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Medical Patent Abstract
The invention disclosed herein relates to an improved method and
system for the optically scanning, storage, management, retrieval
and electronic mailing of a persons medical records and identification
information on a 24 hour a day basis, primarily for use in a medical
emergency of other medical scenario. The invention disclosed also
encompasses unique and novel methods of verifying the authenticity
of original medical records via a unique physicians digital signature
embedded into the documents, a means for standardizing and prioritizing
the history and prior medical records of a patient so as to provide
an edited or abbreviated medical chart for emergencies which is
current and clinically significant, a means of encrypting medical
records for security, and a means of providing a unique alpha numerical
identified code for each patient and digitally embedding the identifier
into said patient records within the system and a means of 24 hour
a day electronic access, transmission and updating of said records
using a unique telephone exchange system, Internet, wesbite Intranet
or other appropriate electronic or wireless means.
Medical Patent Claims
The invention claimed is:
1. A computer system for inputting, storing, organizing, retrieving,
and authenticating, medical records, clinical data, and patient
data, the system comprising: an optical scanner for converting medical
records, clinical data, and patient data to digital records using
a digitizing process said optical scanner creating a digital data
matrix layer of said digital records said optical scanner simultaneously
assigning, embedding and matrixing a unique patient identifier watermark
into each said digital record matrix layer during said digitizing
process said optical scanner simultaneously assigning, embedding
and matrixing a first digital physician signature watermark into
each said digital record matrix layers during said digitizing process
memory for storing said digital records, containing said unique
patient identifier watermark and said digital physician signature
watermark, within said computer system means for storing said digital
records, containing said unique patient identifier watermark and
said digital physician signature watermark, in said memory and retrieving
said digital records, containing said unique patient identifier
watermark and said digital physician signature watermark, from said
memory, a physician signature database having a plurality of physician
names and corresponding second digital physician signature watermarks
stored therein, means for authenticating said stored digital records
including means for comparing said first digital physician signature
watermark retrieved from a selected one of said stored digital records
with a corresponding one of said second digital physician signature
watermarks retrieved from said physician signature database, and
means for organizing and ranking said authenticated digital records
based on their chronology and clinical utility in treating said
patient, means for outputting said authenticated digital records
based on said organization and ranking.
2. The computer system of claim 1 wherein said stored digital records
are accessible using at least one of said patient identifier, said
first physician signature, a biometric characteristic of a user,
and a system password.
3. The computer system of claim 1 wherein said digital records
are accessible via a plurality of means including: a computer network,
a telephone, a voice recognition system, a data access system.
4. The computer system of claim 1 wherein said digital records
are stored in a format including at least one discrete data field,
wherein said data records are retrievable based on a plurality of
means including: the age and date of said clinical data, the severity
of said patient's medical condition, and the medical relevance of
said clinical data in treating said patient.
5. The computer system of claim 1 wherein said digital records
can be updated on a 24 hour basis via a plurality of means including:
a computer network, a telephone system, a data access system.
6. The computer system of claim 1 wherein said stored digital records
are encrypted.
7. The computer system of claim 1 wherein said patient can wear
or carry an identification device that has a plurality of markings
for identifying said patient has a medical condition and a means
for indicating, including said unique patient identifier, that said
digital records corresponding to said patient are accessible via
said computer system.
8. The computer system of claim 7 wherein said medical records
can be accessed, updated, and changed on a 24 hour basis using at
least one of the Internet, an Intranet, a telephone system, a data
access system.
9. The computer system of claim 1 further comprising a plurality
of computers or workstations coupled to said memory for simultaneous
access, processing or transmitting of said digital records.
10. A process for inputting, storing, organizing, retrieving and
authenticating medical records, clinical data, and personal data,
the process comprising the steps of: converting a plurality of medical
records into corresponding digital records using an optical scanner
digitizing process creating a digital data matrix layer of said
digital records during said optical scanner digitizing process assigning
and embedding a unique patient identifier watermark into each said
digital record matrix layer simultaneous with said optical scanner
digitizing process assigning and embedding a first digital physician
signature watermark into each said digital record matrix layer simultaneous
with said digitizing process storing said digital records, containing
said unique patient identifier watermark and said digital physician
signature watermark, in a computer memory; storing a plurality of
physician names and corresponding second digital physician signature
watermarks in a computer memory; authenticating said stored digital
records by comparing said first physician signature watermark to
a corresponding one of said second physician signature watermarks;
automatically organizing and ranking said authenticated digital
records based on their chronology and clinical utility in treating
a patient, retrieving said authenticated digital records for a selected
patient; and outputting said authenticated digital records based
on said organizing and ranking.
11. The process of claim 10 wherein said step of retrieving said
digital records further comprises a step of authorizing to said
computer memory, said step of authorizing access includes using
a plurality of identification means including: said patient identifier,
said first physician signature, a biometric characteristic of a
user, and a password.
