WO2002027999A2

WO2002027999A2 - Method and device for a health management system

Info

Publication number: WO2002027999A2
Application number: PCT/US2001/030759
Authority: WO
Inventors: Steven Sell; Ken Tarkoff; Veronica Sloper
Original assignee: Foundation Health Systems, Inc.
Priority date: 2000-09-29
Filing date: 2001-10-01
Publication date: 2002-04-04
Also published as: WO2002027999A3; AU2002238258A1

Abstract

A health management system for providing customized healthcare information (102) to the user in response to input regarding topics of interest to the user is disclosed. The customized healthcare information generated by the system preferably includes a list of potential treatments for a specified condition. The system further provides the user with healthcare coverage information with respect to the treatments that are covered by the user's insurance plan. The treatments preferably include physician visits, specialist visits, laboratory tests and exams, medication, and alternative treatments, such as accupuncture, holistic aids, vitamins and over-the-counter drugs. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the system includes a pharmacy section for ordering prescribed medication (140). When a prescription is inputted, the system preferably provides information regarding alternative medications to the prescribed medication. The alternative medications to the prescribed medication.

Description

METHOD AND DEVICE FOR A HEALTH MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a health management system, and more particularly, a health management system that provides the user with customized health-related information, tools and products tailored to the user's condition, health insurance carrier, or other topic specified by the user.

Background of the Invention

The wide success of the Internet has allowed a mass number of Internet users to access information regarding a myriad of topics. One area of particular interest to the public is health and wellness. Internet users that suffer from a particular illness or condition often scour the Internet for information related to the illness or condition and possible treatment options. While Internet research does not substitute for a physician's care, accurate and comprehensive information provided to the user allows the user to make informed decisions regarding the user's health. Even if the user does not suffer from any particular illness or condition, it is often desirable to have information about diet, exercise, preventative care and general well-being.

The problem with research on the Internet is that the search is often cumbersome and inefficient. The user is required to search each source of information individually for information related to the condition or illness that is of interest to the user. Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a system that allows the user to input the topic of interest and receive information from a multitude of health- related resources on the topic of interest on a regular basis. Upon diagnosis of a condition, a patient typically seeks to investigate the various treatments for the condition. One major concern regarding treatment is whether the patient's health insurance plan covers the treatment for the condition. Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a health management system that allows the user to identify a health coverage plan, input an illness or condition into the system and receive a listing of the various treatments available for the illness or condition, in addition to a report regarding the extent to which the various treatments are covered by the user's insurance plan.

If medication is prescribed by a physician for the condition, the patient typically takes the prescription to a pharmacy to fill the prescription. If the prescribed medication is necessary to control the illness over a long period time, it will be necessary for the patient to repeatedly return to the pharmacy to refill the prescription. Another problem with prescribed medications is that patients are usually not aware of their options for alternatives to the prescribed medication. Often times, a brand name medication has an equivalent generic brand medication that serves the same purpose as the brand name medication but is available at a lower price. To make an informed decision, patients will need to be know about the types of medication covered by their insurance plan, possible alternatives to the prescribed medication, and the extent to which the cost of the prescribed medication and the alternatives are covered by the patient's health insurance plan.

In the course of receiving treatment, it is necessary to provide medical personnel with the personal medical and pharmaceutical history of the patient.

Many people do not have a centralized location for storage of this type of information. Generally, patient either rely on their memory for their medical and pharmaceutical history or they have to research the medical files of all of their treating doctors to compile a thorough history. If there is an emergency, there may not be sufficient time to gather medical history information from all of the treating physicians. Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a health management system that allows a user to store and quickly access medical and pharmaceutical information concerning the user and the user's family.

Summary of the Preferred Embodiments

The present invention provides a health management system that overcomes the problems and disadvantages of the prior art, In a preferred embodiment, the health management system of the present invention allows a user to input a particular topic of interest and receive information from a multitude of health-related resources on the topic of interest. The health-related resources available on the system preferably include articles, encyclopedia, health tools, clinical trials, drug information, and a shopping forum.

In one embodiment of the invention, the health management system includes a release authorization that provides a mechanism for the user to release the user's medical records for storage and display by the system. The user preferably can also authorize the release of the records of the user's spouse and the user's dependents. The authorization release preferably includes a medical release section and a pharmaceutical release section. The user can independently authorize the release of one or both of the records for each member of the user's family. The system preferably has a safety mechanism to prevent unauthorized users from accessing private medical and pharmaceutical information of others.

If the user does not wish to customize the health management system to provide information of particular interest to the user, the system will display articles, encyclopedia information, health tools, clinical trials and drug information that is of general interest to users. Alternatively, if the user wishes to customize the information provided by the system to relate to an illness, condition or area of particular interest to the user, the system provides the user with a customization mechanism wherein the user is allowed to enter certain topics of interest and in response receive health-related information that is related to the topic of interest to the user. In a preferred embodiment, the user enters the customization information a single time and the system stores the information, after which point the user receives the custom tailored information every time the user accesses the system, without having to enter the customization information each time. The customization information can be edited to reflect the user's changing interests.

The health management system of the present invention preferably provides the user with the symptoms, diagnosis and possible treatments of a specified illness.

Upon identifying the user's health insurance plan, the system displays information regarding the extent to which the treatments of a specified illness are covered by the user's insurance plan. Treatment may include a physician visit, a specialist visit, laboratory tests and exams, medication, and alternative and complementary health aids. For medication prescribed by a physician, the system provides drug information to inform the user about the prescribed medicine. The system preferably displays information regarding the coverage of the cost of the treatment by the health plan. Additionally, the health management system preferably provides alternative treatments, in addition to the prescribed medication and the extent of the insurance coverage for each of the treatment.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the health management system includes a pharmacy. The pharmacy allows a user to submit a prescription and refill the prescription quickly and efficiently. For every medication that is eligible for refill, the user is informed of generic equivalents of the drug which is covered by the insurance, corresponding brand name drugs which are covered by the insurance plan, and generic and brand name drugs that are not covered by the insurance plan. For each medication, the system preferably lists the co-pay required to purchase the medication. Additionally, the system preferably lists the alternative and complementary medications that are available in the shopping forum of the system. Periodically, the system provides discounts to the user for the alternative and complementary medications.

