Method for transmitting medical information identified by a unique identifier barcode to a hospital

[0001] The present application claims priority from provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/748,266 filed on Dec. 7, 2005.

[0002] The invention relates to transmitting patient health information stored at a central databank to a hospital and particularly to identifying which health information to send via the use of an electronically readable identifier (ERI) and a scanner.

[0003] Mobile devices for scanning barcodes or other electronically readable identifiers (ERI) are well known. Additionally, methods exist for enhancing barcodes that are scanned into mobile devices. Further, it has been taught how to use scanned barcodes to facilitate online shopping. However, scanners in the prior art do not provide security to users to prevent information being delivered to the wrong hands. Additionally, the prior art does not teach the use of such methods for transmitting health information to emergency medical personnel or how individuals can input information to create their own personal medical database, which may be retrieved using portable scanning technology.

[0004] For example, United States Patent Application Publication 2005/0246196 by Frantz et al. teaches the use of cell phones or other mobile devices only to scan barcodes of purchased products. The user then answers questions related to the purchased product, and the answers are stored in a user database which is used to track consumer patterns and trends.

[0005] United States Patent Application Publication 2005/0082370, also by Frantz et al., is limited to methods for enhancing a barcode that is scanned with a mobile device. After being scanned, the barcode is sent as an image to a server which enhances the image and proceeds to decode the information contained in the barcode. The information is decoded and media content related to the barcode is sent back to the mobile device.

[0006] United States Patent Application Publication 2005/0015311, also by Frantz et al., teaches the use of a mobile device to scan barcodes of products desired to be purchased. The device is then attached to a computer which uploads the information contained in the scanned barcodes to various vendors based upon predetermined preferences. The computer then launches a browser with a populated shopping cart at each vendor's e-commerce website, thus allowing a user to pick-and-choose from among items.

[0007] WO 2005/020140 and United States Patent Application Publication 2005/0035206, both by Attia et al., disclose a system and method for enhancing images of barcodes taken by the digital camera connected to a mobile device. The system involves converting an image into gray scale and using an algorithm to compute the mean pixel intensity value of each row of pixels in the image. Using these values, the algorithm is able to reconstruct the barcode as an enhanced image.

[0008] WO 2005/017812 and United States Patent Application Publication 2005/0011957, both by Attia et al., teach the use of a mobile device to take a digital picture of a barcode. Software on the mobile device then enhances the barcode and subsequently decodes the barcode. The information is then transmitted to a server via a wireless network, and the server then transmits media content related to the information back to the mobile device.

[0009] United States Patent Application Publication 2005/0004844 by Attia discloses a system and method for easily and rapidly integrating barcode scanner-enabled products and services into existing e-commerce application-providers, thus upgrading the existing websites. Attia accomplishes this through use of floating pop-up web windows which take the user away from a dealer's website.

[0010] United States Patent Application Publication 2002/0016750 by Attia discloses a method for shoppers to scan barcodes of desired products and to eventually store these barcodes on a website for later retrieval.

[0011] United States Patent Application Publication 2005/0033599 to Frantz et al. discloses a method for creating catalogs for ordering supplies. A unique catalog can be created for individual users by selecting a desired list of products from a pre-existing list using a software application on a computer. The user then selects the layout of the document from several predefined layouts. The catalog is created, and since it is unique to the user, it can be reused.

[0012] United States Patent Application Publication 2005/0029356 to Frantz et al. discloses a way to transfer data from barcode scanners to computers. An Active-X plug-in is downloaded to the user's computer the first time an application is accessed. The Active-X plug-in aids the transfer and translation of data from the user's barcode scanner to the computer.

[0013] United States Patent Application Publication 2005/0029354 to Frantz et al. discloses a method of encoding and decoding a barcode which contains a combination barcode.

