recites emergency medical information preselected by user  104  prior to the medical emergency; for instance, the message may contain information about user  104 &#39;s allergies, current prescriptions, or medical conditions. Alternatively, emergency responder  300  uses a computer or other mobile device (not shown) connected to the Internet to visit website address  208  and logs into emergency module  108  using emergency access code  210 . Once logged in, emergency responder  300  views a web page displaying emergency medical information preselected by user  104  prior to the medical emergency. When emergency module  108  of user  104 &#39;s account has been accessed, emergency module  108  automatically contacts without any external intervention one or more predesignated emergency contacts  304  listed in database  102  either by text message to a cell phone  306  or by email to a computer  308  to notify them of user  104 &#39;s medical emergency. In another embodiment, the predesignated emergency contacts choose to receive a pre-recorded voice message to a telephone instead of or in addition to the text message. Prior to the emergency, the user is able to customize the emergency medical information available through the voice message, text message, or web page. For instance, the user may include certain information in the voice message but different information in the text message. 
         [0021]    Referring to  FIG. 3B , in an emergency situation, an emergency responder locates charm  200  or other item worn or carried by user  104  ( 320 ). The emergency responder obtains emergency telephone number  206  and emergency access code  210  from charm  200  ( 322 ), calls the emergency telephone number ( 324 ), and enters emergency access code  210  to log into emergency module  108  of medical records system  100  ( 326 ). Once logged in, the emergency responder listens to a voice message and then has the option of hearing the voice message again or receiving it by text message to a cellular telephone. When hearing the voice message the emergency responder listens to a prerecorded voice message containing medical information preselected by user  104  ( 330 ). If a text message is selected, the emergency responder provides a phone number where the text message should be sent ( 332 ) and receives at least one text message at that phone number containing medical information preselected by user  104  ( 334 ). Alternatively, after charm  200  has been located ( 320 ), the emergency responder obtains website address  208  and emergency access code  210  from charm  200  ( 340 ) and accesses emergency module  108  via computer or other mobile device using website address  208  ( 342 ). The emergency responder enters emergency access code  210  to log into emergency module  108  ( 344 ) and views a display of medical information preselected by user  104  ( 346 ). 
         [0022]    Referring to  FIGS. 4A-4E ,  5 A- 5 B,  6 ,  7 ,  8 , and  9 A- 9 B, a user interface to non-emergency module  106  allows user  104  to input and view personal medical information and to select the information provided to an emergency responder in the event of an emergency. The user interface also allows a user to download previously entered personal medical information to a file, such as a PDF file; save the information onto a portable storage medium, such as a compact disc or flash memory; or fax the information to a physician or other recipient. The user interface is also configured to allow a user to fax a cover letter from the system to a physician or medical facility to request a return fax containing lab test results or other medical records. In some embodiments, the user interface accepts medical information from the user via fax. 
         [0023]    Referring to  FIGS. 4A-4E , a user enters basic information about his or her personal health history into medical records system  100  through the user interface. Referring to  FIG. 4A , a basic medical information page  400  of the user interface allows a user to enter, view, or update basic medical information, such as a gender  402 , a date of birth  404 , a height  406 , a weight  408 , and a blood type  410 . Referring to  FIG. 4B , a medical conditions page  411  of the user interface allows a user to view or remove previously entered medical conditions or illnesses  412  and to add new medical conditions or illnesses. To add a new medical condition or illness, the user selects a condition from a drop-down menu  414  and specifies a date of diagnosis  416 . The drop-down menu contains an extensive list of conditions and illnesses and also provides an option for the user to enter a condition or illness not included on the list. For example, a medical condition or illness may be anemia, migraines or headaches, or depression. Referring to  FIG. 4C , an allergies page  417  of the user interface allows a user to view or remove previously entered allergy information  418  and adds new allergies by selecting an allergy from a list provided in a drop-down menu  420 . The drop-down menu  420  contains an extensive list of allergies and also provides an option for the user to enter an allergy not included on the list. For instance, the list includes selections such as allergies to dogs, eggs, and shellfish. Referring to  FIG. 4D , an implanted medical device page  422  allows a user to view or remove previously entered implanted medical devices  423  and to add new medical devices. To add a new medical device, the user selects a device from a drop-down menu  424  and specifies a date of insertion  426 . The drop-down menu  424  contains a list of medical devices, such as a pacemaker, and also provides an option for the user to enter a medical device not included on the list. Referring to  FIG. 4E , an immunizations and vaccinations page  427  allows a user to view or remove previously entered immunizations and vaccinations  428  and to add new vaccinations or immunizations. To add new vaccinations or immunizations, the user selects from a drop-down menu  430 , specifies a most recent date of vaccination  432 , and optionally includes notes  434  about the vaccination. The drop-down menu  430  contains a list of immunizations and vaccinations, such as Tetanus and Hepatitis B, and also provides an option for a user to enter an immunization not included on the list. In other embodiments, medical records system  100  also accepts other personal medical information such as lab results, X-rays, fingerprints, CAT scans, MRI scans, and vital personal documents such as wills. 