Another feature of a preferred embodiment of the invention is a health record management section wherein the user's vital medical information is stored for easy access in a centralized location. The system is also capable of storing the medical information of the user's spouse and the user's dependents. Information stored preferably includes a history of the procedures performed and the medications prescribed for each person that has authorized the release of such information.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description. It is to be understood, however, that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the present invention, are given by way of illustration and not limitation. Many changes and modifications within the scope of the present invention may be made without departing from the spirit thereof , and the invention includes all such modifications.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The invention may be more readily understood by referring to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 depicts a registration form of a preferred embodiment of the health management system of the present invention;

Figure 2 illustrates a terms and conditions of use agreement and license agreement that must be accepted by a user before the user is permitted to proceed with the registration process in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the health management system of the present invention; Figure 3 depicts a protected health information release authorization that facilitates the release of personal medical and pharmaceutical records to be stored, displayed and utilized by a preferred embodiment of the health management system of the present invention;

Figure 4 depicts a confirmation of the release of personal health information of a preferred embodiment of the health management system of the present invention;

Figure 5 depicts the main page of a preferred embodiment of the health management system of the present invention, showing various features of the invention;

Figure 6 depicts a customization page of a preferred embodiment of the health management system of the present invention that enables the user to customize the information provided by the system to be tailored to the interests of the user;

Figure 7 depicts an order status page of a preferred embodiment of the health management system of the present invention;

Figure 8 depicts an account maintenance page of a preferred embodiment of the health management system of the present invention;

Figure 9 depicts the health resources segment of a preferred embodiment of the health management system of the present invention;

Figure 1 0 depicts a customized article section of the health resources segment of a preferred embodiment of the health management system of the present invention; Figure 1 1 depicts a general article section of the health resources segment of a preferred embodiment of the health management system of the present invention;

Figure 1 2 depicts a clinical trials section of the health resources segment of a preferred embodiment of the health management system of the present invention customized to reflect clinical trials related to a specified condition;

Figure 1 3 depicts a clinical trials section of the health resources segment of a preferred embodiment of the present invention wherein the clinical trials database is searchable by disease category, geographical location, and specific condition;

Figure 1 4 depicts the search results for a sample search conducted in the clinical trials section of a preferred embodiment of the health management system of the present invention;

Figure 1 5 depicts an encyclopedia section of the health resources segment of a preferred embodiment of the present invention customized to reflect encyclopedia portions that are related to a specified condition;

Figure 1 6 is an exemplary embodiment of the health tools available on the health management system of the present invention;

Figure 1 7 depicts the drug information portion of the health resources segment of a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 1 8 depicts the pharmacy segment of a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 1 9 depicts the prescription refill section of the pharmacy segment of a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 20 depicts a prescription refill section of the pharmacy segment of a preferred embodiment of the present invention wherein the user is provided with the option of viewing the alternative medications to the prescribed drug;

Figure 21 depicts an alternative medication table of a preferred embodiment of the present invention listing the name and the price of the prescribed medication, the generic medication covered by the user's plan, the brand name medication covered by the user's plan, and the brand name and generic medication not covered by the user's plan;

Figure 22 depicts an information pop-up window of a preferred embodiment of the present invention that explains the difference between brand name and generic pharmaceuticals;

Figure 23 depicts a drug information pop-up window of a preferred embodiment of the present invention that provides information on a selected drug;

Figure 24 depicts a prescription history section of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, providing historical information regarding prescribed medication for the user and the user's authorized family members;

Figure 25 depicts a health plan coverage segment of a preferred embodiment of the present invention which provides the user with access to medical records and coverage detail pertaining to the user or an authorized member of the user's family;

Figure 26 depicts the diagnosis and treatment information provided to the user by a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 27 depicts a basic information guide for a specified condition that is provided to the user in a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 28 depicts the health history segment of a preferred embodiment of the present invention wherein the medical history of a single person is shown;

Figure 29 depicts the health history segment of a preferred embodiment of the present invention wherein the medical history of multiple persons is shown;

Figure 30 depicts the mechanism by which a user can add an event to the medical history section in a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 31 depicts the family health record section of a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

Figure 32 depicts the emergency records section of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Like numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

The present invention provides a health management system that includes access to tools, information and goods for managing one's health. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the system provides access to an extensive library of health-related resources, on-line tools to evaluate the user's health and a forum for shopping for vitamins, minerals, natural products and general health aids. The system preferably allows for storage of the health history of the user and the user's family and provides access to the user's health insurance plan and health history. In one embodiment of the invention, the user has the ability to refill a prescription and to track the refill history of the prescription. For each prescription, the system preferably indicates which prescription drugs are covered under the specified insurance policy, and provides potential alternatives and generic equivalents of the prescribed medication, together with the costs of the prescribed drugs, the alternatives, and the generic equivalents.

The healthcare management system of the present invention is preferably available to users on a network. The network has at least one computer-server for communicating with users. Communication with the users is preferably carried out using a browser program on a computer-terminal at a location remote from the computer server.

In one embodiment of the invention, the user of the healthcare management system is given the opportunity to register with the system. The registration process entails providing personal user information to the system in response to various prompts. As shown in Figure 1 , a registration form 10 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention prompts the user for information regarding the user's first name 1 2, last name 1 4, e-mail address 1 6, user log-in name 1 8, and password 20. The registration form 10 preferably includes a prompt for re-typing the password 22 to ensure that the password was typed in correctly. Additionally, the form 1 0 includes a remember check box 24 that, when checked, will remember the user's log-in name and password so that upon the user's next visit, from the same computer, the user will not be prompted for a log-in name or password.

