MEDICAL KIOSK AND METHOD OF USE

KIOSQUE MEDICAL ET SON PROCEDE D'UTILISATION

English Abstract

A medical kiosk designed to provide tele-med services, check-in services, and/or prescription services for a user. The medical kiosk can include a user video conferencing system that is designed to enable the user to have a real-time or near real-time tele-conference with a medical provider located remotely from the medical kiosk.

French Abstract

L'invention concerne un kiosque médical conçu pour fournir des services de télémédecine, des services d'inscription et/ou des services de prescription pour un utilisateur. Le kiosque médical peut comprendre un système de vidéoconférence pour utilisateur qui est conçu pour permettre à l'utilisateur d'avoir une téléconférence en temps réel ou en temps quasi-réel avec un dispensateur de soins médicaux situé à distance du kiosque médical.

Claims

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We claim:
1. A rnedical kiosk configured to provide tele-med services to a user, said
medical kiosk
including an internal enclosure having a front section, a user video
conferencing system and a
plurality of medical devices, said user video conferencing system configured
for the user to have
a real-time or near real-time tele-conference with a medical provider located
remotely from said
medical kiosk, said user video conferencing system including a first and
second video screens, a
camera, and a microphone, said first video screen configured to display said
medical provider
during a video conference between said user and said medical provider, said
second video screen
being a touch screen configured for said user to provide information regarding
said tele-med
services, said first and second video screens and said camera are located at a
front section of said
enclosure, said plurality of medical devices is configured for use by the uscr
to provide information
to the medical provider about the user to enable the medical provider to
provide real-time or near
real-time medical advice to the user while the user is in said enclosure, said
enclosure includes a
plurality of remotely controlled medical compartments, each of said remotely
controlled medical
compartments includes at least one of said medical devices, each rernotely
controlled medical
compartment including one of said medical devices that is different from any
other of said medical
devices located in any other of said remotely controlled medical compartments,
each of said
remotely controlled medical compartments includes a movable and lockable door
that limits access
to said at least one medical device in said medical compartment, said door
moveable between a
closed position and an open position, said closed position of said door
limiting access to said
medical device in said remotely controlled medical compartment, said open
position providing
access to said medical device in said remotely controlled medical
compartrnent, each of said doors
on each of said remotely controlled medical compartment is selectively
unlockable by said rnedical
provider to cause said door to move from said closed position to said open
position.
2. The medical kiosk as defined in claim 1, said plurality of medical
devices including two or
rnore devices selected from the group consisting of a stethoscope, an
otoscope, a thermometer, a
dermascope, a spirorneter, blood pressure cuff, a pulse oximeter, a heating
pad, a magnifying glass,
a tongue depressor, tweezers, a blood glucometer, an audiometer, and a 3-lead
EKG.
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3. The medical kiosk as defined in clairn 1, wherein at least one said
remotely controlled
medical compartments is unlockable as the user progresses through a vitals
capture program.
4. The medical kiosk as defined in claim 1, wherein including a floor
scale.
5. The medical kiosk as defined in claim 1, wherein including a headphone
jack.
6. The medical kiosk as defined in claim 1, including a mobile device
application or network
application, said mobile application or network application configured to
provide the user access
to various functions on a mobile device or computer, said functions in
including one or more
functions selected from the group consisting of 1) locating an available
medical kiosk, 2)
scheduling an appointment with the medical kiosk, 3) pre-registering symptoms
for visit, 4) setting
an appointment with the medical kiosk, 5) receiving rerninders regarding
appointments for the
medical kiosk, 6) obtaining information about medical kiosk availability, 7)
obtaining information
about certain medical provider availability, 8) obtaining information about
available Medical
providers, 9) selecting a certain medical provider, 10) obtaining map
information regarding a
selected medical kiosk, 11) locating the closest kiosk for an appointment with
a certain medical
provider in a certain field of medicine, 12) presubmitting medical insurance,
13) submitting
payment information, 14) receiving information on payment status, 15)
receiving information on
insurance coverage, 16) receiving updates regarding appointrnent regarding
apriointments for the
medical kiosk, 17) receiving prescription information, 18) submitting payrnent
information for
prescriptions, 19) answering surveys regarding the use of the medical kiosk,
20) receiving
medication rerninders, 21) pre-registering reasons for visit, 22) canceling an
appointment with the
medical kiosk, 23) selecting a certain medical provider in a certain. field of
medicine, 24) providing
address information regarding a selected medical kiosk, 25) obtaining hours of
operation
information regarding a selected medical kiosk, 26) locating the closest kiosk
for an appointment
with a certain medical provider, 27) locating the closest kiosk availability
for an appointment with
a certain medical provider in a certain field of medicine, 28) locating the
closest kiosk availability
for an appointment with a certain medical provider, and 29) preclearin.g
medical insurance.
