Patent Grant
11810668
Some embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to systems and methods for conducting remote health testing and diagnostics.
Use of telehealth to deliver health care services has grown consistently over the last several decades, and has exploded in usage during the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) Public Health Emergency (PHE). Telehealth is the distribution of health-related services and information via electronic information and telecommunication technologies. Telehealth allows long-distance patient and health provider contact, care, advice, reminders, education, intervention, monitoring, and remote admissions. In situations such as the COVID-19 PHE, when many medical and hospital resources are devoted to treating the sick, patients are more reluctant to travel to their health provider in-person, and when access to care is restricted, telehealth provides an invaluable resource.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, testing for coronavirus disease (COVID-19) was extremely limited in various places throughout the world, including the United States. Tracing infected individuals was and continues to be an important step in preventing new cases of infectious diseases. In response, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized various at-home COVID-19 tests.
At-home testing solves some of the problems with in-person testing. For example, health insurance may not be required, travel to a testing site is avoided, and tests can be completed at a patient's convenience. However, at-home testing introduces various additional logistical and technical issues, such as guaranteeing timely test delivery to a patient's home, providing test delivery from a patient to an appropriate lab, ensuring test verification and integrity, providing test result reporting to appropriate authorities and medical providers, and connecting patients with medical providers, who are needed to provide guidance and/or oversight of the testing procedures remotely. These issues are not unique to COVID-19 and will need to be addressed in relation to remote health diagnostic testing generally.
For purposes of this summary, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention are described herein. It is to be understood that not all such advantages necessarily may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein.
In some embodiments, a kit for use in performing a medical diagnostic test-taking procedure comprises a plurality of components including at least one medical diagnostic test kit and a box or container within which the at least one medical diagnostic test kit is housed. In some such embodiments, at least one of the plurality of components bears graphics on a surface thereof that, when scanned by a user device (e.g., mobile phone, smartphone, tablet, smartwatch, smart glasses), cause the user device to one or both of provide information on the at least one medical diagnostic test kit (or the test to be performed using the medical diagnostic test kit) and establish a connection with a proctoring platform for overseeing a test-taking procedure using the at least one medical diagnostic test kit and verifying corresponding results thereof.
In a first aspect, a medical diagnostic first aid kit can include a container; a plurality of medical diagnostic test kits located within the container, wherein each of the plurality of medical diagnostic test kits comprises equipment necessary to perform a particular self-administered medical diagnostic test, wherein the plurality of medical diagnostic test kits comprise at least a first medical diagnostic kit adapted to facilitate user completion of a first medical diagnostic test and a second medical diagnostic kit adapted to facilitate user completion of a second medical diagnostic test different from the first medical diagnostic test, wherein the container comprises a QR code located on an external surface of the container, the QR code configured to be imaged by a camera of a portable user computing device to enable: providing a fiducial point from which a coordinate frame for an augmented reality presentation can be established using the camera and a display of the portable user computing device; and causing the portable user computing device to display a user-selectable graphic on the display of the portable user computing device that, when selected by a user, causes a software application stored on the portable user computing device to access a provider webpage that enables initiation of the augmented reality presentation that includes display of augmented reality content relating to the plurality of medical diagnostic test kits.
The medical diagnostic first aid kit can include one or more of the following features in any combination: (a) wherein the QR code is printed on the external surface of the container; (b) wherein the QR code is printed on an adhesive sticker that is adhered to the external surface of the container; (c) wherein the augmented reality content relating to the plurality of medical diagnostic test kits comprises information about each of the particular medical diagnostic tests; (d) wherein the augmented reality content relating to the plurality of medical diagnostic test kits comprises information about various steps in a testing process for each of the particular medical diagnostic tests; (e) wherein the QR code is an augmented reality QR code; (f) wherein each of the plurality of medical diagnostic test kits comprises a respective QR code located on an external surface of a package of the medical diagnostic test kit that, when scanned by the portable user computing device, causes the portable user computing device to display information relating to the particular medical diagnostic test and/or instructions on how to perform the particular medical diagnostic test on the display of the portable user computing device; and/or other features as described herein.
In another aspect, a medical diagnostic test kit container can include: a plurality of medical diagnostic test kits located within the container, wherein each of the plurality of medical diagnostic test kits comprises equipment necessary to perform a particular medical diagnostic test, wherein the plurality of medical diagnostic test kits comprise at least a first medical diagnostic kit adapted to facilitate user completion of a first medical diagnostic test and a second medical diagnostic kit adapted to facilitate user completion of a second medical diagnostic test different from the first medical diagnostic test; a machine-readable code located on a surface of the container that, when scanned by a portable user computing device: provides a fiducial point from which a coordinate frame for an augmented reality presentation can be established using a camera and a display of the portable user computing device; and causes the portable user computing device to display a user-selectable graphic on the display of the portable user computing device that, when selected by a user, causes a software application stored on the portable user computing device to access a provider webpage that enables initiation of the augmented reality presentation that includes display of augmented reality content relating to the plurality of medical diagnostic test kits.
The medical diagnostic test kit container can include one or more of the following features in any combination: (a) wherein the machine-readable code is printed on an external surface of the container; (b) wherein the machine-readable code is printed on an internal surface of the container; (c) wherein the machine-readable code is printed on an adhesive sticker that is adhered to an external surface of the container; (d) wherein the machine-readable code is a QR code; (e) wherein the machine-readable code is an augmented reality QR code; (f) wherein the augmented reality content relating to the plurality of medical diagnostic test kits comprises information about each of the particular medical diagnostic tests; (g) wherein the augmented reality content relating to the plurality of medical diagnostic test kits comprises information about various steps in a testing process for each of the particular medical diagnostic tests; and/or other features as described herein.
In another aspect, a method of facilitating an augmented reality experience to familiarize a user with a plurality of at-home medical diagnostic tests provided within a medical diagnostic test kit container can include: providing a user with the medical diagnostic test kit container including a plurality of medical diagnostic test kits, wherein each of the plurality of medical diagnostic test kits comprises equipment necessary to perform a particular medical diagnostic test, wherein the plurality of medical diagnostic tests comprise at least a first medical diagnostic kit adapted to facilitate user performance of a first medical diagnostic test and a second medical diagnostic kit adapted to facilitate user performance of a second medical diagnostic test different from the first medical diagnostic test, wherein the medical diagnostic test kit container comprises a machine-readable code that, when imaged by a camera of a portable user computing device: provides a fiducial point from which a coordinate frame for an augmented reality presentation can be established using the camera and a display of the portable user computing device; and causes the portable user computing device to display a user-selectable graphic on the display of the portable user computing device that, when selected by a user, causes a software application stored on the portable user computing device to access a provider webpage that enables initiation of the augmented reality presentation that includes display of augmented reality content relating to the plurality of medical diagnostic test kits; receiving, by an application server, a request from the user to launch the augmented reality presentation via a graphical user interface displayed on the portable user computing device; and causing, in response to receiving the request from the user, the display of the augmented reality content on the display of the portable user computing device.
The method can include one or more of the following features in any combination: (a) wherein the machine-readable code is a QR code; (b) wherein the machine-readable code is an augmented reality QR code; (c) connecting the user with a provider proctor, via the application server, to facilitate remote proctoring of one or more of the plurality of medical diagnostic tests; (d) providing, by the application server, a virtual pass indicative of a result of the one or more medical diagnostic tests after verification by the provider proctor; (e) providing, by the application server, a prescreening survey to the user to help the user decide whether or not to proceed with self-administration of one or more of the plurality of medical diagnostic tests; and/or other features as described herein.