If the user does not check the remember box 24, the system will prompt the user for a log-in name 1 8 and password 20 each time the user seeks to enter the system. To assist the user in recalling a password, the registration form 1 0 prompts the user for a password question 26. The user can type in any question desired, and preferably a question, the answer of which is not commonly known, but personally known by the user. The registration form 1 0 also prompts the user for the answer 28 to the password questions 26. In the event that the user forgets the password, the system asks the password question 26. If the user provides the password answer 28, the system will either allow entrance into the system or will remind the user of his or her password.

The registration form 10 preferably also prompts the user for a zip code 30, the name of the user's health plan 32, the subscriber identification number 34 associated with the health plan, and the user's date of birth 36. In addition to serving to identify the user, the information provided is employed to provide the user with customized information that is of interest to the user. For example, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the user will be provided with specific ^■ information regarding the health plan coverage, such as treatments available under the plan or the cost of a particular prescription under the plan, for the health plan that was specified on the user's registration form 1 0, as will be discussed in more detail below.

The registration form 10 preferably includes a survey portion 38 that asks the user to indicate the one statement that best describes the user. The survey portion includes at least two statements from which the user can choose. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1 , the user is given a choice of two statements 40, 42. The first statement 40 states, " I 'm healthy and health conscious. I value choice, quick access to information, and convenience." The second statement 42 states, "I'm time conscious and value speedy service, quick access to my doctors, and consolidated healthcare capabilities. " The statement chosen by the user will provide the system with information regarding the priorities and interests of the user. This information can be used to customize the system to meet the needs of the user or it can be used to modify or provide additional features for the system in the future.

The registration process is preferably optional. A user is given access to certain features of the system even if the user chooses not to register. However, registration allows the user access to additional features. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, registration allows the user access to clinical trial information, health tools, including a health-risk calculator and a weight-loss guide, and special feature content on topics of interest, such as eldercare and infertility. By registering, the user can also gain access to the shopping forum feature of the system. Additionally, the system preferably allows registered users to customize the system to gain immediate access to information that is specifically of interest to the user, as described in more detail below.

When providing personal information about health issues and, especially about illnesses, the public generally wishes to keep the information confidential. The doctor/patient communication is afforded a privilege of being confidential to encourage patients to seek medical advice and assistance. Similarly, it is important to patients to maintain the confidentiality of the information regarding a treatment, an illness, or other health issue, in the course of using the present healthcare management system. Accordingly, the system provides secured access to private medical information. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the system provides privacy and security assurances to the users, ensuring that the user's medical information remains private and that the information will not be disclosed to any third parties without the user's consent unless required to do so by law.

Similar protective measures are desirable when the user provides financial information via a network . When making a purchase on the health management system of the present invention, the system will request credit card and personal information to accomplish the transaction. The system will prompt the user for the name on the credit card and the billing address, to enable the verification of the cardholder information. The information will be processed using known security technology to protect the information in transit. The information will be disclosed to the vendor from whom the user has made the purchase and the financial transaction processing companies that provide the security for the transaction. After the transaction is complete, the credit card and personal information is deleted from the system.

In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the credit card information can be stored with the system to avoid having to re-enter the information for future purchases. The system will preferably require the user to complete a credit card wallet form and choose a password. The credit card wallet form prompts the user for the user's name, address, e-mail address, credit card number, expiration date, password and the credit card holder's name (if different than the user's) . The system stores the information in encrypted format and provides firewall technology and physical security to protect the computer-server at the location of the server where the information is stored. The information is not disclosed to anyone except as necessary to process a transaction or to provide maintenance of the network.

As shown in Figure 2, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the system includes a terms and conditions window 50 that requires the user to read and agree to the terms and conditions associated with the use of the system. Specifically, before the user is able to access the features of the system, the user is informed that by continuing to access and/or view the system, the user agrees to be bound by the terms and conditions of an agreement. The agreement preferably grants the user a personal, non-exclusive, non-transferable license to access the system and the information contained therein. In exchange, the user agrees that the information will not be distributed, modified, reproduced or transmitted without written permission . Additionally, the agreement preferably prohibits the user from selling, distributing or commercially exploiting the system or selling, renting, leasing, lending or transferring any services provided on the system. Other terms and conditions can be added to the agreement. The terms and conditions window 50 provides the user with a choice of accepting or declining the terms and conditions set forth therein. In a preferred embodiment, the user can decline the terms and conditions by clicking the decline key 54 in the terms and conditions window 50. To accept, the user simply presses the accept key 52. By pressing the accept key 52, the user creates an electronic signature confirming the user's agreement to the terms and conditions associated with using the system.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the system allows the user to store and access personal medical and pharmaceutical histories. Before the histories are made available on the system, the user will be required to authorize the release of the records. As shown in Figure 3, the system includes a protected health information (PHI) release authorization 60. By authorizing the release of protected health information, the user allows the system to access health and pharmaceutical histories and provide the information on the system. To maintain the privacy and confidentiality of the user's information, the authorization preferably has an expiration date and the system preferably discards all records (health, pharmaceutical, claims, etc.) on file after the expiration date. To avoid losing access to health history information, the user is required to renew the release authorization 60. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the system preferably communicates a reminder to the user when the authorization is nearing the expiration date. The reminder is preferably communicated via e-mail.

As shown in Figure 3, the release authorization 60 includes an information section 62 that provides information and instructions to the user regarding the authorization for release of medical and pharmaceutical records. The release authorization 60 is further divided into two sections, a section for release of health information 64 and a section for release of pharmacy information 66, Each section provides the user with the option to authorize 68 the release of information or unauthorize 70 the release. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the release authorization 60 allows the user to authorize the release of information of the main subscriber 72, as well as the release of information for the subscriber's spouse 74 and the subscriber's dependents 76.

