Patent NZ-592491-A (NZ)
Title: Methods and systems for electronically managing and tracking sample prescriptions and pharmaceutical products
Inventor: GREENMAN ERIC
IPC: G16H10/60
Filed: 2006-03-13
Abstract: A prescription tracking and management system and a method for method for managing and tracking sample pharmaceutical products by use of a computing system are disclosed. The prescription tracking and management system comprises a management module comprising a storage device and a plurality of tracking codes and corresponding electronic prescription data files stored in the storage device The management module transmits information to and receives information from remote communication modules and the management module processes the transmitted and received information. The plurality of electronic prescription data files comprises data related to a prescription of a sample pharmaceutical product. Each of the plurality of tracking codes is associated with at least one of the plurality of dynamic electronic prescription data files; and the management module tracks and manages movement of the sample pharmaceutical product among prescribers, pharmacies and patients by associating the sample pharmaceutical product with its tracking code and corresponding electronic prescription data file. A method of electronically managing and tracking products including sample prescriptions and pharmaceutical products is disclosed. The method includes, in a processing system, the steps of creating an aggregate code. The aggregate code comprises a tracking code and a dynamic electronic prescription data file in response to an electronic activation of tracking code allotments by a pharmaceutical company. The pharmaceutical company accesses a computer operated management module of a sample prescription system through a computer operated pharmaceutical module via an Internet connection. Sample pharmaceutical product information is assigned to the electronic prescription data file which corresponds to the tracking code obtained by the pharmaceutical company through access of the management module. The aggregate code is stored in a database of the management module and the tracking code for the assigned pharmaceutical product is electronically distributed to a prescriber from the pharmaceutical company. Tracking code allotments for the assigned pharmaceutical is confirmed by the prescriber. The prescriber accesses the management module of the sample prescription system through a computer operated prescriber module via an Internet connection. Prescription information regarding a patient is electronically added into the electronic prescription data file by the prescriber through communication with the management module through the prescriber module. The tracking code and the corresponding electronic prescription data file containing the prescription information is electronically sent to the management module. The management module electronically sends the tracking code and the corresponding electronic prescription data file containing the prescription information to a pharmacy through an eRx switch. The pharmacy is a separate entity than the prescriber and a verification process is performed prior to dispensing a sample pharmaceutical product to the patient by the pharmacy. The electronic prescription data file is electronically populated with prescription tracking information by the pharmacy and the pharmacy accesses the management module through the pharmacy module via an Internet connection.