[0014] United States Patent Application Publication 2005/0015310 to Frantz et al. discloses a system and method for managing client orders from multiple vendors utilizing barcode scanning technology. Client identification barcodes are utilized to identify each of the user's clients. To order products for a client, a user first scans the client identification barcode using a barcode scanner and then scans the barcodes of the desired products. This process can be repeated for multiple clients. A software program is then utilized to upload the barcode information, create shopping lists, and upload the information to different vendor websites for order completion

[0015] In order to store the individual's medical information in a database, information is entered (either by the individual or other authorized user) into a private file. The private file is coded with a unique identifying number, and an electronically readable identifier (ERI) is generated which corresponds to the unique identifying number. The individual will keep a copy of this ERI in a convenient location, e.g., on the refrigerator, in a car, on a necklace, in a wallet, or as a tattoo.

[0016] When a medical emergency occurs, and emergency medical personnel arrive on scene, the medical personnel will scan the ERI with a mobile device, such as a cell phone, which is equipped with a scanner. The ERI is wirelessly transmitted to the database. Along with the ERI, the mobile device also transmits its own unique reference number, e.g., its phone number. In the database, the ERI is matched with the private file to which it corresponds and is then validated, and the unique reference number is matched against a list of pre-approved reference numbers and is then authenticated. If both the ERI is validated and the mobile device is authenticated, then the medical information contained in the private file is wirelessly transmitted back to the mobile device, so that the emergency medical personnel have the patient's vital information at their fingertips. The information can also be sent to a hospital or other health facility. The ERI may comprise a printed barcode or a radio frequency identification device (RFID).

[0017] From time to time, it may become necessary to update the stored medical information, such as with new test results. The individual can accomplish this by logging into a specified website and accessing his or her private file. The individual can choose from several types of information to input, e.g., new test results, new primary care physician, advanced care directives such as DNRs, etc. Once the individual inputs the information, the information appears onscreen for the individual to review. The information can then be printed out on an information sheet, along with a fax cover sheet. The individual may then deliver the information sheet by mail or fax and the cover sheet to a provided number, which will then cause the information sheet, e.g., the faxed printout and cover sheet to be scanned into a blank file in the private file. A unique confirmation number located on the information sheet is matched with the blank file in the private file, and the contents of the printout are loaded into the blank file. The blank file is then locked. The individual must then log on to the website again and review the information that is in the locked file. If the information is satisfactory, the user can unlock the file by any convenient means such as by fax, mail or email, and the information will then be transmitted when requested by emergency medical personnel. If the information is not satisfactory, the individual has the option of deleting the blank file and starting from the beginning. With regard to certain types of information, e.g., laboratory test results, these may be transmitted electronically using appropriate codes to insure confidentiality.

[0018] In order to increase security of the system, the unique identifying number associated with the ERI, the unique confirmation number (i.e. a PIN (Personal Identification Number) associated with the private file, and the unique reference number associated with the mobile device can all be generated with suitable algorithm software. In order to create a unique number, the algorithm randomly selects a combination of thirty-two letters and Arabic numerals. Next, the algorithm generates GUID (global unique identifier) which is added to the previously generated succession to create an array. Third, the array is shifted bit by bit several times. Fourth, a hex number is added to the array to create a string. Two of these strings are added together, and the first twelve symbols are used as the unique number.

[0019] The medical information can be sent to places other than emergency medical personnel and hospitals. For example, other facilities that would find a use for this invention include a doctor's office, an emergency room, a nursing home, a convalescence home, an infirmary, a hospice or other health care facility.

[0020] Additionally, many different types of encoding ERIs are known. It is contemplated that this invention will work with any of the currently known ERIs or any as yet undeveloped ERIs. Currently known barcodes with which this invention will work include UPC-A, UPC-E, ISBN, RSS-14, RSS-14E, RSS-14L, Interleaved 2 of 5, EAN/JAN-8, EAN/JAN-13, Code 3, Code 39 Full ASCII, Code 128, PDF417, QR Code, and Data Matrix.