         [0024]    Referring to  FIGS. 5A and 5B , information about prescription and non-prescription medications can be entered into medical records system  100  through the user interface. Referring to  FIG. 5A , a prescription medication page  500  of the user interface allows a user to view, update, or remove previously entered prescription medications  502  and to add new prescription medications. To update a previously entered prescription medication  502 , the user enters a dosage amount  504  and a unit of measure  506  (for example, milligrams or milliliters), a frequency  508  per time period  510  (for example, per hour or per day), and dosage notes  512 . To add a new prescription medication, the user selects a medication from a drop-down menu  514 , which contains an extensive list of prescription medications and also provides an option for a user to enter a prescription medication not included on the list. For each prescription medication, the user also enters a dosage  516  and unit of measure  518 , a frequency  520  per time period  522 , a name  524  of a person prescribing the medication, a date  526  when the user first began taking the medication, and dosage notes  528 . Referring to  FIG. 5B , a non-prescription medication page  530  allows a user to view, update, or remove previously entered non-prescription medications  532  and to add new non-prescription medications. To update a previously entered non-prescription medication  532 , the user enters a dosage amount  534  and a unit of measure  536 , a frequency  538  per time period  540 , and dosage notes  542 . To add a new non-prescription medication, the user selects a medication from a drop-down menu  544 , which contains a list of non-prescription medications and also provides an option for a user to enter a non-prescription medication not included on the list. For each non-prescription medication, the user also enters a dosage  546 , a unit of measure  548 , a frequency  550  per time period  552 , a date  554  when the user first began taking the medication, and dosage notes  556 . 
         [0025]    Referring to  FIG. 6 , information about a user&#39;s healthcare providers can be entered into medical records system through a healthcare providers page  600  of the user interface. A user views, updates, or removes previously entered healthcare providers  602  and adds new healthcare providers. To add a new healthcare provider, the user selects a provider type from a drop-down menu  604 , which contains a list of provider types and also provides an option for the user to enter a provider type not included on the list. For instance, provider types include a general practitioner, a psychiatrist, and a dentist. The user also enters contact information for each healthcare provider, including a name  606 , an address  608 , at least one telephone number  610 , and a fax number  612 . 
         [0026]    Referring to  FIG. 7 , a user&#39;s insurance information can be entered into medical records system through an insurance records page  700  of the user interface. A user views, edits, or removes previously entered insurance information  702  and adds new insurance information. To add new insurance information, the user selects an insurance type from a drop-down menu  704 , which contains a list of insurance types and also provides an option for the user to enter an insurance type not included on the list. For example, insurance types include health, dental, and vision insurance. For each type of insurance, the user enters a name  706  of the insurance company, a type of coverage  708 , a member name  710 , a member number  712 , a group number  714 , and an effective date  716 . 
         [0027]    Referring to  FIG. 8 , a calendar page  800  of the user interface allows a user to enter and view medical events for which he or she wishes to receive a reminder from medical records system  100 . A calendar  802  displays medical events previously entered by the user. To add a reminder, the user enters a date  804  of the medical event, and a type  806  of the event (such as a prescription refill, a doctor&#39;s visit, or a time to take a medication), and selects to receive the reminder via text message  808  or email  810 . The user also enters a time  812  for the medical event and further information about the event, such as a medication name  814 , a telephone  816  or address  818 , and other notes  820 . The user also selects from a first drop-down menu  822  how often the reminder should be sent (for example, one time only, daily, or weekly) and selects from a second drop-down menu  824  how much time in advance of the time  812  of the medical event the reminder should be sent (for example, one hour before, one day before, or one week before). 
         [0028]    Referring to  FIGS. 9A and 9B , a user can configure emergency module  108 . Referring to  FIG. 9A , an emergency contacts page  900  of the user interface allows a user to view, edit, or remove previously entered emergency contacts  902  that will be notified when emergency module  108  is accessed as described in conjunction with  FIG. 3A , and to add new emergency contacts. To add a new emergency contact, the user selects his or her relationship with the emergency contact from a drop-down menu  904 . For instance, the emergency contact may be a parent, spouse, or friend of the user. The user also enters contact information for the emergency contact, including a first name  906  and a last name  908 , an email address  910 , a landline telephone number  912 , and a cellular phone number  914 . The user indicates in a drop-down menu  916  whether the emergency contact&#39;s cellular telephone can receive text messages, and selects from another drop-down menu  918  whether the emergency contact should be contacted in the event of an emergency. 
         [0029]    Referring to  FIG. 9B , an emergency settings page  920  of the user interface allows a user to check boxes  922  to select emergency information to be conveyed when an emergency responder receives emergency medical information via the Internet (column  924 ), by voicemail (column  926 ), or by text message (column  928 ). For instance, the user may indicate that his or her blood type may be conveyed only over voice mail and text message but not via the Internet. The categories of basic medical information  930 , medical conditions  932 , allergies  934 , medications  936 , implanted medical devices  938 , doctors  940 , and emergency contacts  942  contain the user&#39;s medical information that was previously entered through the user interface as described above.