Abstract:
A method of delivering a discount on a purchasable item includes capturing a message of the item by a device. The device processes the message and sends a message artifact. A discount service computer receives and parses the message. The message is matched to a record of an eligibility database, if any exist in the eligibility database, or else a corresponding record for the message is generated. A discount database is accessed for a discount coupon relevant to the record and the purchasable item identity. The discount coupon is sent to the device. The item is discounted at point of purchase, and the applicable record of the discount database is updated.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application is a continuation and has benefit of priority of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/837,517, titled “Prescription Drug Discount and Therapy Delivery Systems and Methods”, filed Mar. 15, 2013, which priority application is a continuation of and has benefit of priority of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/463,446, titled “Wireless Cellular Systems and Methods for Prescription Drug Discounts and Therapy Delivery”, filed May 11, 2009 issued on May 28, 2013 as U.S. Pat. No. 8,452,608. The priority application Ser. No. 13/837,517 is co-pending and has at least one same inventor of the present application and is herein incorporated by this reference. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The present disclosure relates generally to communication networks and wireless devices for delivery of prescription drugs and drug therapy, and, more particularly, relates to wireless and networked communication devices, including, but not limited to, cellular telephones, for delivery of prescription drugs, medication therapy management, patient discounts, and advertising. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Conventionally, a medical patient obtains a written script for a prescription drug from a physician to address the patient&#39;s malady. The patient carries the written script to a pharmacy. The pharmacy fills the prescription. The patient makes payment and picks-up the prescription drug at the pharmacy. The price paid by the patient is the pharmacy&#39;s charge for the drug less any covered benefit under the patient&#39;s insurance. The pharmacy collects the covered benefit amount from the insurer. Streamline of this conventional prescription drug delivery process would benefit patients, and also pharmacies and other health providers. 
         [0004]    In this conventional prescription drug delivery scheme, the pharmacist typically instructs the patient in proper use of the drug at point of pick-up by the patient at the pharmacy. During the patient&#39;s visit to the physician&#39;s office, the physician may also provide the patient with drug use and protocol instruction. These instructions (whether from pharmacist and/or physician) may be verbal, written, or combination. Typical instructions may include proper drug use procedures, regimen schedule, importance of regimen compliance, and others. After the patient&#39;s contact with the pharmacist and physician, the patient must retain and recollect the instructions, in whatever form received. Often, the patient&#39;s only next opportunity to confirm the instructions is a subsequent face-to-face contact with the physician or pharmacist, such as through a later physician office or pharmacy visit for a medication check-up or prescription refill. 
         [0005]    Physicians, pharmacies, insurers, and other pharmaceutical and health providers are interested in targeting helpful and applicable information to prescription drug patients. Time and access constraints of these providers limit opportunity for disseminating such information to the patient. Benefit insurers, for example, wish to encourage patient compliance to drug therapy regimen and to promote healthy practices. Physicians desire greater access to patients for increased awareness of patient efforts and concerns during drug therapy, such as would assist improving and varying drug treatment as appropriate. Pharmacies similarly wish to assist patients by providing helpful targeted information, addressing patient questions, and promoting health and marketing initiatives. 
         [0006]    Patients desire access to uniquely targeted information to gain knowledge about specific prescription drugs and options and to assist the patient&#39;s medication therapy, proper drug usage, and health practices. Patient access to credible sources of information has conventionally been limited because periods of the patient&#39;s direct contact with physicians, pharmacists and other health providers are often time constrained. Patients, moreover, may not have ability to assess credibility of information that may be available from third party sources. Additionally, even where the patient has been provided credible relevant information (such as by physician, pharmacy or other reliable source), patients may misplace such information or tend to disregard the information if not readily and easily accessible. Targeted drug and health information, uniquely relevant to the patient and applicable prescription, would be beneficial if readily accessible to patients. 
         [0007]    Cellular telephones and other wireless devices are a prevalent mode of communication for many consumers. These consumers include prescription drug patients and patient caregivers. Cellular devices can provide features for voice calls, messaging, calendar, scheduling, Internet access, and other operations. Cellular telephones, for example, in addition to voice call capabilities, often have short message service (SMS), multimedia message service (MMS), enhanced message service (EMS), wireless access protocol service (WAP), and/or other messaging features for sending and receiving mobile text and multimedia communications. 
         [0008]    It would, therefore, be desirable to provide new and improved systems and methods for communicating targeted uniquely relevant information and streamlining prescription drug delivery to prescription drug patients. It would also be desirable to limit burden to patients, as well as to physicians, pharmacies, insurers and other providers, of prescription drug delivery, drug cost and drug therapy management. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0009]    An embodiment of the invention is a method of delivering a prescription drug discount via a cellular message on a cellular carrier network. The method includes capturing a prescription token in a memory of a cellular communication device. The prescription token includes at least one instructor, including a prescription drug identity, a prescription drug patient identity, a cell phone number related to the prescription drug patient identity, and at least one destination locator for a server computer communicatively connected to the cellular carrier network. The method also includes processing a message artifact of the prescription token by the cellular communication device for a destination address of a server computer communicatively accessible by the cellular carrier network, transmitting the message artifact by the cellular communication device over the cellular carrier network, receiving the message artifact by the server computer at the destination address, parsing the message artifact by the server computer, and generating the prescription token by the server computer. The method further includes looking-up the prescription token, or portions, in an eligibility database connected to the server computer to find an eligibility record related to the prescription token, retrieving the eligibility record, looking-up the eligibility record, or portions, in a discount database to obtain a discount artifact related to the prescription drug identity for the prescription token, retrieving the discount artifact, processing the discount artifact by the server computer to generate a discount coupon, and sending the discount coupon to the cellular communication device on the cellular carrier network. The method also includes receiving the discount coupon by the cellular communication device from the cellular carrier network and presenting the discount coupon, together with a drug prescription per the prescription drug identity, to a pharmacy gateway. Additionally, the method includes communicating the drug prescription, together with the prescription drug patient identity, to a benefit processor, determining a coverage benefit by the benefit processor, communicating the coverage benefit to the pharmacy gateway, and communicating an eligibility update notification to the server computer by the benefit processor. Furthermore, the method includes receiving the eligibility update notification by the server computer, updating the eligibility record of the eligibility database in response to the eligibility update notification, processing the eligibility update notification to derive a prescription refill date related to the eligibility record, and storing the prescription refill date in the eligibility record. 
