Apparatus and method for managing prescription benefits Number:7,155,397 from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) owispatent A system and method are disclosed for managing prescription benefits. Case records containing information regarding patients and prescription coverage activities for the patients are stored in the system. Users are allowed access to the system via an appropriate electronic communication network. The user can subsequently perform various tasks in order to maintain and review coverage activities. The user can also enter additional prescription coverage activities into the case records, as well as verify that information entered into the case records has been updated.<H prescription, Apparatus, Apparatus, and, m, 7155397.html, Patent, pto, 7155397

Title: Apparatus and method for managing prescription benefits

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for managing prescription benefits. Case records containing information regarding patients and prescription coverage activities for the patients are stored in the system. Users are allowed access to the system via an appropriate electronic communication network. The user can subsequently perform various tasks in order to maintain and review coverage activities. The user can also enter additional prescription coverage activities into the case records, as well as verify that information entered into the case records has been updated.

Patent Number: 7,155,397 Issued on 12/26/2006 to Alexander, et al.

Inventors: Alexander; Jeffrey H. (Flemington, NJ), Jackson; William J. (West Orange, NJ), Stettin; Glen D. (Upper Saddle River, NJ), Carlson; Mark A. (Upper Arlington, OH), Taylor; Nicholas C. (Upper Arlington, OH), Juravel; Zev (New Hempstead, NY), Healy; Richard P. (Bronxville, NY)
Assignee: Medco Health Solutions, Inc. (Franklin Lakes, NJ)

Appl. No.: 10/334,981

Filed: January 2, 2003

Current U.S. Class: 705/2 ; 705/4; 707/3

Current International Class: G06Q 10/00 (20060101); G06F 17/30 (20060101); G06F 7/00 (20060101); G06Q 50/00 (20060101)

Field of Search: 705/2-4 707/3,4,104.1

References Cited [Referenced By]

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Foreign Patent Documents


1258813	Nov., 2002	EP

Other References

Stein and Chiplin, A Practical Guide to Medicare Hearings and Appeals, Fall 1999, Real Property Probate and Trust Journal, pp. 403-441. cited by examiner .
Sep. 22, 2003. PCT International Search Report from PCT/US03/01652. cited by other .
Written Opinion, Appl. No. PCT/US03/019652 mailed Oct. 12, 2004. cited by other.

Primary Examiner: Gilligan; C. Luke
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Donner; Irah H. Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP

Parent Case Text

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/349,352 filed Jan. 22, 2002, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A method of managing prescription benefits using a prescription benefit management system for a plurality of prescription benefit selections offered by at least one prescription benefit provider and administered by at least one prescription benefit administrator, the method comprising the steps: conducting a search using said prescription benefit management system for a predetermined case record using a search parameter page generated by the prescription benefit management system responsive to a request by the prescription benefit administrator, the case record containing information regarding a patient and prescription coverage activities for the patient; if multiple case records are retrieved from the search, then performing the steps: selecting, by said prescription benefit administrator, a desired case record for review, automatically capturing identification data from the selected case record by said prescription benefit management system, conducting at least one subsequent case record specific search by said prescription benefit administrator, and filtering the at least one subsequent case record specific search results with respect to the selected case record using the identification data by said prescription benefit management system; accessing the case record, if a single case record is retrieved from the search; conducting an inquiry on the case record to view or review selected prescription coverage activities contained in the case record; inputting additional prescription coverage activities into the case record, if necessary; verifying that the case record has been updated, if additional prescription coverage activities will not be inputted; and closing the case record.

2. A system for managing prescription benefits using a prescription benefit management system for a plurality of prescription benefit selections offered by at least one prescription benefit provider and administered by at least one prescription benefit administrator, comprising: a prescription benefits management system for a plurality of prescription benefit selections offered by at least one prescription benefit provider and administered by at least one prescription benefit administrator, storing case records containing information regarding patients and prescription coverage activities for the patient; a communication device operatively coupled to said prescription benefits management system for providing access to said prescription benefits management system over one or more electronic communication networks; and a user computer for accessing said prescription benefits management system from a remote location via said one or more electronic communication networks; said prescription benefits management system being configured to allow users to: conduct searches for predetermined case records using a search parameter page generated by said prescription benefit management system, if multiple case records are retrieved from the search, then performing the steps: selecting a desired case record for review by said prescription benefit administrator, automatically capturing identification data from said desired case record by said prescription benefit management system, conducting at least one subsequent case record specific search by said prescription benefit administrator, and filtering the at least one subsequent case record specific search results with respect to the selected case record using the identification data by said prescription benefit management system, conduct an inquiry on said desired case record to view or review selected prescription coverage activities contained therein, input additional prescription coverage activities into said desired case record, when the additional prescription coverage activities exist, verify that said desired case record has been updated, when additional prescription coverage activities will not be inputted, and close said desired case record.

