U.S. patent application number 13/013680 was filed with the patent office on 2011-05-19 for sensitive drug distribution system and method.
This patent application is currently assigned to Orphan Medical, Inc.. Invention is credited to Patti A. Engel, Bob Gagne, Dayton T. Reardan.
Application Number | 20110119085 13/013680 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32507272 |
Filed Date | 2011-05-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110119085 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Reardan; Dayton T. ; et
al. |
May 19, 2011 |
SENSITIVE DRUG DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM AND METHOD
Abstract
A drug distribution system and method utilizes a central
pharmacy and database to track all prescriptions for a sensitive
drug. Information is kept in the database regarding all physicians
allowed to prescribe the sensitive drug, and all patients receiving
the drug. Abuses are identified by monitoring data in the database
for prescription patterns by physicians and prescriptions obtained
by patients. Further verification is made that the physician is
eligible to prescribe the drug by consulting a separate database,
and optionally whether any actions are taken against the physician.
Multiple controls beyond those for normal drugs are imposed on the
distribution depending on the sensitivity of the drug.
Inventors: |
Reardan; Dayton T.;
(Shorewood, MN) ; Engel; Patti A.; (Eagan, MN)
; Gagne; Bob; (St. Paul, MN) |
Assignee: |
Orphan Medical, Inc.
Palo Alto
CA
Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
32507272 |
Appl. No.: |
13/013680 |
Filed: |
January 25, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12704097 |
Feb 11, 2010 |
7895059 |
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13013680 |
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10322348 |
Dec 17, 2002 |
7668730 |
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12704097 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
705/2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G16H 50/20 20180101;
G16H 40/20 20180101; G16H 10/60 20180101; G16H 20/10 20180101; G16H
70/40 20180101 |
Class at
Publication: |
705/2 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 50/00 20060101
G06Q050/00; G06Q 10/00 20060101 G06Q010/00 |
Claims
1. A method of treatment of a narcoleptic patient with a
prescription drug that has the potential for misuse, abuse or
diversion, comprising: receiving into a single computer database
all prescriptions for the prescription drug with the potential for
abuse, misuse or diversion, wherein the prescription drug is
distributed by a company that obtained approval for distribution of
the prescription drug; entering into the single database
information identifying the narcoleptic patient and a prescriber,
and entering into the single database information relating to the
company's prescription drug; entering information into the single
database relating to abuse, misuse, or diversion of the company's
prescription drug; processing all prescriptions for the company's
prescription drug using the single computer database to control the
distribution of the company's prescription drug by tracking
prescriptions and identifying patterns of abuse, misuse, or
diversion; providing the company's prescription drug to the
narcoleptic patient in order to treat the narcoleptic patient with
the company's prescription drug; and selecting two or more controls
from the group consisting of: identifying the prescriber's name,
license, and Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) registration
information; verifying the prescription; obtaining patient
information; verifying that a physician or other prescriber is
eligible to prescribe the company's prescription drug by consulting
the National Technical Information Services to determine whether
the physician or other prescriber has an active DEA number and to
check on whether any actions are pending against the physician or
other prescriber; contacting the narcoleptic patient's insurance
company; verifying patient registry information; providing
educational information to the narcoleptic patient concerning the
use of or risks associated with the company's prescription drug;
verifying that the narcoleptic patient has received or read the
educational materials concerning the company's prescription drug;
verifying the home address of the narcoleptic patient; shipping the
company's prescription drug via US Postal Service or other
commercial shipping service; receiving the name of at least one
18-year-old designee to receive the company's prescription drug;
confirming receipt of an initial shipment of the company's
prescription drug to the narcoleptic patient; returning the
company's prescription drug to a pharmacy after two attempts to
deliver have failed; launching an investigation when a shipment is
lost; shipping the company's prescription drug to a pharmacy for
delivery to or pick-up by the narcoleptic patient; inquiring about
the reason for requested early refills of the company's
prescription drug; flagging repeat instances of lost, stolen,
destroyed, or spilled prescriptions; limiting the prescription of
the company's prescription drug to a one-month supply; requiring
rewriting of the prescription periodically; and making the database
available to the DEA for checking for abuse, misuse, or diversion
patterns in the data; authorizing the filling, using the single
computer database, of a prescription for the company's prescription
drug that has been subjected to the two or more controls and has
been approved for shipment to the narcoleptic patient; and noting,
based on the analysis of potential abuse, misuse, or diversion of
the company's prescription drug, that there is a potential for
abuse, misuse, or diversion by the narcoleptic patient to whom the
company's prescription drug is prescribed; wherein the prescription
drug that has the potential for misuse, abuse or diversion is a
gamma hydroxy butyrate (GHB) drug product; wherein said GHB drug
product treats cataplexy in said narcoleptic patient.
2. A method of treatment of a narcoleptic patient with a
prescription drug that has a potential for misuse, abuse or
diversion, comprising: receiving into a single computer database
all prescriptions for the prescription drug with the potential for
abuse, misuse or diversion, wherein the prescription drug is sold
or distributed by a company that obtained approval for distribution
of the prescription drug; entering into the single computer
database information sufficient to identify the narcoleptic patient
for whom the company's prescription drug is prescribed; entering
into the single computer database information sufficient to
identify a physician or other prescriber of the company's
prescription drug and information to show that the physician or
other prescriber is authorized to prescribe the company's
prescription drug; entering and maintaining in the single computer
database information that indicates that the narcoleptic patient or
prescriber has abused, misused, or diverted the company's
prescription drug; and using the single computer database to
authorize filling of the prescriptions for the company's
prescription drug only if there is no record of incidents that
indicate abuse, misuse, or diversion by the narcoleptic patient or
prescriber, or if there is a record of such incidents, the single
computer database indicates that such incidents have been
investigated, and the single computer database indicates that such
incidents do not involve abuse, misuse or diversion.
3. The method of claim 2, comprising delivering the prescription
drug to the narcoleptic patient in order to treat the narcoleptic
patient with the prescription drug.
4. The method of claim 2, wherein an exclusive central pharmacy
controls the single computer database.
5. The method of claim 2, comprising selectively blocking shipment
of the prescription drug to a narcoleptic patient.
6. The method of claim 2, wherein an abuse pattern is associated
with a narcoleptic patient, and shipment of the prescription drug
is blocked based upon such association.
7. The method of claim 2, wherein the prescription drug comprises a
gamma hydroxy butyrate (GHB) drug product.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein said GHB drug product treats
cataplexy in said narcoleptic patient.