         [0010]    In further embodiments, the method includes, if the step of looking-up the prescription token fails because the eligibility record is not in the eligibility database, prior to the step of retrieving the eligibility record, generating an eligibility record by the eligibility database based on the prescription token. 
         [0011]    In yet further embodiments, the updating of the method includes processing the eligibility update notification by the benefit processor to revise the eligibility record. 
         [0012]    In other further embodiments, the coverage benefit is selected from the group consisting of: an insured coverage and a non-insured coverage; and the method includes, if an insured coverage is the coverage benefit, determining by the pharmacy gateway a first discount per the coverage benefit and the discount coupon, for the drug prescription, and, if a non-insured coverage is the coverage benefit, determining by the pharmacy gateway a second discount per solely the discount coupon, for the drug prescription. 
         [0013]    In additional embodiments, the eligibility database comprises a plurality of eligibility records, and each of the eligibility records includes the prescription drug identity, the drug patient identity, the prescription refill date, and the cell number relationally linked to the drug patient identity, and the method includes filtering the plurality of the eligibility records at a date in time, based on the date in time and relation to the prescription refill date of the eligibility records, retrieving a subset of the plurality for the prescription drug identity, the prescription refill date relative to the date in time, and the cell number relationally linked to the respective drug patient identity and the prescription drug identity, looking-up the prescription drug identity of the subset in the discount database to obtain a respective discount coupon for each prescription drug identity of the subset, retrieving the respective discount coupon, sending the respective discount coupon to the cell number relationally linked to the applicable drug patient identity and the drug identity of the relevant eligibility record(s), and repeating for the entire subset and all prescription drug identities of the subset. 
         [0014]    Another embodiment of the invention is a system for delivering a prescription drug discount via a cellular message of a carrier network. The system includes a prescription script and a cell phone relationally connected to the prescription script. The cell phone includes a processor, a radio connected to the processor, a phone number communicatively accessible on the carrier network, a prescription token of the cell phone communicated by the radio of the cell phone on the carrier network, and an output interface of the cell phone connected to the processor. A server computer of the system is communicatively connected to the cell phone via the carrier network, to receive the prescription token. The system also includes an eligibility database and a discount database of the server computer, and the server computer controls the eligibility database and the discount database in response to receiving the prescription token. The system further includes a discount coupon of the discount database, communicated by the server computer to the cell phone at the phone number via the carrier network, in response to receiving the prescription token. A pharmacy gateway of the system is communicatively connected to the cell phone to receive the discount coupon from the cell phone and the prescription script. A benefit processor of the system is communicatively connected to the pharmacy gateway and the server computer. The benefit processor includes a database, a benefit artifact of the database relationally associated to the discount coupon and the prescription script, a first communicator connected to the benefit artifact, for communicating the benefit artifact to the pharmacy gateway, and a second communicator connected to the benefit artifact, for communicating the benefit artifact to the server computer. The server computer updates the eligibility database in response to receiving the benefit artifact from the second communicator of the benefit processor. 
         [0015]    In other aspects of the embodiments, the system includes a follow-up coupon of the discount database, communicated by the server computer to the cell phone at the phone number via the carrier network, in response to receiving the prescription token. 
         [0016]    In yet other aspects of the embodiments, the system includes a memory of the cell phone connected to the radio and the processor. The follow-up coupon is stored in the memory in response to receiving the follow-up coupon by the cell phone. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0017]    The present invention is illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the accompanying figures, in which like references indicate similar elements, and in which: 
           [0018]      FIG. 1  illustrates a system for delivering a prescription drug discount to a cellular communications device over a cellular carrier network, according to certain embodiments of the invention; 
           [0019]      FIG. 2  illustrates an exemplary cellular communications device of the system of  FIG. 1 , according to certain embodiments of the invention; 
           [0020]      FIG. 3  illustrates a token structure of a prescription token of the system of  FIG. 1 , according to certain embodiments of the invention; 
           [0021]      FIG. 4  illustrates a message artifact for the token structure of the system of  FIG. 1 , according to certain embodiments of the invention; 
           [0022]      FIG. 5  illustrates an exemplary server computer of the system of  FIG. 1 , according to certain embodiments of the invention; 
           [0023]      FIG. 6  illustrates an exemplary eligibility database of the server computer of the system of  FIG. 1 , according to certain embodiments of the invention; 
           [0024]      FIG. 7  illustrates an exemplary discount database of the server computer of the system of  FIG. 1 , according to certain embodiments of the invention; 
           [0025]      FIG. 8  illustrates an exemplary ad database of the server computer of the system of  FIG. 1 , according to certain embodiments of the invention; 
           [0026]      FIG. 9  illustrates an exemplary benefit processor of the system of  FIG. 1 , according to certain embodiments of the invention; and 
           [0027]      FIG. 10  illustrates a method of delivering a prescription drug discount to a cellular communications device over a cellular carrier network, according to certain embodiments of the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0028]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , a system  100  for communicating with a prescription drug customer to provide drug discounts and aid drug therapy comprises one or more communications network  102 . The network  102  includes a cellular carrier network (carrier network)  104 , and can also include, for example, one or more of a public switched telephone network (PSTN)  106 , a packet switched network (IP network)  108 , and other channel or mode of communication  110 . For convenience in discussion, the carrier network  104  is identified as such herein. Other communication networks, such as the PSTN  106 , the IP network  108 , and/or other channel or mode are sometimes individually or collectively referred to herein as “Other Networks.” The term Other Networks, therefore, is intended to mean any one or more communications links which are not the carrier network  104 . As will be understood, the carrier network  104 , as well as the Other Networks, may be inter-linked or interconnected for communications between or among said networks or respective ones of them. 