3. A method of managing prescription benefits using a prescription benefit management system for a plurality of prescription benefit selections offered by at least one prescription benefit provider and administered by at least one prescription benefit administrator, the method, comprising the steps: conducting a search for a predetermined case record using a search parameter page generated by the prescription benefit management system for a first user, the case record containing information regarding a patient and prescription coverage activities for the patient; selecting, by said prescription benefit administrator, a desired case record for review from one or more case records retrieved by the search in response to receiving a user selection from the first user; automatically capturing identification data from the selected case record by said prescription benefit management system; conducting at least one subsequent case record specific search by said prescription benefit administrator, filtering the at least one subsequent case record specific search results with respect to the selected case record using the captured identification data; determining if the selected case record is currently being viewed by a second user; determining prescribed access rights for the first user and the second user for accessing the selected case record; releasing to the first user the selected case record from the second user without the second user's authorization when the first user has the prescribed access rights, and preventing release of the selected case record to the first user when the first user does not have the prescribed rights; conducting an inquiry on the selected case record to view or review selected prescription coverage activities contained therein; inputting additional prescription coverage activities into the selected case record, if when the at least one of the fist and second user has prescribed access rights; preventing input of additional prescription coverage activities into the selected case record when the at least one of the first and second user does not have prescribed access rights; verifying that the selected case record has been updated, if additional prescription coverage activities will not be inputted; and closing the selected case record.

4. The method of claim 3 further comprising a step of accessing at least one of a help manual and a user manual stored in electronic form on the prescription benefit management system to obtain instructions for assisting in operating the system.

5. The method of claim 3, further comprising a step of displaying a status report identifying at least approvals/denials of claims for prescription coverage.

6. The method of claim 3, further comprising a step of viewing a reference library containing a collection of documents used to support decisions made on a case record.

7. The method of claim 3, wherein the step of accessing further comprises a step of displaying case activity details corresponding to either specific information on the patient or prescription coverage activities for the patient, after the case record has been accessed.

8. The method of claim 3, wherein the step of conducting further comprises the steps: inquiring on communication items relating to the case record; and displaying details of all communication items that have occurred in the case record, including at least the medium and direction of each communication item.

9. The method of claim 3, further comprising a step of reviewing a coverage criteria for the case record subsequent to the step of conducting an inquiry, wherein the coverage criteria comprises information which led to a particular decision on the case record.

10. The method of claim 3, further comprising a step of displaying an activity report containing all prescription coverage activities and reference data for the case record.

11. The method of claim 3, further comprising a step of displaying coverage activity details for the selected case record, the coverage activity details including at least a list of products, a list of coverage products, and a list of product categories.

12. The method of claim 3, wherein the selected case record contains at least one prescription coverage denial, and further comprising the steps: displaying one or more reasons for each coverage denial; and reviewing details of the displayed reasons.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the case record is being reviewed by an administrator and further comprising a step of overriding the displayed coverage denial based on one or more clinical criteria.

14. The method of claim 12, further comprising a step of processing appealing the coverage denial based on clinical reasons, and wherein the coverage denial may be reversed or upheld.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the step of processing an appeal further includes a step of replacing an original prescription product with a substitute prescription product that is covered by a prescription benefit plan associated with the case record.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein the step of processing an appeal further comprises the step of viewing entries generated by prior reviews of at least one of the case record and any coverage denials thereof.

17. The method of claim 3, further comprising a step of creating a new review for the selected case record, and entering prescription coverage activity information for the case record.

18. The method of claim 3, wherein an administrator is accessing the case record, and further comprising the steps: changing a security status of the selected case record from a locked status to an unlocked states; and entering changes to one or more case parameters.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising a step of generating correspondence to be sent to a patient identified in the case record.

20. The method of claim 3, further comprising a step of automatically generating status reports for one or more clients at predetermined intervals.

21. The method of claim 3, further comprising a step of automatically generating and maintaining a record of all transactions performed while using the prescription benefits management system.