[0021] Furthermore, it is contemplated that various types of medical information will be transmitted to health facilities as needed. The types of medical information contemplated include, but are not limited to, medical history, surgical history, recent lab/test results, imaging studies, blood type, immunization history, medical device information, family history, social history, allergies, advanced directives such as DNRs, living wills, durable power of attorney, genetic information, power(s) of attorney, living will, next-of-kin contact information, current medications, current supplements, current vitamins, drug tests, name and contact information for current physicians, choices of hospital, digital photograph, and advanced directive(s).

[0022] Further modifications of this invention are also possible. One modification is that a computer is used in place of a scanner. The IP address of the computer would function as the unique reference number. Additionally, it is foreseen that, once information has been transmitted to emergency medical personnel or other health care facility, the system would automatically contact a list of people previously supplied by the individual, such as next-of-kin. This automatic contact could be in the form of email, instant message, or synthesized voice over, for example, a telephone. It is further foreseen that the system can send periodic reminders to the individual to remind them to update stored medical information as necessary.

[0023] It is also envisioned that an individual's entire medical information that is already stored can be copied to a portable device such as a USB flash memory device or memory card. The device or card can be attached to a keychain, imbedded in a wrist band or stored as a credit card format. Medical personnel would then be able to access the medical information immediately, without having to resort to scanning and transmitting ERIs, and awaiting return communications. The individual could either require a password to access the information or leave it in an unsecured format. The device or card could be read by any of a number of instruments including, but not limited to, a desktop or laptop computer, an electronic personal organizer, and a cellular phone. The device or card could be updated with new medical information by connecting it to the internet, accessing the specified website, logging into one's personal file, and downloading any new information into the device or card.

[0024] It is therefore an object of the present invention to efficiently transmit patient identifying information to a central database in order for emergency medical personnel to obtain a patient's medical history. It is a further object of the present invention to keep such transmissions secure from unauthorized individuals. It is an even further object of the present invention to allow a patient to update medical information from the comfort and privacy of the patient's home. Another object of the present invention is to allow emergency medical personnel to utilize this invention without the need for new equipment. Yet another object of this invention is to allow a hospital to obtain medical information while a patient is en route to the hospital.

[0025] The present invention achieves these and other objectives wherein it is directed to a method for transmitting personal health information from a database to a health facility. The transmission involves initially storing an individual's medical information in a database and allowing the stored information to be retrieved by an authorized user using a valid ERI which identifies the individual.

[0030] As best shown in FIG. 1, once an emergency 911 call is made (1), and an ambulance (or other emergency medical personnel) responds (2), the invention is deployed. Initially, a patient identifier is provided which is used to retrieve a patient's medical history. This may be done from a manual directory or a computer algorithm, such as described above. A card or other record containing a unique ERI may be provided for a patient to make available to emergency medical personnel (3). The record can be carried around by the patient on a necklace, on a bracelet, in a wallet, or stored in a convenient location in one's home or car. Once the card is found, the medical personnel activate the software application that is already loaded onto a cell phone (4). An example of this software is Scanzoom available from Scanbuy, 54 W. 39^th Street, New York, N.Y. 10018. The medical personnel may use a cell phone to scan the ERI (5). The cell phone transmits its own phone number and the ERI to a central database (6). The database then matches the phone number to a list of pre-approved phone numbers (7). If the cell phone is authenticated (8), then the database will compare the ERI to a list of stored ERIs (9). If the ERI is validated, the database creates a message containing the patient's medical information, including drug allergies, current medications, and past medical history (10). This message is then transmitted back to the cell phone so the emergency medical personnel will be informed of the medical history (11).

[0031] If, during cell phone authentication (7), the cell phone is not authenticated (12), then the user is presented with a message on the cell phone to call a specified number for a customer service representative in order to obtain further information (13). The emergency medical personnel will then need to call the customer service representative in order to have the cell phone authenticated (14). If the customer service representative authenticates the cell phone (15), then the ERI will be compared to a list of ERIs stored in the database (9). If the ERI is validated, the database creates a message containing the patient's medical information, including drug allergies, current medications, and past medical history (10). This message is then transmitted back to the cell phone so the emergency medical personnel will be informed of the medical history (11).