7. The medical kiosk as defined in claim 1, including a medication
adherence software
application configured to provide the user access to one or more functions
selected from the group
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consisting of 1) speaking to a pharmacist, 2) changing the user's medications
alerts, 3) obtaining
information about certain types of medical conditions, 4) checking medication
orders status, 5)
checking medication delivery status, 6) refilling prescriptions, 7)
transferring prescriptions to a
another location, 8) obtaining information about recommended medication
dosages, 9) obtaining
information about recommended tirnes to take medications, 10) obtaining
information about
recommended frequency for taking medications, 11) obtaining information about
medications, 12)
obtaining information about generic brands available for medications, 13)
requesting an
appointment to speak with the medical provider, 14) entering information
regarding compliance
information regarding medication usage by user, 15) receivinu compliance
reports for users
regarding medication usage, 16) paying for a prescription, :17) selecting
between a generic and
non-generic brand of medication, 18) contparing pricing options for
medications, 19) providing
reminders for users to take their medications, 20) monitoring progress reports
regarding the user's
adherence to medication usage, 21) enrolling the user in an electronic
prescriptions network which
sends their prescriptions to their choice of pharmacy, 22) comparing delivery
options for
medications, and 23) generating progress reports regarding the user's
adherence to medication
usage.
8. The medical kiosk as defined in claim 1, includes an exterior
registration station located
external to said internal enclosure, said registration station including a
user input system that
enables the user to enter information about the user prior to having said real-
time or near real-time
tele-conference with the medical provider, said user input system including
one or more
components selected from the group consisting of a key pad for identification,
a key pad for data
entry, key board for identification, a key board for data entry, a touch
screen for identification, a
touch screen for data entry, a microphone and voice recognition software for
identification; a
microphone and voice recognition software for data entry, a fingerprint
scanner for identification,
a fingeiprint scanner for data entry, a retina scanner for identification, a
retina scanner for data
entry, camera, speaker, card reader, smart device reader/scanner, motion
sensor, sound sensor, and
temperature sensor, said registration station configured to provide the user
access to one or morc
functions selected ftom the group consisting of a) entering the user's name,
b) entering the user's
address, c) entering the user's contact information, d) entering the user's
age, e) entering the user's
sex, f) entering the user's height, g) entering the user's weight, h) entering
the user's race, i) entering
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the user's language, j) entering the user's medical history, k) entering
medicines used by user, 1)
entering information on past medical condition, m) entering reason(s) for
visit by the user, n)
entering user's current symptoms, o) entering user's allergies, p) entering
user's ID inforrnation, q)
entering user's insurance information, r) entering user's payment information,
s) entering consent
information, t) requesting assistance from a medical attendant, u) entering
date the user desires an
appointment, v) entering user's current medical provider, w) requesting a
specific medical
provider, x) providing information to the user about the medical kiosk, y)
providing in.formation
tO the user on how to use the medical kiosk, z) providing information to the
user on how to properly
input/convey information to the medical kiosk, aa) providing the user
information during the
inputting/conveying of information by the user to the m.edical kiosk, bb)
providing the user
information on the wait time for the user's use of the medical kiosk, cc)
providing the user with a
number of other users waiting to use the medical kiosk, dd) providing the user
with information
regarding whether the medical kiosk is in use or is available, ee) entering
time the user desires an
appointment, and ff) requesting a medical provider having a particular
medical. specialty.