In another aspect, a computer-implemented system for a proctored examination platform for a medical diagnostic test, can include: an electronic storage medium of a computing system, the electronic storage medium comprising computer-executable instructions; one or more processors of the computing system, the one or more processors in electronic communication with the electronic storage medium, the one or more processors in electronic communication through an electronic network with a user computing device and a courier computing device of a courier, the one or more processors configured to execute the computer-executable instructions stored in the electronic storage medium for implementing the proctored examination platform for the medical diagnostic test by: receiving, by the computing system, through the electronic network a user request from a user for a proctored examination, the user request received from the user computing device; generating, by the computing system, display data for displaying a graphical user interface (GUI) on a display of a proctor device, the display data configured to display to a proctor a set of two or more phases of the medical diagnostic test and a first phase indicator showing a current phase of the first user in the two or more phases of the medical diagnostic test; transmitting, by the computing system, through the electronic network the display data to the proctor device; receiving, by the computing system, through the electronic network a first video conference connection request from the proctor device; establishing, by the computing system, a first electronic video conference session between the proctor device and the first user computing device; receiving, by the computing system, through the electronic network a positive medical diagnostic indicator from the proctor device; generating, by the computing system, user display data for displaying a graphical user interface (GUI) on the display of the user computing device, the user display data configured display medical content data about a positive result for the medical diagnostic test and a user prompt for determining whether the user desires to order prescription drugs for treatment responsive to the positive result for the medical diagnostic test; transmitting, by the computing system, through the electronic network the user display data to the user computing device; receiving, by the computing system, through the electronic network a request to order the prescription drugs from the user computing device; generating, by the computing system, physician display data for displaying a graphical user interface (GUI) on the display of a physician device, the physician display data configured display medical diagnostic data about the positive result for the medical diagnostic test and a physician prompt for generating a prescription for ordering the prescription drugs for treatment responsive to the positive result for the medical diagnostic test; transmitting, by the computing system, through the electronic network the physician display data to the physician device; receiving, by the computing system, through the electronic network a request for generating the prescription for the prescription drugs from the physician device; transmitting, by the computing system, through the electronic network the prescription for the prescription drugs to a pharmacy device; generating, by the computing system, courier data for displaying a graphical user interface (GUI) on the display of the courier computing device, the courier display data configured to cause to display a prescription release code and directions to a pharmacy fulfilling the prescription drug; transmitting, by the computing system, through the electronic network the courier data to the courier computing device; receiving, by the computing system, through the electronic network a pick-up confirmation that the prescription drug was picked up by the courier from the pharmacy device; generating, by the computing system, based on the pick-up confirmation supplemental courier data for displaying the graphical user interface (GUI) on the display of the courier computing device, the supplemental courier display data configured to cause to display directions to the user; and receiving, by the computing system, through the electronic network a delivery confirmation that the prescription drug was delivered by the courier from the user computing device.
The computer-implemented system can include one or more of the following features in any combination: (a) wherein the computing system comprises one or more computing systems; (b) generating, by the computing system, an alert notification for the proctor when the pick-up confirmation is not received by the computing system within a pick-up threshold period; (c) wherein the pick-up threshold period is in part determined by a time period calculated based on a distance between a location of the pharmacy and a current location of the courier; (d) wherein the threshold period is in part further determined by a pick-up time; (e) wherein the current location of the courier is determined by a GPS unit in the courier computing device; (f) generating, by the computing system, an alert notification for the proctor when the delivery confirmation is not received by the computing system within a delivery threshold period; (g) wherein the threshold period is in part determined by a time period calculated based on a distance between a location of the user and a current location of the courier; (h) wherein the current location of the courier is determined by a GPS unit in the courier computing device; (i) wherein the threshold period is in part further determined by a delivery time; (j) wherein the prescription release code is a QR code; and/or other features as described herein.
In another aspect, a computer-implemented method for a proctored examination platform for a medical diagnostic test, the computer-implemented method can include: receiving, by the computing system, through an electronic network from a user computing device a user request for a user for a proctored examination, the user request received from the user computing device; generating, by the computing system, display data for displaying a graphical user interface (GUI) on a display of a proctor device, the display data configured to display to a proctor a video conference session for the medical diagnostic test, the video conference session establishing an electronic video conference connection between the user computing device and the proctor device; transmitting, by the computing system, through the electronic network the display data to the proctor device; receiving, by the computing system, through the electronic network a positive medical diagnostic indicator from the proctor device; generating, by the computing system, user display data for displaying a graphical user interface (GUI) on the display of the user computing device, the user display data configured display medical content data about a positive result for the medical diagnostic test and a user prompt for determining whether the user desires to order prescription drugs for treatment responsive to the positive result for the medical diagnostic test; transmitting, by the computing system, through the electronic network the user display data to the user computing device; receiving, by the computing system, through the electronic network a request to order the prescription drugs from the user computing device; generating, by the computing system, physician display data for displaying a graphical user interface (GUI) on the display of a physician device, the physician display data configured display medical diagnostic data about the positive result for the medical diagnostic test and a physician prompt for generating a prescription for ordering the prescription drugs for treatment responsive to the positive result for the medical diagnostic test; transmitting, by the computing system, through the electronic network the physician display data to the physician device; receiving, by the computing system, through the electronic network a request for generating the prescription for the prescription drugs from the physician device; transmitting, by the computing system, through the electronic network the prescription for the prescription drugs to a pharmacy device; generating, by the computing system, courier data for displaying a graphical user interface (GUI) on the display of a courier computing device, the courier display data configured to cause to display directions to a pharmacy fulfilling the prescription drug; transmitting, by the computing system, through the electronic network the courier data to the courier computing device; receiving, by the computing system, through the electronic network a pick-up confirmation that the prescription drug was picked up by the courier from the pharmacy device; generating, by the computing system, based on the pick-up confirmation supplemental courier data for displaying the graphical user interface (GUI) on the display of the courier computing device, the supplemental courier display data configured to cause to display directions to the user; and receiving, by the computing system, through the electronic network a delivery confirmation that the prescription drug was delivered by the courier from the user computing device, wherein the computing system comprises one or more processors and an electronic memory.
The computer-implemented system can include one or more of the following features in any combination: (a) generating, by the computing system, an alert notification for the proctor when the pick-up confirmation is not received by the computing system within a pick-up threshold period; (b) wherein the pick-up threshold period is in part determined by a time period calculated based on a distance between a location of the pharmacy and a current location of the courier; (c) wherein the threshold period is in part further determined by a pick-up time; (d) wherein the current location of the courier is determined by a GPS unit in the courier computing device; (e) generating, by the computing system, an alert notification for the proctor when the delivery confirmation is not received by the computing system within a delivery threshold period; (f) wherein the threshold period is in part determined by a time period calculated based on a distance between a location of the user and a current location of the courier; (g) wherein the current location of the courier is determined by a GPS unit in the courier computing device; (h) wherein the courier data further comprises a prescription release code, the prescription release code comprises one or more of a code, a barcode, and a QR code; and/or other features as described herein.
The drawings are provided to illustrate example embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. A better understanding of the systems and methods described herein will be appreciated upon reference to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
Although certain preferred embodiments and examples are disclosed below, inventive subject matter extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses and to modifications and equivalents thereof. Thus, the scope of the claims appended hereto is not limited by any of the particular embodiments described below. For example, in any method or process disclosed herein, the acts or operations of the method or process may be performed in any suitable sequence and are not necessarily limited to any particular disclosed sequence. Various operations may be described as multiple discrete operations in turn, in a manner that may be helpful in understanding certain embodiments; however, the order of description should not be construed to imply that these operations are order dependent. Additionally, the structures, systems, and/or devices described herein may be embodied as integrated components or as separate components. For purposes of comparing various embodiments, certain aspects and advantages of these embodiments are described. Not necessarily all such aspects or advantages are achieved by any particular embodiment. Thus, for example, various embodiments may be carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other aspects or advantages as may also be taught or suggested herein.
Certain exemplary embodiments will now be described to provide an overall understanding of the principles of the structure, function, manufacture, and use of the devices and methods disclosed herein. One or more examples of these embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will understand that the devices and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting exemplary embodiments and that the scope of the present invention is defined solely by the claims. The features illustrated or described in connection with one exemplary embodiment may be combined with the features of other embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present technology. The section headings used herein are merely provided to enhance readability and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments disclosed in a particular section to the features or elements disclosed in that section.
Some embodiments herein are directed to a medical diagnostic test kit container or package that functions similar to a first aid kit but includes several at-home medical diagnostic test kits of different types that a household (e.g., an individual or family), care facility or assisted living center, or other group or individual, could use to complete at-home medical testing. The diagnostic test kit container or package may be purchased from an e-commerce provider or a retail store without requiring a prescription and stored and used on demand as needs arise for diagnostic or medical testing. For example, if an individual is feeling sick or experiencing symptoms of a medical condition (such as COVID-19, influenza, or urinary tract infection), the individual may open the medical diagnostic test kit container and select an appropriate at-home diagnostic test and complete the at-home medical diagnostic test. The at-home medical diagnostic tests may be self-administered, administered by another individual in the household or care facility, or a health care provider.