9. A method of treatment of a narcoleptic patient with a
prescription drug that has a potential for misuse, abuse or
diversion, comprising: receiving into a single computer database
all prescriptions for the prescription drug that has the potential
for abuse, misuse or diversion; entering into the single computer
database information sufficient to identify the narcoleptic patient
for whom the prescription drug is prescribed; entering into the
single computer database information sufficient to identify a
physician or other prescriber of the prescription drug and
information to show that the physician or other prescriber is
authorized to prescribe the prescription drug; entering and
maintaining in the single computer database information that
indicates that the narcoleptic patient or prescriber has abused,
misused, or diverted the prescription drug; using the single
computer database to authorize filling of the prescriptions for the
prescription drug only if there is no record of incidents that
indicate abuse, misuse, or diversion by the narcoleptic patient or
prescriber, or if there is a record of such incidents, the single
computer database indicates that such incidents have been
investigated, and the single computer database indicates that such
incidents do not involve abuse, misuse or diversion; and
distributing the prescription drug by a company that obtained
approval for distribution of the prescription drug.
10. The method of claim 9, comprising delivering the prescription
drug to the narcoleptic patient in order to treat the narcoleptic
patient with the prescription drug.
11. The method of claim 9, wherein an exclusive central pharmacy
controls the single computer database.
12. The method of claim 9, comprising selectively blocking shipment
of the prescription drug to the narcoleptic patient.
13. The method of claim 9, wherein an abuse pattern is associated
with the patient, and shipment of the prescription drug is blocked
based upon such association.
14. The method of claim 9, wherein the prescription drug comprises
a gamma hydroxy butyrate (GHB) drug product.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein said GHB drug product treats
cataplexy in said narcoleptic patient.
16. A method of treatment of a narcoleptic patient with a gamma
hydroxy butyrate (GHB) drug product while controlling potential
misuse, abuse or diversion of said GHB drug product, comprising:
controlling with a computer processor the distribution of the GHB
drug product, the GHB drug product sold or distributed by a company
that obtained approval for distribution of the GHB drug product,
the distribution implemented via an exclusive central pharmacy that
maintains an exclusive central database that tracks all
prescriptions of the company's GHB drug product and that analyzes
for potential abuse situations; receiving in the computer processor
all prescription requests, for any and all narcoleptic patients
being prescribed the company's GHB drug product, only at the
exclusive central pharmacy, from any and all medical doctors
allowed to prescribe the company's GHB drug product; processing in
the computer processor all prescriptions for the company's GHB drug
product only by the exclusive central pharmacy using only the
exclusive central database; determining with the computer processor
current and anticipated patterns of potential prescription abuse of
the company's GHB drug product from periodic reports generated only
by the exclusive central database, based on prescription request
data from a particular medical doctor and based on filling of
prescriptions by a particular narcoleptic patient, wherein the
request data contain information identifying the narcoleptic
patient, GHB as the drug prescribed, and credentials of the medical
doctor; and selecting with the computer processor multiple controls
for distribution by the exclusive central pharmacy, the controls
selected from the group consisting of communicating prescriptions
from the medical doctor to the exclusive central pharmacy;
identifying the medical doctor's name, license, and DEA (Drug
Enforcement Agency) registration information; verifying the
prescription; obtaining patient information; verifying the medical
doctor is eligible to prescribe the company's GHB drug product by
consulting the National Technical Information Services to determine
whether the medical doctor has an active DEA number and to check on
whether any actions are pending against the medical doctor;
providing comprehensive printed materials to the medical doctor;
contacting the narcoleptic patient's insurance company; verifying
patient registry information; providing comprehensive educational
information to the narcoleptic patient; verifying the narcoleptic
patient has reviewed the educational materials; verifying the home
address of the narcoleptic patient; shipping the GHB drug product
via US postal service or a commercial shipping service; receiving
the name of an at least 18 year old designee to receive the GHB
drug product; confirming receipt of an initial shipment of the GHB
drug product to the narcoleptic patient; returning the GHB drug
product to the pharmacy after two attempts to deliver; launching an
investigation when a shipment is lost; shipping to another pharmacy
for delivery; requiring manufacture at a single location; releasing
inventory in a controlled manner to the exclusive central pharmacy;
questioning early refills; flagging repeat instances of lost,
stolen, destroyed, or spilled prescriptions; limiting the
prescription to a one month supply; requiring rewriting of the
prescription periodically; and making the database available to the
DEA for checking for abuse patterns in the data, for cash payments,
and for inappropriate questions.
17. The method of claim 16, comprising consulting a separate
database to verify that the medical doctor is eligible to prescribe
the GHB drug product.
18. The method of claim 16, comprising delivering the GHB drug
product to the narcoleptic patient in order to treat the
narcoleptic patient with the GHB drug product.
19. The method of claim 16, wherein the exclusive central pharmacy
controls the exclusive computer database.
20. The method of claim 16, comprising selectively blocking
shipment of the GHB drug product to the narcoleptic patient.
21. The method of claim 16, wherein an abuse pattern is associated
with the narcoleptic patient, and shipment of the GHB drug product
is blocked based upon such association.
22. A method of treatment of a narcoleptic patient with a
prescription drug while controlling potential misuse, abuse or
diversion of said prescription drug, comprising: receiving in a
computer processor all prescription requests, for any and all
narcoleptic patients being prescribed the prescription drug,
wherein the prescription drug is distributed by a company that
obtained approval for distribution of the prescription drug, only
at the exclusive central pharmacy from any and all medical doctors
allowed to prescribe the company's prescription drug, the
prescription requests containing information identifying
narcoleptic patients, the prescription drug, and various
credentials of the any and all medical doctors; requiring entering
of the information into an exclusive computer database associated
with the exclusive central pharmacy for analysis of potential abuse
situations, wherein the exclusive central pharmacy and the
exclusive central database are unique in that they are the only
pharmacy and database in existence for the company's prescription
drug, and such that all prescriptions for the company's
prescription drug are processed only by the exclusive central
pharmacy using only the exclusive computer database; checking with
the computer processor the credentials of the any and all doctors
to determine the eligibility of the doctors to prescribe the
company's prescription drug; confirming with a narcoleptic patient
that educational material has been read prior to shipping the
company's prescription drug; checking the exclusive computer
database for potential abuse of the company's prescription drug,
wherein the uniqueness of the exclusive central pharmacy and the
exclusive central database facilitates a determination of the
potential abuse of the company's prescription drug; providing the
company's prescription drug to the narcoleptic patient only if no
potential abuse is found by the narcoleptic patient to whom the
company's prescription drug is prescribed and the doctor
prescribing the company's prescription drug; confirming receipt by
the narcoleptic patient of the company's prescription drug; and
generating with the computer processor periodic reports via the
exclusive computer database to evaluate potential diversion
patterns.
23. The method of claim 22, wherein one or more of the exclusive
central pharmacy and the exclusive central database are distributed
over multiple computers, and wherein a query operates over all data
in all the distributed databases relating to the prescriptions, the
doctors, and the narcoleptic patients.