22. A method of managing prescription benefits using a prescription benefit management system for a plurality of prescription benefit selections offered by at least one prescription benefit provider and administered by at least one prescription benefit administrator, the method, comprising the steps: conducting a search for a predetermined case record using a search parameter page generated by the prescription benefit management system for a first user, the case record containing information regarding a patient and prescription coverage activities for the patient; selecting, by said prescription benefit administrator, a desired case record for review from one or more case records retrieved by the search in response to receiving a user selection from the first user; automatically capturing identification data from the selected case record by said prescription benefit management system; conducting at least one subsequent case record specific search by said prescription benefit administrator; filtering the at least one subsequent case record specific search results with respect to the selected case record using the captured identification data; determining if the selected case record is currently being viewed by a second user; determining prescribed access rights for the first user and the second user for accessing the selected case record; releasing to the first user the selected case record from the second user without the second user's authorization when the first user has the prescribed access rights, and preventing release of the selected case record to the first user when the first user does not have the prescribed rights; conducting an inquiry on the selected case record to view or review selected prescription coverage activities contained therein; inputting additional prescription coverage activities into the selected case record, if the current user has prescribed access rights; preventing input of additional prescription coverage activities into the selected case record when the at least one of the first and second user does not have prescribed access rights; verifying that the selected case record has been updated, when additional prescription coverage activities will not be inputted; automatically generating status reports for one or more clients at predetermined intervals; generating correspondence to be sent to a patient identified in the case record creating a new review for the selected case record, and entering prescription coverage activity information for the case record; changing a security status of the selected case record from a locked status to an unlocked status; entering changes to one or more case parameters; displaying one or more reasons for each coverage denial, reviewing details of the displayed reasons, and overriding the displayed coverage denial based on one or more clinical criteria; appealing at least one coverage denial based on clinical reasons in response to receiving a request from a user to at least one of appeal and override an initially correct prescription coverage denial based on additional information provided by the user, and wherein the coverage denial may be reversed or upheld, replacing an original prescription product with a substitute prescription product that is covered by a prescription benefit plan associated with the case record, and viewing entries generated by prior reviews of at least one of the case record and any coverage denials thereof; and closing the selected case record.

23. A method of managing prescription benefits using a prescription benefit management system for a plurality of prescription benefit selections offered by at least one prescription benefit provider and administered by at least one prescription benefit administrator, the method, comprising the steps: receiving at least one search term from a first user to search for a predetermined case record using a search parameter page generated by the prescription benefit management system, wherein the search parameter page includes an archive parameter; determining whether to search through historical and current data based on the archive parameter; conducting the search for the predetermined case record based at least in part on the at least one search term and the archive parameter; generating a search results page that provides the user with multiple case records that match the at least one search term; receiving an indication from the user to select a case record from the multiple case records; automatically capturing identification data from the selected case record by said prescription benefit management system; conducting at least one subsequent case record specific search by said prescription benefit administrator, filtering the at least one subsequent case record specific search results with respect to the selected case record by using the captured identification data by said prescription benefit management system; determining whether the use is a clinical user; when the user is determined to be the clinical user, generating a report for the case record that includes one or more communications that have occurred for the case record, coverage criteria relating to a prescription benefit plan, and an activity summary that is user selectable; in response to receiving an indication that the user has selected the activity summary, providing the user with a user-selectable list of approvals and denials of coverage, wherein the user-selectable list provides the user with an opportunity to override denials of coverage; and in response to receiving an indication that the user has overridden the denial of coverage comprising an initially correct prescription coverage denial based on additional information provided by the user, automatically ordering a substitute prescription product that is covered by the prescription benefit plan that was previously denied to replace an original prescription product indicated in the case record.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates to prescription benefits and, more particularly, to a method and system for managing prescription benefits coverage.

2. Description of the Related Art

Various employers offer healthcare coverage to their employees. The healthcare coverage will typically include the cost of prescription drugs (or products), in whole or in part. The healthcare coverage can also cover the cost of certain treatments. The type of prescription coverage offered to the employee can vary depending on the particular healthcare provider selected by the employer. The specific coverage offered to an employee can depend on several factors, including the particular coverage program negotiated by the employer. For example, the benefits available can be different depending on the medical coverage desired, the prescription medication available, etc. Furthermore, the specific benefits requested will directly effect the coverage cost.

Regardless of the coverage, the healthcare provider will place certain restrictions and/or limitations on the prescription medication available. These restrictions determine whether the healthcare provider will cover the cost of a prescription claim in full or in part. For example, the healthcare provider may cover the cost of a prescription claim in full, if the employee is willing to substitute a generic form of the prescribed medication. The cost of the prescription can be subsidized to different degrees, depending on the type of coverage, for example, if the employee prefers to use a brand name form of the medication.

Oftentimes, the healthcare provider will negotiate actual medication costs with one or more pharmaceutical companies in order to arrive at a coverage plan which best satisfies the budgetary requirements of the employer. For example, depending on the size of the healthcare provider or employer, various discounts can be allowed if a certain number of patients subscribe to the plan. Costs can be controlled by substituting generic forms of a drug (i.e., product) in place of name brand form. Costs can also be controlled based on the drug (i.e., product) used to treat a particular disease or condition.