9. The medical kiosk as defined in claim 1, includes a display screen
located external to said
internal enclosure that can be used to provide one or more types of
information selected frorn the
group consisting of advertising information, infortnation about the medical
kiosk, information
about wait time for the medical kiosk, information as to the order of users
waiting to use the
medical kiosk, information about whether a medical kiosk is available or in
use, cable TV shows,
satellite TV shows, local broadcast TV shows, infomercials, medical programs,
DVD materials,
Blu-ray materials, video programs, YouTube programs, and pictures, said
display configured to
only display information and to not accept data entry from the user.
10. The medical kiosk as defined in claim 1, said internal en.closure
including a cleaning or
sanitizing system to clean or sanitize at least a portion of said internal
enclosure, said cleaning or
sanitizing system including a system selected from the group consisting of a
UV system and a mist
system.
11. The medical kiosk as defined in claim 1, including a prescription drug
system configured
to provide the user access to one or rnore functions selected from the group
consisting of 1)
obtaining generated prescriptions finm the medical provider, 2) ordering
drugs, 3) selecting name
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brand and generic drugs, 4) selecting a supply quantity for the prescription,
5) the selection method
by which the user will obtain a prescription 6) entering the user medical
insurance for partial or
full payment of the prescription, 7) entering the user's credit or debit card
information to pay for
the prescription, 8) entering the user's information for mail delivery of the
prescription, 9)
providing rerninders to the user regarding rnedication refills, 10) providing
notifications to the user
when prescription has been mailed, 11) selecting a pharmacy where the user
would like to pick-up
the prescription, 12) providing reminders to the user reQarding follow-up
medical visits, and 13)
providing notifications to the user when prescription is ready to be picked-up
at the pharmacy.
12. The medical kiosk as defined in claim 1, including a moveable interior
panel to allow
access to one or more components located behind the moveable panel located in
said internal
enclosure, said one or more components including components selected from the
group consisting
of 1) electronics located behind the exterior check-in station, 2) electronics
located behind the fi.rst
and second video screens and 3) electronics used for network communication.
13. A method for providing a real-time or near real-time tele-conference
with a medical
provider located remotely from a medical kiosk and a user located at the
medical kiosk, said
method comprising the steps of
a. providing a medical kiosk, said medical kiosk including an internal
enclosure having a
front section, a user video conferencing system and a plurality of medical
devices, said user video
conferencing system configured for the user to have a real-time or near real-
tim.e tele-conference
with a medical provider located remotely from said medical kiosk, said user
video conferencing
system including a first and second video screens, a camera, and a microphone,
said first video
screen configured to display said medical provider during a video conference
between said user
and said m.edical provider, said second video screen being a touch screen
configured for said user
to provide information during said real-time or near real-time tele-
conference, said first and second
video screens and said camera are located at a front section of said
enclosure, said plurality of
medical devices is configured for use by the user to provide information to
the medical provider
about the user to enable the medical provider to provide real-time or near
real-time medical advice
to the user while the user is in said enclosure, said enclosure includes a
plurality of remotely
controlled medical . compartments, each of said remotely controlled medical
compartments
includes at least one of said medical devices, each remotely controlled
medical compartment
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including one of said medical devices that is different from any other of said
medical devices
located in any other of said remotely controlled medical compartments, each of
said remotely
controlled medical compartments includes a movable and lockable door that
limits access to said
at least one medical device in said medical compartment, said door moveable
between a closed
position and an open position, said closed position of said door limiting
access to said medical
device in said remotely controlled medical compartment, said open position
providing access to
said medical device in said remotely controlled medical compartment, each of
said doors on each
of said remotely controlled medical compartment is selectively unlockable by
said medical
provider to cause said door to move from said closed position to said open
position;
b. providing one or more applications selected from the group consisting of an
attendant
application, an appointment application, a provider application, a schedule
application, a patient
portal application, medical adherence application, an administrator
application, and a provider
portal application;
said attendant application includes software and/or hardware configured for an
attendant
to 1) monitor, modify and/or cancel existing appointments for the medical
kiosk, 2) monitor
whether a patient requires assistance, 3) monitor and/or assist a user during
registration with the
medical kiosk, 4) provide procedures and/or check lists for the attendant,
and/or 5) provide
information on the status of the medical kiosk, said attendant application
configured to provide the
attendant access to one or more functions selected from the group consisting
of a) displaying one