24. The method of claim 22, wherein the providing the company's
prescription drug to the narcoleptic patient comprises the
exclusive central pharmacy authorizing the company's prescription
drug to be dispensed to the narcoleptic patient by another
pharmacy.
25. The method of claim 22, comprising delivering the company's
prescription drug to the narcoleptic patient in order to treat the
narcoleptic patient with the company's prescription drug.
26. The method of claim 22, wherein the exclusive central pharmacy
controls the exclusive computer database.
27. The method of claim 22, comprising selectively blocking
shipment of the company's prescription drug to the narcoleptic
patient.
28. The method of claim 22, wherein an abuse pattern is associated
with the narcoleptic patient, and shipment of the company's
prescription drug is blocked based upon such association.
29. The computerized method of claim 22, wherein the company's
prescription drug comprises a gamma hydroxy butyrate (GHB) drug
product.
30. A method of treatment of a narcoleptic patient with a
prescription drug that has the potential for misuse, abuse or
diversion, comprising: receiving into a single computer database
all prescriptions for a prescription drug with the potential for
abuse, misuse or diversion sold or distributed under a single
trademark; entering into the single database, information
identifying the narcoleptic patient, the prescriber; and the
trademarked prescription drug; entering information into the single
database relating to or indicating abuse, misuse, or diversion of
said prescription drug; processing all prescriptions for said
prescription drug using the single computer database to control the
distribution of said prescription drug by tracking prescriptions
and identifying patterns of abuse, misuse, or diversion; providing
said prescription drug to the narcoleptic patient in order to treat
the narcoleptic patient with the prescription drug; and selecting
two or more controls from the group comprising: identifying a
prescriber's name, license, and Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA)
registration information; verifying the prescription; obtaining
patient information; verifying that the physician or other
prescriber is eligible to prescribe said prescription drug by
consulting the National Technical Information Services to determine
whether the physician or other prescriber has an active DEA number
and to check on whether any actions are pending against the
physician or other prescriber; contacting the narcoleptic patient's
insurance company if any; verifying patient registry information;
providing education information to the narcoleptic patient
concerning the use of or risks associated with said prescription
drug; verifying that the narcoleptic patient has received or read
the educational materials concerning said prescription drug;
verifying the home address of the narcoleptic patient; shipping
said prescription drug via US Postal Service or other commercial
shipping service; receiving the name of at least one 18-year-old
designee to receive said prescription drug; confirming receipt of
an initial shipment of said prescription drug to the narcoleptic
patient; returning said prescription drug to a pharmacy after two
attempts to deliver have failed; launching an investigation when a
shipment is lost; shipping said prescription drug to a pharmacy for
delivery to or pick-up by the narcoleptic patient; requiring
manufacture of said prescription drug at a single location;
inquiring about the reason for requested early refills of said
prescription drug; flagging repeat instances of lost, stolen,
destroyed, or spilled prescriptions; limiting the prescription of
said prescription drug to a one-month supply; requiring rewriting
of the prescription periodically; making the database available to
the DEA for checking for abuse, misuse, or diversion patterns in
the data; authorizing the filling, using the single computer
database, of a prescription for said prescription drug that has
been subjected to two or more controls and has been approved for
shipment to the narcoleptic patient; noting based on one or more of
the analysis of potential abuse, misuse, or diversion of the
prescription drug, that there is a potential for abuse, misuse, or
diversion by a narcoleptic patient to whom the prescription drug is
prescribed; wherein the prescription drug that has the potential
for misuse, abuse or diversion is a gamma hydroxy butyrate (GHB)
drug product; wherein said GHB drug product treats cataplexy in
said narcoleptic patient.
31. A method of treatment of a narcoleptic patient with a
prescription drug that has the potential for misuse, abuse or
diversion, comprising: receiving into a single computer database
all prescriptions for a prescription drug that has the potential
for abuse, misuse or diversion which has been manufactured at a
single manufacturing site; entering into the single database,
information identifying the narcoleptic patient, the prescriber;
and the trademarked prescription drug; entering information into
the single database relating to or indicating abuse, misuse, or
diversion of said prescription drug; processing all prescriptions
for said prescription drug using the single computer database to
control the distribution of said prescription drug by tracking
prescriptions and identifying patterns of abuse, misuse, or
diversion; providing said prescription drug to the narcoleptic
patient in order to treat the narcoleptic patient with the
prescription drug; and selecting two or more controls from the
group comprising: identifying a prescriber's name, license, and
Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) registration information; verifying
the prescription; obtaining patient information; verifying that the
physician or other prescriber is eligible to prescribe said
prescription drug by consulting the National Technical Information
Services to determine whether the physician or other prescriber has
an active DEA number and to check on whether any actions are
pending against the physician or other prescriber; contacting the
narcoleptic patient's insurance company if any; verifying patient
registry information; providing education information to the
narcoleptic patient concerning the use of or risks associated with
said prescription drug; verifying that the narcoleptic patient has
received or read the educational materials concerning said
prescription drug; verifying the home address of the narcoleptic
patient; shipping said prescription drug via US Postal Service or
other commercial shipping service; receiving the name of at least
one 18-year-old designee to receive said prescription drug;
confirming receipt of an initial shipment of said prescription drug
to the narcoleptic patient; returning said prescription drug to a
pharmacy after two attempts to deliver have failed; launching an
investigation when a shipment is lost; shipping said prescription
drug to a pharmacy for delivery to or pick-up by the narcoleptic
patient; requiring manufacture of said prescription drug at a
single location; inquiring about the reason for requested early
refills of said prescription drug; flagging repeat instances of
lost, stolen, destroyed, or spilled prescriptions; limiting the
prescription of said prescription drug to a one-month supply;
requiring rewriting of the prescription periodically; making the
database available to the DEA for checking for abuse, misuse, or
diversion patterns in the data; authorizing the filling, using the
single computer database, of a prescription for said prescription
drug that has been subjected to two or more controls and has been
approved for shipment to the narcoleptic patient; noting based on
one or more of the analysis of potential abuse, misuse, or
diversion of the prescription drug, that there is a potential for
abuse, misuse, or diversion by a narcoleptic patient to whom the
prescription drug is prescribed.
32. A method of treatment of a narcoleptic patient with a
prescription drug that has the potential for misuse, abuse or
diversion, comprising: receiving into a single computer database
all prescriptions for a prescription drug with the potential for
abuse, misuse or diversion sold or distributed under a single
trademark; entering into the single database information sufficient
to identify the narcoleptic patient for whom said prescription drug
was prescribed; entering into the single database information
sufficient to identify the physician or other prescriber of said
prescription drug and information to show that the physician or
other prescriber was authorized to prescribe said prescription
drug; entering and maintaining in the single database information
which may suggest that the narcoleptic patient or prescriber has
abused, misused, or diverted said prescription drug; using the
single computer database to authorize filling of the prescriptions
for said prescription drug only if there is no record of incidents
that may suggest abuse, misuse, or diversion by the narcoleptic
patient or prescriber or if any such incidents have been
investigated and found not to involve abuse, misuse or
diversion.