12. The process of claim 11 wherein the step of retrieving said
digital records further comprises a step of accessing said computer
memory using a plurality of means including: a computer network,
a telephone, and a voice or data access system.
13. The process of claim 10 wherein said step of storing said digital
records includes organizing said digital records in a page format
including at least one discrete data field.
14. The process of claim 10 wherein the step of outputting said
digital records includes ordering said digital records by a plurality
of means including: the age and date of said clinical data, a degree
of said patient's medical condition, and a relevance of said clinical
data to treating said patient.
15. The process of claim 10 further comprising a step of updating
said digital records.
16. The process of claim 10 further comprising a step of encrypting
said digital records.
17. The process of claim 10 further comprising a step of providing
an identification device, wherein a patient can wear or carry said
identification device, for the purpose of indicating that a patient
has a medical condition and medical records corresponding to said
patient are accessible from said computer system.
18. The process of claim 10 further comprising a step of providing
a plurality of remote computers or workstations wherein each said
remote computer or workstation provides for accessing and processing
said stored digital records.
Medical Patent Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This patent application is related to U.S. patent application Ser.
Nos. 09/583,336 and 09/597,107 by inventor William Reeves which
deal with inventions and art related to this application.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERAL RESEARCH
Not applicable
MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON COMPACT DISC
Not applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Accurate recording keeping of medical records by medical "providers"
(hospitals, physicians, clinics, labs, HMO's, PPO's, etc.), is a
requirement of both federal and state laws in the U.S., and is considered
a "standard of care" in the medical industry. Such medical
records would be of significant benefit to treating patients in
the event of a medical emergency or other medical scenario, with
rapid, timely and secure access to said records. Providers must
maintain records for a given number of years on a patient even after
the patient has ceased using the services of the provider. Therefore,
providers have a very large burden of maintaining accurate records,
which include but are not limited to hand written physician charts,
drug prescriptions, x-rays, CAT scans, lab tests, blood and urine
tests, eye glass prescriptions, etc. As one could imagine a hospital
which handles patients with serious conditions would have a tremendous
amount of records on hand in paper and x-ray film format which would
have to be maintained for some years. Due to the variable and unpredictable
nature of medical emergencies Hospital Emergency rooms have particularly
poor access to patient medical records in a medical emergency, whether
the person was a prior patient or not. Most patients who are treated
in an ER have never been a patient in the hospital before and therefore
no medical records are available and there is no central system
for ER staff to access and reference any patient records, whether
they are former patients or not. Therefore, approximately 95% of
the 110 million ER visits in the U.S. are performed with no access
to prior patient medical records, clinical tests and history. This
lack of ER access to patient medical records, during emergency medical
treatment is a source of large amounts of medical errors, including
errors due to Adverse Drug Interactions, misdiagnosis, and mistreatment
based on a poor knowledge of a patient's medical history, pre-existing
conditions, implants, allergies and medication allergies. It is
one of the intents of this invention to provide a system for condensed
patient medical data, which is organized into digital pages, which
can be rapidly accessed via the Internet or other electronic means
to provide medical benefit at point of care in a medical emergency
or other medical scenario. Generalists as well as specialists such
and cardiologist, Neurologists, dermatologists, etc., are also under
the same laws to keep and maintain medical records for some reasonable
period of time on each and every patient. Therefore, within the
last several years many large hospitals and clinics have begun to
use custom software packages for directly inputting patient charts
into computer format to eliminate paper records. Other facilities
have also chosen to put many medical records on microfilm or microfiche
which is a more convenient and less bulky method of preserving paper
medical records by photographing and reducing the documents onto
film. Coupled with this record keeping burden are state and federal
laws which restrict the amount a provider can charge for copies
of medical records which are given at the request of patients. In
most instances the charge for such copies of records in approximately
$0.40-$0.60 per page. Therefore, it is not hard to imagine that
this record keeping burden is a very large administrative cost for
a large provider and one which actually drains revenues from a provider,
as opposed to creating revenues for a provider. In contrast to the
medical providers are the patients (consumers) who are entitled
by law to have access to their medical records within a reasonable
time period upon written request to the provider. As one could imagine
the average individual and family has to order to try and maintain
an individual set of medical records above and beyond what a provider
keeps. This would entail the individual and family keeping track
of drug prescriptions, eye glass prescriptions, x-rays, dental records,
yearly physical examinations, etc., for an entire family. This would
be a cumbersome and large set of records assuming the average citizen
took the time to compile such records at all (most do not bother).
As more and more individuals and families travel both domestically
and internationally on vacations, for business and for re-locations
and second homes, having rapid access to medical records is all
the more important in the event of medical emergency. If one was
in a foreign country and had a medical emergency and did not have
access to medical records this could either result in many unnecessary
and expensive additional medical tests being performed for a new
physician to access the individuals condition, and also could result
in either the wrong treatment or substandard treat, which could
result in adverse medical complications and/or death in the most
extreme cases.