         [0029]    The system  100  also includes a cellular communications device  112 . The cellular communications device  112  is communicatively connected to the carrier network  104 . The cellular communications device  112  is any of a cellular radio transceiver capable of communicating messages, such as short message service (SMS), multimedia message service (MMS), enhanced message service (EMS), wireless access protocol service (WAP), and/or other message on the carrier network  104  to and from a destination serviced by the carrier network  104  and/or the Other Networks via communicative connection to the carrier network  104 . Pluralities of the cellular communications device  112 , as well as additional and varied types of cellular data, voice and information communicators, can concurrently communicatively connect to and communicate over the carrier network  104 . For purposes of illustration in  FIG. 1 , the cellular communications device  112  is shown as a single unitized device; however, it is to be understood that the cellular communications device  112  may be any of a cellular telephone, cellular modem equipped laptop or personal digital assistant, similar cellular communicator, or a combination of any of these with other electronic device(s) and/or device components. 
         [0030]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , in conjunction with  FIG. 1 , the cellular communications device  112  of the system  100 , for example, a cellular phone with messaging component(s), comprises a cellular radio  202 , a messenger  204 , a processor  206 , a memory  208 , an input interface  210  and an output interface  212 . The processor  206  is connected to the messenger  204 . The processor  206  is also connected to the memory  208 , the input interface  210  and the output interface  212 . The processor  206  can be a single microprocessor or other control circuit, or pluralities or combinations of these. The processor  206  controls the messenger  204 , the memory  208 , the input interface  210  and the output interface  210 . The processor  206  can further be connected to the radio  202  for control of transmission and reception by the radio  202  on the carrier network  104 . The messenger  204  is, for example, a microprocessor, logic circuit, messaging program stored in memory controlled by the processor  206 , or pluralities or combinations, for initiating, creating, formatting, and transmitting, and receiving, constructing, transposing, and viewing, a cellular data message over the carrier network  104 . 
         [0031]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , in conjunction with  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the system  100  further comprises a prescription token (Rx token)  114  providing input to the cellular communications device  112 . The Rx token  114  comprises a token structure  300 , including at least one instructor  302  relative to the Rx token  114  and at least one destination locator  304  of the carrier network  104  (or of one of the Other Networks communicatively connected to the carrier network  104 ). The cellular communications device  112  processes the at least one instructor  302 , such as upon input via the input interface  210 , to generate the token structure  300  and store the token structure  300  in the memory  208 . The at least one destination locator  304  targets the token structure  300  for communicative receipt by a server computer  116  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) of the system  100 . In addition to the at least one instructor  302  and the at least one destination locator  304 , the token structure  400  can, but need not necessarily, comprise an authorization artifact, policy, or other article or component (not shown in detail in  FIG. 3 ) of or for the Rx token  114 . 
         [0032]    The Rx token  114  is input to (or read or received by) the cellular communications device  112 . For example, the Rx token  114 , or representative features thereof, is entered to the input interface  210  of the cellular device  112 , such as by a keypad, magnetic, infrared or radio frequency identification (RFID) reader, Bluetooth™ communicator or dongle, touch screen, or other interface component of the cellular communications device  112 . Via the processor  206 , in conjunction with the input interface  210  and the memory  208 , as applicable, the token structure  300  of the Rx token  114  is saved in the memory  208 . In certain embodiments, the Rx token  114  is a card, such as a plastic wallet card, representing the at least one instructor  302  and the destination address  304  provided to the user of the cellular device  112  for input by the user to the cellular device  112 . Alternately, the Rx token  114  can be communicated to the cellular communications device  112  from an external source (not shown), via a communication interface (such as the radio  202  or another data input component) for message service, e-mail, website download, or via other component of the cellular communications device  112  capable of receiving such input. In other alternatives, the Rx token  114  can be pre-installed as an application or stored bits in programmed memory (e.g., ROM, EPROM, EEPROM) of the cellular communications device  112 . 
         [0033]    The Rx token  114  in certain embodiments is the token structure  300 . As the token structure  300 , the Rx token  114  is itself an input to, read into, and/or converted by the cellular communications device  112  to a communicative message artifact  400  transmitted by the cellular communications device  112  on the carrier network  104 . Alternately, the token structure  300  is representative of the Rx token  114  but is not itself the Rx token  114 . As an example, the Rx token  114  directs or activates an input to the cellular communication device  112  of the token structure  300 , and the token structure  300  is thereby controlled by the Rx token  114 . In such example, the Rx token  114  is not itself the token structure  300  input to the cellular communications device  112 , and, in effect, is proxy for the token structure  300  as retained in the memory  208  of the cellular communication device  112 . 
         [0034]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , in conjunction with  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the messenger  204 , through operations of the processor  206  and the memory  208 , processes and transforms the token structure  300  to create a message artifact  400  capable of communication by the cellular communications device  112  on the carrier network  104 . The message artifact  400  comprises a destination address  402  of the network  102  for a receiver connected to the network  102 , such as via the carrier network  104  or connected by the Other Networks to the carrier network  104 . The message artifact  400  also comprises a request segment  404 . The message artifact  400  can additionally comprise, for example, a privacy policy, restriction policy, other policy, and/or directive or control (collectively, the “policy  406 ), for authorizing the cellular communications device  112  to use the Rx token  114  and to communicate the message artifact  400  on the carrier network  104 . In certain embodiments, the message artifact  400  is a cellular message, such as short message service (SMS), multimedia message service (MMS), enhanced message service (EMS), wireless access protocol service (WAP), and/or other message transmittable by the cellular communications device  112  over the carrier network  104  to the destination address  402  of the network  102 . 