33. A method of treatment of a narcoleptic patient with a
prescription drug that has the potential for misuse, abuse or
diversion, comprising: receiving into a single computer database
all prescriptions for a prescription drug that has been
manufactured at a single manufacturing site with the potential for
abuse, misuse or diversion; entering into the single database
information sufficient to identify the narcoleptic patient for whom
said prescription drug was prescribed, entering into the single
database information sufficient to identify the physician or other
prescriber of said prescription drug and information to show that
the physician or other prescriber was authorized to prescribe said
prescription drug; entering and maintaining in the single database
information which may suggest that the narcoleptic patient or
prescriber has abused, misused, or diverted said prescription drug;
using the single computer database to authorize filling of the
prescription for said prescription drug only if there is no record
of incidents that may suggest abuse, misuse, or diversion by the
narcoleptic patient or prescriber or if any such incidents have
been investigated and found not to involve abuse, misuse or
diversion; providing said prescription drug to the narcoleptic
patient in order to treat the narcoleptic patient with the
prescription drug; wherein the prescription drug that has the
potential for misuse, abuse or diversion is a gamma hydroxybutyrate
(GHB) drug product; wherein said GHB drug product treats cataplexy
in said narcoleptic patient.
34. A method of treatment of a narcoleptic patient with a
prescription drug that has the potential for misuse, abuse or
diversion, comprising: receiving into a single computer database
all prescriptions for the prescription drug with the potential for
abuse, misuse or diversion, wherein the prescription drug inventory
is owned by a company and is managed thorough said single computer
database; entering into the single database information identifying
the narcoleptic patient and a prescriber, and entering into the
single database information relating to the company's prescription
drug; entering information into the single database relating to
abuse, misuse, or diversion of the company's prescription drug;
processing all prescriptions for the company's prescription drug
using the single computer database to control the distribution of
the company's prescription drug by tracking prescriptions and
identifying patterns of abuse, misuse, or diversion; providing the
company's prescription drug to the narcoleptic patient in order to
treat the narcoleptic patient with the company's prescription drug;
and selecting two or more controls from the group consisting of:
identifying the prescriber's name, license, and Drug Enforcement
Agency (DEA) registration information; verifying the prescription;
obtaining patient information; verifying that a physician or other
prescriber is eligible to prescribe the company's prescription drug
by consulting the National Technical Information Services to
determine whether the physician or other prescriber has an active
DEA number and to check on whether any actions are pending against
the physician or other prescriber; contacting the narcoleptic
patient's insurance company; verifying patient registry
information; providing educational information to the narcoleptic
patient concerning the use of or risks associated with the
company's prescription drug; verifying that the narcoleptic patient
has received or read the educational materials concerning the
company's prescription drug; verifying the home address of the
narcoleptic patient; shipping the company's prescription drug via
US Postal Service or other commercial shipping service; receiving
the name of at least one 18-year-old designee to receive the
company's prescription drug; confirming receipt of an initial
shipment of the company's prescription drug to the narcoleptic
patient; returning the company's prescription drug to a pharmacy
after two attempts to deliver have failed; launching an
investigation when a shipment is lost; shipping the company's
prescription drug to a pharmacy for delivery to or pick-up by the
narcoleptic patient; inquiring about the reason for requested early
refills of the company's prescription drug; flagging repeat
instances of lost, stolen, destroyed, or spilled prescriptions;
limiting the prescription of the company's prescription drug to a
one-month supply; requiring rewriting of the prescription
periodically; and making the database available to the DEA for
checking for abuse, misuse, or diversion patterns in the data;
authorizing the filling, using the single computer database, of a
prescription for the company's prescription drug that has been
subjected to the two or more controls and has been approved for
shipment to the narcoleptic patient; and noting, based on the
analysis of potential abuse, misuse, or diversion of the company's
prescription drug, that there is a potential for abuse, misuse, or
diversion by the narcoleptic patient to whom the company's
prescription drug is prescribed wherein the prescription drug that
has the potential for misuse, abuse or diversion is a gamma
hydroxybutyrate (GHB) drug product; wherein said GHB drug product
treats cataplexy in said narcoleptic patient.
35. A method of treatment of a narcoleptic patient with a
prescription drug that has a potential for misuse, abuse or
diversion, comprising: receiving into a single computer database
all prescriptions for the prescription drug with the potential for
abuse, misuse or diversion, wherein the prescription drug inventory
is owned by a company and is managed thorough said single computer
database; entering into the single computer database information
sufficient to identify the narcoleptic patient for whom the
company's prescription drug is prescribed; entering into the single
computer database information sufficient to identify a physician or
other prescriber of the company's prescription drug and information
to show that the physician or other prescriber is authorized to
prescribe the company's prescription drug; entering and maintaining
in the single computer database information that indicates that the
narcoleptic patient or prescriber has abused, misused, or diverted
the company's prescription drug; and using the single computer
database to authorize filling of the prescriptions for the
company's prescription drug only if there is no record of incidents
that indicate abuse, misuse, or diversion by the narcoleptic
patient or prescriber, or if there is a record of such incidents,
the single computer database indicates that such incidents have
been investigated, and the single computer database indicates that
such incidents do not involve abuse, misuse or diversion.
36. The method of claim 33, comprising delivering the prescription
drug to the narcoleptic patient in order to treat the narcoleptic
patient with the prescription drug.
37. The method of claim 35, wherein an exclusive central pharmacy
controls the single computer database.
38. The method of claim 35, comprising selectively blocking
shipment of the prescription drug to a narcoleptic patient.
39. The method of claim 35, wherein an abuse pattern is associated
with a narcoleptic patient, and shipment of the prescription drug
is blocked based upon such association.
40. The method of claim 35, wherein the prescription drug comprises
a gamma hydroxy butyrate (GHB) drug product.
41. The method of claim 40, wherein said GHB drug product treats
cataplexy in said narcoleptic patient.