One of the intents of the invention disclosed herein is to create
a low cost, stream lined system which specifically meets the needs
of the medical industry as well as the general public as the medical
consumer to make the digitization, computer storage, retrieval,
management, and electronic mailing of medical records efficient
and low cost so as to fit into the present managed care environment
in the U.S., and in particular to address the lack of access of
medical records and data during treatment in the emergency room,
trauma center or other acute care centers by allowing ER personnel
to rapidly and confidentially access patient data stored and organized
in easy to read digital pages. The invention disclosed herein would
also have benefits on a global scale for aiding in the transfer
of medical records and data intra-country and intra-continent, particularly
in the case of patient who travel and experience a medical emergency
or medical condition. The invention consists of a novel means of
optically scanning ORIGINAL medical records into digitized binary
format (original is emphasized because it is critical to the integrity
of this system to have original patient medical charts and records
which have a physicians original signature for authenticity), with
unique software organizing the digitized medical records into a
condensed digital page format and to prioritize the data by clinical
utility and pre-existing condition severity order so as to prioritize
and lessen the need for duplicate tests, and with assigning a unique
alpha numerical identifier to each patient and individual's medical
records (separate from Social Security # and Birth date), with unique
software positively identify the validity of "electronic signatures"
of physicians and providers, through a stored electronic signature
library, which are using computer software packages to generate
medical charts and records, a means of rapid access and retrieval
of medical records via the Internet, website and other means, and
the ability to electronically mail large amounts of medical records
simultaneously to multiple individuals at multiple locations who
require their medical records either for routine reasons or in the
event of a medical emergency. This art includes another means of
linking patients to their medical records via a PIN, or unique patient
identifier which would be carried or worn on the body on a piece
of jewelry or other appropriate means. In the event of a medical
emergency, particularly if the user was unconscious, authorized
medical personnel could access the patient's records via the said
central website, Internet, voice system or telephone exchange using
their unique identifier on the jewelry and other appropriate security
measures.
There has been a great deal of prior art in the general area of
medical records and using computers to organize and lessen clerical
burdens. Many of the prior art patents focused mainly on ways to
create software to do away with the traditional physician medical
charts and to computerized medical charts whereby medical data would
be inputted directly into a computer. One such patent is Doue U.S.
Pat. No. 5,361,202 which teaches a computer system for managing
the length of stay in a hospital of many patients simultaneously.
The invention disclosed herein does not overlap or compete with
the art that Doue teaches and the only thing they have in common
is a computer system and medical data. The same holds true for Whalen
U.S. Pat. No. 5,327,341 in which Whalen teaches a computer system
and software for organizing patient charts. The main focus of Whalen
is the format of the software which teaches the organization of
computer medical charts with discrete fields and sections which
aid in organizing the medical data. Whalen also claims the use of
computer generated narrative reports which would be part of the
physicians charts. Again, the inventions disclosed herein do not
overlap or compete with the Whalen patent and the only thing the
inventions have in common is a computer and medical data. In Lavin
U.S. Pat. No. 5,772,585 a computer system is described again to
facilitate and organize a physicians office which includes software
for scheduling appointments, entering patient medical chart data
onto a computerized chart, using a common graphic interface and
creating data tables for the information. In Silvio U.S. Pat. No.
5,659,741 a computer system is taught to input large amounts of
medical information onto computerized medical charts, transferring
the data onto Hand Carried Storage devices, and for computerized
searching of the files for character strings to compile health statistics
and data. In Perry U.S. Pat. No. 5,241,466 a computer system is
taught for storing living will documents presumably so they can
be retrieved in the event of a person's death. Neither Lavin, Silvio
or Perry teach the art and system disclosed herein in this invention
and this invention does not over lap or compete in any way with
the inventions taught of Lavin, Silvio or Perry. None of the above
patents or other prior art patents teach the art herein for organizing
digital, condensed medical data, in order of priority based on clinical
utility and pre-existing condition severity, and providing rapid
access to said records and data via Internet, wesbite, voice, or
other electronic means in a medical emergency at a remote location
anywhere in the world. Therefore, this invention is unique and novel
and different from all prior art described.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Please reference FIG. 1. The invention comprises hardware and software
for the unique optical scanning of original paper and/or film (x-ray,
CATscan) medical records and charts. The unique scanning process
involves embedding a digital physician signature watermark and embedding
unique patient identifier watermark into the patient document during
the scanning process. An alternative serial or parallel computer
port allows for digitized data to be inputted into the system computer
from a pre-existing digital medical data base. Smart software, which
is an integral part of the system, verifies that each patient chart
being transferred from the pre-existing medical database has an
authentic and original digital physician signature to verify (checked
against a stored library of signatures) invention disclosed because
more and more hospitals, clinics and group practices are using medical
record software to enter patient records which eliminates the need
to keep a hard copy record. Because hard copy records, with the
physicians original signature are not being kept for records, this
opens up the legal question of what defines an "original medical
record and physician signature, which have not been tampered or
altered. One solution, which is incorporated into this art and invention,
is the creation of electronic signatures for each physician which
would be a unique alpha numeric identification code and which would
be embedded into the digital fabric of the document as a digital
watermark. Said electronic signatures, or any appropriate alpha
numerical identifier of equal accuracy and security, would have
to accompany medical records, drug prescriptions, medical tests,
etc., to verify the authenticity of the medical data and to ensure
the data was not altered or tampered with. Therefore, the inclusion
of a means of storing an alpha numerical library of physician electronic
signatures and comparing those signature to the signatures on electronic
medical data pages is an important part of the art and uniqueness
of this invention. Also an important part of this invention is the
unique optical scanning described herein of only original hardcopy
medical records with original signatures of physicians.