Of course, the medical diagnostic test kits may also be used even in instances where no symptoms are being experienced, as desired. In addition, if a negative screening test is required prior to travel or employment (such as a negative COVID-19 test or a negative drug test), the medical diagnostic test kit container may include screening tests that are certified and accepted as proof by government agencies, travel companies and institutions (such as airlines, cruise ship companies), restaurants, gyms, fitness centers, hospitals, other retail establishments, and employers that may require proof of negative diagnostic tests.
Different medical diagnostic test kit containers or packages may include various types and numbers of tests designed for different individuals, households, care facilities, etc. A label on the diagnostic test kit container may indicate the types and numbers of medical diagnostic tests in the particular container or package. In addition, supplemental medical diagnostic test kits may be ordered (e.g., via an e-commerce website or platform) when needed to restock supply. Certain medical diagnostic test kits may require a prescription or approval from a health care provider prior to ordering. Other medical diagnostic test kits may be purchased without any prescription or approval at the time of purchase.
The medical diagnostic test kit container or package may include a machine-readable code located on an external surface of the box that can be scanned by a camera of a user device (such as a personal computer, a cellular phone, a smartphone, a laptop, a tablet computer, smart glasses, an e-reader device, an audio player, or another device capable of connecting to and communicating over a network, whether wired or wireless) to initiate an augmented reality interactive experience for user computing devices that have augmented reality capability (e.g., AR-compatible smartphone, tablet, or smart glasses). The augmented reality experience can include, for example, interactive displays that show the types of medical diagnostic test kits included in the medical diagnostic test kit container or package, an overview of the steps required for each of the medical diagnostic tests, the materials (e.g., test equipment) included in the medical diagnostic test kits, and a guided step-by-step process to facilitate completion of each of the medical diagnostic tests. The augmented reality experience may help users visualize and complete the steps of an at-home test more easily and provide an enhanced user experience.
A remote health testing and diagnostic platform (e.g., a digital point-of-care platform operated by a commercial entity, such as eMed based in Florida) may also be used to facilitate coordination with proctors to enable certification of certain of the diagnostic tests, to facilitate ordering and delivery of prescription medicine that may be helpful to treat a medical condition identified by a medical diagnostic test in the medical diagnostic test kit package, to facilitate generation of a certification or pass that can be displayed as proof of a negative screening test (such as a negative COVID-19 test), to facilitate re-ordering or supplemental ordering of medical diagnostic test kits when inventory of a particular medical diagnostic test kit type in the medical diagnostic test kit container or package is low or out of stock, and/or to generate pre-screening surveys to determine whether or not it makes sense for the user to actually complete a particular medical diagnostic test.
At-home medical testing provides both safety and convenience to patients and medical providers. In-person visits by individuals with infectious diseases endangers both medical professionals, as well as anyone who encounters the individuals on their way to the in-person visit or in the waiting room. At-home testing does not involve personal contact between the patient and any other individuals who may otherwise be at risk. Furthermore, at-home testing is simply more convenient, as neither medical providers nor patients need to leave the safety or comfort of their home in order to administer a test using remote testing platforms.
Additionally, because of advancements in medical and logistics technology, especially as described herein, at-home testing can now be extremely fast. In some cases, medical diagnostic tests can be administered and read within seconds. Other tests may require a cure time before being read or may require delivery to a laboratory to receive results, but results can still be received within days in most cases.
Applications for at-home medical testing are abundant. For example, at-home testing can be used by travelers in any location to ensure that the traveler is healthy before and/or after arriving at a destination, without having to locate medical care in an unfamiliar locale. Furthermore, at-home testing may prevent the spread of infectious diseases by providing travelers knowledge of when to quarantine or avoid traveling altogether, and to avoid bringing home an infectious disease. At-home testing may also be useful for sensitive individuals such as the elderly and children. At-home testing may provide a better experience for such sensitive individuals, especially in cases in which the testing procedure is uncomfortable or invasive. At-home testing can mean that the test is done in a safe, comfortable, and familiar environment, so sensitive individuals may feel less stressed and worried during their test, allowing testing to proceed more smoothly. In some instances, at-home testing can be performed in a user's home, although this need not be the case in all instances. For example, as used herein, at-home testing can refer to testing performed in other locations outside the home, such as in hotel rooms, airports, or other remote locations where access to an in-person healthcare provider is not available or desirable. Another consideration for at-home testing is privacy. At-home testing can be private and discreet, which is ideal for high-profile individuals or sensitive individuals who want to get tested without leaving their homes. Also, accessibility considerations favor at-home testing. At-home testing is ideal for anyone who has transportation issues or mobility/accessibility considerations.
In some embodiments, the remote health testing and diagnostic platform may facilitate administration of a medical diagnostic test to a patient with the guidance of a proctor. In some embodiments, the proctor may comprise uncertified personnel, certified medical personnel, and/or a proctor for monitoring an algorithm such as computer software, which may administer a medical diagnostic test. In some embodiments, the computer software is not administering the medical diagnostic test but rather is monitoring the medical diagnostic test for abnormalities or deviations or inconsistencies in the administration or performance or procedure of the medical diagnostic test that is being administered by the uncertified personnel and/or certified medical personnel and/or medical personnel and/or the like. In some embodiments, the patient may be provided with step-by-step instructions for test administration by the proctor within a testing environment. The platform may display unique, dynamic testing interfaces to the patient and proctor to ensure proper testing protocols and/or accurate test result verification. The displays may be enhanced with augmented reality content overlaid on images obtained by cameras of a user device, such as a smartphone or tablet, to enhance the user experience and reduce user compliance errors.
In some embodiments, the platform may provide a testing environment comprising a private communication channel (such as over the internet) between a proctor and a patient. In some embodiments, the testing environment may comprise one or more unique user interfaces that may facilitate seamless testing, submission and verification. In some embodiments, the platform may provide for automatic transmission of verified test results to users, relevant authorities, and third parties. In some embodiments, the platform may generate a unique health card or passport, which may provide an easily accessible and understandable testing summary for a patient and/or third parties.
In some embodiments, the platform may also be configured to provide urgent care to patients in need by collecting symptom and medical data from patients and providing such data to relevant medical professionals and pharmacies. In some embodiments, the platform may facilitate diagnosis of a patient by a third-party medical provider and fulfillment and even delivery of a drug prescription by a third-party pharmacy and a third-party courier service, without any of the parties having direct (e.g., physical or in person) contact.
At-Home Medical Diagnostic Test Kit Container
The medical diagnostic test kit container 100 may include one or more graphics (e.g., images and/or alphanumeric text). The graphics may be printed on an exterior surface of the medical diagnostic test kit container 100 or may be printed on an adhesive label or sticker that is adhered to the exterior surface of the medical diagnostic test kit container 100. The graphics may include, among other things, a machine-readable code 105 (e.g., QR code, AR code, bar code, datamatrix code, PDF417 code, Aztec code) that, when scanned or imaged by a user device, such as a mobile computing device having one or more built-in cameras, causes the user device to provide information about the collection of medical diagnostic test kits within the medical diagnostic test kit container 100 as a whole, about the individual medical diagnostic test kits, and/or about the medical diagnostic tests themselves. In one implementation, the machine readable code 105 is an AR code configured to facilitate display of augmented reality content. In some embodiments, the machine readable code 105 may correspond to a graphic (e.g., an image, logo, etc.) that an application or web app may recognize using one or more computer vision techniques to provide one or more pieces of the aforementioned information.
Although the machine-readable code 105 is shown located on a top external surface of the medical diagnostic test kit container 100 in a central location, it should be appreciated that other locations for the machine-readable code 105 are also contemplated (e.g., other locations on the top external surface, locations on a different external surface, internal locations). In addition, there may be multiple instances of the machine-readable code 105 at various locations on the medical diagnostic test kit container 100.