42. A method of treatment of a narcoleptic patient with a gamma
hydroxy butyrate (GHB) drug product while controlling potential
misuse, abuse or diversion of said GHB drug product, comprising:
controlling with a computer processor the distribution of the GHB
drug product, wherein the GHB drug product inventory is owned by a
company and the distribution is implemented via an exclusive
central pharmacy that maintains an exclusive central database that
tracks all prescriptions of the company's GHB drug product and that
analyzes for potential abuse situations; receiving in the computer
processor all prescription requests, for any and all narcoleptic
patients being prescribed the company's GHB drug product, only at
the exclusive central pharmacy, from any and all medical doctors
allowed to prescribe the company's GHB drug product; processing in
the computer processor all prescriptions for the company's GHB drug
product only by the exclusive central pharmacy using only the
exclusive central database; determining with the computer processor
current and anticipated patterns of potential prescription abuse of
the company's GHB drug product from periodic reports generated only
by the exclusive central database, based on prescription request
data from a particular medical doctor and based on filling of
prescriptions by a particular narcoleptic patient, wherein the
request data contain information identifying the narcoleptic
patient, GHB as the drug prescribed, and credentials of the medical
doctor; and selecting with the computer processor multiple controls
for distribution by the exclusive central pharmacy, the controls
selected from the group consisting of communicating prescriptions
from the medical doctor to the exclusive central pharmacy;
identifying the medical doctor's name, license, and DEA (Drug
Enforcement Agency) registration information; verifying the
prescription; obtaining patient information; verifying the medical
doctor is eligible to prescribe the company's GHB drug product by
consulting the National Technical Information Services to determine
whether the medical doctor has an active DEA number and to check on
whether any actions are pending against the medical doctor;
providing comprehensive printed materials to the medical doctor;
contacting the narcoleptic patient's insurance company; verifying
patient registry information; providing comprehensive educational
information to the narcoleptic patient; verifying the narcoleptic
patient has reviewed the educational materials; verifying the home
address of the narcoleptic patient; shipping the GHB drug product
via US postal service or a commercial shipping service; receiving
the name of an at least 18 year old designee to receive the GHB
drug product; confirming receipt of an initial shipment of the GHB
drug product to the narcoleptic patient; returning the GHB drug
product to the pharmacy after two attempts to deliver; launching an
investigation when a shipment is lost; shipping to another pharmacy
for delivery; requiring manufacture at a single location; releasing
inventory in a controlled manner to the exclusive central pharmacy;
questioning early refills; flagging repeat instances of lost,
stolen, destroyed, or spilled prescriptions; limiting the
prescription to a one month supply; requiring rewriting of the
prescription periodically; and making the database available to the
DEA for checking for abuse patterns in the data, for cash payments,
and for inappropriate questions.
43. The method of claim 42, comprising consulting a separate
database to verify that the medical doctor is eligible to prescribe
the GHB drug product.
44. The method of claim 42, comprising delivering the GHB drug
product to the narcoleptic patient in order to treat cataplexy in
the narcoleptic patient with the GHB drug product.
45. The method of claim 42, wherein the exclusive central pharmacy
controls the exclusive computer database.
46. The method of claim 42, comprising selectively blocking
shipment of the GHB drug product to the narcoleptic patient.
47. The method of claim 42, wherein an abuse pattern is associated
with the narcoleptic patient, and shipment of the GHB drug product
is blocked based upon such association.
48. A method of treatment of a narcoleptic patient with a
prescription drug while controlling potential misuse, abuse or
diversion of said prescription drug, comprising: receiving in a
computer processor all prescription requests, for any and all
narcoleptic patients being prescribed the prescription drug,
wherein the prescription drug inventory is owned by a company, only
at the exclusive central pharmacy from any and all medical doctors
allowed to prescribe the company's prescription drug, the
prescription requests containing information identifying
narcoleptic patients, the prescription drug, and various
credentials of the any and all medical doctors; requiring entering
of the information into an exclusive computer database associated
with the exclusive central pharmacy for analysis of potential abuse
situations, wherein the exclusive central pharmacy and the
exclusive central database are unique in that they are the only
pharmacy and database in existence for the company's prescription
drug, and such that all prescriptions for the company's
prescription drug are processed only by the exclusive central
pharmacy using only the exclusive computer database; checking with
the computer processor the credentials of the any and all doctors
to determine the eligibility of the doctors to prescribe the
company's prescription drug; confirming with a narcoleptic patient
that educational material has been read prior to shipping the
company's prescription drug; checking the exclusive computer
database for potential abuse of the company's prescription drug,
wherein the uniqueness of the exclusive central pharmacy and the
exclusive central database facilitates a determination of the
potential abuse of the company's prescription drug; providing the
company's prescription drug to the narcoleptic patient only if no
potential abuse is found by the narcoleptic patient to whom the
company's prescription drug is prescribed and the doctor
prescribing the company's prescription drug; confirming receipt by
the narcoleptic patient of the company's prescription drug; and
generating with the computer processor periodic reports via the
exclusive computer database to evaluate potential diversion
patterns.
49. The method of claim 48, wherein one or more of the exclusive
central pharmacy and the exclusive central database are distributed
over multiple computers, and wherein a query operates over all data
in all the distributed databases relating to the prescriptions, the
doctors, and the narcoleptic patients.
50. The method of claim 48, wherein the providing the company's
prescription drug to the narcoleptic patient comprises the
exclusive central pharmacy authorizing the company's prescription
drug to be dispensed to the narcoleptic patient by another
pharmacy.
51. The method of claim 48, comprising delivering the company's
prescription drug to the narcoleptic patient in order to treat the
narcoleptic patient with the company's prescription drug.
52. The method of claim 48, wherein the exclusive central pharmacy
controls the exclusive computer database.
53. The method of claim 46, comprising selectively blocking
shipment of the company's prescription drug to the narcoleptic
patient.
54. The method of claim 48, wherein an abuse pattern is associated
with the narcoleptic patient, and shipment of the company's
prescription drug is blocked based upon such association.
55. The method of claim 48, wherein the company's prescription drug
comprises a gamma hydroxy butyrate (GHB) drug product.
56. The method of claim 53, wherein said GHB drug product treats
cataplexy in said narcoleptic patient.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 12/704,097, which is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 10/322,348, filed on Dec. 17, 2002 and issued on Feb. 23, 2010
as U.S. Pat. No. 7,668,730, which applications are incorporated by
reference herein in their entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to distribution of drugs, and
in particular to the distribution of sensitive drugs.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Sensitive drugs are controlled to minimize risk and ensure
that they are not abused, or cause adverse reactions. Such
sensitive drugs are approved for specific uses by the Food and Drug
Administration, and must be prescribed by a licensed physician in
order to be purchased by consumers. Some drugs, such as cocaine and
other common street drugs are the object of abuse and illegal
schemes to distribute for profit. Some schemes include Dr.
shopping, diversion, and pharmacy thefts. A locked cabinet or safe
is a requirement for distribution of some drugs.
[0004] Certain agents, such as gamma hydroxy buterate (GHB) are
also abused, yet also are effective for therapeutic purposes such
as treatment of daytime cataplexy in patients with narcolepsy. Some
patients however, will obtain prescriptions from multiple doctors,
and have them filled at different pharmacies. Still further, an
unscrupulous physician may actually write multiple prescriptions
for a patient, or multiple patients, who use cash to pay for the
drugs. These patients will then sell the drug to dealers or others
for profit.