Implementation of a healthcare coverage plan requires administrative procedures to address circumstances when a patient requires specialized treatment and/or medication. While such treatments may be supported by the coverage plan, the extent of coverage may be limited due to, for example, a very low rate of occurrence. Healthcare providers can conduct negotiations with employers in order to reach an agreement on how the coverage plan will address these special circumstances. These negotiations can often include guidelines for dealing with coverage of special medication and/or treatment not desired by the employer due to, for example, higher costs. For example, the coverage plan can require that a patient seek alternative forms of treatment prior to obtaining coverage for a specialized medical procedure. The patient may also receive coverage for certain types of drugs (i.e., products) only if alternative drugs have been tried unsuccessfully.

Healthcare coverage plans must also provide patients with an avenue for dispute resolution/mediation of claim denials for coverage of treatments and medications (e.g., coverage denials), whether basic or specialized. This can be in the form of an appeal or review process which examines the underlying circumstances for denying coverage of the treatment and/or medication. The specific details for dispute resolution and mediation must also be negotiated between the employer and healthcare provider as part of the coverage plan.

Healthcare providers can face difficulties in managing coverage plans depending on various factors. For example, a healthcare provider may render services to a number of employers, each of whom must offer coverage to multiple patients. The number of patients can vary, of course, based on the size of the employer and availability of alternative coverage plans (e.g., alternative healthcare providers). In the case of a large employer with few alternative coverage plans, the healthcare provider may be responsible for managing benefits of a great deal of patients. This situation is further complicated if the healthcare provider extends coverage plans to additional large employers.

When claims are received by the healthcare provider, they must be reviewed to ensure that they are supported by the patient's coverage plan. In the case of prescriptions, immediate approval or denial is required while the pharmacist prepares the prescription. It can be difficult to quickly approve or deny the prescription if the patient's prescription plan includes a large number of restrictions. Further complications arise when the patient requires specialized medication. It is possible to mistakenly support the prescription claim through the coverage plan if a restriction is overlooked. It is also possible to mistakenly deny the prescription claim if a restriction is misinterpreted.

Both situations can prove costly over time. For example, if prescription claims are mistakenly supported, the healthcare provider must absorb the loss rather than bill the client for the cost of covering the prescription claim. On the other hand, if prescriptions are mistakenly denied, clients may become dissatisfied and seek another healthcare provider. Consequently, healthcare providers must exercise care in managing the different coverage plans under their control.

The result of these negotiations is a comprehensive set of treatment and medication coverage rules. The coverage rules define the terms and/or conditions for approving, denying, and appealing coverage of basic and specialized treatment and medications. The coverage rules can be extensive and often must be converted into electronic form to assist in administration of the coverage plan.

Accordingly, there exists a need for a prescription benefits management system that addresses at least some of the current shortcomings of existing systems.

There also exists a need for a prescription benefits management system that allow healthcare providers to easily and efficiently manage multiple healthcare coverage plans.

There exists another need for a prescription benefits management system that minimizes the number and costs of errors associated with processing prescription claims.

There exists a further need for a prescription benefits management system that optimizes the medications and treatments available to patents.

There exists a still further need for a prescription benefits management system that optimizes the cost paid by patients to obtain prescription coverage.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore one feature and advantage of the present invention to address at least some of the shortcomings of the prior art in managing prescription benefits.

It is another optional feature and advantage of the present invention to provide a prescription benefits management system capable of allowing management of multiple healthcare coverage plans.

It is yet another optional feature and advantage of the present invention to provide a prescription benefits management system capable of minimizing the number of errors associated with processing prescription claims.

It is a further optional feature and advantage of the present invention to provide a prescription benefits management system capable of optimizing the medications and treatments available to patients.

It is a still further optional feature and advantage of the present invention to provide a prescription benefits management system of optimizing the cost paid by patients to obtain prescription coverage.

The foregoing, and various other needs, are addressed, at least in part, by the present invention, wherein a benefits management system allows case records to be managed, searched, and modified quickly and efficiently from central location.

According to one embodiment of the invention, a method is provided for managing prescription benefits using a prescription benefit management system. The method comprising the steps: accessing a case record containing information regarding a patient and prescription coverage activities for the patient; conducting an inquiry on the case record to view and/or review selected prescription coverage activities contained in the case record; inputting additional prescription coverage activities into the case record, if necessary; verifying that the case record has been updated, if additional prescription coverage activities will not be inputted; and closing the case record. According to such a method, multiple prescription benefits coverage plans can be easily and efficiently managed in order to optimize the cost of service to patients. Furthermore, the range of treatments (or medications) available to patients can be increased.