         [0035]    The request segment  404  of the message artifact  400  designates a particular prescription drug, such as digital bits representing “PPlxxxx”, where “PPI” is an identifying nomenclature for the class of the prescription drug and “xxxx” is an index number of the particular make/type of the drug. The destination address  402  controls routing of the message artifact  400  when transmitted on the carrier network  104  (and any applicable intermediate or destination pathways of the Other Networks connected to the carrier network  104 ) to the destination address  402  of the network  102 . The policy  406 , if included in the message artifact  400 , accompanies and relates to the request segment  402  and the destination address  404  to maintain verification, authorization, and/or integrity of delivery of the message artifact  400  at the destination address  402  on transmission by the cellular communications device  112 . 
         [0036]    Referring to  FIG. 5 , in conjunction with  FIG. 1 , the server computer  116  of the system  100  is communicatively connected to the carrier network  104 , directly or via one or more of the Other Networks communicatively connected to the carrier network  104 . The server computer  116  has the destination address  404 , such as by an IP address, cellular call number, or other communicative identifier of the server computer  116  on the network  102 . The server computer  116  comprises a server processor  502 , memory  504  connected to the server processor  502 , at least one communicator device  506  connected to the server processor  502 , and a message parser  508  connected to the at least one communicator device  506 . The at least one communicator device  506  is a cellular modem, wired data connector (such as an Ethernet port), wireless data connector (such as a wireless area network (WLAN) modem), or other input/output component communicatively connected to the carrier network  104 , directly or indirectly. The message parser  508  is a hardware component, software stored in memory, or combination, of the server computer  116  and can be or include the server processor  502 . 
         [0037]    The server computer  116  further comprises an ad processor  122 , a discount processor  124  and an eligibility processor  126 . Alternatively, the server computer  116  communicatively connects to at least certain of the ad processor  122 , the discount processor  124  and/or the eligibility processor  126  external to the server computer  116 . Each of the ad processor  122 , the discount processor  124  and the eligibility processor  126  comprises or communicatively connects to a data processor, a memory, and a relational database stored in memory. In certain embodiments, the ad processor  122 , the discount processor  124  and the eligibility processor  126  comprise at least certain of the processor  502 , memory  504 , and/or, if included in the server computer  116 , one or more relational database (not shown in  FIG. 5 ) stored in the memory  504 . 
         [0038]    Referring to  FIGS. 6-8 , in conjunction with  FIGS. 1 and 5 , the ad processor  122 , the discount processor  124 , and the eligibility processor  126 , each comprise a processor, memory, and relational database stored in memory. Each database comprises at least one record and at least one field structure of each record. The database also comprises one or more logical relators for relationally associating each field structure with one or more records. Each field structure is (or points to) a respective data segment stored in memory. The data segment of each field structure can be any data, text, and/or logical operators, for example, a cellular phone identity (such as cell phone number), system opt-in permit, privacy policy, drug selector, transmit or receive message format, drug identifier, and other information bits. The database, operating via the processor and the memory, relationally organizes, and associates and selectively queries, sorts, filters, parses, retrieves, and reports, one or more of the data segments associated with applicable ones of the field structure. As will be appreciated, the ad database  122 , the discount database  124  and the eligibility database  126  can comprise the same or different processor, memory and relational database stored in memory. 
         [0039]    In exemplary embodiments, the respective relational database(s) of the eligibility processor  126  is illustrated in  FIG. 6 , of the discount database  124  is illustrated in  FIG. 7 , and of the ad database  122  is illustrated in  FIG. 8 . Referring to  FIG. 6 , the relational database  600  of the eligibility processor  126  comprises one or more eligibility records  602 . Each of the eligibility records  602  comprises a cellular phone identity  604 , a patient number  606 , and an eligibility article  608 . The phone identity  604  is relationally linked (i.e., associated) with the patient number  606 , and the patient number  606  is relationally linked with the eligibility article  608 . 
         [0040]    Referring to  FIG. 7 , the relational database of the discount database  124  comprises one or more discount coupon  702 . Each discount coupon  702  comprises a discount artifact  704 , a pharmacy identity  706 , and a drug unit  708 . The pharmacy identity  706  is relationally linked to the drug unit  708 . The discount artifact  704  is relationally linked to the drug unit  708  and, in certain embodiments, to the pharmacy identity  706 . In certain embodiments, the discount artifact  704  is generated by the server processor  502  (of the server computer  116  of  FIG. 1 ) via a program stored in memory (not shown in detail); for example, based on the drug unit  708 , the pharmacy identity  706 , and a particular one of the eligibility records  602 , the discount program logically generates the discount artifact  704 . 
         [0041]    Referring to  FIG. 8 , the relational database of the ad database  122  comprises a plurality of ad messages  802 . The ad messages  802  are relationally linked to the eligibility records  602  and the one or more discount coupon  702 , either via processing by the server processor  502 , via an ad program stored in memory (not shown in detail), by the eligibility processor  700  and discount processor  800 , or combinations. Operations of the eligibility processor  126 , the discount database  124 , and the ad database  122  are later described in conjunction with operations of the server processor  502  and other aspects of the system  100 . 
         [0042]    Referring to  FIG. 9 , in conjunction with  FIG. 1 , a benefit processor  118  comprises an input/output interface  910  communicatively connected, via one or more of the carrier network  104  and/or the Other Networks, to the server computer  116 . In certain embodiments, the benefit processor  118  comprises a microprocessor  902 , a benefit memory  904 , an adjudicator  906 , and a benefit database  908  stored in the benefit memory  1004 . The microprocessor  902  connects to the input/output interface  910 , the benefit database  908 , the memory  904 , and the adjudicator  906 . The adjudicator  906  is, for example, a software program stored in memory or hardware logic component. In certain embodiments, the benefit processor  118  is a computer and the input/output interface  910  is a wired, wireless or cellular modem or other communicative element connected to the IP network  108  directly and/or, alternatively or in combination, indirectly via the network  102 . In certain embodiments, the benefit processor  118  connects to the IP network  108  and communicates thereon with the server computer  116  via a web browser, file transfer protocol (ftp) or proprietary program stored in memory, proprietary protocol communicator, e-mail communicator, messaging system, electronic data interchange (EDI) system, or other device or connected component of the benefit processor  118 . 