After completion of the authorization release 60, the system preferably provides the user with a PHI confirmation 80. The PHI confirmation 80 includes an information section 82 that provides instructions and information to the user regarding the authorization release. The confirmation 80 preferably includes a table 84 that lists authorization status 86 for the subscriber 88, the subscriber's spouse 90, and the subscriber's dependents 92. For each type of information, i.e., health information 94 or pharmacy information 96, the system indicates whether release of information is authorized or not authorized. As an example, in the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the release of health information for the subscriber is authorized. However the release of pharmacy information for the subscriber is not authorized. For any authorized release, the system preferably provides the date of expiration 97 of the release. The system allows the user to confirm 98 the authorizations or to edit 99 the authorizations.

After the release of medical and pharmaceutical records has been authorized and confirmed, the system retrieves the records from the health plan or other source. The system notifies the user when the records are available to be accessed by the user. The notification is preferably communicated to the user by mail and more preferably, the mailed notification includes an account authorization code (AAC) that is required to access the records. The AAC provides an additional layer of protection to guard the confidentiality of the records. To better ensure the user's privacy, the AAC is not forwarded to an address different from that which is on file with the specified health plan.

As shown in Figure 5 , in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the health management system includes a main page 1 00. The main page 1 00 preferably includes a personalized section 1 02 and a general health section 1 04. The personalized section 1 02 displays articles, tools, and products that are related to the interests indicated by the user. The personalized section 1 02 preferably also provides information regarding the features of the system that are available to the user. In a preferred embodiment, the features available to the user are articles that are related to the user's indicated interests, headlines on topics selected by the user, online health tools to measure the user's wellness, clinical trials and reports, an online encyclopedia to research specific conditions, and a shopping forum for health-related products.

The general health section 104 preferably provides health-related news and events, either by displaying the headlines 1 06, or by displaying pertinent portions of the articles 1 08. The headlines 1 06 and articles 1 08 are preferably hyperlinked such that, by clicking on the headline 1 06 or the article 108, the user is immediately directed to the full text of the article selected.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the health management system also includes information regarding clinical trials 1 10, safety alerts 1 1 2, online health tools 1 1 4, and special features 1 1 6. Each of these resources is explored in more detail below. Each of the resources is preferably hyperlinked such that the user is directed to the specific resource upon clicking the link on the main page 1 00.

The main page 1 00 preferably includes access to a customization folder 1 20, an order status folder 1 40, and an account maintenance folder 1 60. The customization folder 1 20, as shown in Figure 6, enables the user to select categories that are of special interest to the user. If the user selects certain categories in the customization folder 1 20, the next time that the user logs into the system, tools and information relating to the selected categories will displayed in the personalized section 1 02 of the main page 1 00 (shown in Figure 5). In a preferred embodiment of the invention, as shown in Figure 6, the customization folder 1 20 includes an information section 1 22, a category table 1 24, a current topics table 1 26, and an additional information box 1 28. The information section 1 22 provides the user with information and instructions regarding customizing the main page 1 00 to reflect topics of interest to the user. The category table 1 24 provides the user with a list of health-related categories 1 30 to choose from in customizing the home page. In the embodiment depicted in Figure 6, the following health-related categories are available for selection: aging/senior health, complementary/alternative medicine (CAM), disease and conditions, substance abuse and addictions, pharmaceuticals, health business and legislation, children's health/pediatrics, sex and relationships, men's health, weight management, fitness and nutrition, appearance, women's health, mental health/psychiatry, life issues and miscellaneous.

Upon selection of a category 1 30, a topic window 1 32 preferably provides the user with a list of topics 1 34 that are related to the category 1 30 chosen by the user. In the embodiment shown in Figure 6, by selecting the category 1 30 of disease and conditions, the topic window 1 32 provides the user with the following topics 1 34 that are available for selection: allergies, Alzheimer, arthritis, cancer, diabetes, eye/vision problems, asthma, headache, heart disease, ear, nose and throat, immune disorders, thyroid disorders, injuries, and infectious disease. Upon selecting the topics of interest, the user is provided with information and tools relating to the topic each time the health management system is accessed .

Accordingly, the personalized section 1 02 of the home page 1 00 (shown in Figure

5) will provide information that is customized to the personal interest of the user and related to the topics that have been selected by the user.

When a topic is selected, the topic is added to the current topics table 1 26 in the customization folder 1 20. The current topics table 1 26 displays all topics that have been selected by the user. In the embodiment shown in Figure 6, for example, the current topics table 1 26 indicates that the user has selected the following topics: homeopathy, obsessive compulsive disorder, weight control, stress, and asthma. The user can add topics to the current topics table 1 26 by choosing a topic form the topic window 1 32 as described above. To remove a topic from the current topics table 1 26, the unwanted topic is highlighted, the remove topic key 1 36 is activated (preferably by being clicked), and the unwanted topic is deleted.

The system will customize the main page 1 00 to provide tools and information regarding all the topics 1 34 listed in the current topics table 1 26.

The additional information box 1 28 of the customization folder 1 20 preferably inquires as to whether the user is interested in obtaining information on special offers and allows the user to choose to obtain information regarding all specials or specials based on the selected topics of interest only. Alternatively, the user can decline to receive any information on special offers. If the user opts to receive information regarding special offers, the system will display the offers to the user. Additionally, the system preferably provides periodic e-mails to the user regarding special offers that are available.

As shown in Figure 7, the order status folder 1 40 preferably includes an information section 142 and an order history section 1 44. The information section 1 42 provides information to the user regarding the scope of the order status, the types of products covered, and the duration of the history of the orders. The order history section 1 44 preferably identifies the date 1 46 on which the order is placed, the business 1 48 that provided the product, the order number 1 50, the price of the order 1 52, the health care carrier 1 54, the shipping number 1 56, and the status of the shipment 1 58. The order status folder may preferably includes an user identifier section 1 59 that identifies the person associated with the order history.