In accordance with various embodiments, the medical diagnostic test kits that may be included in the medical diagnostic test kit container 100 include, but are not limited to, the following:
The medical diagnostic test kits may include test kits configured for diagnosing or testing various medical conditions (which may be symptomatic conditions or asymptomatic conditions) and may involve various different test mechanisms (e.g., analyte tests, antibody tests, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests, lateral flow immunoassay tests, loop mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay tests, etc.), and means of obtaining diagnostic samples (e.g., urine, finger prick, saliva, nasal swab, genital swab, throat swab, etc.).
Some of the medical diagnostic test kits may be administered when an individual is not feeling well or is experiencing symptoms of a suspected medical condition. Some of the medical diagnostic test kits, such as COVID-19 test kits or drug test kits, may be administered on-demand when an individual is required to show proof of a negative diagnostic test (e.g., prior to travel or entry into a public event or retail or commercial building, prior to employment or periodically during employment for verification, prior to attending school or college, etc.).
In several implementations, the machine-readable code 105, when scanned by a camera of the user device (e.g., using a camera application or a QR code scanner application of the user device), can direct the user (e.g., via a Web browser application stored on the user device) to a proprietary platform website or Web application running on one or more servers, or a software application stored on the user device, that can provide the user with an option to initiate an augmented reality experience to explore the contents of the medical diagnostic test kit container 100 using the user device without even opening the medical diagnostic test kit container 100.
Clicking or tapping on the image and/or text hyperlink or button 112 can cause a Web browser to launch and navigate the user to a proprietary platform or provider website (e.g., a website controlled and monitored by the provider of the medical diagnostic test kit 100 or operator of a remote health testing and diagnostic platform).
Augmented Reality Experience Associated with Medical Diagnostic Test Kit Container
If the user device 110 is capable of implementing an augmented reality experience, the Web application or software application can be configured to present the user with augmented reality content including graphics and/or alphanumeric text conveying various information to the user while providing an aesthetically-pleasing enhanced user interaction experience. The information can include, for example:
Further augmented reality content related to the selected medical diagnostic test kit may be displayed below the virtual image 301 of the selected medical diagnostic test kit. For example, the further augmented reality content may include further textual information about the selected medical diagnostic test kit, such as condition(s) tested, test accuracy, and time to result. The further augmented reality content may include a face sheet or card that animates out of the virtual image 301 and is displayed surrounding the virtual image 301 in world space (e.g., above, below, to the right or left). The further augmented reality content may also include additional user-selectable buttons, icons and/or text 303 that, when selected by a user in the augmented reality experience, provide the user with further information about how the selected medical diagnostic test works and/or to initiate a pre-screening survey or test related to the selected medical diagnostic test. Again, the locations and content of the further augmented reality content may vary as desired and/or required.
The prescreening survey or test may help determine whether the user should take the selected medical diagnostic test. Although the user may obtain the medical diagnostic test kit container 100 without a prescription (and thus may take any of the medical diagnostic tests in the diagnostic test kit container 100 whenever he or she feels like it), it may not be a worthwhile use of a particular medical diagnostic test if the user is not exhibiting the corresponding symptoms. In some implementations, therefore, as a user experience enhancement, the prescreening surveys can be used to help users avoid wasting medical diagnostic test kits in situations where usage is deemed unnecessary.
In some implementations, the health testing and diagnostic platform (e.g., platform 1902 shown in
In addition to checking symptoms, the user patient may also be prompted by the platform to complete a medical questionnaire to provide additional information regarding the patient's condition, health history, and/or other relevant information. In some implementations, the information gathered can include information regarding the user patient's travel history and/or future travel plans. For example, the process can include presenting the user with questions regarding their travel plans (e.g., “Are you planning to travel into or out of the United States within the next 72 hours?”).
For example, to get to this point, a user may scan the machine-readable code 105 (e.g., QR code) on the exterior of the medical diagnostic test kit container 100 using a camera of the user device 110 (e.g., smartphone or tablet), as shown in
At Block 410, the remote health testing and diagnostic platform (e.g., software application or Web application) establishes a coordinate frame for the augmented reality experience associated with the medical diagnostic test kit container 100. The platform may use the machine-readable code 105 and/or other graphics or portions of the medical diagnostic test kit container 100 to establish the coordinate frame, or registration.
At Block 415, augmented reality content associated with the medical diagnostic test kits contained within the medical diagnostic test kit container 100 is displayed or overlaid on real-time, real-world images obtained by the camera(s) of the user device 110, as shown for example in
The method 400 may continue following the prescreening survey. Turning to
At Block 440, augmented reality content may be generated and displayed on the user device 110 that includes step-by-step visual instructions and/or infographics corresponding to the particular at-home medical diagnostic test. Example augmented reality content that may be overlaid on real-time, real-world images of the user and/or diagnostic test kit obtained from front-facing and/or rear-facing cameras of the user device 110 is shown, for example, in
At Block 444, the remote health testing and diagnostic platform may facilitate connection of the user with a proctor via live video (e.g., over the Internet or cellular telecommunications network) using the user device if the particular medical diagnostic test requires a proctor to observe at least a portion of the test administration for certification purposes. In some embodiments, the user may be connected with a proctor or other personnel while performing the testing procedure at block 440 at the user's request (e.g., to receive assistance with performing a specific step, etc.). In some embodiments, at block 444 a proctor or other personnel may observe at least a portion of the test administration for certification purposes without engaging in a live video connection with the user. At Block 448, the remote health testing and diagnostic platform may optionally generate a virtual, or digital, test completion pass for the user, as will be described further below. In some implementations, block 448 may additionally or alternatively include one or more steps for procuring prescription medicine or otherwise receiving treatment, such as one or more of the steps described below with reference to
Medical Diagnostic Test Kit Container Inventory Tracking
At Block 454, the remote health testing and diagnostic platform may provide an indication to a user (via an alert notification, text message, email message or other notification means) that a particular category or type of medical diagnostic test kit(s) is running low or has been completely depleted and is in need of a resupply. In some implementations, the remote health testing platform may provide the indication by presenting a modified representation of the virtual medical diagnostic test kit image in the augmented reality display. For example, an out-of-stock medical diagnostic test kit may be presented in gray or other different color, as an outline, with highlighting, and/or with one or more graphics (e.g., strikethrough symbol, letter X, or circle with a diagonal line through it) indicating that the medical diagnostic test kit container 100 no longer includes any of the particular medical diagnostic test kit. The method 450 may optionally include (at Block 456) providing an option for a user to purchase additional medical diagnostic test kits upon receipt of the indication (e.g., alert or other notification). The option may be provided via a hyperlink or user-selectable graphical icon, button, or image to direct the user to a URL or Webpage or e-commerce portal to facilitate purchasing of additional medical diagnostic test kits. In some implementations, the option may be presented using an inline HTML iframe element.
At-Home Medical Diagnostic Test Kits
As shown in
The external surface of the packaging of the medical diagnostic test kit 115 may also include graphics, logos, photos, or textual content in addition to the machine-readable codes 120. Multiple machine-readable codes 120 may be positioned at different locations on each medical diagnostic test kit packaging in some implementations. In some implementations, one or more computer vision techniques may be leveraged to identify test kit materials and packaging instead of or in addition to the QR code scanning techniques.
In accordance with several implementations, scanning of a machine-readable code 120 on a particular medical diagnostic test kit 115 may cause the user device 110 to automatically initiate an augmented reality experience associated with the particular medical diagnostic test kit 115. Again, the machine-readable code 120, alone or in combination with other graphics or portions of the medical diagnostic test kit 115 may serve as a fiducial reference or registration point for establishing a coordinate frame for the augmented reality content presentation in some implementations. In some implementations, simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) or other autonomous control methods or techniques may be used to calculate a spatial relationship between the user device 110 and multiple keypoints.