Once the medical records of a patient are entered into the main
computer system they are organized in digital page format and by
priority based on a priority code which is assigned by a weighted
average means, or other appropriate means, which determines which
medical data and records are most clinically significant based on
their clinical utility in a medical emergency or other medical scenario.
This means that if an individual had three chest x-rays over the
last 10 years the most recent x-ray is given a priority in the patient's
file over the other two x-rays as it is the most up-to-date document
and the most clinically useful document given the particular patient
has a heart condition which would trigger a high weighted average
and a priority. This is not to say that the other x-rays have no
value, and they can be an archived in the system as a low priority,
historical document to show the gradual progression of such diseases
as chronic bronchitis, emphysema, lung cancer from smoking, etc.
Other factors may also effect priority such as serious pre-existing
medical conditions and tests and or medical charts which document
such conditions. Also, severe drug reactions and allergic reactions,
surgical information, implanted devices, and other pre-existing
physical or mental conditions which may effect emergency medical
treatment, or other medical treatment, would take a high priority
in the records page organization. The invention also comprises a
plurality of data management interface stations (work stations)
where many operators can be inputting, accessing and retrieving
medical data simultaneously without interfering with the integrity
or security of other data signals and patient records. The work
stations would be comprised of computer screen monitors, keyboards,
and any other combination of audio visual computer controls such
as voice recognition microphones and headsets to facilitate computer
commands and controls. Other software and hardware is used to allow
for a plurality of work stations to transfer medical records and
data onto computer disks, Compact Disks, ZIP disks, or any other
appropriate media for patients, including hard copy prints or films,
and or physicians to access and store patient medical records. The
plurality of work stations for the creation of records on computer
disks, printers, films, etc., allows for many operators to access
and retrieve medical records simultaneously without interfering
with each other to simultaneously service a plurality of medical
emergencies. One other important aspect of the invention disclosed
is the telephone interface exchange. This hardware, which is interfaced
with the computer system, allows for a large plurality of telephone
lines to be interfaced to the system in a secure and confidential
manner and so as to avoid cross contamination of signal lines and
corruption of patient files. Because medical emergencies occur 24
hours a day, 365 days a year this invention is designed so that
there is 24 hours a day, 365 day a year access to medical records
in a variety of ways. If a patient, physician, clinic or hospital,
etc., wants to retrieve a specific medical record they have the
option of calling a toll free number or e-mailing the request over
the telephone lines through the telephone interface exchange, or
accessing the records via a central website or Internet link. 24
hour a day attendants can field the requests, retrieve the records
and either e-mail the records, modem the records, send them over
high speed optical cable lines, or any other appropriate telecommunications
media. Another option designed into the telephone interface exchange
and system software allows for patients, physicians, and other authorized
personnel and care givers to call into the system 24 hours a day
and, using a unique PIN number or alpha numerical identifier for
security and confidentiality, access medical records and data (without
the need for an attendant) and retrieve them via the Internet, via
a centrally accessible website, or via an automated e-mail access
system, or via a dedicated modem line, or Intranet line, or other
appropriate means. The 24 hours a day access to this system and
the telephone links to e-mail and modems affords both care givers
and patients rapid access to medical records in the event of an
emergency any where in the world at any time of day or night which
is a critical aspect of this invention and its utility to the medical
industry as well as the patient/consumer. The direct link feature
of this system allows for frequent user(s) to be directly tied into
the system using dedicated telephone connections modems, coaxial
cables, etc., with the proper security codes and protections. Also,
the invention allows for new or updated medical records and data
to be sent into the system through the telephone exchange interface
in a 24 hours a day manner via the smart software which can recognize
the entry of new data, verify the authenticity of an digital signature
of a physician and allow the data to be entered into the computer
system and appropriate patient files (the system can also recognize
new data and records and update the appropriate patient files via
the unique patient identifier).