         [0043]    The adjudicator  906  of the benefit processor  118  comprises, or is communicatively connected to, a benefits coordinator  130  and a primary claim negotiator  132 . The benefits coordinator  130  and the primary claim negotiator  132  are each stores of insurance coverage data for patients obtaining prescription drugs via the system  100 . An example of the benefit processor  118  is an insurance benefits processing company computer system or network and related database(s). In an exemplary embodiment, the benefits coordinator  130  administers Medicare prescription drug claims of patients and the primary claim negotiator  132  administers primary insurer prescription drug claims of patients. 
         [0044]    Referring back to  FIG. 1 , a pharmacy gateway  120  communicatively connects, via network  102 , to the benefit processor  118 . The pharmacy gateway  120  is a computer, telephone, or other communicator device having one or more of a wired, wireless or cellular modem or analog voice transceiver communicative link to the benefit processor  118 , for example, a local area network (LAN), a wireless area network (WLAN), enterprise sub-networks, router, switch, computer, the cellular network  104 , the PSTN  106 , the other channel or mode  110 , switchboard, private branch exchange system, portions or sub-networks thereof, and other links. In certain embodiments, the pharmacy gateway  120  connects to the IP network  108  for communications with the benefit processor  118 . The pharmacy gateway  120  in certain embodiments communicatively connects to the cellular communications device  112  via the carrier network  104 . In alternate embodiments, the pharmacy gateway  120  communicates with the cellular communications device  112  by viewing a display of the cellular communications device  112 , reading a file structure of the cellular device  112 , communicating with the server computer  116  as proxy for the cellular communications device  112  (such as on the IP network  108  or the Other Networks), or via cellular or analog telephone call of the cellular communications device  112  or other device (not shown in detail). 
         [0045]    In operation of the system  100 , the token structure  300  of the Rx token  114  is captured to the memory  208  of the cellular communications device  112 , such as via signal input to the input interface  210  of the cellular communications device  112  or as otherwise previously described. The processor  206  stores the token structure  300  in the memory  208 . The messenger  204  is then initiated, and in conjunction with operations of the processor  206  and the memory  208 , creates the message artifact  400  from the token structure  300 . The messenger  204 , in conjunction with the processor  206 , controls the radio  202  to transmit the message artifact  400  to the destination address  402  for the server computer  116  over the carrier network  104 . 
         [0046]    In certain embodiments, upon capture of the token structure  300  of the Rx token  114  and further direction input to the input interface  210  of the cellular communications device  112 , the messenger  204  is initiated by the processor  206  in response to signal of the input interface  210  (e.g., initiation of operations of the messenger  204  as an application program stored in memory via signal of the input interface  210 ). For example, a user of the cellular communications device  112  initiates the messenger  204  by instruction entry to the input interface  210 . In other embodiments, the messenger  204  is initiated automatically on receipt or storage of the token structure  300  in the memory  208 , or otherwise. 
         [0047]    The messenger  204 , under control of the processor  206 , delivers the message artifact  400  to the radio  202  of the cellular communications device  112 . The radio  202  transmits the message artifact  400  as a cellular message on the carrier network  104 . 
         [0048]    The server computer  116  receives the message artifact  400  sent by the cellular communications device  112  from the network  102  via the communicator  506 . As received, the message artifact  400  is constructed and parsed by the server computer  116  for the token structure  300 . The token structure  300 , or portions, is saved in the server memory  504 . 
         [0049]    The server processor  502  of the server computer  116  performs a look-up in the eligibility database  126  for any of the eligibility records  602  containing (or otherwise relevant) to the token structure  300 . For example, the server processor  502  filters the eligibility records  602  to determine if the at least one instructor  302 , or portions, of the token structure  300  match any cellular phone identity  604  of the eligibility records  602 . If match is not found, the server processor  502 , in conjunction with the eligibility database  126  creates a new one of the eligibility records  602  for the cellular phone identity  604  and other details of the token structure  300  (i.e., in such instance, the created eligibility record is for a new patient/user with a cell phone not recognized as previously registered with the system). The server processor  502  then performs a look-up in the discount database  124  to retrieve the discount coupon  702  for the new eligibility record  602  created for the cellular phone identity  604 . The discount coupon  702  comprises the discount artifact  704 , the pharmacy identity  706  and the drug unit  708 . For example, the discount coupon  702  obtained from the look-up provides information of a particular pharmacy and saving discount. The server computer  116  sends the discount coupon  702 , as a message (e.g., SMS, MMS, EHS, WAP, or other message), to the cellular communications device  112  (either directly on the carrier network  104  or via the Other Networks communicatively connected to the carrier network  104 ). If, however, match is found in the look-up by the server computer  116  in the eligibility database  126  (e.g., the cellular phone identity  604  is present in at least one of the eligibility records, indicating a previously registered patient/user with a cell phone recognized as previously registered with the system), the applicable eligibility record(s)  602  for the at least one instructor  302  are retrieved by the server processor  502 . The discount database  124  is then searched to determine the applicable discount coupon  702  relevant to the particular instructor  602  and eligibility record(s)  602 . The server computer  116  then sends the discount coupon  702 , as a message on the network  102 , to the cellular communications device  112  for receipt from the carrier network  104 . 
         [0050]    After the applicable discount coupon  702  is sent as the message by the server computer  116 , the messenger  204  of the cellular communications device  112  receives the discount coupon  702  over the carrier network  102 . The processor  206  of the cellular communications device  112  processes and displays output via the output interface  212  representing the discount coupon  702 . The discount coupon  702  is saved in the memory  208 , either automatically on processing and display or by instruction to the input interface  210 . 
