Patent ID: 8086470

Claim:
A system for managing controlled substance prescriptions comprising: a central server having a processor, said central server having tables comprising a database for receiving, processing, and storing prescription information and patient information, the patient information not including patient name or other personally identifying information, the central server cross referencing the patient information only to at least one of a patient's biometric data and a unique randomly generated alphanumeric number; a computer network, said network providing electronic communications between said central server and one or more computer terminals located in one or more pharmacies; at least one pharmacy, said pharmacy having a biometric reader connected to a computer, said computer being connected to said network; said system comprising the steps of causing said biometric reader to read identifying biometric data from an individual presenting a prescription; recording prescription information into said computer and cross-referencing said prescription information with one of said biometric data and said randomly generated alphanumeric number; communicating only said prescription information and that at least one of the alphanumeric number and said biometric data to said central server across said network; processing said prescription information and at least one of the biometric data and alphanumeric number with the patient information at said central server to determine whether said prescription should be filled; communicating the result of said determination across said network to said computer; and an alert system which generates alerts having graduated levels of urgency as a function of said determination.