The computer system is comprised of the appropriate hardware, intelligent
software, general flow logic, an records organization via digital
pages as shown in the preferred embodiments of FIGS. 1, 2 and 3.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 shows one example of a preferred embodiment of the invention
in terms of a flow diagram and one possible software system and
data flow arrangement. Block 1 shows the unique optical scanner
which can access appropriate unique alpha numerical digital physician
signatures from library block 3, as well as unique patient user
codes (identifiers) from a stored library block 7, and simultaneously
convert records to digital format while embedding (digital watermark)
the said physician signature and patient identifier into the records
for security purposes and to verify its originality for medical
integrity. Block 6 shows how the system will assign an appropriate
alpha numerical patient identifier to each patient/user which will
then in turn be stored in said user library block 7. It should be
noted that the hashed line around the central section of FIG. 1
represents one of several preferred embodiments of the secure and
confidential section of the computer and software system wherein
patient data is protected by appropriate physical isolation, firewall
protection, encryption, PIN password protection as well as other
appropriate security measures, to ensure that the inputting and
outputting of patient data does not offer means of breaching the
security and integrity of the overall system. Block 2 represents
existing patient data and records from a variety of remote sources
which can be transmitted to the system as either new and original
documents, or in a means which allows existing documents already
with the system to be updated if a patient user's medical condition
or prescriptions change over time. Block 4 represents one of numerous
preferred embodiments for verifying a digital physician signature
when a new document, is entered into the system or when existing
data is updated within the system. Each time new or updated data
is entered into the system smart software verifies (block 4) the
physician signatures against the stored library of physician signatures
block 3 to ensure the physician has a valid medical license and
is authorized to enter records and data for a given patient. Block
5 represents one of numerous preferred embodiments of the central
data storage system which can be any appropriate high capacity computer
storage system or a series of computer system at remote locations
with appropriate data security and back up means. As one can see
the flow of information is set up so that no new data can be entered
into the central data storage block 5 unless the appropriate signature
verification 4 and user code assignment and verification 6 is performed.
Block 11 shows one of numerous preferred embodiments of a data retrieval
routine which is intended to be an intelligent section of the computer
software system and data flow wherein all requests for retrieving
or updating existing patient data must flow. Data retrieval routine
11 is capable of processing a plurality of data requests commands
simultaneously, assigning a priority code 10 to said commands based
on the urgency of the medical emergency or scenario and subsequently
issuing a data request 9 to retrieve base patient records based
on their priority routine 10. Blocks 12, 13 and 14 represent one
of numerous preferred embodiments of a series of data access and
exchange portals including an internet based webpage 12, 24 hour
voice activated request system 13, and dedicated direct link (Intranet,
optical, etc) 14. Central website 12 is an internet based access
portal for wherein authorized user/patients, physicians, emergency
personnel and other users can input, update and retrieve patient
records and data in a secure manner. The same is true of both the
voice system 13 and direct link 14. The system provides for a 24
hour attendant(s) 16 who can maintain the system, field data requests,
and input and retrieve patient data and records for emergencies
and well as other medical scenarios. Block 15 represents the unique
24 hour a day telephone exchange and two way routing system which
is capable of fielding a plurality of patient data inputs and outputs,
keeping each said input and output separated for confidentiality
and security, and routing said inputs and outputs to the appropriate
next step for data processing. The telephone exchange 15 contains
additional firewall and data security measures for protecting the
system from unauthorized user entry. Blocks 17, 18 and 19 represent
several preferred embodiments of data access portals including e-mail
17, internet 18 and modems 19. Each of these portals is capable
of providing two way communication of patient data and records in
a medical emergency or other medical scenario. It should be noted
that the same patient identifier checking sequence 6 and 7, and
physician signature verification sequence 3 and 4 is valid for the
access ports and data requests generated by the 12, 13, 14, 15,
and 16 to maintain system security and medical integrity.
FIG. 2 represents one of numerous preferred embodiments of hardware
configurations for the system. Said hardware system works in tandem
with the software and process flow described herein. Block 4 represents
the central computer system which can either be one high capacity
computer system or a series of smaller computer system with redundant
functions and capacity to maintain sufficient security, capacity
and 24 hour a day function. It should be noted that the central
system 4 can be physically located at a remote location or locations
due to the nature of the Internet and other wireless access 65 portals.