         [0051]    By direction to the input interface  210  by the user of the cellular communications device  112 , the discount coupon  702  is presented to the pharmacy gateway  120 . Delivery of the discount coupon  702  is, for example, via viewing of a display representing the discount coupon  702  on the cellular communications device  112  at the physical location of a pharmacy, communicative transmission of the discount coupon  702  by the cellular communications device  112  to the pharmacy gateway  120 , such as over the carrier network  104 , or communicative transmission of the discount coupon  702  to the pharmacy gateway  120  via one of the Other Networks, either by the cellular communications device  112  or another networked device. 
         [0052]    On presentation of the discount coupon  702  to the pharmacy gateway  120 , the pharmacy gateway  120  communicates to the benefit processor  118  the discount coupon  702 , together with a prescription script corresponding to the discount coupon  702 , applicable identifier for the drug of the prescription script (obtained by the patient from a physician), an identifier of the patient relevant to the prescription script, and other items (such as may be required by the benefit processor  118 ). The benefit processor  118  receives the communication, and processes a covered benefit related thereto. In processing the covered benefit, the adjudicator  906  of the benefit processor  118  accesses the benefits coordinator  130  and/or the primary claim negotiator  132 . If the covered benefit is available from the benefits coordinator  130 , then the benefit processor  118  communicates a coverage indicator to the pharmacy gateway  120 . If the covered benefit is not available from the benefits coordinator  130 , then the benefit processor  118  communicates a no coverage indicator to the pharmacy gateway  120 . 
         [0053]    If the pharmacy gateway  120  gateway receives a coverage indicator, then the pharmacy processes the prescription in typical manner, provides the patient a discount per the discount coupon  702 , and charges the patient a price for the prescription reduced by the discount and the covered benefit. If the pharmacy gateway  120  receives a no coverage indicator, then the pharmacy processes the prescription in typical manner, provides the patient the discount per the discount coupon  702 , and charges the patient a price for the prescription reduced by solely the discount. 
         [0054]    Upon the benefit processor  118  communicating the coverage indicator or no coverage indicator to the pharmacy, the benefit processor  118  communicates to the server computer  116  an eligibility update notification. The eligibility update notification is received by the server computer  116 , processed and stored in memory. The server processor  502  controls the eligibility processor  126  to change the eligibility records  602  for the patient number, for example, per a particular patient number  606  of the patient (as indicated by the eligibility update notification), corresponding to the particular prescription, such as by storing in memory a different eligibility status indicator in the relationally linked eligibility article  608  of the applicable eligibility record(s)  602 . 
         [0055]    These operations of the system  100  are repeated for each next Rx token  114  captured in and transmitted by the cellular communications device  112 , with the result that each next Rx token  114  will result in change to the cellular communications device  112 , the server computer  116 , and the benefit processor  118  reflecting each prescription transaction by a patient associated with the particular cellular communications device  112 . 
         [0056]    Referring to  FIG. 10 , a method  1000  of communicating with a prescription drug customer to provide drug discounts and aid drug therapy comprises a step  1002  of receiving the Rx token  114  by a user of a cellular communications device  112 . For example, the Rx token  114  is obtained by a patient from a physician, together with a prescription script for a drug addressing the patient&#39;s malady. The token structure  300  of the Rx token  200  is input to the input interface  210  or otherwise captured in the memory  208  of the cellular communications device  112  in a step  1004 . The cellular communications device  112  is, for example, a cell phone of the patient or care-provider of the patient. 
         [0057]    In a step  1006 , the messenger  204  is initiated, such as by additional direction input to the input interface  210  or storage of the token structure  300  in memory  208 , and the processor  206  of the cellular communications device  112  processes the token structure  300  to generate the message artifact  400  in respect of the token structure  300 . The message artifact  400  is transmitted by the radio  202 , under direction of the memory  208  and control of the processor  202 , on the carrier network  104 . The message artifact  400  is, for example, a cellular message transmitted by the cellular communications device  112 , such as an SMS, MMS, EMS, WAP, or other message, directed to the destination address  402  of the network  102  for the server computer  116 . 
         [0058]    In a step  1010 , the server computer  116  receives the message artifact  400  as communicated to the server computer  116  by the network  102 . The network  102  can be the carrier network  104 , or another of the Other Networks communicatively connected to the carrier network  104 . On receipt of the message artifact  400  by the server computer  116 , the message parser  508  of the server computer  116  constructs, parses and translates the message artifact  400  to recover the token structure  300  in a step  1012 . 
         [0059]    The server computer  116  performs a logical look-up in a step  1014  of an aspect of the token structure  300  in the eligibility database  126 . In the step  1014 , the eligibility records  602  are filtered to determine any match to the at least one instructor  302 , or portions, of the token structure  300 . For example, the at least one instructor  302  of the token structure  300  includes the cellular phone identity  604 , such as cell phone number for the cellular communications device  112  and a designation for particular prescription drug of the prescription script provided by the physician to the patient-user of the cellular communications device  112 . In certain embodiments, the at least one instructor  302  includes a message, such as “Save $ on PPlxxxx” where PPlxxxx identifies the class and particular make/type of drug of the prescription script. 
         [0060]    The server computer  116  performs a next logical look-up in a step  1016  of the discount coupon  702  applicable to the prescription drug (such as PPlxxxx) and particular eligibility records  602 , if any, located in the step  1014 . If none of the eligibility records  602  are located in the step  1014 , the server computer  116 , in a step  1018 , retrieves the ad message(s)  802  for the particular discount coupon  702  of the step  1014 . If eligibility records are located in the step  1014 , the server computer  116  in the step  1018 , instead, retrieves a different one or more of the ad message  802  for the discount coupon  702  of the step  1014 . In a step  1020 , the server computer  116  sends the ad message  802  retrieved in the step  1018 , for receipt by the cellular communications device  112  over the carrier network  104 . For example, in the step  1020 , the server computer  116  sends the ad message  802  on the network  102 , such as by an SMS, MMS, EMS, WAP or other message, to the phone number for the cellular communications device  112 . 