Augmented Reality (AR) Based Testing Guidance for At-Home Medical Diagnostic Test Kits
In some implementations, the remote health testing and diagnostic platform (e.g., platform 1902 shown in
AR-based guidance can be implemented in a variety of different ways. In the illustrated examples herein, a user accesses the remote health testing and diagnostic platform using a user device 110 (e.g., smartphone or tablet). In this example, the user device 110 includes both forward facing and rearward facing cameras. One or both of these cameras can be used during a testing procedure to capture images of, for example, the user and/or a test kit 115 used during the testing procedure. Further, the images captured by the forward and/or rearward facing cameras can be displayed to the user on a display 111 of the user device 110. Moreover, AR-based guidance can be added to the images displayed to the user to facilitate and improve the testing experience. Examples of AR-based guidance that can be displayed to the user are shown in
In some implementations, as shown in
The test pass 980 can be provided and associated with the remote health testing and diagnostic platform that is used to identify the user and communicate the user's test results. In some implementations, the test pass 980 can be provided at and/or used to verify a user's identity at a point of care, such as the location where the test is taken (e.g., a medical facility, a care facility, an assisted living center, a home, a hotel, an airport, a etc.), and also used to verify the user's test results at a point of verification (e.g., a location where the user's results are checked (such as the airport, a hotel, a place of employment, etc.). In some implementations, the point of care and the point of verification may be different. For example, a user may take the test at his or her home and receive the test pass 980 and then can use the test pass 980 to verify his or her results at the airport. In some implementations, the point of care and the point of verification may be the same. For example, a user desiring to board a flight at an airport can take a test and receive a test pass 980 at the airport and then use that pass to verify the results and board a flight.
In some implementations, the test pass 980 can be configured to perform one or more of several functions. For example, the test pass 980 can include proof of the user's identity. For example, in
A test pass 980 can be provided in either a physical or virtual manner. For example, a physical test pass may comprise forgery-resistant card provided by the test pass issuer that includes user's name and photo for identification. The physical test pass may also include a barcode, QR code, NFC chip, contact chip, alphanumeric code, or other unique identifier that will access test results from a secure database when scanned. A virtual test pass, or digital health pass, may be available over a computer network or through a Web application. When accessed, it can display a machine-readable code 984 (e.g., QR code) or use NFC or other means for quick communication at point of verification. The machine-readable code 984 may direct interested parties to a webpage containing additional information about the patient, the test, the test results, and/or other tests that the patient has undergone. In some implementations, the test pass 980 can be linked to a user's existing ID. For example, test results can be linked to an existing form of ID by name and unique number (driver's license number, passport number, etc.). In some configurations, the user must have this ID at point of care and point of verification, where their name and unique number are used to access results from a secure database. The test pass 980 may also include a photo 986 of the user, an indication of the number of days since the test 988, a general result of the test 990, a test type 992, and further details regarding date and time of the test result 994. In addition, the test pass 980 may comprise an expiration, which may comprise easily accessible information regarding expiration of the dependability of the test result based on health guidelines provided by government entities or otherwise.
In some implementations, each user is provided with a new virtual test pass 980 each time they complete a test. For example, a user may be provided with a new virtual test pass indicating the most recent test result. In other implementations, in which the user already has a test pass, upon completion of a new test, the existing test pass can be updated to include the most recent result. For example, the machine-readable code 984 on the virtual test pass 980 may be linked to the newest test result.
In some implementations of the virtual test pass 980, the user's ID may be verified each time that the virtual test pass is displayed. For example, the user may be required to be biometrically authenticated each time the virtual test pass 980 is to be displayed. As one example, the user may use face recognition on his or her phone in order to verify his or her identity before the virtual test pass 980 can be displayed.
In several implementations of completion of the medical diagnostic tests, such as those described above, the user device 110 may be positioned such that the user is visible within the field of view (FOV) of the user device's forward-facing camera and the medical diagnostic test kit 115 is positioned within the FOV of the user device's rearward facing camera. Such a set up may be advantageous as it allows the user and the medical diagnostic test kit 115 to remain within the different FOVs of the forward and rearward facing cameras of the user device 110 during the entire testing procedure. Further, at different portions of the procedure, the output of the frontward or rearward facing camera can be displayed to the user and supplemented with AR-based guidance.
For example, during one portion of the testing procedure, the output of the rearward facing camera (e.g., FOV in which is positioned the test kit 115) can be displayed to the user such that the user can view the test kit 115 on the display of the user device 110. The display can be updated with AR-based guidance to highlight certain areas of the test kit 115 or items in the test kit 115 or overlaid with other types of instructions to aid the user in performing the testing procedure. During another portion of the testing procedure, the output of the frontward facing camera (e.g., FOV in which the user is positioned) can be displayed to the user such that the user can view his or herself on the display of the user device 110. The display can be updated with AR-based guidance to highlight certain areas of the user (e.g., a nostril) or overlaid with other types of instructions to aid the user in performing the testing procedure.
Although the figures have illustrated examples of AR-based guidance in cases where the user device comprises a smartphone, AR-based guidance can also be provided for other types of user device. For example, in the case of a laptop, the aforementioned camera might be a camera on the laptop located above the screen. In the case of a smartphone, the aforementioned camera might be an inward-facing camera on the front of the smartphone above the screen. Accordingly, in some smartphone embodiments (or other embodiments where the user device includes both forward- and rearward-facing cameras) some steps may be performed using the forward-facing camera and some steps can be performed using the rearward-facing camera. The display shown to the user (e.g., on the screen on the front of the device) can change from the forward- to the rearward-facing camera depending on the step being performed. In some embodiments, the change of cameras occurs automatically.
In some examples, the user may place the smartphone in a smartphone stand, and may be instructed to position the test kit in front of the smartphone such that both the user and the test kit are visible in the inward-facing camera on the front of the smartphone above the screen. With continued reference to examples where the user accesses the platform using a smartphone, the user may be instructed to seat themselves at a table (with a flat surface), place the test kit on the table about 1.5 to 2 feet from the edge of the table, place their smartphone in a smartphone stand (e.g., that is included in the medical diagnostic test kit container 100), and position the smartphone in the smartphone stand on the table between themselves and the test kit such that their face and upper body is within the field of view of the smartphone's inward-facing camera and the test kit is within the field of the smartphone's outward-facing camera. Depending on whether the user is being given test kit guidance or sample collection guidance, the live video feed that's displayed for the user and overlaid with graphics may switch between the outward- and inward-facing cameras.
Test Integrity and Verification
In some embodiments, during a remote testing procedure, various steps can be implemented before, during, and after the test in order to ensure test integrity and verify the result of the test. For example, before the test is taken, it can be desirable to verify the user's identify and to verify that the test kit is valid (e.g., to verify that the test kit is one that has been purchased or otherwise obtained through an official channel, has not expired, and has not been previously used). During the test, it can be desirable to verify that any sample obtained is actually obtained from the previously verified user and that all test instructions and procedures are followed correctly. Finally, after the test, it can be desirable to ensure that the test result is obtained from the previously verified test kit and to ensure that the test result is interpreted correctly.
As noted above, it can be important to verify the user's identity before the test is taken. This can be because it ensures that the results will be attributed to the correct person. Verifying the user's identity is particularly important in cases of remote testing as the person being tested is not physically located with the person administering the test. Thus, in many situations, extra precaution may be advantageously taken to correctly identify the user's identity. Verification of the user's identity can be accomplished in several ways. For example, the user can be asked to upload a copy of an official identification (e.g., a driver's license or passport) as part of an account creation or pre-qualification step. In some embodiments, the user may be asked to show the official identification to the proctor during the testing session. During the testing session, the proctor can then compare the uploaded or shown identification to the person's appearance in the video feed. In this way the proctor can verify the user's identity by comparing a live (or other) video feed of the user to an identification card associated with the user. In some embodiments, once the user's identity is verified, the user's identity can be associated with the user's account for future tests. For example, after verification, future verifications may be automated with face matching technology.
In another example, user identification can be achieved using biometrics. For example, in some embodiments, a user accessing the platform may be given the option to perform a biometric initialization, in which the user goes to a physical location where their fingerprint or a unique segment of DNA can be sampled and stored. Thereafter, every test taken can sample their fingerprint or DNA to verify identity. This may also be automated. In other embodiments, biometrics may be performed using biometric features of the user's device. For example, many smartphones today are capable of taking a user's fingerprint or recognizing a user's face. These features may be used to verify the user's identity in some embodiments.
In addition to verifying the user's identity, the test or test kit that will be used during the test may be verified as well. This can be important because it ensures that the test results are scientifically valid and can be trusted. Again, this can be particularly important in the case of remote testing where the user is not physically located with the person administering the test. In one embodiment, the test or test kit can be provided with a unique ID (e.g., a UID or serial number) assigned during manufacture, which can be queried when the test is taken. This can take the form of a printed string of characters, barcode/QR code, NFC/RFID tag, or other. This code may either explicitly encode information associated with the test (such as a test identifier, test expiration date, batch/lot codes, indication of whether this number has been used for a test or not) or it may encode a link to a database entry that includes such information. Prior to beginning the test, the code may be scanned to verify the test kit. If anything is amiss, the test does not proceed and the user may be instructed to obtain a new test kit. In some embodiments, it may be preferable to provide the unique ID in a non-human readable manner. This may provide an advantage in that they are harder to misrepresent. A visible code could be duplicated and used on an expired test, for example.