According to certain optional aspects of the invention, users can obtain various instructional and informative information while using the prescription benefits management system. More particularly, users can easily obtain help documentation regarding certain topics while using the system. Actual technical and reference manuals are also available for access while using the system. Status reports can also be obtained to identify various reasons why a claim for prescription coverage may have been approved or denied. Users can also access a reference library containing documents used to support decisions, such as a prescription coverage denial.

According to another optional embodiment of the invention, certain users can access case records that are currently open and release (or close) such case records. For example, a case record being viewed by a user can be opened by a special user. Next, the special user can release the case record without the user's authorization. Such a feature can allow administrative personnel to modify and/or update case records without the need to wait for users to finish accessing those case records. Furthermore, such a feature can assist in maintaining case records stored in the prescription benefits management system. For example, there are situations where case records may be inadvertently left open or otherwise become inaccessible. An administrative personnel, for example, could access and close the case record, thereby making it available for use by other users.

According to another optional embodiment of the present invention, users can view the reasons used to deny a prescription coverage, including any specific details pertaining to the denial. Administrators can review such denials and impose an override based on various clinical criteria. Users can also process appeals received for denial of a prescription coverage, and subsequently reverse the denial. As part of the reversal, an original prescription product can optionally be replaced by a substitute product which has the same benefits of the original product, but is covered under the patients prescription benefits program.

According to another aspect of the invention, an arrangement system for managing prescription benefits comprises a prescription benefits management system, a communication device, and a user computer. The prescription benefits management system stores a plurality of case records that contain information regarding patients and prescription coverage activities for the patient. The communication device is coupled to the prescription benefits management system for providing access to users over one or more electronic communication networks. A user is capable of utilizing the user computer to access the prescription benefits management system from a remote location. The prescription benefits management system further allows users to: conduct an inquiry on the case records to view and/or review selected prescription coverage activities contained in the case record; input additional prescription coverage activities into the case records, if necessary; verify that the case records have been updated, if additional prescription coverage activities will not be inputted; and close the case records. According to such an arrangement, prescription benefits coverage plans can be easily and efficiently managed in order to optimize the cost of service to patients. Furthermore, the range of treatments (or medications) available to patients can be increased.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention and several, but not all, embodiments in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.

In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientists, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The abstract is neither intended to define the invention of the application, which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way.

These, together with other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there is illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a hierarchical menu layout of a prescription benefits management system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a flow chart illustrating the steps performed when authorizing access to the prescription benefits management system;

FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating the steps performed to obtain assistance in using the prescription benefits management system;

FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating the steps performed to release a case currently being held;

FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating the steps performed when conducting a search for case records;

FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating the steps performed when the details of a case must be viewed;

FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating the steps performed when reviewing the history of communications for a case;

FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating the steps performed when reviewing the coverage criteria for a prescription;

FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating the steps performed to review the status of a case;

FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrate exemplary functions accessible from an administrative menu;

FIG. 11 illustrates an arrangement for managing prescription benefits according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary computer system for implementing an embodiment of the prescription benefits management system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference now will be made in detail to the presently preferred embodiments of the invention. Such embodiments are provided by way of explanation of the invention, which is not intended to be limited thereto. In fact, those of ordinary skill in the art may appreciate upon reading the present specification and viewing the present drawings that various modifications and variations can be made.

For example, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used on other embodiments to yield a still further embodiment. Additionally, certain features may be interchanged with similar devices or features not mentioned yet which perform the same or similar functions. It is therefore intended that such modifications and variations are included within the totality of the present invention.

Prior to describing the details of the invention, a brief discussion of some of the notations and nomenclature used in the description will be presented. Next, a description of exemplary hardware useable in practicing the invention will be presented.

Notations and Nomenclature

The detailed descriptions which follow may be presented in terms of program procedures executed on a computer or network of computers. These procedural descriptions and representations are the means used by those skilled in the art to most effectively convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art.

A procedure is here, and generally, conceived to be a self-consistent sequence of steps leading to a desired result. These steps are those requiring physical manipulations of physical quantities. Usually, though not necessarily, these quantities take the form of electrical or magnetic signals capable of being stored, transferred, combined, compared and otherwise manipulated. It proves convenient at times, principally for reasons of common usage, to refer to these signals as bits, values, elements, symbols, characters, terms, numbers, or the like. It should be noted, however, that all of these and similar terms are to be associated with the appropriate physical quantities and are merely convenient labels applied to these quantities.