or more appointment fields of a user, said appointment fields include one or
more fields selected
from the group consisting of time of appointment, user name, medical provider
name, status of
appointment and action of the attendant, b) checking-in a user, c) cancelling
and/or rescheduling
an appointment, d) entering notes about a visit, e) entering notes about a
canceled and/or
rescheduled visit, f) viewing notes frorn the medical provider about a user,
g) printing a visit
summary, h.) associating an emergency clean-up with a user appointment, i)
viewing appointment
information, j) validating user IDs, k) validating user insurance, 1)
modifying an appointment, rn)
clean protocols for the medical kiosk, n) selecting user records, o) entering
BD and/or insurance
information, p) providing notice of instructions and/or policies to be given
to the user, q) updating
user information, r) entering payment and/or copay information and/or payments
for the user's
visit, s) displaying a list of sanitation protocols and/or procedures, and t)
activating automatic
sanitation process;
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said appointrnent application configured to provide the user access to one or
rnore functions
selected from the group consisting of 1) identify user as a new and/or
returning user, 2) scheduling
a new appointment, verifYing a previously confirmed appointment and/or
canceling an
appointment, 3) welcoming a user that has already scheduled an appointment, 4)
providing the
user with a privacy policy associated with the use of the medical kiosk, 5)
providing the user with
terms of service policy associated with the use of the medical kiosk, 6)
requesting information as
to why the user is using the user registration system, 7) requesting the user
to enter a password,
phone number, pin number, name, email address, address, date or birth and/or
sex to identi, the
user, 8) requesting the user to verify if the user is at least a certain age,
9) requesting the user to
identify one or more symptorns that the user is experiencing in which the user
is seeking medical
assistance, 10) requesting the user to answer one or more follow-up questions
after the user enters
the one or more. symptoms, 11) infonning the user to seek an in-person visit
by the medical
provider after thc user has identified one or more symptoms that the user is
experiencing, 12)
requesting the user to identify one or more known allergies of the user, 13)
requesting the user to
identify one or more known medical conditions of the user, 14) requesting the
user to identify one
or rnore past medical procedures that have been performed on the user, 15)
requesting the user to
identify one or more medications the user is taking, 16) asking the user if
the user has medical
insurance, 17) requesting the user to enter in the medical insurance
information and/or to scan the
insurance card, 18) requesting the user to make a copay based the medical
insurance or to fully
pay for the medical visit, 19) enabling the user to request assistance, 20)
listing one or more days
and/or times that the medical kiosk is available for use by the user, 21)
verifying all of the required
information and payment information has been made by the user by displaying
information on a
screen, printing out verification for the user, emailing verification to user,
texting verification to
the user and/or leaving a voicemail of veri.fi.cation for the user, 22)
updating user information, 23)
storing information in a user file, 24) navigating the user through a vital.s
capture process, 25)
navigating the user through the user consultation, and 26) navigating the user
through a survey;
said provider application is configured to have one or more features selected
from the group
consisting of a) displaying appointment information, b) displaying user
information, c) viewing
and/or modifying visit information, d) performing a consultation with the
user, and e) accessing
information ftom one or more medical devices in the medical kiosk, said
provider application
configured to provide the medical provider access to one or more functions
selected from the group
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consisting of 1) viewing appointments that have been completed by the medical
provider or are in
progress for a certain day, 2) viewing appointments that have been made for a
future time, 3)
displaying one or more types of user appointment information, said user
appointment information
including information selected from the group consisting of time of
appointrnent, user names,
status of appointment, user payment status, user checked-in status, vitals
collection status, status
of video consultation status of data entry by the medical provider regarding
video cons-ultation,
and status of appointment, 4) displaying a record about a user, such record
information selected
from the group consisting of user name, user date of birth, user sex, user
symptoms, user medical
conditions, date of last visit, diagnosis, allergies, medications, prior visit
record of user, and
medical records of user, 5) notifying the attendant that the user requires
assistance, 6) limiting
access to a user's information, 7) refusing an appointment that has been
created for the medical
provider, 8) beginning the conference with the user once the user is ready in
the medical kiosk, 9)
viewing the user on the medical provider's screen, 10) ending the consultation
with the user, 11)
viewing the user records, including the vitals capture process that has
occurred or is occurring in
thc medical kiosk, 12) modifying a user's record, 13) adding and/or removing
medication, medical
conditions, allergies and/or symptorns i.nformation in the user's record, 14)
entering notes about a
user, diagnoses for a user, and/or follow-up care for a user, 15) controlling
access to and/or activate
one or more medical devices in the medical kiosk, 16) viewing the results from