As shown in Figure 8, the account status folder 1 60 preferably includes a maintenance information section 1 62, a contact information section 1 64, a log-in information section 1 66, and an authorization release information section 1 68. The maintenance information section 1 62 provides information to the user regarding the status of the account and instructions regarding editing the current information. The contact information section 1 64 preferably includes the most recent user name 1 70 and e-mail address 1 72 that is of record in the system. The edit information key 1 74 allows the user to edit the current user name 1 70 and e-mail address 1 72.

The log-in information section 1 66, preferably includes the most recent user log-in name 1 76 and password 1 78, as well as a change password key 1 80 that allows the user to change the password as desired. The log-in information section may also include a remember check box 1 82 that will enable the system to remember the user's log-in name 1 76 and password 1 78, such that the user is not prompted to enter the name and password when logging in from the same computer.

The authorization release information section 1 68 lists the status of the authorization for release of health and pharmacy information for the subscriber, the subscriber's spouse and the subscriber's dependents, respectively. An edit authorization key 1 84 is provided to allow the user to edit the status of the release authorizations by providing additional release authorizations or by withdrawing a release authorization.

As shown in Figure 9, in a preferred embodiment, the healthcare management system of the present invention includes a health resources segment 200. The health resources segment 200 preferably contains numerous health resources, including, articles 202, clinical trials 204, health tools 206, an encyclopedia 208, and drug information 21 0. The various health resources can be displayed in individual folders 21 2, each folder dedicated to a particular type of health resource. Alternatively, the various health resources can be displayed simultaneously on a single page. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the health resources 202, 204, 206, 208 and 21 0 are displayed in individual corresponding folders 21 2. Additionally, a universal folder 214 includes all of the health resources on one page, as shown in Figure 9.

The health resources segment 200 preferably includes a health topics selection box 21 6 that enables the user to select a condition 21 8 that is of particular interest to the user. If a condition 21 8 is selected, the health care management system provides resources that are related to the condition of interest. For example, the articles 202 listed by the system will be related to the selected condition; the system will provide a link to the section of the encyclopedia 204 that defines or discusses the condition; the health tools 206 that are related to the condition will be listed; and, the clinical trials 208 specific to the condition will be provided. If no condition 21 8 is specified by the user, the system will provide health-related articles that are of general interest, general encyclopedia information, commonly used health tools, and clinical trials that are of general interest.

The various resources can be displayed in individual folders or, as shown in Figure 9, all resources can be displayed on a single page. Figure 10 depicts the embodiment of the invention wherein the articles are listed in a separate folder 21 2. If a condition 21 8 has been selected by the user, a condition identifier 220 is provided on the articles page and the listed articles relate to the specified condition.

If a condition 21 8 has not been selected by the user, the articles page lists current articles that are of general interest, as shown in Figure 1 1 . In the embodiment shown in Figure 1 1 , the articles page preferably includes a general identifier 222 that indicates that the articles are related to current health news, and not to a specified condition. The articles page preferably includes a safety alert section 224 that provides health related warnings and alarms to the user.

Figure 1 2 depicts the embodiment of the invention wherein the clinical trials

204 are provided in a separate folder 21 2. If a condition 21 8 has been selected by the user, a condition identifier 220 is provided on the clinical trials page and the clinical trials listed are those that relate to the selected condition 21 8. The clinical trials page preferably includes a clinical trial finder 226 and an FDA newly approved drug finder 228. If a condition has been specified, a location designator 230 in the clinical trial finder 226 allows the user to limit the clinical trials selection by geographic location. Alternatively, the user can select all locations, resulting in a listing of the clinical trials related to the specified condition 21 8 at all geographical locations.

If a condition 21 8 has not been specified, as shown in Figure 1 3, the clinical trial finder 226 preferably includes a location designator 230, a disease category designator 232 and a specific condition designator 234. The user can search the clinical trials using one or more of the designators to limit the search. Figure 1 4 depicts an embodiment of the invention wherein the clinical trial finder 226 has been used to find clinical trials of interest to the user. The search results 236 were derived by entering immunology/infectious diseases at the disease category designator 230 and Kansas at the location designator 230. The search results 236 indicate four specific conditions 238 for which clinical trial information is available.

The parenthetical 240 indicates the number of clinical trials that is available for each specific condition 238. To access the clinical trial information, the specific conditions 238 are hyperlinked and the user is directed to the clinical trial upon activating the hyperlink.

As shown in Figures 1 2 and 1 3, the FDA newly approved drug finder 228 allows the user to search for FDA approved drugs for a specified condition.

Figure 1 5 depicts the embodiment of the invention wherein the encyclopedia 208 is provided in a separate folder 21 2. If a condition 21 8 has been selected by the user, a condition identifier 220 is provided on the encyclopedia page and the encyclopedia information 242 listed relates to the selected condition 21 8. The encyclopedia page preferably includes a body part designator 246 and a related condition designator 248. If a condition was not initially specified, the user can begin a new search by selecting an area of the body in the body part designator 246 and a condition in the related condition designator 248. By way of example, the area of the body could be ears and hearing and the related condition could be Tinnitus. The system performs a search and provides the user with information 242 from the encyclopedia relating to the body part identified in the body part designator 246 and the condition specified in the related condition designator 248.

Figure 1 6 depicts the embodiment of the invention wherein the health tools 206 are provided in a separate folder 21 2. Health tools are mechanisms for assisting the user in calculating and analyzing the user's personal health criteria. For example, in the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 1 6, the health tools listed are waist to chest ratio, body mass index, ideal weight, nutrient intake, counting calories, risk of diabetes, smoking, cold vs. flu, life expectancy, health risk assessment. By way of example, by accessing the waist to chest ratio health tool, the user is shown how to measure and calculate the user's waist to chest ratio. The value of the waist to chest ratio is then used to analyze the user's risk of having heart disease. If a condition 21 8 is specified, the health tools are customized to list only those tools related to the specified condition.