Further, the manipulations performed are often referred to in terms, such as adding or comparing, which are commonly associated with mental operations performed by a human operator. No such capability of a human operator is necessary, or desirable in most cases, in any of the operations described herein which form part of the present invention; the operations are preferably machine operations, although the operations may also be manual in alternative embodiments. Useful machines for performing the operation of the present invention include general purpose digital computers or similar devices.

The present invention also relates to apparatus for performing these operations. This apparatus may be specially constructed for the required purpose or it may include a general purpose computer as selectively activated or reconfigured by a computer program stored in the computer. The procedures presented herein are not inherently related to a particular computer or other apparatus. Various general purpose machines may be used with programs written in accordance with the teachings herein, or it may prove more convenient to construct more specialized apparatus to perform the required method steps. Alternatively, one or more of the steps may be performed manually. The required structure for a variety of these machines will appear from the description given.

Hardware Overview

FIG. 12 is a block diagram that illustrates a computer system 200 upon which an embodiment of the invention may be implemented. Computer system 200 includes a bus 202 or other communication mechanism for communicating information, and a processor 204 coupled with bus 202 for processing information. Computer system 200 also includes a main memory 206, such as a random access memory (RAM) or other dynamic storage device, coupled to bus 202 for storing information and instructions to be executed by processor 204. Main memory 206 also may be used for storing temporary variables or other intermediate information during execution of instructions to be executed by processor 204. Computer system 200 further includes a read only memory (ROM) 208 or other static storage device coupled to bus 202 for storing static information and instructions for processor 204. A storage device 210, such as a magnetic disk or optical disk, is provided and coupled to bus 202 for storing information and instructions.

Computer system 200 may be coupled via bus 202 to a display 212, such as a cathode ray tube (CRT), for displaying information to a computer user. An input device 214, including alphanumeric and other keys, is coupled to bus 202 for communicating information and command selections to processor 204. Another type of user input device is cursor control 216, such as a mouse, a trackball, or cursor direction keys for communicating direction information and command selections to processor 204 and for controlling cursor movement on display 212. This input device typically has two degrees of freedom in two axes, a first axis (e.g., x) and a second axis (e.g., y), that allows the device to specify positions in a plane.

The invention is related to the use of computer system 200 for managing prescription benefits. According to one embodiment of the invention, managing prescription benefits is provided by computer system 200 in response to processor 204 executing one or more sequences of one or more instructions contained in main memory 206. Such instructions may be read into main memory 206 from another computer-readable medium, such as storage device 210. Execution of the sequences of instructions contained in main memory 206 causes processor 204 to perform the process steps described herein. One or more processors in a multi-processing arrangement may also be employed to execute the sequences of instructions contained in main memory 206. In alternative embodiments, hard-wired circuitry may be used in place of or in combination with software instructions to implement the invention. Thus, embodiments of the invention are not limited to any specific combination of hardware circuitry and software.

The term "computer-readable medium" as used herein refers to any medium that participates in providing instructions to processor 204 for execution. Such a medium may take many forms, including but not limited to, non-volatile media, volatile media, and transmission media. Non-volatile media include, for example, optical or magnetic disks, such as storage device 210. Volatile media include dynamic memory, such as main memory 206. Transmission media include coaxial cables, copper wire and fiber optics, including the wires that comprise bus 202. Transmission media can also take the form of acoustic or light waves, such as those generated during radio frequency (RF) and infrared (IR) data communications. Common forms of computer-readable media include, for example, a floppy disk, a flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, any other magnetic medium, a CD-ROM, DVD, any other optical medium, punch cards, paper tape, any other physical medium with patterns of holes, a RAM, a PROM, and EPROM, a FLASH-EPROM, any other memory chip or cartridge, a carrier wave as described hereinafter, or any other medium from which a computer can read.

Various forms of computer readable media may be involved in carrying one or more sequences of one or more instructions to processor 204 for execution. For example, the instructions may initially be borne on a magnetic disk of a remote computer. The remote computer can load the instructions into its dynamic memory and send the instructions over a telephone line using a modem. A modem local to computer system 200 can receive the data on the telephone line and use an infrared transmitter to convert the data to an infrared signal. An infrared detector coupled to bus 202 can receive the data carried in the infrared signal and place the data on bus 202. Bus 202 carries the data to main memory 206, from which processor 204 retrieves and executes the instructions. The instructions received by main memory 206 may optionally be stored on storage device 210 either before or after execution by processor 204.

Computer system 200 also includes a communication interface 218 coupled to bus 202. Communication interface 218 provides a two-way data communication coupling to a network link 220 that is connected to a local network 222. For example, communication interface 218 may be an integrated services digital network (ISDN) card or a modem to provide a data communication connection to a corresponding type of telephone line. As another example, communication interface 218 may be a local area network (LAN) card to provide a data communication connection to a compatible LAN. Wireless links may also be implemented. In any such implementation, communication interface 218 sends and receives electrical, electromagnetic or optical signals that carry digital data streams representing various types of information.