the use of one or
more medical devices that have been used by the user, 17) creating a visit
summary for a user, 18)
creating a prescription for a user, 19) providing one or more visit documents
and/or other types of
documents to the user, 20) contacting another medical provider on the provider
screen and/or
enable the other medical provider to be viewed by the user, 21) engaging a
translator to facilitate
communication between the user and medical provider, and 22) contacting a
third party to obtain
information about and/or authorization for a user using the medical kiosk;
said scheduling application includes one or more functions selected from the
group
consisting of 1) enabling a user to select a particular medical provider, 2)
rnaking an appointrnent
on a medical kiosk at a particular time and place for a tele-conference with
the medical provider,
3) enabling a user to select the medical provider or type of nledical provider
based on the particular
need of the user, 4) locating available locations of medical kiosks, 5)
enabling a user to enter
inforrnation about the user, 6) checking past, current and/or future
appointments of the user
regarding use of the medical kiosk, 7) entering a partial or full payment for
use of the medical
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kiosk, 8) entering medical insurance information, 9) making payrnent
information, 10) enabling a
user to request assistance, 11) enabling a user to enter consents and/or
consent forms, and 12)
enabling the user to receive reminders about the appointment;
said patient portal application configured to provide the medical provider
access to one or
more functions selected from the group consisting of 1) locating an available
medical kiosk, 2)
scheduling an appointment with the medical ldosk, 3) pre-registering symptoms
and/or reasons for
visit, 4) setting and/or canceling an appointment with the medical. kiosk, 5)
receiving reminders
and/or updates regarding appointments for the medical kiosk, 6) obtaining
information about
medical kiosk availability, 7) obtaining information about certain medical
provider availability, 8)
obtaining information about the available medical provider, 9) selecting a
certain medical provider
and/or medical provider in a certain field of medicine, 10) obtaining map
information, address
information and/or hours of operation information regarding a selected medical
kiosk, 11) locating
the closest kiosk and/or kiosk availability for a certain m.edical provider
and/or medical provider
in a certain field of medicine, 12) presubmitting and/or preelearing medical
insurance, .13)
submitting payment information, 14) receiving information on payment status,
15) receiving
information on insurance coverage, 16) receiving appointment reminders and/or
updates, 17)
receiving prescription information, 18) submitting payment information for
medical visit and/or
prescription, 19) answering surveys regarding the use of the medical kiosk,
and 20) receiving
medication reminders;
said rnedical adherence application is configured to assist user with regard
to medications,
said medical adherence application including one or more functions selected
from the group
consisting of 1) reminding users to take their meds, 2) automatically creating
a log when the user
takes their medication, 3) tracking a user's compliance to taking their
medication on tim.e, 4)
providing automatic progress reports, 4) referring the user to a pharmacist to
answer any questions
and/or for additional consultation, 5) automatically enrolling the user in a e-
script network, which.
network sends their prescriptions to a pharmacy of their choice, 6) assisting
in improving user
satisfaction regarding medication compliance, 7) accessible on a screen in the
medical kiosk,
and/or on a computer screen and/or mobile device, 8) allowing a user to speak
to a pharmacist, 9)
allowing a user to change medication alerts 9) providing inform.ation to a
user about various
rnedical condition, 10) allowing the user to check medication order status,
11) allowing the user to
refill prescriptions, 12) allowing user to transfer prescriptions to a
pharmacy, 13) providing user
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with information about recommended dosages of medication, 14) providing
inforrnation to user
regarding period for taking medications, 15) providing user with information
regarding frequency
for taking medications, 16) providing information to user regarding
information about
medications, 1.7) providing information to user regarding generic brands
available for medications,
18) allowing a user to request an appointrnent to speak with the m.edical
provider, 19) allowing the
user to enter compliance information regarding medication usage by user, 20)
providing user with
medication alerts, 21) allowing the user to change medication alerts, 22)
allowing the user to select
how information will be sent to user, and 23) providing the user with
medication guidelines and/or
m edi cal pl s ;
said an administrator application configured so that a medical administrator
can remotely
access one or more components of the medical kiosk;
said administrator application including one or more functions selected from
the group
consisting of 1) allowing remote access to one or more medical devices in the
medical kiosk, 2)
allowing remote access to one or more computers in the medical kiosk, 3)
allowing remote access
to one or more routers in the rnedical kiosk, 4) allowing remote access to one
or more displays on
the medical kiosk, 5) allowing diagnostics to be executed from a remote
location on. one or more
electronic components in the medical kiosk, 6) allowing the rebooting and/or
reinitializing from a
remote location of one or more electronic components in the medical kiosk, 7)
allowing for review
of the current and/or past status from a remote location of one or more
electronic components in.