         [0061]    The cellular communications device  112  receives the ad message  802  in a step  1022 . In a step  1023 , the ad message  802  is constructed, parsed, saved and displayed by the cellular communications device  112  in the form of the discount coupon  702 . In a step  1024 , the user of the cellular communications device  112  presents the discount coupon  702 , together with the prescription script, to a pharmacy. The presenting step  1024  comprises, for example, display of the discount coupon  702  on the cellular communications device  112  at the physical location of the pharmacy (e.g., the cellular communications device  112  is carried to the pharmacy and the discount coupon  702  is shown to a pharmacist via the output interface  212 ), transfer of the discount coupon  702  to the pharmacy gateway  120  for receipt by the pharmacy (e.g., the cellular communications device  112  communicates the discount coupon  702  to the pharmacy gateway  120  by cellular message, website upload, ftp transfer, or other), or other mode (e.g., the discount coupon  702  is delivered to the pharmacy gateway by another network device, such as a networked computer, capable of communicating on the network  100 , the discount coupon  702  is printed from the cellular communications device  112  and the print copy is given to the pharmacy, or otherwise). 
         [0062]    On presentation of the discount coupon  702  in the step  1024 , the pharmacy gateway  120  (or pharmacy, as applicable) views the discount coupon  702  in a step  1026 . The pharmacy gateway  120 , in a step  1028 , communicates the prescription script to the benefit processor  118 , together with identification of the applicable patient and any additional information required by the benefit processor  118 . For example, the pharmacy gateway  120  communicates in the step  1028  via the network  102 , with the benefit processor  118 . 
         [0063]    In a step  1030 , the benefit processor  118  receives the prescription script, together with the additional information. The benefit processor  118  adjudicates the coverage benefit applicable to the prescription script and patient in a step  1032 . The step of adjudicating  1032  the coverage benefit includes either: a step of communicating  1034  with the benefits coordinator  130  if the benefits coordinator  130  provides the coverage benefit, a step of communicating  1036  with the primary claim negotiator  132  if the benefits coordinator  130  does not provide the coverage benefit, or combination. In response to the step of adjudicating  1032 , the benefit processor  118 , in a step  1038 , determines the coverage indicator/no coverage indicator, in respect of the coverage benefit from the step of adjudicating  1032 , and communicates the coverage indicator or otherwise, the no coverage indicator, to the pharmacy gateway  120  (or pharmacy, depending on mode of communication). 
         [0064]    In a step  1040 , the pharmacy gateway  120  (or pharmacy, as applicable) receives the coverage indicator or no coverage indicator, as applies. If the pharmacy gateway  120  receives the coverage indicator, the pharmacy gateway  120  (or pharmacy) in a step  1042  provides the patient a discount in price, per the discount coupon  702 , and less the coverage benefit per the coverage indicator, in a sale transaction of the prescription drug according to the prescription script. If, on the other hand, the pharmacy gateway  120  receives the no coverage indicator, the pharmacy gateway  120  (or pharmacy) in the step  1042  provides the patient a discount in price, per the discount coupon  702  (without any coverage benefit reduction), in a sale transaction of the prescription drug according to the prescription script. 
         [0065]    On completion of the step  1038  by the benefit processor  118 , the benefit processor  118  communicates the eligibility update notification to the server computer  118  in a step  1048 . The server computer  118  receives the eligibility update notification in a step  1050 . Communication of the eligibility update notification is via the network  102 . Upon the receiving step  1050 , the eligibility update notification is read by the server computer  118 . In a step  1052 , the server processor  502 , in response to the eligibility update notification, controls the eligibility processor  126  to change the eligibility records  602  stored in memory, for the patient number  606  corresponding to the eligibility update notification and prescription. For example, an eligibility status indicator in the related eligibility article  608  of the eligibility records  602  is modified to evidence that the sale transaction was completed for the prescription drug, with the applicable discount in price (i.e., either per discount coupon and coverage benefit reduction, if covered benefit; or per discount coupon, if no covered benefit). 
         [0066]    The server computer, thereafter, in a step  1054 , based on the eligibility records  602  as then existing for each respective patient number  606  and eligibility article  608 , can send ticker reminder messages to the cellular communications device  112 . In the step  1048 , for example, the eligibility records  602  are periodically (e.g., daily) filtered and processed under control of the eligibility processor  126 , to detect date(s) when refills of the prescription drug (and/or related or other products or services) would be needed by the relevant patient. In the step  1054 , a ticker reminder message is sent to the cellular communications device  112  associated with the relevant patient per the cellular phone identity  604  of the eligibility records  602 . The ticker reminder message is an SMS, MMS, EMS, WAP or other cellular message, sent by the server computer  116  on the network  102  directed to the carrier network  104 , for receipt from the carrier network  104  by the cellular communications device  112  of the relevant patient. 
         [0067]    Various alternatives and additions are possible in the foregoing embodiments. In certain alternatives, the discount per the discount coupon  702  may be provided by other than the pharmacy, such as by an insurer (e.g., to encourage patient participation and compliance to drug therapy regimen), a physician (e.g., to advertise), a pharmacy-related entity (e.g., to advertise products or services available at the pharmacy in addition to the prescription drug), and others. The discount coupon  702  can relate to a discount associated with any device or entity of the system or any other or external source. The server computer  116  or related discount database  126 , alternatively, can be managed or provided by an external device or network to the system  100 , such as by an input to the system  100 . In certain alternatives, the benefit processor  118  and pharmacy gateway  120  are not included in the system  100 , and/or the server computer  116  provides the functionalities of the benefit processor  118  and the pharmacy gateway  120 . An example of such scenario is a pharmacy conglomerate or pharmacy/insurer combination which provides the functionalities of the server computer  116 , benefit processor  118  and pharmacy gateway  120  either directly without the network  102  or via other modes and devices. 