It should be note in general that all of the data input and output
portals and communication exchanges are capable of two way communication
to route patient data to and from the computer system 4 for both
routine inputting and updating of data and for accessing said data
in medical emergencies and other medical scenarios. Unique optical
scanner 1 and electronic database 1 represent several of numerous
other means of inputting original patient records into the system
and for providing two way communication. Interface controller 2
acts as a data buffer and router as well as a security firewall
and physical separator to maintain system security between the data
inputs and the computer system 4. The controller 2 is capable of
fielding a plurality of data input signals, performing said physician
and identifier verification sequences and rejecting any unwanted
or unauthorized data signals. Data management interface 5 is one
of numerous preferred embodiments to interface the plurality of
attendant workstations 1-8 to the system 4. Interface 5 is comprised
of appropriate hardware and software for the high speed routing,
separation, and processing of a high volumes of two way patient
data input and output requests. Interface 5 may be comprised of
a plurality of multiplexers, routers, or a custom built hardware
exchange. Blocks 9-13 represents one of numerous preferred embodiments
for a plurality of devices capable of inputting data to the system
and providing high resolution, medical diagnostic quality outputs
for use in medical emergencies and other medical scenarios. It should
be noted that due to the Internet and other secure data links these
output devices can be at physically separate locations from the
system 4. Interface controller 6 performs the same basic functions
as interface controller 2 to route, separate, verify patient identifiers
and physicians signatures, as well as provide a physical and data
security firewall between the system 4 and the telephone exchange
7. Controller 6 is capable of handling a high volume of separate
data inputs and data requests from the interface 7 while verifying
patient identifiers and physician signatures and rejecting any unauthorized
or unwanted inputs. The telephone interface exchange 7, as described
in the FIG. 1 flow diagram represents the unique 24 hour a day telephone
exchange and two way routing system which is capable of fielding
a plurality of patient data inputs and outputs, keeping each said
input and output separated for confidentiality and security, and
routing said inputs and outputs to the appropriate next step for
data processing. The telephone exchange 7 contains additional firewall
and data security measures for protecting the system from unauthorized
user entry.
FIG. 3 represents one of numerous preferred embodiments for the
organization of patient medical data and information into digital
pages for rapid access and reading in a medical emergency or other
medical scenario. One such embodiment is to organize data and information
into discrete data fields on data pages and to tailor said fields
so that only current and clinically significant medical data is
stored which would be of benefit in a medical emergency. Said data
fields may be pre arranged and pre affixed so as to save time and
digital capacity when inputting and updating records. Such data
may include current prescriptions, current clinical tests, and a
summary of medical history, implants, surgery, allergies and medication
allergies, means of identification including photo ID and other
such appropriate information which would be of clinical benefit
in a medical emergency or other scenario to aid in the proper treatment
and cognitive decisions of a medical team. Said digital pages are
organized and prioritized in order of clinical significance based
on the overall severity of a medical condition and its clinical
utility. For example if a patient had a severe allergy to antibiotics
this would be given a high weighted priority and appear on page
one of a patient profile. Less significant patient data may appear
on subsequent pages. Each digital page may be embedded with the
unique physician signature and patient identifier in watermark fashion
to ensure its authenticity and for security purposes. Data is arranged
in digital pages for ease of electronic transmission of selected
pages to avoid having to send an entire document and for ease of
downloading or printing a hardcopy of a selected page. Printing
of individual select pages is also clinically important in a medical
emergency so that medical providers have a hardcopy record of patient
data which they may carry bedside and to other treatment centers
for reference and referral.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Reference FIGS. 1, 2 and 3.
The invention disclosed is comprised of both hardware and intelligent
software which are both integral to the invention. The hardware
includes a unique and novel high speed, high resolution optical
scanner 1 which is capable of scanning both text documents as well
as film documents such as x-rays, CAT scans, etc., with proper resolution
to maintain the documents diagnostic quality and accuracy. The unique
optical scanner disclosed in this invention is capable of simultaneously
scanning the unique patient identifier code into the body of the
patient record, as well as the digital physician signature, as the
scanner simultaneously scans the document into digital data. This
unique feature is accomplished by the smart software embodied within
this invention. The scanner is capable of scanning both Black and
White and full color documents and films and maintaining medical
diagnostic quality after a document has been scanned into digital
format. The hardware also includes an Interface Controller 2 which
is comprised of an enclosure, multiple digital and analog inputs,
and multiple digital and analog outputs. The purpose of this Interface
controller is to allow for a plurality of sources to input data
into computer system 4 without the input signals interfering with
each other, canceling each other, or corrupting the signal integrity,
or confidentiality of each other. This plurality could include any
number of Optical Scanners 1 and/or any number of Existing Electronic
Medical Data Bases 3. The connections to and from the Interface
Controller 2 can be serial, parallel, optical, co-axial or any other
appropriate type for the transfer of large amounts of analog and
digital data. The Existing Electronic Medical Database 3 can be
any where in the world physically and can be connected to the Interface
controller via telephone link, co-axial cable link, wireless AM
or FM transmission or any other type or form of communications link
for the transmission of data. The computer system could be any appropriate
type of computer including but not limited to a laptop, Personal
Computer, Work station or main frame computer. The computer system
would consist of a sufficient amount of RAM random access memory
to process multiple data inputs an requests, Hard drive or magnetic
drive central memory for storing large amounts of digital medical
records, and sufficient video hardware and software to simultaneously
support one or multiple users and attendants to the system. The
computer also has a magnetic tape drive back up which allows for
redundant magnetic tape back ups to be made of the stored digital
data, to be kept in a separate and safe location, as a precaution
against hard drive failure or data corruption's and viruses. A Data
Management Interface 5 is similar to the Interface Controller 2
in that it allows multiple attendants to work simultaneously to
input and retrieve medical data without the signals interfering,
corrupting or cutting off other signals. In essence DMI 5 is a type
of digital switching Bus or digital switchboard to route and Que.