Network link 220 typically provides data communication through one or more networks to other data devices. For example, network link 220 may provide a connection through local network 222 to a host computer 224 or to data equipment operated by an Internet Service Provider (ISP) 226. ISP 226 in turn provides data communication services through the worldwide packet data communication network, now commonly referred to as the "Internet" 228. Local network 222 and Internet 228 both use electrical, electromagnetic or optical signals that carry digital data streams. The signals through the various networks and the signals on network link 220 and through communication interface 218, which carry the digital data to and from computer system 200, are exemplary forms of carrier waves transporting the information.

Computer system 200 can send messages and receive data, including program code, through the network(s), network link 220, and communication interface 218. In the Internet example, a server 230 might transmit a requested code for an application program through Internet 228, ISP 226, local network 222 and communication interface 218. In accordance with the invention, one such downloaded application provides for managing prescription benefits as described herein. The received code may be executed by processor 204 as it is received, and/or stored in storage device 210, or other non-volatile storage for later execution. In this manner, computer system 200 may obtain application code in the form of a carrier wave.

Prescription Benefits Management System

Turning now to the drawings and initially to FIG. 1, a block diagram is shown for illustrating a menu hierarchy of a prescription benefits management system 100 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The prescription benefits management system 100 is designed to provide users an ability to conveniently manage and implement a prescription benefits program. These abilities include, but are not limited to: browsing coverage related information, aggregating coverage activities summary, administering appeal procedures, and generating related correspondences. The prescription benefits management system 100 is also capable of administering coverage reviews and generating related correspondence; tracking and managing contacts/communications with members (e.g., employers), physicians, and pharmacist; and creating and maintaining coverage criteria.

The prescription benefits management system 100 can be remotely accessed by various users including, but not limited to, patients, clients (e.g. employers, healthcare providers, etc.), and administrators in order to obtain and review information regarding their prescription benefit program. Access can be provided, for example, using an appropriate communication interface 218 and/or device, as discussed with respect to FIG. 12. For example appropriate network connectors and/or high speed communication devices (cable modem, DSL modem, satellite data transfer, etc.) can be used in conjunction with an ISP 226 to establish the connection.

The prescription benefits management system 100 provides support to healthcare administrators in processing pharmaceutically related coverage review and/or appeals by providing real-time access to coverage information for members. For example, the coverage information can include the coverage criteria, case activity, reasons for denial, etc. The prescription benefits management system 100 can be configured as a rules-based Coverage Management Workstation (CMWS) for easily implementing, modifying, and utilizing prescription benefit programs for multiple clients (or employers).

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the prescription benefits management system 100 presents the user a hierarchical menu system that allows the user to access various information and perform tasks necessary to properly manage the prescription benefits of a client. Furthermore, the client can also access the prescription benefits management system 100 in order to obtain and/or review information pertaining to its account. Although FIG. 1 illustrates specific menus and transactions that can be accessed, it should be noted that the prescription benefits management system 100 can also include various other menus and transactions. The specific implementation of the system, as well as client needs, will determine the exact menu layout to be used. For example, the prescription benefits management system 100 can include menus for performing any and all tasks related to management of prescription benefits. Furthermore, alternative embodiments of the prescription benefits management system 100 can include different menu layouts that allow users to more efficiently perform the tasks necessary to manage a client's prescription benefits.

According to the exemplary hierarchy, the prescription benefits management system 100 provides users with an initial login screen 110. The login screen 110 can be used, for example to request a username/password combination, an account/password combination, etc. The login screen 110 is used, in part, to verify that the user is authorized to access the prescription benefits management system 100. This is particularly significant in embodiments of the prescription benefits management system 100 that allow remote access through open, or public, networks. More particularly, the prescription benefits management system 100 can be assessed in several ways. Users can access the system through private, or local area networks (LANs) that provide a different level of security because all users are internal users (e.g. employers) of a company. However, certain embodiments can allow access by external users through public networks such as the Internet and/or World Wide Web (WWW). In such instances, authentication is important because a malicious user can attempt to gain unauthorized access. Once access is gained, such a user can change, modify, or possibly destroy records and/or other data stored on the prescription benefits management system 100.

The login screen 110 can also be used to automatically establish access rights to certain users. For example, an administrative user may have designated authority to change, modify, or create information stored on the prescription benefits management system 100. A staff member (e.g., a customer service representative) may have the authority to view, change, or modify data without being able to create new records. A client or patient accessing the prescription benefits management system 100 may only have the authority to view information, respond to questions, and/or enter data into forms. Again, such access rights can vary depending on the specific implementation of the prescription benefits management system 100.