         [0068]    In other alternatives, modifications and additions, the system  100  permits advertising, via the pharmacy gateway  120 , the server computer  116 , and/or benefit processor  118 , based on the eligibility records  602  or other elements of the system  100 . For example, the eligibility records  602  can provide information and data of distinct patients (or communication devices of or related to those patients). Accumulation of such information and data in the manner of targeted cellular message communications from the patient to a particular destination of the network, and security protected channels of communications between pharmacy and benefit providers, affords security of communications of patient information and, yet, allows for targeted advertising delivery to the patient by such secure channels. Through communicative connection to the eligibility records  602 , any authorized device can direct or control the discount database  124 , such as to make available particular form of the discount coupon  702  (and thus the discount, for example, if pricing changes, new discount items are advertised, etc.). Similarly, the server computer  116  can be controlled through such communicative connection, such as to send cellular messages to the cellular communications device  112  alerting to additional items, with directed timing or other criteria. 
         [0069]    An example implementation of the foregoing embodiments follows: 
         [0070]    A physician writes a prescription script and provides the patient with the script and a Rx token. The Rx token includes, for example, a HIPAA/privacy disclaimer and directions for input to a cellular phone of the patient. The patient inputs a token structure to the cell phone and commences a messenger of the cell phone to create a text message according to the directions of the Rx token and representing the token structure. The text message is an SMS message for transmission by the cellular phone on the cellular carrier network servicing the phone. The text message, per the directions, includes the text “Save $ on PPlxxxx” and is transmitted to a phone number xxx-xxx-xxxx per the directions. 
         [0071]    The text message is received over a network, either the cellular carrier network or another network connected to the cellular carrier network, at the phone number (or at a designated location of the network, such as IP address, at which the message is proxied to the phone number). The text message is interpreted by a savings manager center, such as a server computer. The savings manager center searches database(s) records relevant to the received message, and responds to the cell phone via the cell phone number, with a response text message. This response text message includes a direction for a particular pharmacy, pharmacy instructions, and patient reference, such as “To save $ now, have [Pharmacy ABC] submit prescription drug claim to BIN XXXXXX &amp; Group# PPI25 with ID# YM12345. Usage constitutes opt-in for follow-up” (e.g., 132 characters). This response text message is delivered by the cellular carrier network to the cell phone (or, in certain scenarios, the message is maintained by a message center accessible to the cell phone). 
         [0072]    The cell phone receives the text message from the savings manager center. The patient (or care-giver, etc.) then presents the pharmacy (i.e., Pharmacy ABC) with the text message received on the cell phone, together with the prescription script obtained from the physician. The pharmacy views the text message, such as via the cell phone display, and the pharmacy submits the prescription to a benefit processor (such as a Coordinator of Benefits, primary insurer, or other) for adjudication of benefit coverage applicable to the patient and prescription of the prescription script. The benefit processor adjudicates the prescription benefit coverage with a benefits coordinator of Medicare, if applicable, and/or a primary insurer, as may apply. If the prescription is covered by Medicare, the benefit processor processes the claim to buy down the patient&#39;s co-pay to $XX with a maximum benefit of $XX. If the prescription is not covered or only partially covered by Medicare, the benefit processor processes the claim under primary insurance coverage for a cash paying patient (or as rejected under Medicare as Drug Not Covered ( 70 ) or Prior Authorization Required ( 75 )). 
         [0073]    On adjudication by the benefit processor, the benefit processor communicates the applicable benefit coverage to the pharmacy. The benefit processor additionally sends details of the prescription benefit coverage and adjudication to the savings manager center. The details communicated to the savings manager center contain NCPDP (National Council for Prescription Drug Program) fields, as follows: Patient or Cardholder First Name, Patient or Cardholder Last Name, Patient or Cardholder Date of Birth, Patient or Cardholder Gender, Prescriber ID, Insurer ID, Primary CoPay, Pharmacy ID, COB (Coordination of Benefits, i.e., Medicare) indicator/value, NDC (National Drug Code) #, Quantity Dispensed, and Days Supply. 
         [0074]    The savings manager center, based on these received details, creates and sends a follow-up text message to the cellular phone of the patient. If prescription benefit coverage has been successfully adjudicated through the benefits coordinator of Medicare, the follow-up text message includes a compliance message on 50% utilization of maximum benefit, such as “For additional Rx savings, please visit website www.textRxSavings.com to complete a survey about PPlxxxx.” If, on the other hand, the prescription is not covered by Medicare, the follow-up text message includes direction to send a prior authorization inquiry immediately, such as “No plan coverage for PPlxxxx. If insurance denied PPlxxxx, we want to help. Text plan name to request coverage or none if no Rx plan” (e.g., 132 characters). On receiving the follow-up text message on the cellular phone of the patient, the patient views the message and takes subsequent action. For example, as directed by the follow-up message, the patient can visit the listed website or send a text message to the savings manager center. 
         [0075]    The savings manager center additionally, based on the details received from the benefit processor, updates eligibility records for the particular patient, prescription, cellular phone identity/number and any other applicable modifications. The savings manager center communicates the update by the savings manager center to the benefit processor to provide additional benefit coverage discount. In response to the communication, the benefit processor updates a benefit database to register that a benefit is extended for a certain number of refills of the prescription, for a specific time period, and/or for a specified total dollar benefit. The update to the benefit database is thereafter reflected for the adjudication of any next prescription drug coverage in connection with refill, new prescription, or as otherwise applicable for the particular patient. 
         [0076]    In the foregoing specification, the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention. 
         [0077]    Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to specific embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems and device(s), connection(s) and element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature or element of any or all the claims. As used herein, the terms “comprises, “comprising,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.