[0005] There is a need for a distribution system and method that
directly addresses these abuses. There is a further need for such a
system and method that provides education and limits the potential
for such abuse.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] A drug distribution system and method utilizes a central
pharmacy and database to track all prescriptions for a sensitive
drug. Information is kept in a central database regarding all
physicians allowed to prescribe the sensitive drug, and all
patients receiving the drug. Abuses are identified by monitoring
data in the database for prescription patterns by physicians and
prescriptions obtained by patients. Further verification is made
that the physician is eligible to prescribe the drug by consulting
a separate database for a valid DEA license, and optionally state
medical boards to determine whether any corrective or approved
disciplinary actions relating to controlled substances have been
brought against the physician. Multiple controls beyond those for
traditional drugs are imposed on the distribution depending on the
sensitivity of the drug.
[0007] Education is provided to both physician and patient. Prior
to shipping the drug for the first time, the patient is contacted
to ensure that product and abuse related educational materials have
been received and/or read. The patient may provide the name of a
designee to the central pharmacy who is authorized to accept
shipment of the drug. Receipt of the initial drug shipment is
confirmed by contacting the patient. Either a phone call or other
communication to the patient within a set time after delivery may
be made to ensure receipt. Further, a courier service's tracking
system is used to confirm delivery in further embodiments. If a
shipment is lost, an investigation is launched to find it.
[0008] In one embodiment, the drug may be shipped by the central
pharmacy to another pharmacy for patient pick-up. The second
pharmacy's ability to protect against diversion before shipping the
drug must be confirmed. This ability may be checked through NTIS
and State Boards of Pharmacy.
[0009] Prescription refills are permitted in the number specified
in the original prescription. In addition, if a prescription refill
is requested by the patient prior to the anticipated due date, such
refills will be questioned. A lost, stolen, destroyed or spilled
prescription/supply is documented and replaced to the extent
necessary to honor the prescription, and will also cause a review
or full investigation.
[0010] The exclusive central database contains all relevant data
related to distribution of the drug and process of distributing it,
including patient, physician and prescription information. Several
queries and reports are run against the database to provide
information which might reveal potential abuse of the sensitive
drug, such as early refills.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a computer system for use in
implementing the system and method of the present invention.
[0012] FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C are a flowchart describing a method for
sensitive drug distribution at least partially utilizing a computer
system such as that shown in FIG. 1.
[0013] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a physician success program at
least partially implemented on a computer system such as that shown
in FIG. 1.
[0014] FIGS. 4A and 4B are a flowchart describing a method for
handling refill requests at least partially utilizing a computer
system such as that shown in FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a process for requesting special
reimbursement when a patient is uninsured or underinsured at least
partially utilizing a computer system as that shown in FIG. 1.
[0016] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a process for inventory control at
least partially utilizing a computer system such as that shown in
FIG. 1.
[0017] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of database fields.
[0018] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a list of queries against
the database fields.
[0019] FIG. 9 is a copy of one example prescription and enrollment
form.
[0020] FIG. 10 is a copy of one example of a NORD application
request form for patient financial assistance.
[0021] FIG. 11 is a copy of one example voucher request for
medication for use with the NORD application request form of FIG.
10.
[0022] FIG. 12 is a copy of certificate of medical need.
[0023] FIGS. 13A, 13B and 13C are descriptions of sample reports
obtained by querying a central database having fields represented
in FIG. 7.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0024] In the following description, reference is made to the
accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is
shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the
invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in
sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice
the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments
may be utilized and that structural, logical and electrical changes
may be made without departing from the scope of the present
invention. The following description is, therefore, not to be taken
in a limited sense, and the scope of the present invention is
defined by the appended claims.
[0025] The functions or algorithms described herein are implemented
in software or a combination of software and human implemented
procedures in one embodiment. The software comprises computer
executable instructions stored on computer readable media such as
memory or other type of storage devices. The term "computer
readable media" is also used to represent carrier waves on which
the software is transmitted. Further, such functions correspond to
modules, which are software, hardware, firmware of any combination
thereof. Multiple functions are performed in one or more modules as
desired, and the embodiments described are merely examples. The
software is executed on a digital signal processor, ASIC,
microprocessor, or other type of processor operating on a computer
system, such as a personal computer, server or other computer
system.
[0026] A sensitive drug is one which can be abused, or has
addiction properties or other properties that render the drug
sensitive. One example of such a drug is sodium oxybate, also known
as gamma hydroxy butyrate (GHB C.sub.4H.sub.7NaO.sub.3) which is
useful for treatment of cataplexy in patients with narcolepsy. GHB
is marketed under the trademark of Xyrem.RTM. (sodium oxybate oral
solution), which trademark can be used interchangeably with GHB
herein. Sensitive drugs also include narcotics or other drugs which
require controls on their distribution and use to monitor behaviors
to prevent abuse and adverse side effects.
[0027] In one embodiment, Xyrem.RTM. is subject to a restricted
distribution program. One aspect of the program is to educate
physicians and patients about the risks and benefits of Xyrem,
including support via ongoing contact with patients and a toll free
helpline. Initial prescriptions are filled only after a prescriber
and patient have received and read the educational materials.
Further, patient and prescribing physician registries are
maintained and monitored to ensure proper distribution.
[0028] In a further embodiment, bulk sodium oxybate is manufactured
at a single site, as is the finished drug product. Following
manufacture of the drug product, it is stored at a facility
compliant with FDA Schedule III regulations, where a consignment
inventory is maintained. The inventory is owned by a company, and
is managed by a central pharmacy, which maintains the consignment
inventory. Xyrem.RTM. is distributed and dispensed through a
primary and exclusive central pharmacy, and is not stocked in
retail pharmacy outlets. It is distributed by overnight carriers,
or by US mail in one embodiment to potentially invoke mail fraud
laws if attempts of abuse occur.
[0029] FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram of a computer system
100, such as a personal computer for implementing at least a
portion of the methods described herein. A central processing unit
(CPU) 110 executes computer programs stored on a memory 120. Memory
120 in one embodiment comprises one or more levels of cache as
desired to speed execution of the program and access to data on
which the programs operate. The CPU is directly coupled to memory
120 in one embodiment. Both CPU 110 and memory 120 are coupled to a
bus 130. A storage 140, I/O 150 and communications 160 are also
coupled to the bus 130. Storage 140 is usually a long term storage
device, such as a disk drive, tape drive, DVD, CD or other type of
storage device. In one embodiment, storage 140 is used to house a
database for use with the present invention. I/O 150 comprises
keyboards, sound devices, displays and other mechanisms by which a
user interacts with the computer system 100. Communications 160
comprises a network, phone connection, local area network, wide
area network or other mechanism for communicating with external
devices. Such external devices comprise servers, other peer
computers and other devices. In one embodiment, such external
device comprises a database server that is used in place of the
database on storage 140. Other computer system architectures
capable of executing software and interacting with a database and
users may also be used. Appropriate security measures such as
encryption are used to ensure confidentiality. Further, data
integrity and backup measures are also used to prevent data
loss.