During a test, a sample may be collected from the user, for example, using the test kit. To ensure the integrity of the test, steps may be taken to ensure that the sample is actually collected from the same user whose identity was verified before beginning the test. Again, this can be especially important in the case of remote tests since the user is not physically located with the person administering the test. It can be important to ensure that a user does not swap in a sample obtained from another user when performing the test. Various mechanisms for verifying that the sample is collected from the previously verified user are possible. For example, during a proctored testing session, the proctor (or an automated system) can observe the sample collection process. For example, in the case of a nasal swab test, the proctor or the automated system can observe the user performing the swab procedure. Such observation can be performed live (e.g., over a live video connection) or through a pre-recorded video. In either event, it may be important that all sample collection materials remain in view of the camera at all times. This would prevent a user from swabbing his or her nose and then switching out the swab with another that has been used by a different person. Additionally, it may be beneficial to positively identify the user during the collection process. This can be accomplished by, for example, checking the user's identity immediately before the sample collection process.
During the test, it is also important to ensure that all test instructions and procedures are followed correctly. This can ensure the accuracy and validity of the test results. Similar to verifying that the sample is obtained from the correct user, ensuring that all test instructions and procedures are followed correctly can be accomplished by directly viewing the testing procedure, either over a live video feed or be watching a recording of the testing process. In some embodiments, such observation is provided by a live proctor. In some embodiments, such observation is provided through an automated system (e.g., a computer system that is configured to analyze live or pre-recorded video). In the case of a swab, for example, the swab can include stripes or other markings along its length to be able to quantify swab insertion depth in an orifice, such as a nostril. In this manner, a proctor can easily observe that the swab is inserted to a sufficient depth. Additionally, the automated system can be configured to recognize the stripes or markings on the swabs in the video to automate determination of proper insertion depth. In some embodiment, in which test a test must sit for a certain amount of time (e.g., dwell example), the user can be instructed to place the test on a suitable surface in view of the camera for an appropriate amount of time. The proctor or system can observe that the test is placed on the appropriate surface and remains in view during the entire dwell length. In the case of a nasal swab COVID-19 test, for example, an appropriate amount of liquid may need to be added to a testing card, a nasal swab may need to be inserted into the nostril to a sufficient depth, the swab must then be correctly applied to the liquid on the card, and the card must be left undisturbed on a flat surface for at least fifteen minutes. Each of these steps can be observed and verified by a proctor and/or an automated system to ensure the integrity of the test.
Additionally, it is important to ensure that submitted test results actually come from the originally verified test or test kit. This can ensure test continuity, making sure that the same test is used throughout the test (e.g., that the test that was verified is the one for which results are obtained). Otherwise, tests could be exchanged during the process, leading to improper results. In some embodiments, this can be accomplished by reverifying the test or test kit throughout the testing procedure. For example, the method that was used previously to determine the test kit was valid (e.g., scanning the unique ID of the test kit) can be repeated to ensure the UID/serial number are the same. In some embodiments, the test kits can be designed such that the test such that the results are reported in a manner that includes the UID/serial number, such as in a custom visible code (barcode, QR code, etc.) or NFC/RFID, so that when the results are read, the UID can be verified. For example, in some embodiments, test results are verified by viewing strips that appear on a test card. The test card can include the unique ID of the test kit near the area at which the strips will appear such that a view of the strips also includes a view of the unique ID.
Finally, it can also be important to ensure that the test results are interpreted correctly. As described previously, in some embodiments, a proctor interprets the test results by viewing strips that appear on a test card, for example. In some embodiments, an automated system may interpret the test results. In some embodiments, the test results can be reviewed and verified by another proctor or automated system to provide a second layer of verification.
At-Home Medical Diagnostic Test Kit Container Labels and Inserts
The labels or inserts or graphics of
Prescription Medicine Order Fulfillment and Delivery Coordination
At Block 1510, the user is provided with a graphical user interface on a display screen of a user device (e.g., smart phone, laptop, tablet, smartwatch) that allows the user to initiate ordering of a prescription medication for treating the medical condition correlated to the test result obtained using the at-home diagnostic test kit 115. For example, the graphical user interface may include user-selectable graphics or text links (e.g., buttons) to facilitate ordering, such as shown in
At Block 1515, a prescription order request is received from a user (e.g., via input data received from the user-selectable graphics or text links (e.g., buttons) of the graphical user interface on the user device (e.g., smartphone or tablet)). At Block 1520, medical history information may be collected from the user to facilitate screening to be performed by a pharmacy provider or prescription medication fulfillment center.
At Block 1520, the remote health testing and diagnostic platform may coordinate fulfillment and delivery of requested prescription medication to the user and may coordinate payment from the user to the pharmacy or other prescription medication provider.
In some implementations, the entirety of the method 1600 can be performed in under an hour (e.g., between 30 minutes and 60 minutes, between 20 minutes and 45 minutes, between 10 minutes and 30 minutes, or overlapping ranges thereof). In some implementations, the methods disclosed herein can enable a user to receive a diagnosis and treatment for a health condition in an easy, rapid, safe, and affordable manner.
At Block 1610, a user who is interacting with the remote health testing and diagnostic platform (e.g., platform 1902 shown in
At Block 1620, the remote health testing and diagnostic platform verifies that the user has tested positive for the given medical condition. For instance, a live proctor may observe (e.g., by way of a camera on the user device 110) the diagnostic test that was taken by the user to interpret the test results, and may further verify that the test was taken correctly and therefore that the results yielded are valid. In some implementations, verification may include review of a virtual test pass or digital health pass (e.g., test pass 980) by the prescriber partner or pharmacy partner.
At Block 1621, the remote health testing platform provides the user with an opportunity to order prescription medication for treating the given medical condition (e.g., by way of a prompt presented to the user through a graphical user interface displayed on the user device 110 or through an electronic mail notification or text message notification via a telecommunications network). An example of a graphical user interface or e-commerce portal that may be provided for the user at this juncture is depicted in
At Block 1611, the user elects to order prescription medication for treating the given medical condition and, at Block 1622, the remote health testing and diagnostic platform receives user input data indicative of the user's decision to do so.
At block 1623, the remote health testing and diagnostic platform directs the user to a prescreening test for the prescription treatment that they will receive. For instance, in some examples, at this juncture the remote health testing and diagnostic platform may present the user with one or more questions to obtain information regarding whether the user has any known allergies to medications and/or any other information that may be of pertinence or relevance in the prescription fulfillment process, such as described in connection with
At Block 1612, the user completes the prescreening process (e.g., finishes submitting answers to questions posed by the remote health testing platform). At Block 1624, the remote health testing and diagnostic platform sends data including (i) data indicating the user's test results and (ii) data indicating the results of the user's prescreening to a prescriber partner. For example, the data indicating the user's test results may include images of the user's diagnostic testing materials, information supplied by the proctor, or a combination thereof. In some examples, the remote health testing and diagnostic platform also sends additional information about the user (e.g., name, date of birth, location, medical history, etc.) to the prescriber partner at this juncture. The data may include a digital health pass or test completion pass (e.g., test pass 980 described above)
At Block 1630, the prescriber partner receives and reviews the data associated with the user as sent by the remote health testing and diagnostic platform. At Block 1631, a licensed healthcare professional associated with the prescriber partner may write a prescription for treating the user's condition based on a review of the data sent by the remote health testing platform. For instance, if the licensed healthcare professional determines that the data provided by the remote health testing and diagnostic platform indicates that the user has the flu, then the licensed healthcare professional may write the user a prescription for Tamiflu. Similarly, a determination that the user has strep throat may lead the licensed healthcare professional to write the user a prescription for Amoxicillin, and a determination that the user has a UTI may lead the licensed healthcare professional to write the user a prescription for Cipro. In some examples, the licensed healthcare professional may write prescriptions for different medications based on any of a variety of factors including the user's allergies, possible interactions with other medications the user is taking, the availability of certain medications, and the like.