Figure 1 7 depicts the embodiment of the invention wherein the drug information 21 0 is provided in a separate folder 21 2. The drug information page preferably includes a drug information search mechanism 250. To find a particular drug, the user can type in the name of the drug in the search mechanism 250. Alternatively, the drug information page preferably includes an alphabetical index

252 of the drugs. If the user cannot recall the name of the drug, the user can select the first letter in the name of the drug in the alphabetical index 252 and browse through the comprehensive list of medications until the particular drug is found . As shown in Figure 1 8, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the health management system includes a pharmacy segment 300. In the pharmacy segment 300, the user can get a new prescription filled or refill an existing prescriptions. To fill a new prescription, the user can transmit the doctor's prescription to the health management system by either sending the prescription via facsimile to a specified number or arranging for the user's doctor to telephone a specified number to convey the prescription information. Alternatively, the user can transmit the doctor's telephone number to the health management system, via e-mail or other method, and the system contacts the doctor and retrieves the required information. An existing prescription can also be transferred to the health management system of the present invention. After the prescription information has been received by the system, the medication is shipped to the user upon processing of the user's credit card information.

The pharmacy segment 300 preferably enables the user to refill a prescription by accessing the prescription refill page 302, shown in Figure 1 9, and having the medication delivered directly to the user at the address on file with the specified health plan. The prescription refill page also allows the user to view information about current prescriptions for the user and the user's family members. Additionally, the refill page allows the user to check a refill schedule, check a refill history and add records for new prescriptions. The refill page also allows the user to research information about the user's health plan benefits and compare prescription alternative and pricing.

As shown in Figure 1 9, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the prescription refill page 302 includes a refill information section 304, user information section 306 and an available refills table 308. The refill information section 304 provides information and instructions to the user regarding refilling a prescription. The user information section 306 preferably identifies the user's name 31 0, the user's health insurer 31 2, the user's primary care physician 31 4, and the user's shipping address 31 6 to which the refills will be shipped.

The available refills table 308 preferably lists all of the medications 31 8 that are available for the user to refill. If the user has registered a spouse or dependents, the refill table also shows medications that are available for refill for the spouse or dependents. In addition to listing the medications, the refill table preferably includes a patient identifier 320 indicating the patient for which the medication is prescribed, a prescription number 322, the prescribed dosage 324, the prescribing physician 326, the date of the last refill 328 and the remaining refills 330. If there are no remaining refills, the medication is highlighted to alert the user to the fact that a new prescription will need to be obtained from the physician for the highlighted medication.

If there are refills remaining, the user can order a refill prescription by checking a selection box 332. Upon checking the selection box 332, the credit card information is processed and the refill is shipped to the address of record 31 6.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the health management system informs the user that there are alternative medications available for the prescription selected. As shown in Figure 20, the system lists the medications selected for refill

334, the quantity of the medication 336, the estimated number of days the supply will last 338, the co-pay 340 that will be required under the terms of the insurance plan specified, the estimated date of the next refill 342, and the alternative medication information 344. If the user is interested in alternative medications that are available for the prescription selected, the system provides the user with prescription alternative information 350, as shown in Figure 21 . In a preferred embodiment, the prescription alternative information 350 includes a comparison table 352 that lists the prescribed medication 354, the co-pay 356 that is required by the user's health plan for the prescribed medication, the generic medications that are covered by the user's health plan 358, the co-pay 360 that is required by the user's health plan for the generic medications, the brand name medications that are covered by the user's health plan 362, the co-pay 364 that is required by the user's health plan for brand name medications, the brand name and generic medications not covered by the user's health plan 366, and the co-pay 368 required by the user's health plan for brand name and generic medication not covered by the plan.

By providing this information in a comparison table 352 format, the user can easily compare the price of generic and brand name medication, and determine which medications are covered by the user's health insurance plan. In a preferred embodiment, the prescription alternative information 350 is displayed in the form of a pop-up window in the system.

As shown in Figure 22, the system preferably provides the user with information 370 regarding the difference between brand name and generic pharmaceuticals. In a preferred embodiment, the system provides examples 372 of brand name drugs 374 and their corresponding generic equivalent 376. This information is preferably provided in the form of a pop-up window in the system.

Furthermore, as shown in Figure 23, the system preferably provides the user with a description 380 of the medication of interest to the user. By accessing the description 380 of a medication, the user learns the typical dosages for the medication, the directions for taking the medication, information relating to drug interactions, possible side effects of the medication and other useful information. The description 380 preferably includes a visual image 382 of the medication. In a preferred embodiment, the prescription alternative information 350 is displayed in the form of a pop-up window in the system.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Figure 24, the pharmacy segment 300 of the health management system includes a prescription history 400 that enables the user to access the history of prescriptions for the user and the user's authorized family members. The information for the prescription history 400 is preferably provided by the user's health insurance plan. Alternatively, the information can be provided by the user. The prescription history preferably includes the start date of the medication 402, the name of the patient to whom the medication was prescribed 404, the prescription number 406, the name of the medication 408, the prescribed dosage of the medication 41 0, the prescribing physician 41 2 and the co-pay 41 4 required by the user's health plan for the medication. The user can choose to view all of the records or only those of an individual family member. The records can be sorted by date or other criteria specified by the user in the sort designator box 41 6. The user can also choose, by entering a number in the records designator box 41 8, the number of records that are to be shown by the system at a time.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, as shown in Figure 25, the health management system of the present invention includes a health plan coverage segment 500. In the health plan coverage segment 500, the user can access medical records and coverage details pertaining to the user or an authorized member of the user's family. The health plan coverage segment preferably includes a plan information section 502, a condition category section 504 and a quick click section 524. The plan information section 502 identifies the user 506, other authorized members of the user's family 508, the birth dates of the persons listed 51 0, the relationship of each person to the user 51 2, and the name of the health insurer 51 4.

The condition category section 504 allows a user to select a health condition 5 1 6 from a scrolling menu 51 8 which laterally expands another menu 520 of topics 522 related to the health condition 51 6.