[0030] FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C represent an initial prescription order
entry process for a sensitive drug, such as Xyrem. At 202, a
medical doctor (MD) sends a Rx/enrollment form via mail, fax, email
or other means to an intake/reimbursement specialist at 204, who
makes a copy of the RX/enrollment form that is stamped "copy". The
original fax is forwarded to a pharmacy team. The enrollment form
contains prescriber information, prescription information,
checkboxes for the prescriber indicating they have read materials,
educated the patient, understand the use in treatment, and
understand certain safety information, and also contains patient
information.
[0031] The prescriber information contains standard contact
information as well as license number, DEA number and physician
specialty. Patient and prescription information includes name,
social security number, date of birth, gender, contact information,
drug identification, patient's appropriate dosage, and number of
refills allowed, along with a line for the prescriber's signature.
Patient insurance information is also provided.
[0032] There are two workflows involved at the pharmacy team,
intake reimbursement 206 and pharmacy workflow 208, which may
proceed in parallel or serially. The intake work flow 206 starts
with an intake reimbursement specialist entering the patient and
physician information into an application/database referred to as
CHIPS, which is used to maintain a record of a client home infusion
program (CHIP) for Xyrem.RTM.. A check is made to ensure the
information is complete at 212. If not, at 214, an intake
representative attempts to reach the MD or prescriber to obtain the
missing information. If the missing information has not been
obtained within a predetermined period of time, such as 24 hours at
216, the Rx/Enrollment form is sent back to the MD with a rejection
explanation. A note is entered in CHIPS that the application was
rejected.
[0033] If the information is complete at 212, the MD is contacted
at 220 to verify receipt and accuracy of the patient's Rx. This
contact is recorded in CHIPS. The intake and reimbursement
specialist then sends a consent form and a cover letter to the
patient at 224. The insurance provider is contacted at 226 to
verify coverage and benefits. At 228, a determination is made
regarding coverage for the drug. If it is not available, it is
determined at 230 whether the patient is willing and able to pay.
If not, a process is performed for handling patients who are
uninsured or underinsured. In one embodiment, the process is
referred to as a NORD process.
[0034] If the patient is willing and able to pay at 230, the
patient is informed of the cost of the product and is given payment
options at 234. At 236, once payment is received, the intake
reimbursement specialist submits a coverage approval form with the
enrollment form to the pharmacy team as notification to process the
patient's prescription. If coverage is approved at 228, the intake
reimbursement specialist also submits the coverage approval form
with the enrollment form to the pharmacy team as notification to
process the patient's prescription. Processing of the prescription
is described below.
[0035] Upon receipt and initial processing of the prescription
enrollment form and sending an original to the pharmacy work flow
block 208, the patient is shipped a Xyrem.RTM. success packet via
mail. In one embodiment, the Xyrem.RTM. success packet contains
educational material for a patient that advises of the proper use,
care and handling of the drug and consequences of diversion at 268.
The medical doctor's credentials are checked to determine if the
physician has a current DEA license to prescribe controlled
substances and if he or she has had any actions related to
misuse/misprescribing of controlled drugs against him or her,
within a predetermined time, such as three months at 270. If they
have, a pharmacist holds the prescription until receiving a
coverage approval form from the intake reimbursement specialist at
272.
[0036] If the credentials have not been recently checked, the
pharmacist verifies the credentials and enters all findings in the
database at 274. If the credentials are approved at 276, the
physician is indicated as approved in a physician screen populated
by information from the database at 280. The prescription is then
held pending coverage approval at 282.
[0037] If any disciplinary actions are identified, as referenced at
block 278, management of the pharmacy is notified and either
approves processing of the prescription with continued monitoring
of the physician, or processing of the prescription is not
performed, and the physician is noted in the database as unapproved
at 284. The enrollment form is then mailed back to the physician
with a cover letter reiterating that the prescription cannot be
processed at 288. The patient is also sent a letter at 290
indicating that the prescription cannot be processed and the
patient is instructed to contact their physician.
[0038] Actual filling of the approved prescription begins with
receipt of the coverage approval form as indicated at 240. The
patient is contacted by the pharmacy, such as by a technician to
complete a technician section of a patient counseling checklist If
a pharmacist verifies that the program materials were not read at
242, the receipt of the material is confirmed at 244 and another
call is scheduled to counsel the patient before the drug is
shipped.
[0039] If the program materials, were read at 242, the checklist is
completed at 246 and the technician transfers the patient to the
pharmacist who reviews the entire checklist and completes remaining
pharmacist specified sections. At 248, the pharmacists indicates in
the database that the patient counseling and checklist was
successfully completed, indicating the date completed.
[0040] At 250, the pharmacist schedules the patient's shipment for
the next business day or the next business day that the patient or
designee is able to sign for the package. Further, as indicated at
252, the shipment must be sent to the patient's home address unless
the patient is traveling or has moved. In that event, the
pharmacist may determine that an exception may be made. The patient
or the patient's designee who is at least 18 years old, must sign
for the package upon delivery.
[0041] At 254, the pharmacist enters the prescription order in the
database, creating an order number. The pharmacist then verifies at
256 the prescription and attaches a verification label to the hard
copy prescription. At 258, a pick ticket is generated for the order
and the order is forwarded to the pharmacy for fulfillment. The
shipment is confirmed in the database at 260, and the order is
shipped by USPS Express Mail. Use of the US mail invokes certain
criminal penalties for unauthorized diversion. Optionally, other
mail services may be used. Potential changes in the law may also
bring criminal penalties into play. Following shipment, the patient
is called by the central pharmacy to confirm that the prescription
was received.
[0042] As noted at 266, for the sensitive drug, Xyrem, all
inventory is cycle counted and reconciled with the database system
quantities before shipments for the day are sent. This provides a
very precise control of the inventory.
[0043] A physician success program materials request process begins
at 310 in FIG. 3. At 320, the MD calls to the central pharmacy to
request program materials. A special phone number is provided. MD
demographics, DEA number, and data or request are entered into the
database at 330. At 340, a request is made to ship the materials to
the MD via a fulfillment website, or other mechanism. The request
process ends at 350.
[0044] A refill request process begins at 302 in FIGS. 4A and 4B.
There are two different paths for refills. A first path beginning
at 404 involves generating a report from the central database of
patients with a predetermined number of days or product remaining.