the signals between the attendant stations 8 and the Main Computer
System 4. The attendant stations 8 are comprised of suitable computer
screens, keyboards, mouse controls and microphone and ear-set controls
to send command signals to the computer system either using keyboard
commands or voice commands which are converted to digital command
signals by the system software. A separate Interface controller
6 is used, in the same way as Interface controller 2, to route multiple
input and output commands and signals to and from the main computer
and the Telephone Interface Exchange 7. The Telephone Interface
7 consists of a plurality of telephone and communications lines
which are capable of two way transmission and will send and receive
data signals to and from the system as well as route 24 hour a day
emergency calls and routine records requests. The Telephone Interface
exchange 7 and Interface Controller 6 work in tandem to route and
prioritize incoming and outgoing telephone signals so as to prevent
signal corruption, cross talk and interference and ensure smooth
operation. The system includes a variety of output devices for either
making hard copy prints of original digitized records or for putting
records onto computer disks or magnetic tape back ups. The quality
and resolution of the printers and output devices is critical to
maintain the integrity and quality of the of the original tests,
x-rays, etc., as they are passed from one medium to another. Medical
Diagnostic quality and integrity must be maintained on all variations
of digital and hard copy records. Output device can include but
are not limited to Medical Disk or Card Creation 9, High Resolution
Printer 10, High Resolution Thermal Printer 11, Magnetic Tape Drive
12 or any other suitable output device for storage and/or diagnostic
quality copies.
FIG. 1 shows one example of a preferred embodiment of the invention
in terms of a flow diagram and one possible software system and
data flow arrangement. Block 1 shows the unique optical scanner
which can access appropriate unique alpha numerical digital physician
signatures from library block 3, as well as unique patient user
codes (identifiers) from a stored library block 7, and simultaneously
convert records to digital format while embedding (digital watermark)
the said physician signature and patient identifier into the records
for security purposes and to verify its originality for medical
integrity. Block 6 shows how the system will assign an appropriate
alpha numerical patient identifier to each patient/user which will
then in turn be stored in said user library block 7. It should be
noted that the hashed line around the central section of FIG. 1
represents one of several preferred embodiments of the secure and
confidential section of the computer and software system wherein
patient data is protected by appropriate physical isolation, firewall
protection, encryption, PIN password protection as well as other
appropriate security measures, to ensure that the inputting and
outputting of patient data does not offer means of breaching the
security and integrity of the overall system. Block 2 represents
existing patient data and records from a variety of remote sources
which can be transmitted to the system as either new and original
documents, or in a means which allows existing documents already
with the system to be updated if a patient user's medical condition
or prescriptions change over time. Block 4 represents one of numerous
preferred embodiments for verifying a digital physician signature
when a new document, is entered into the system or when existing
data is updated within the system. Each time new or updated data
is entered into the system smart software verifies (block 4) the
physician signatures against the stored library of physician signatures
block 3 to ensure the physician has a valid medical license and
is authorized to enter records and data for a given patient. Block
5 represents one of numerous preferred embodiments of the central
data storage system which can be any appropriate high capacity computer
storage system or a series of computer system at remote locations
with appropriate data security and back up means. As one can see
the flow of information is set up so that no new data can be entered
into the central data storage block 5 unless the appropriate signature
verification 4 and user code assignment and verification 6 is performed.
Block 11 shows one of numerous preferred embodiments of a data retrieval
routine which is intended to be an intelligent section of the computer
software system and data flow wherein all requests for retrieving
or updating existing patient data must flow. Data retrieval routine
11 is capable of processing a plurality of data requests commands
simultaneously, assigning a priority code 10 to said commands based
on the urgency of the medical emergency or scenario and subsequently
issuing a data request 9 to retrieve base patient records based
on their priority routine 10. Blocks 12, 13 and 14 represent one
of numerous preferred embodiments of a series of data access and
exchange portals including an internet based webpage 12, 24 hour
voice activated request system 13, and dedicated direct link (Intranet,
optical, etc) 14. Central website 12 is an internet based access
portal for wherein authorized user/patients, physicians, emergency
personnel and other users can input, update and retrieve patient
records and data in a secure manner. The same is true of both the
voice system 13 and direct link 14. The system provides for a 24
hour attendant(s) 16 who can maintain the system, field data requests,
and input and retrieve patient data and records for emergencies
and well as other medical scenarios. Block 15 represents the unique
24 hour a day telephone exchange and two way routing system which
is capable of fielding a plurality of patient data inputs and outputs,
keeping each said input and output separated for confidentiality
and security, and routing said inputs and outputs to the appropriate
next step for data processing. The telephone exchange 15 contains
additional firewall and data security measures for protecting the
system from unauthorized user entry. Blocks 17, 18 and 19 represent
several preferred embodiments of data access portals including e-mail
17, internet 18 and modems 19. Each of these portals is capable
of providing two way communication of patient data and records in
a medical emergency or other medical scenario. It should be noted
that the same patient identifier checking sequence 6 and 7, and
physician signature verification sequence 3 and 4 is valid for the
access ports and data requests generated by the 12, 13, 14, 15,
and 16 to maintain system security and medical integrity.