The quick click section 524 provides fast answers to some of the most frequently asked questions. The questions 526 are preferably listed in the quick click section 524 and hyperlinked such that by clicking on a particular question 526, the user is immediately directed to the answer. Once a condition 51 6 and a topic 522 is selected from the condition category section 504, the system provides health plan coverage information regarding the specified condition and specified topic. By way of example, Figure 25 depicts a selection of allergies from the scrolling menu 51 8 of the health conditions 51 6. The selection of allergies laterally expands a topic menu 520 that lists the topics 522 of "all allergies" 528, "diagnosis" 530, "treatment" 532 and "other resources" 534.

By selecting diagnosis 530 from the list of topics 522 in the condition category section 504, the user is provided with information relating to the diagnosis of allergies, as best shown in Figure 26. The diagnosis information 540 provides a general definition of the condition, possible causes of the condition, and symptoms associated with the condition. The diagnosis information 540 also includes coverage information 542 relating to the procedures covered by the insurance plan relating to the diagnosis of the condition. For example, in Figure 26, the coverage information 542 provides that, pursuant to the terms of the user's health plan, there is a Φ 1 5 co-pay for a visit to a physician, a $ 1 5 co-pay for a consultation with a specialist, and coverage in full for allergy testing.

By selecting treatment 532 from the list of topics 522 in the condition category section 504 (Figure 25), the user is provided with treatment information

544, as shown in Figure 26, relating to typical treatments for the condition specified, specific illnesses that are caused by the selected condition, and possible complementary and alternative medicines that provide relief from the specified condition. The treatment information 544 preferably includes treatment coverage information 546 which informs the user of the coverage offered by the user's health plan for the specified condition. For example, in Figure 26, the procedures listed for treating allergies are injection services, allergy serum, x-rays and laboratory procedures. All the procedures are identified as covered in full by the user's health plan. The treatment information 544 includes an additional explanation 548 of the laboratory procedures for allergies. The additional explanation 548 can be provided in the form of a footnote, as shown in Figure 26, or as a pop-up window.

The treatment information 544 preferably includes prescription drugs information 550. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the prescription drugs information 550 provides a list of the commonly prescribed medications 552 for the condition specified, and the co-pay 554 required under the terms of the user's health plan for each of the commonly prescribed medications 552. By way of example, the commonly prescribed medications 552 for allergies, as shown in Figure 26, are Claritin, Allegra, Beconase, and Clemastin. Claritin and Allegra are shown to have a co-pay requirement of $ 1 5 each, while Beconase and Clemastin have a co-pay requirement of $ 5 each.

The treatment information 544 preferably provides co-pay information for other drugs 556, such as formulary generic drugs and formulary brand drugs. Additionally, the system provides health care coverage information 558 regarding complementary and alternative medicine, such as, for example, acupuncture, food supplements, herbal supplements, and over-the-counter drugs. For some treatments, the system may provided coupons or discounts for health-related products purchased from the system's shopping forum for treatment of the specified condition. For example, in

Figure 26, a 1 5 % discount is provided for over-the-counter medication that is purchased online.

The treatment information 544 preferably includes a list of links to other resources 560 that provide information to the user on the specified topic or condition. As shown in Figure 26, the list of links 560 preferably includes resources from the health resources segment 200 of the embodiment of the invention described above, namely, the articles 202, clinical trials 204, health tools 206, and encyclopedia 208. If the stated health plan has a wellness program for the condition specified, the list of links will also provide a link 562 to the wellness program for the specified condition.

The health management system of the present invention, as shown in Figure 27, preferably includes a general information section 570 for the specified condition.

The general information section includes an overview 572 of the selected topic or condition, pointers for prevention of the condition 574, information relating to self- management of the condition 576, and in the event that self-management of the condition is not successful, a section on visiting a physician 578 which describes how a physician visit may help treat the selected condition. The general information section 570 preferably includes a list of common symptoms 580 for the selected condition and a list of link to other sources of information on the condition 582, including links to related articles 202, encyclopedia 208, clinical trials 204, and wellness programs 562.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Figure 28, the plan coverage sector 500 includes a health history section 600 wherein the user can store and track medical health histories for the user or any authorized member of the user's family. The health history section preferably includes a medical history table 602 that lists the date of a procedure 604, the name of the patient 606, the diagnosis 608, the procedure performed 61 0, the provider 61 2, the co-pay remitted for the procedure 61 4 and any comments regarding the procedure 61 6. The embodiment shown in Figure 28 is a single member view that displays the medical history of a single person. The embodiment shown in Figure 29 displays the medical histories of all authorized members, including the user, the user's spouse, and the user's dependents.

As best shown in Figure 30, the user can add an event to the medical history section 600 by entering the information relating to the date 604, diagnosis 608, procedure 61 0, physician 61 2 and co-pay 61 4 into the medical history section 600. Comments 61 6 can also be added to the medical history section 600.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, as shown in Figure 31 , the family health record section 620 of the health history section 600 allows the user to store and track important health information regarding the user and the user's family. For instance, in the embodiment shown in Figure 31 , the health record section 620 includes information relating to the record dates of birth 622 for the user and the user's family, blood types 624, tests and procedures 626, current medical condition 628, immunizations 630 and hospitalizations 632. The health management system of the present invention stores this information at a location that is easily accessible and simple to read, utilizing summary lists 634 to easily access the information stored in the system.

In one embodiment of the invention, as shown in Figure 32, the family health records section 620 stores emergency record information 640 for the family. The emergency record 640 allows quick access to the vital health information that the user has entered into the system. The emergency record information preferably includes the name, address, birthdate and blood type of the user and the authorized members of the user's family, as will as immunization records, current and past medical conditions, hospitalization and surgical records, medical history overview, tests and procedures, insurance carrier, coordinating physician, pharmacist, and emergency contact. By retaining this information in a central location, the user can easily access the information when needed by simply logging on to the system and navigating the emergency record section 640 of the family health records 620.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1 . A method of supplying healthcare information on a network, the network having at least one computer-server for communicating with users, said method comprising the steps of: a) receiving an identifier input relating to healthcare; b) in response to the identifier input, generating a customized response relating to healthcare; and c) wherein the customized response differs in accordance with the identifier input received.