At Block 1632, the prescriber partner provides the prescription to the remote health testing and diagnostic platform, which in turn receives the prescription from the prescriber partner at Block 1625. In some implementations, the user may be connected with or given the option to connect with a licensed healthcare professional or other medical professional (e.g., via a remote telehealth appointment) at one or more points in the method 1600 as described above to receive guidance, medical advice, and the like.
At Block 1626, the remote health testing and diagnostic platform requests payment information from the user. At Block 1613, the user provides the requested payment information to the remote health testing and diagnostic platform. In some implementations, the payment information provided by the user at Block 1613 may include information regarding the user's credit or debit card, payment preferences, insurance information, and the like.
At Block 1627, the remote health testing and diagnostic platform uses the payment information received from the user for payment processing. In some implementations, one or more of the operations of Block 1627 are performed in coordination with a payment partner that processes payment for the fulfilment of the user's prescription at Block 1660.
In some embodiments, some or all of steps of Blocks 1613, 1626, 1627, and 1660 may be performed at different points in time and/or in a different order.
At Block 1628, the remote health testing and diagnostic platform instructs a pharmacy partner (e.g., Walgreens, CVS, Target, etc.) to fulfill the prescription for treating the user's condition. At Block 1629, the remote health testing and diagnostic platform instructs a courier partner (e.g., Uber) to collect the user's prescription medication as fulfilled by the pharmacy partner and deliver said prescription directly to the user. The courier partner may be affiliated with the pharmacy partner or may be unaffiliated with the pharmacy partner.
At Block 1640, the pharmacy partner fulfills the prescription for treating the user's condition. At Block 1650, the courier partner collects the prescription as fulfilled by the pharmacy partner. At Block 1651, the courier partner delivers the prescription directly to the user and, at Block 1614, the user receives the delivered prescription and begins treating their medical condition. In some implementations, the user may be provided with information regarding the status of the delivery, expected time of arrival, and/or the current location of the courier through an interface similar to that which is depicted in
In some implementations, one or more of the exchanges between the user and the remote health testing and diagnostic platform as described above with reference to
As an example, the website for “Duncan's Pharmacy” may include an iFrame element that enables users of the website to interface with the entity that maintains the testing platform without having to manually navigate away from and/or back to the Duncan's Pharmacy website.
Computer Systems
In some embodiments, the systems, processes, and methods described herein are implemented using a computing system, such as the one illustrated in
The computer system 1802 can comprise a health testing and diagnostic module 1814 that carries out the functions, methods, acts, and/or processes described herein (e.g., via health testing and diagnostic platform 1902 shown in
In general, the word “module,” as used herein, refers to logic embodied in hardware or firmware or to a collection of software instructions, having entry and exit points. Modules are written in a program language, such as JAVA, C or C++, PYPHON or the like. Software modules may be compiled or linked into an executable program, installed in a dynamic link library, or may be written in an interpreted language such as BASIC, PERL, LUA, or Python. Software modules may be called from other modules or from themselves, and/or may be invoked in response to detected events or interruptions. Modules implemented in hardware include connected logic units such as gates and flip-flops, and/or may include programmable units, such as programmable gate arrays or processors.
Generally, the modules described herein refer to logical modules that may be combined with other modules or divided into sub-modules despite their physical organization or storage. The modules are executed by one or more computing systems and may be stored on or within any suitable computer readable medium or implemented in-whole or in-part within special designed hardware or firmware. Not all calculations, analysis, and/or optimization require the use of computer systems, though any of the above-described methods, calculations, processes, or analyses may be facilitated through the use of computers. Further, in some embodiments, process blocks described herein may be altered, rearranged, combined, and/or omitted.
The computer system 1802 includes one or more processing units (CPU) 1806, which may comprise a microprocessor. The computer system 1802 further includes a physical memory 1810, such as random access memory (RAM) for temporary storage of information, a read only memory (ROM) for permanent storage of information, and a mass storage device 1804, such as a backing store, hard drive, rotating magnetic disks, solid state disks (SSD), flash memory, phase-change memory (PCM), 3D XPoint memory, diskette, or optical media storage device. Alternatively, the mass storage device may be implemented in an array of servers. Typically, the components of the computer system 1802 are connected to the computer using a standards-based bus system. The bus system can be implemented using various protocols, such as Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI), Micro Channel, SCSI, Industrial Standard Architecture (ISA) and Extended ISA (EISA) architectures.
The computer system 1802 includes one or more input/output (I/O) devices and interfaces 1812, such as a keyboard, mouse, touch pad, and printer. The I/O devices and interfaces 1812 can include one or more display devices, such as a monitor, that allows the visual presentation of data to a user. More particularly, a display device provides for the presentation of GUIs as application software data, and multi-media presentations, for example. The I/O devices and interfaces 1812 can also provide a communications interface to various external devices. The computer system 1802 may comprise one or more multi-media devices 1808, such as speakers, video cards, graphics accelerators, and microphones, for example.
The computer system 1802 may run on a variety of computing devices, such as a server, a Windows server, a Structure Query Language server, a Unix Server, a personal computer, a laptop computer, and so forth. In other embodiments, the computer system 1802 may run on a cluster computer system, a mainframe computer system and/or other computing system suitable for controlling and/or communicating with large databases, performing high volume transaction processing, and generating reports from large databases. The computing system 1802 is generally controlled and coordinated by an operating system software, such as z/OS, Windows, Linux, UNIX, BSD, SunOS, Solaris, MacOS, or other compatible operating systems, including proprietary operating systems. Operating systems control and schedule computer processes for execution, perform memory management, provide file system, networking, and I/O services, and provide a user interface, such as a graphical user interface (GUI), among other things.
The computer system 1802 illustrated in
Access to the health testing and diagnostic module 1814 of the computer system 1802 by computing systems 1820 and/or by data sources 1822 may be through a web-enabled user access point such as the computing systems' 1820 or data source's 1822 personal computer, cellular phone, smartphone, laptop, tablet computer, e-reader device, audio player, or another device capable of connecting to the network 1818. Such a device may have a browser module that is implemented as a module that uses text, graphics, audio, video, and other media to present data and to allow interaction with data via the network 1818.
The output module may be implemented as a combination of an all-points addressable display such as a cathode ray tube (CRT), a liquid crystal display (LCD), a plasma display, or other types and/or combinations of displays. The output module may be implemented to communicate with input devices 1812 and they also include software with the appropriate interfaces which allow a user to access data through the use of stylized screen elements, such as menus, windows, dialogue boxes, tool bars, and controls (for example, radio buttons, check boxes, sliding scales, and so forth). Furthermore, the output module may communicate with a set of input and output devices to receive signals from the user.
The input device(s) may comprise a keyboard, roller ball, pen and stylus, mouse, trackball, voice recognition system, or pre-designated switches or buttons. The output device(s) may comprise a speaker, a display screen, a printer, or a voice synthesizer. In addition, a touch screen may act as a hybrid input/output device. In another embodiment, a user may interact with the system more directly such as through a system terminal connected to the score generator without communications over the Internet, a WAN, or LAN, or similar network.
In some embodiments, the system 1802 may comprise a physical or logical connection established between a remote microprocessor and a mainframe host computer for the express purpose of uploading, downloading, or viewing interactive data and databases on-line in real time. The remote microprocessor may be operated by an entity operating the computer system 1802, including the client server systems or the main server system, an/or may be operated by one or more of the data sources 1822 and/or one or more of the computing systems 1820. In some embodiments, terminal emulation software may be used on the microprocessor for participating in the micro-mainframe link.
In some embodiments, computing systems 1820 who are internal to an entity operating the computer system 1802 may access the health testing and diagnostic module 1814 internally as an application or process run by the CPU 1806.