Upon successful login to the prescription benefits management system 100, the user is presented with a main menu 112. The main menu 112 can be presented through a graphical interface that includes icons, menus, buttons, etc. representative of available options. The user could make selections using an available cursor control device 216 (illustrated in FIG. 12), as previously discussed. Alternatively, the main menu 112 can be presented to the user through a text, or non-graphical, interface. The user would then use various combinations of keystrokes from the input device 214 to make the proper selection.

According to the embodiment of the prescription benefits management system 100 illustrated in FIG. 1, the main menu 112 provides the user with five menu (or submenu) options. Namely, the user has an option to view help and user manuals 114, obtain a status report 116, view a reference library 118, release a case 120, or search for one or more cases 122. As previously discussed, other options may be provided depending on implementation and client needs.

The view help and user manuals menu 114 provides the user access to various documentation to assist in operating the prescription benefits management system 100. When the user accesses this menu, they can be presented with additional submenus that require input specific for accessing user manuals or help manual. The help manuals can be in the form of context-sensitive on-line documents. In addition, the help manuals can be in the form of individual pages that contain descriptive text on certain components of the prescription benefits management system 100. The help manuals could be used, for example, to provide an overview or assistance with the prescription benefits management system 100, and would not be intended to provide detailed and/or technical information regarding the prescription benefits management system 100. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the view help and user manuals menu 114 can be accessed from any menu level (e.g., accessible from every menu presented) in the prescription benefits management system 100. Accordingly, a user could always seek assistance. In addition, the pages of the help manual can include descriptive text about the menu, or page, from which the user requested help.

According to the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the user manuals are electronic versions of the actual manuals/documentation for the prescription benefits management system 100. The user manuals can be stored in various formats to facilitate and simplify access by users. Such formats include, but are not limited to, plain text, formatted text, word processor-specific format (e.g. MS Word, WordPerfect, etc), Adobe Acrobat, hypertext, HTML, etc. Accordingly, the user would be capable of conveniently obtaining the same information contained in the actual reference manuals directly from the computer. The prescription benefits management system 100 can also be configured to automatically access necessary, or helper, applications to display both the user manuals and the help pages.

The user can optionally access the status report menu 116. The status report menu 116 allows the user to obtain information regarding approvals, denials, and other status data based on product or application. The information displayed on the status report menu 116 can include hyperlinks for information such as contract, carrier, client id, etc. When the hyperlinks are selected, the prescription benefit management system 100 would automatically generate or retrieve the appropriate status report. The status report menu 116 can also include search fields that allow the user to enter certain criteria, such as a specific date range, for which the report will be generated. The actual status report criteria can be pre-determined in the event the user does not wish to enter a date range. In such instances, the default period could be, for example, the most recent 24-hour period. Depending on the users specific access level, the status report menu 116 can optionally provide an option to print the report generated. Furthermore, the user can be given an option to select or change the particular client for which the report is being viewed.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the prescription benefit management system 100 is optionally configured to automatically generate quarterly status reports for each client. Thus, unless a user requires status information that is less than three months old, the quarterly status report can be automatically or manually retrieved. According to an optional embodiment of the present invention, the quarterly status report would contain information for all clients. Alternatively, the user can input specific criteria to identify one or more clients. The status reports would then be generated for the identified clients.

The user can select the view reference library menu 118 in order to examine various documents used to support decisions made for a particular case record. Such decision support document are typically authored by users having administrative privileges. Non-administrative users are free to access and view documents stored in the reference library, although they are unable to make any changes. The decision support documents can be organized by product group and configured to take various forms. For example, one implemented document group contains coverage summary documents which describe a product and also describe prior authorization criteria and/or rationale necessary for supporting a coverage denial. Another type of decision support document is a reference document which contains a list of citations referring to external reference articles and/or other publications that have been used to support a particular coverage denial. Depending on the decision being made, a product may include a coverage summary document, while only certain products will have an associated reference document. In general, all products will contain a coverage summary document while not all will require a reference document. When the user accesses the list of citations, hypertext links can be used in order to retrieve the actual text or content of individual citations.

The release case menu 120 allows users to release a case record being held by another user. This is beneficial for preventing multiple edits to different copies of the original file. Typically, only administrative users are given the option to release a case record. This safeguard minimizes the number of users capable of incorporating changes to a case record, thus minimizing potential errors. For example, if a first user is currently viewing a case record, that case record is considered held by the user. A copy of the information stored in the prescription benefits management system 100 is displ