2. A method in accordance with claim 1 wherein the identifier information identifies a health condition and the customized response comprises information about the health condition.

3. A method in accordance with claim 2 wherein the customized response comprises an article.

4. A method in accordance with claim 2 wherein the customized response comprises an encyclopedia excerpt.

5. A method in accordance with claim 2 wherein the customized response comprises a health tool.

6. A method in accordance with claim 2 wherein the customized response comprises a clinical trial report.

7. A method in accordance with claim 2 wherein the customized response comprises a medication list.

8. A method in accordance with claim 1 wherein the identifier input is selected from a list of topics provided by the computer-server.

9. A method in accordance with claim 1 wherein the identifier information is an illness.

1 0. A method in accordance with claim 1 wherein the customized response is provided to the user each time the user accesses the computer-server for a single entry of the identifier input.

1 1 . A method in accordance with claim 10 further comprising the step of updating the customized response periodically.

1 2. A method of providing healthcare to users, comprising the steps of: receiving a prescription for a medication that treats a particular condition; receiving information regarding a health plan for the user; displaying information regarding the prescribed medication; and displaying information regarding the extent to which the user's health plan covers the cost of the prescribed medication.

1 3. A method in accordance with claim 1 2, further comprising the step of displaying information regarding generic equivalents of the prescribed medication.

1 4. A method in accordance with claim 1 3, further comprising the step of displaying information regarding the extent to which the user's health plan covers the cost of the generic equivalents of the prescribed medication.

1 5. A method in accordance with claim 1 2, further comprising the step of displaying information regarding additional brand name equivalents of the prescribed medication.

1 6. A method in accordance with claim 1 5, further comprising the step of displaying information regarding the extent to which the user's health plan covers the cost of the brand name equivalents of the prescribed medication.

1 7. A method of providing healthcare to users, comprising the steps of: receiving an identifier input from the user that identifies a particular condition; receiving information regarding a health plan for the user; displaying information regarding various courses of treatment for the particular condition; and displaying information regarding the extent to which the user's health plan covers the cost of the various courses of treatment.

1 8. A method in accordance with claim 1 7 wherein the various courses of treatment comprise holistic treatments.

1 9. A method in accordance with claim 1 7 wherein the various courses of treatment comprise over-the-counter medication.

20. A method in accordance with claim 1 wherein the identifier information identifies a healthcare plan and the customized response comprises information about the coverage of the healthcare plan.

21 . A method in accordance with claim 20, comprising the further step of receiving a release authorization.

22. A method in accordance with claim 21 wherein the release authorization comprises a first section for release of health information and a second section for release of pharmacy information, wherein each section independently provides the user with an option to authorize the release or not to authorize the release.

23. A method in accordance with claim 21 wherein the release authorization comprises a subscriber release section, a spouse release section and a dependent release section.

24. A healthcare management system for providing information on a network, the network having at least one computer-server for communicating with users, the system comprising: a receiving mechanism for receiving an identifier input relating to healthcare; a customized response output relating to healthcare generated in response to the identifier input; and wherein the customized response output differs in accordance with the identifier input.

25. A system in accordance with claim 24 wherein the identifier information identifies a health condition and the customized response output comprises information about the health condition.

26. A system in accordance with claim 25 wherein the customized response output comprises an article.

27. A system in accordance with claim 25 wherein the customized response output comprises an encyclopedia excerpt.

28. A system in accordance with claim 25 wherein the customized response output comprises a health tool.

29. A system in accordance with claim 25 wherein the customized response output comprises a clinical trial report.

30. A system in accordance with claim 25 wherein the customized response output comprises a medication list.

31 . A system in accordance with claim 24 wherein the identifier input is selected from a list of topics provided by the computer-server.

32. A system in accordance with claim 24 wherein the identifier input is an illness.

33. A system in accordance with claim 24 wherein the customized response output is provided to the user each time the user accesses the computer-server for a single entry of the identifier input.

34. A system in accordance with claim 33 wherein the customized response output is updated periodically.

35. A healthcare management system for users, comprising: a pharmacy section for receiving a prescription for a medication that treats a particular condition; a user information center for receiving information regarding a health plan for the user; a confirmation page, wherein the confirmation page displays information regarding the prescribed medication; and an insurance information section on the confirmation page, wherein the insurance information section displays information regarding the extent to which the user's health plan covers the cost of the prescribed medication.

36. A system in accordance with claim 35 , further comprising an alternative medication section on the confirmation page.

37. A system in accordance with claim 36 wherein the alternative medication section comprises information regarding generic equivalents of the prescribed medication.

38. A system in accordance with claim 37, wherein the insurance information section comprises information regarding the extent to which the user's health plan covers the cost of the generic equivalents of the prescribed medication.

39. A system in accordance with claim 36 wherein the alternative medication section comprises information regarding additional brand name equivalents of the prescribed medication.

40. A system in accordance with claim 39 , wherein the insurance section comprises information regarding the extent to which the user's health plan covers the cost of the brand name equivalents of the prescribed medication.

41 . A health management system for users, comprising: a customization section for receiving an identifier input from the user that identifies a particular condition; an user information center for receiving information regarding a health plan for the user; a treatment information center displaying information regarding various courses of treatment for the particular condition; and an insurance information section displaying information regarding the extent to which the user's health plan covers the cost of the various courses of treatment.

42. A system in accordance with claim 41 wherein the various courses of treatment comprise holistic treatments.

43. A system in accordance with claim 41 wherein the various courses of treatment comprise over-the-counter medication.