the medical kiosk, 8) allowing remote access to one or rnore power supplies in
the medical kiosk,
9) allowing rernote access to one or more servers in the medical kiosk, 10)
allowing remote access
to one or rnore harddrives in the medical kiosk, 11) allowing hardware and/or
software updates to
be remotely sent and/or loaded onto one or more electronic components in the
medical kiosk, and
12) allowing software to be loaded onto and/or removed from one or more
electronic components
in the medical kiosk;
said provider portal application configured to provide the medical provider
access to one
=
or more functions selected from the group consisting of 1) accessing another
medical provider, 2)
enabling two or more medical providers to be simultaneously viewed and/or
beard by the user in
the medical kiosk, 3) enabling the medical provider to switch to a n.ew
medical provider such that
only the new medical provider is not viewed by the user in the medical kiosk,
and 4) allowing a
second medical provider to listen and/or communicate with the user in the
medical kiosk.
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14. The method as defined in claim 13, said plurality of medical devices
including two or more
devices selected from the group consisting of a stethoscope, an otoscope, a
thermometer, a
derrnascope, a spirometer, blood pressure cuff, a pulse oximeter, a heating
pad, a magnifying glass,
a tongue depressor, tweezers, a blood glucorneter, an audiometer, and a 3-lead
.EKG.
15. The method as defined in claim 14, wherein at least one said remotely
controlled rnedical
compartments is unlockable as thc uscr progresses through a vitals capture
program, and including
the further step of causing said at least one remotely controlled rnedical
compartment to unlock as
the user progresses through a certain portion of the vitals capture program.
16. The rnethod as defi.ned in claim 13, wherein said medical kiosk
includes a floor scale.
17. The method as defmed in claim 13, wherein said tnedical kiosk includes
a hea.dphone jack.
18. The method as defined in claim 13, including a mobile device
application or network
application, said mobile application or network application configured to
provide the user access
to various fimetions on a mobile device or computer, said functions in
including one or more
functions selected from the group consisting of I) locating an available
medical kiosk, 2)
scheduling an appointment with the medical kiosk, 3) pre-registering symptoms
for visit, 4) setting
an appointrnent with the medical kiosk, 5) receiving reminders regarding
appointments for the
medical kiosk, 6) obtaining information about medical kiosk availability, 7)
obtaining information
about certain medical provider availability, 8) obtaining information about
available medical
providers, 9) selecting a certain medical provider, 10) obtaining map
information regarding a
selected medical kiosk, 11) locating the closest kiosk for an appointment with
a certain medical
provider in a certain field of rnedicine, 12) presubmitting medical insurance,
13) submitting
payment information, 14) receiving information on payment status, 15)
receiving information on
insurance coverage, 16) receivine updates regarding appointment reearding
appointments for the
medical kiosk, 17) receiving prescription information, 18) submitting payment
information for
prescriptions, 19) answering surveys regarding the use of the medical kiosk,
20) receiving
medication reminders, 21) pre-registering reasons for visit, 22) canceling an
appointment with the
medical kiosk, 23) selecting a certain medical provider in a certain field of
medicine, 24) providing
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address information regarding a selected medical kiosk, 25) obtaining hours of
operation
information regarding a selected medical kiosk, 26) locating the closest kiosk
for an appointment
with a certain medical provider, 27) locating the closest kiosk availability
for an appointm.ent with
a certain medical provider in a certain field of medicine, 28) locating the
closest kiosk availability
for an appointment with a certain rnedical provider, and 29) preclearing
medical insurance.