A second path beginning at 406 is followed when a patient calls to
request an early refill.
[0045] In the first path, a copy of the report is provided to an
intake reimbursement specialist at 408. No sooner than 8 days
before the medication depletion, a pharmacy technician contacts the
patient at 410 to complete the pre-delivery checklist At 412, if
the patient is not reached, a message is left mentioning the
depletion, and a return number at 414. A note is also entered into
the database indicating the date the message was left at 416.
[0046] If the patient is reached at 412, the next shipment is
scheduled at 418, the prescription is entered into the database
creating an order at 420, the pharmacist verifies the prescription
and attaches a verification label at 422 and the shipment is
confirmed in the database at 424. Note at 426 that the inventory is
cycle counted and reconciled with the database quantities before
the shipments for a day or other time period are sent. A pick
ticket is generated for the order and the order is forwarded for
fulfillment at 428, with the first path ending at 430.
[0047] The second path, beginning at 406 results in a note code
being entered into the database on a patient screen indicating an
early refill request at 432. The pharmacist evaluates the patient's
compliance with therapy or possible product diversion, misuse or
over-use at 436. In one embodiment, cash payers are also
identified. The pharmacist then contacts the prescribing physician
to alert them of the situation and confirm if the physician
approves of the early refill at 438. If the physician does not
approve as indicated at 440, the patient must wait until the next
scheduled refill date to receive additional product as indicated at
442, and the process ends at 444.
[0048] If the physician approves at 440, the pharmacist enters a
note in the database on a patient screen that the physician
approves the request at 446. The pharmacist notifies an intake
reimbursement specialist to contact the patient's insurance
provider to verify coverage for the early refill at 448. If the
insurance provider will pay as determined at 450, the specialist
submits the coverage approval form as notification that the refill
may be processed at 452. At 454, the pharmacy technician contacts
the patient to schedule shipment of the product for the next
business day, and the process of filling the order is continued at
456 by following the process beginning at 240.
[0049] If the insurance provider will not pay at 450, it is
determined whether the patient is willing and/or able to pay at
458. If not, the patient must wait until the next scheduled refill
date to receive additional product at 460. If it was determined at
458 that the patient was willing and able to pay, the patient is
informed of the cost of the product and is given payment options at
462. Once payment is received as indicated at 464, the specialist
submits a coverage approval form to the pharmacy team as
notification that the refill request can be processed at 466. At
468, the pharmacy technician contacts the patient to schedule
shipment. The process of filling the order is continued at 470 by
following the process beginning at 240.
[0050] A process, referred to as a NORD process in one embodiment
is used to determine whether donated, third party funds are
available for paying for prescriptions where neither insurance
will, nor the patient can pay. The process begins at 510 upon
determining that a patient is uninsured or underinsured. A
reimbursement specialist explains the NORD program to the patient
and faxes an application request form to NORD for the patient. At
515, the intake reimbursement specialist documents in the database
that an application has been received through NORD. At 520, NORD
mails an application to the patient within one business day.
[0051] A determination is made at 525 by NORD whether the patient
is approved. If not, at 530, NORD sends a denial letter to the
patient, and it is documented in the database at 540 that the
patient was denied by NORD. If the patient is approved, NORD sends
an acceptance letter to the patient and faxes a voucher to the
central pharmacy (SDS in one embodiment) to indicate the approval
at 545. At 550, an intake reimbursement specialist submits a
coverage approval form to the pharmacy team as notification that
the patient has been approved for coverage. The process of filling
the order is continued at 555 by following the process beginning at
240.
[0052] An inventory control process is illustrated in FIG. 6
beginning at 610. Each week, a responsible person at the central
pharmacy, such as the director of the pharmacy transfers inventory
for the week's shipments to a segregated warehouse location for
production inventory. At 620, a purchase order is generated for the
inventory transferred to the production location and is sent, such
as by fax, to a controller, such as the controller of the company
that obtained approval for distribution and use of the sensitive
drug. At 630, the controller invoices the central pharmacy for the
product moved to production. The process ends at 640.
[0053] The central database described above is a relational
database running on the system of FIG. 1, or a server based system
having a similar architecture coupled to workstations via a
network, as represented by communications 160. The database is
likely stored in storage 140, and contains multiple fields of
information as indicated at 700 in FIG. 7. The organization and
groupings of the fields are shown in one format for convenience. It
is recognized that many different organizations or schemas may be
utilized. In one embodiment, the groups of fields comprise
prescriber fields 710, patient fields 720, prescription fields 730
and insurance fields 740. For purposes of illustration, all the
entries described with respect to the above processes are included
in the fields. In further embodiments, no such groupings are made,
and the data is organized in a different manner.
[0054] Several queries are illustrated at 800 in FIG. 8. There may
be many other queries as required by individual state reporting
requirements. A first query at 810 is used to identify
prescriptions written by physician. The queries may be written in
structured query language, natural query languages or in any other
manner compatible with the database. A second query 820 is used to
pull information from the database related to prescriptions by
patient name. A third query 830 is used to determine prescriptions
by frequency, and a n.sup.th query finds prescriptions by dose at
840. Using query languages combined with the depth of data in the
central database allows many other methods of investigating for
potential abuse of the drugs. The central database ensures that all
prescriptions, prescribers and patients are tracked and subject to
such investigations. In further embodiments, the central database
may be distributed among multiple computers provided a query
operates over all data relating to such prescriptions, prescribers
and patients for the drug.
[0055] An example of one prescription and enrollment form is shown
at 900 in FIG. 9. As previously indicated, several fields are
included for prescriber information, prescription information and
patient information.
[0056] FIG. 10 is a copy of one example NORD application request
form 1000 used to request that an application be sent to a patient
for financial assistance.
[0057] FIG. 11 is a copy of one example application 1100 for
financial assistance as requested by form 1000. The form requires
both patient and physician information. Social security number
information is also requested. The form provides information for
approving the financial assistance and for tracking assistance
provided.
[0058] FIG. 12 is a copy of one example voucher request for
medication for use with the NORD application request form of FIG.
10. In addition to patient and physician information, prescription
information and diagnosis information is also provided.
[0059] FIGS. 13A, 13B and 13C are descriptions of sample reports
obtained by querying a central database having fields represented
in FIG. 7. The activities grouped by sales, regulatory, quality
assurance, call center, pharmacy, inventory, reimbursement, patient
care and drug information. Each report has an associated frequency
or frequencies. The reports are obtained by running queries against
the database, with the queries written in one of many query
languages.
[0060] While the invention has been described with respect to a
Schedule III drug, it is useful for other sensitive drugs that are
DEA or Federally scheduled drugs in Schedule II-V, as well as still
other sensitive drugs where multiple controls are desired for
distribution and use.
* * * * *