[0032] If at any time after the cell phone is authenticated (8), the ERI is not validated (16), the cell phone user is presented with a message to call a specified number for a customer service representative in order to obtain further information (20). The emergency medical personnel will then need to call the customer service representative in order to have the ERI validated (21). The customer service representative will then validate the ERI by comparing it to a list of ERIs stored in the database (22). If the ERI is validated, the database creates a message containing the patient's medical information, including drug allergies, current medications, and past medical history (23). This message is then transmitted back to the cell phone so the emergency medical personnel can access the information (11).

[0033] If, during manual authentication of the cell phone number (14), the cell phone number is not authenticated (17), the medical personnel must verbally request that the customer service representative transmit the medical information to a hospital (18). The customer service representative then transmits the medical information to the designated hospital (19).

[0034] If, during manual validation of the ERI (22), the ERI is not validated by the customer service representative (24), then no transmission is made to a hospital and the emergency medical personnel will proceed with the traditional procedures involving ambulances and hospitals.

[0035] The individual can update the medical information in at least two ways. The first method in which an individual can update medical information is simply by logging onto the website, navigate through the various webpages, and update whichever medical information is necessary (e.g., new allergy). However, it may be necessary to add new files to the system (e.g., form printouts from doctors such as x-rays). This type of update can be done via facsimile.

[0036] As best shown in FIG. 2, in order to update medical information contained in the database via facsimile, an individual must first logon to the website (32). The individual can then review information previously stored online in the database (33). The individual updates medical information via facsimile by first printing out a fax cover page on a local printer which is generated with a unique confirmation number (34). The website assigns the unique confirmation number to a blank file within the individual's private file (35). The individual then faxes the cover sheet and form printout (containing the updated medical information) to a provided fax number (36). The faxed cover sheet and form printout are electronically scanned into the database (37). The unique confirmation number on the cover sheet (which has now been scanned into the database) is read by the database and associated with the blank file (38). The form printout is electronically placed into the blank file and the file is locked (39). An automatically generated email is then sent to an email address the individual has previously provided in order to notify the individual that the fax has been received, scanned, and locked (40). The individual then must access the website in order to review the medical information stored in the locked file (41). If the information is not satisfactory to the individual, the individual can delete the locked file (42). The individual may then proceed to accessing (31) and updating medical information again (32).

[0037] If, after accessing and reviewing the medical information stored in the locked file (41), the individual decides the information is proper, the individual approves and unlocks the information (43). The information is now updated and will be transmitted when accessed by an authenticated cell phone (44).

[0038] As best shown in FIG. 3, the individual can carry medical information in a portable device. The individual would first have to have previously placed personal medical information into a file stored on a database that is accessible via the internet (50). The individual would then be able to connect the portable device, preferably a USB flash memory device or other memory card, to a computer that is connected to the internet (51). Next, the individual would access medical information previously saved on a database (52). It is envisioned that step (51) can be completed immediately before step (52) (as shown), or step (51) can be completed immediately after step (52) (not shown). Once the personal medical information is accessed and the portable device is connected to the computer, the individual can then download all the medical information to the device (53). The individual can then either set a password to require access to the medical information stored on the portable device or leave the information in an unsecured format (54). Once the portable device is disconnected from the computer (not shown), the individual can store the portable device in an easily accessible location, such as concealed in a wrist band, attached to a keychain, or even in a credit card format (55). Eventually, the individual will experience a medical emergency (56). If, for example, an ambulance is called, then when the medical personnel arrive on scene, they will locate the portable device (57). The medical personnel will then be able to access the individual's medical information, entering a password if required (58). However, it is possible that when the individual experiences a medical emergency, the individual will go to an emergency room or other medical facility (59). The medical facility personnel will then be able to access the individual's medical information stored on the portable device, entering a password if required (60).

[0039] Medical information stored on the portable device can be updated by following the steps outlined in FIG. 2 and then following the steps outlined in FIG. 3.

[0040] Having described the present invention, it will now be apparent that many changes and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the spirit and the scope of the present invention.