FIG. 2 represents one of numerous preferred embodiments of hardware
configurations for the system. Said hardware system works in tandem
with the software and process flow described herein. Block 4 represents
the central computer system which can either be one high capacity
computer system or a series of smaller computer system with redundant
functions and capacity to maintain sufficient security, capacity
and 24 hour a day function. It should be noted that the central
system 4 can be physically located at a remote location or locations
due to the nature of the Internet and other wireless access 65 portals.
It should be note in general that all of the data input and output
portals and communication exchanges are capable of two way communication
to route patient data to and from the computer system 4 for both
routine inputting and updating of data and for accessing said data
in medical emergencies and other medical scenarios. Unique optical
scanner 1 and electronic database 1 represent several of numerous
other means of inputting original patient records into the system
and for providing two way communication. Interface controller 2
acts as a data buffer and router as well as a security firewall
and physical separator to maintain system security between the data
inputs and the computer system 4. The controller 2 is capable of
fielding a plurality of data input signals, performing said physician
and identifier verification sequences and rejecting any unwanted
or unauthorized data signals. Data management interface 5 is one
of numerous preferred embodiments to interface the plurality of
attendant workstations 1-8 to the system 4. Interface 5 is comprised
of appropriate hardware and software for the high speed routing,
separation, and processing of a high volumes of two way patient
data input and output requests. Interface 5 may be comprised of
a plurality of multiplexers, routers, or a custom built hardware
exchange. Blocks 9-13 represents one of numerous preferred embodiments
for a plurality of devices capable of inputting data to the system
and providing high resolution, medical diagnostic quality outputs
for use in medical emergencies and other medical scenarios. Block
13 represents and anticipates other devices which can be interfaced
to the computer system and smart hardware including palm devices,
laptops, cell phones and other wireless and portable devices which
may aim EMT's, paramedics and other emergency personnel in remote
locations to access patient data and records in an emergency. Block
13 may also represent a bodily worn device, smart card, medical
jewelry or other appropriate device which may be worn by a patient
user and linked to the system via their unique patient identifier,
PIN or other appropriate means. If a user/patient was unconscious
in a medical emergency the unique patient identifier or PIN could
be used by medical personnel to access and reference the patients
medical records for accurate and proper medical treatment.
It should be noted that due to the Internet and other secure data
links these output devices can be at physically separate locations
from the system 4. Interface controller 6 performs the same basic
functions as interface controller 2 to route, separate, verify patient
identifiers and physicians signatures, as well as provide a physical
and data security firewall between the system 4 and the telephone
exchange 7. Controller 6 is capable of handling a high volume of
separate data inputs and data requests from the interface 7 while
verifying patient identifiers and physician signatures and rejecting
any unauthorized or unwanted inputs. The telephone interface exchange
7, as described in the FIG. 1 flow diagram represents the unique
24 hour a day telephone exchange and two way routing system which
is capable of fielding a plurality of patient data inputs and outputs,
keeping each said input and output separated for confidentiality
and security, and routing said inputs and outputs to the appropriate
next step for data processing. The telephone exchange 7 contains
additional firewall and data security measures for protecting the
system from unauthorized user entry.
FIG. 3 represents one of numerous preferred embodiments for the
organization of patient medical data and information into digital
pages for rapid access and reading in a medical emergency or other
medical scenario. One such embodiment is to organize data and information
into discrete data fields on data pages and to tailor said fields
so that only current and clinically significant medical data is
stored which would be of benefit in a medical emergency. Said data
fields may be pre arranged and pre affixed so as to save time and
digital capacity when inputting and updating records. Such data
may include current prescriptions, current clinical tests, and a
summary of medical history, implants, surgery, allergies and medication
allergies, means of identification including photo ID and other
such appropriate information which would be of clinical benefit
in a medical emergency or other scenario to aid in the proper treatment
and cognitive decisions of a medical team. Said digital pages are
organized and prioritized in order of clinical significance based
on the overall severity of a medical condition and its clinical
utility. For example if a patient had a severe allergy to antibiotics
this would be given a high weighted priority and appear on page
one of a patient profile. Less significant patient data may appear
on subsequent pages. Each digital page may be embedded with the
unique physician signature and patient identifier in watermark fashion
to ensure its authenticity and for security purposes. Data is arranged
in digital pages for ease of electronic transmission of selected
pages to avoid having to send an entire document and for ease of
downloading or printing a hardcopy of a selected page. Printing
of individual select pages is also clinically important in a medical
emergency so that medical providers have a hardcopy record of patient
data which they may carry bedside and to other treatment centers
for reference and referral.
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