In some embodiments, one or more features of the systems, methods, and devices described herein can utilize a URL and/or cookies, for example for storing and/or transmitting data or user information. A Uniform Resource Locator (URL) can include a web address and/or a reference to a web resource that is stored on a database and/or a server. The URL can specify the location of the resource on a computer and/or a computer network. The URL can include a mechanism to retrieve the network resource. The source of the network resource can receive a URL, identify the location of the web resource, and transmit the web resource back to the requestor. A URL can be converted to an IP address, and a Domain Name System (DNS) can look up the URL and its corresponding IP address. URLs can be references to web pages, file transfers, emails, database accesses, and other applications. The URLs can include a sequence of characters that identify a path, domain name, a file extension, a host name, a query, a fragment, scheme, a protocol identifier, a port number, a username, a password, a flag, an object, a resource name and/or the like. The systems disclosed herein can generate, receive, transmit, apply, parse, serialize, render, and/or perform an action on a URL.
A cookie, also referred to as an HTTP cookie, a web cookie, an internet cookie, and a browser cookie, can include data sent from a website and/or stored on a user's computer. This data can be stored by a user's web browser while the user is browsing. The cookies can include useful information for websites to remember prior browsing information, such as a shopping cart on an online store, clicking of buttons, login information, and/or records of web pages or network resources visited in the past. Cookies can also include information that the user enters, such as names, addresses, passwords, credit card information, etc. Cookies can also perform computer functions. For example, authentication cookies can be used by applications (for example, a web browser) to identify whether the user is already logged in (for example, to a web site). The cookie data can be encrypted to provide security for the consumer. Tracking cookies can be used to compile historical browsing histories of individuals. Systems disclosed herein can generate and use cookies to access data of an individual. Systems can also generate and use JSON web tokens to store authenticity information, HTTP authentication as authentication protocols, IP addresses to track session or identity information, URLs, and the like.
The computing system 1802 may include one or more internal and/or external data sources (for example, data sources 1822). In some embodiments, one or more of the data repositories and the data sources described above may be implemented using a relational database, such as DB2, Sybase, Oracle, CodeBase, and Microsoft® SQL Server as well as other types of databases such as a flat-file database, an entity relationship database, and object-oriented database, and/or a record-based database.
The computer system 1802 may also access one or more databases 1822. The databases 1822 may be stored in a database or data repository. The computer system 1802 may access the one or more databases 1822 through a network 1818 or may directly access the database or data repository through I/O devices and interfaces 1812. The data repository storing the one or more databases 1822 may reside within the computer system 1802.
In some embodiments, a remote health testing and diagnostic platform 1902 may be comprised of a registration and purchase module 1904, a testing module 1906, an analytics module 1908, and a reporting module 1910. The health testing and diagnostic platform 1902 may also comprise a user profile database 1912, a proctor database 1914, a test database 1916, and/or a site database 1918. The health testing and diagnostic platform 1902 can be connected to a network 1920. The network 1920 can be configured to connect the health testing and diagnostic platform 1902 to one or more proctor devices 1922, one or more user devices 1924, one or more pharmacy systems 1926, one or more third-party provider systems 1928 (e.g., payment providers, prescriber providers, courier service providers), and/or one or more government systems 1930.
The registration and purchase 1904 may function by facilitating patient registration through one or more registration interfaces and in conjunction with the user database 1912, store user registration data. The testing module 1906 may be configured to allow a user to initiate and complete a medical test or visit with a proctor through a series of pre-testing and testing interfaces, as described herein. The analytics module 1908 may be configured to dynamically analyze patient tests across a given population stored in the test database 1916 and provide structured data of the test results. The reporting module 1910 may function by dynamically and automatically reporting test results to government entities, patients, and third parties using one or more interfaces, such as one or more application programming interfaces. Each of the modules can be configured to interact with each other and the databases discussed herein.
In the foregoing specification, the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments thereof. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than restrictive sense.
Indeed, although this invention has been disclosed in the context of certain embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the invention extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the invention and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. In addition, while several variations of the embodiments of the invention have been shown and described in detail, other modifications, which are within the scope of this invention, will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art based upon this disclosure. It is also contemplated that various combinations or sub-combinations of the specific features and aspects of the embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope of the invention. It should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with, or substituted for, one another in order to form varying modes of the embodiments of the disclosed invention. Any methods disclosed herein need not be performed in the order recited. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the invention herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular embodiments described above.
It will be appreciated that the systems and methods of the disclosure each have several innovative aspects, no single one of which is solely responsible or required for the desirable attributes disclosed herein. The various features and processes described above may be used independently of one another or may be combined in various ways. All possible combinations and subcombinations are intended to fall within the scope of this disclosure.
Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate embodiments also may be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment also may be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination may in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination. No single feature or group of features is necessary or indispensable to each and every embodiment.
It will also be appreciated that conditional language used herein, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might,” “may,” “e.g.,” and the like, unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without author input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and the like are synonymous and are used inclusively, in an open-ended fashion, and do not exclude additional elements, features, acts, operations, and so forth. In addition, the term “or” is used in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so that when used, for example, to connect a list of elements, the term “or” means one, some, or all of the elements in the list. In addition, the articles “a,” “an,” and “the” as used in this application and the appended claims are to be construed to mean “one or more” or “at least one” unless specified otherwise. Similarly, while operations may be depicted in the drawings in a particular order, it is to be recognized that such operations need not be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. Further, the drawings may schematically depict one more example processes in the form of a flowchart. However, other operations that are not depicted may be incorporated in the example methods and processes that are schematically illustrated. For example, one or more additional operations may be performed before, after, simultaneously, or between any of the illustrated operations. Additionally, the operations may be rearranged or reordered in other embodiments. In certain circumstances, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Moreover, the separation of various system components in the embodiments described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all embodiments, and it should be understood that the described program components and systems may generally be integrated together in a single software product or packaged into multiple software products. Additionally, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims. In some cases, the actions recited in the claims may be performed in a different order and still achieve desirable results.
Further, while the methods and devices described herein may be susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific examples thereof have been shown in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not to be limited to the particular forms or methods disclosed, but, to the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the various implementations described and the appended claims. Further, the disclosure herein of any particular feature, aspect, method, property, characteristic, quality, attribute, element, or the like in connection with an implementation or embodiment can be used in all other implementations or embodiments set forth herein. Any methods disclosed herein need not be performed in the order recited. The methods disclosed herein may include certain actions taken by a practitioner; however, the methods can also include any third-party instruction of those actions, either expressly or by implication. The ranges disclosed herein also encompass any and all overlap, sub-ranges, and combinations thereof. Language such as “up to,” “at least,” “greater than,” “less than,” “between,” and the like includes the number recited. Numbers preceded by a term such as “about” or “approximately” include the recited numbers and should be interpreted based on the circumstances (e.g., as accurate as reasonably possible under the circumstances, for example ±5%, ±10%, ±15%, etc.). For example, “about 3.5 mm” includes “3.5 mm.” Phrases preceded by a term such as “substantially” include the recited phrase and should be interpreted based on the circumstances (e.g., as much as reasonably possible under the circumstances). For example, “substantially constant” includes “constant.” Unless stated otherwise, all measurements are at standard conditions including temperature and pressure.
As used herein, a phrase referring to “at least one of” a list of items refers to any combination of those items, including single members. As an example, “at least one of: A, B, or C” is intended to cover: A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, and A, B, and C. Conjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y and Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. may be at least one of X, Y or Z. Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z to each be present. The headings provided herein, if any, are for convenience only and do not necessarily affect the scope or meaning of the devices and methods disclosed herein.
Accordingly, the claims are not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but are to be accorded the widest scope consistent with this disclosure, the principles and the novel features disclosed herein.
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/645,191, filed Dec. 20, 2021, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/452,966, filed Oct. 29, 2021, which is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 17/514,891, filed Oct. 29, 2021, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/202,028, filed May 24, 2021, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/202,723, filed Jun. 22, 2021, each of which are incorporated herein by reference. Any and all applications for which a foreign or domestic priority claim is identified in the Application Data Sheet as filed with the present application are hereby incorporated by reference under 37 CFR 1.57.
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20180173913 | Pulitzer | Jun 2018 | A1 |
| 20210223239 | de Haan | Jul 2021 | A1 |
| 20220084659 | Rowe | Mar 2022 | A1 |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20230207119 A1 | Jun 2023 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63202723 | Jun 2021 | US | |
| 63202028 | May 2021 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 17645191 | Dec 2021 | US |
| Child | 18171200 | US | |
| Parent | 17452966 | Oct 2021 | US |
| Child | 17645191 | US | |
| Parent | 17514819 | Oct 2021 | US |
| Child | 17452966 | US |
