Systems and methods for drug dispensing

Abstract

The present invention relates to systems and methods for the remote dispensing of packaged and non-packaged medical products using networked communications systems. A preferred embodiment of the invention utilizes a network to provide for the secure delivery of confidential patient information and the sending of dispense instructions to a remote dispensing station. A preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to systems and methods of dispensing samples of drugs or other medical products. Another preferred embodiment of the invention provides a system and method for dispensing non-prescription medications.

What is claimed:  
     
         1 . A method for dispensing medical sample products from a sample dispenser comprising the steps of: 
 storing a plurality of medical sample products in a sample dispenser;    verifying a user's identification and ability to receive medical sample products from the sample dispenser;    using a control system to provide user access to the plurality of medical sample products in the dispenser, the control system actuating movement between a closed position and an open position;    removing a subset of the plurality of medical sample products from the dispenser in the open position and recording the subset of medical sample products into a database;    generating a monograph for a patient; and    using the control system to secure the sample dispenser in the closed position such that further user access to the medical sample products is prevented.    
     
     
         2 . The method for dispensing medical sample products of  claim 1 , wherein the monograph includes at least one of patient specific information, directions for use, name and strength of a prescription drug, warnings, possible side effects and quantity dispensed.  
     
     
         3 . A medical sample product dispenser comprising: 
 a housing;    a plurality of storage bins mounted within the housing, the plurality of storage bins containing a plurality of medical sample products;    a control system operably coupled to the housing to control user access to the dispenser, the control system actuating movement between a closed and an open position;    a computer mounted within the housing;    a user identification system mounted to the housing; and    a monograph generating device mounted to the housing.    
     
     
         4 . The medical sample product dispenser of  claim 3 , wherein the computer is in communication with a database data processor.  
     
     
         5 . The medical sample product dispenser of  claim 4 , wherein the database data processor is accessed by a plurality of manufacturers of the medical sample product dispenser.  
     
     
         6 . The medical sample product dispenser of  claim 3 , wherein the medical sample product dispenser further comprises at least one door mounted to the housing, at least one door having a plurality of bins.  
     
     
         7 . The medical sample product dispenser of  claim 3 , further comprising a proximity sensor.  
     
     
         8 . The medical sample product dispenser of  claim 3 , further comprising a label dispenser.  
     
     
         9 . The medical sample product dispenser of  claim 3 , wherein the computer is connected to a communication network.  
     
     
         10 . The medical sample product dispenser of  claim 3 , further comprises an actuator to open and close doors on the dispenser.  
     
     
         11 . The medical sample product dispenser of  claim 3 , wherein the computer is in communication with a server.  
     
     
         12 . The medical sample product dispenser of  claim 9 , further comprising an internet connection.  
     
     
         13 . A system to connect to medical product package dispenser comprising: 
 wireless communication device; and    a dispensing system having a wireless port; the wireless communication device being in wireless communication with the dispensing system to actuate dispensing of packaged medical products.    
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein the wireless communication device comprises a satellite system.  
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein the wireless communication device comprises a pager system.  
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein the wireless communication device comprises a personal digital assistant.  
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein the wireless communication device is in communication with a communication network.  
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 13 , further comprising a controlling data processor in communication with the wireless communication device.  
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 18 , wherein the controlling data processor and the wireless communication device communicate via a network.  
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein the packaged medical product is a prescription pharmaceutical.