19. The method as defined in claim .13, wherein said medical kiosk includes
an exterior
registration station located external to said internal enclosure, said
registration station including a
user input system that enables the user to enter information about the user
prior to having said real-
time or near real-time tele-conference with the medical provider, said user
input system including
one or more components selected from the group consisting of a key pad for
identification, a key
pad for data entry, key board for identification, a key board for data entry,
a touch screen for
identification, a touch screen for data entry, a microphone and voice
recognition software for
identification, a microphone and voice recognition software for data entry, a
fingerprint scanner
for identification a fingerprint scanner for data entry, a retina scanner for
identification, a retina
scanner for data entry, camera, speaker, card reader, srnart device
reader/scanner, motion sensor,
sound sensor, and temperature sensor, said registration station configured to
provide the uscr
access to one or more functions selected from the eroup consisting of a)
entering the user's name,
b) entering the user's address, c) entering the user's contact information, d)
entering the user's age,
e) entering the user's sex, 0 entering the user's height, g) entering the
user's weight, h) entering the
user's race, i) entering the user's language, j) entering the user's medical
history, k) entering
medicines used by user, I) entering information on past medical condition, m)
entering reason(s)
for visit by the user, n) entering user's current symptoms, o) entering user's
allergies, p) entering
user's ID information, q) entering user's insurance information, r) entering
user's payment
information, s) entering consent information, t) requesting assistance from a
medical attendant, u)
entering date the user desires an appointment, v) entering user's current
medical provider, w)
requesting a specific medical provider x) providing information to the user
about the medical
kiosk, y) providing information to the user on how to use the medical kiosk.,
z) providing
information to the user on how to properly input/convey information to the
rnedical kiosk, aa)
providing the user information during the inputting/conveying of information
by the user to the
medical kiosk, bb) providing the user information on the wait time for the
user's use of the medical
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kiosk, cc) providing the uscr with a number of other users waiting to use the
medical kiosk, dd)
providing the user with information regarding whether the medical kiosk is in
use or is available,
ee) entering time the user desires an appointment, and ff) requesting a
medical provider having a
particular medical specialty.
20. The method as defined in claim 13, wherein said medical kiosk includes
a includes a
display screen located external to said internal enclosure that can be used to
provide one or more
types of information selected from the group consisting of advertising
information, information
about the rnedical kiosk, information about wait tirne for the medical kiosk,
information as to the
order of users waiting to use the medical kiosk, information about whether a
medical kiosk is
available or in use, cable TV shows, satellite TV shows, local broadcast TV
shows, infomercials,
medical programs, DVD materials, Blu-ray materials, video programs, YouTube
programs, and
pictures, said display configured to only display information and to not
accept data entry from the
user.
21. The method as defined in claim 13, wherein said internal enclosure of
said medical kiosk
includes a cleaning or sanitizing system to clean or sanitize at least a
portion of said internal
enclosure, said cleaning or sanitizing system including a system selected from
the group consisting
of a UV system and a rnist system.
22. The method as defined in claim 13, wherein said medical kiosk includes
a moveable
interior panel to allow access to one or more components located behind the
rnoveable panel
located in said internal enclosure, said one or more components including
components selected
from the group consisting of 1) electronics located behind the exterior cheek-
in station, 2)
electronics located behind the first and second video screens and 3)
electronics used for network
comrnunication.
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Description

MEDICAL KIOSK AND METHOD OF USE
The present invention is directed to medical services, more particularly to a
method
and device for providing medical services to individuals, even more
particularly to a method
and device for providing medical services to individuals at locations that
traditionally have not
provided medical services, and still even more particularly to a medical kiosk
and method for
using a medical kiosk to providing medical services to individuals at
locations that are remote
from a medical provider.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Medical services are traditionally provided to individuals at a doctor's
office or medical
facility. Typically, an individual contacts his/her medical provider when the
individual
requires some type of medical assistance. The medical provider then sets an
appointment time
and date for the individual to see the medical provider. Many times, the time
and date of the
appointment are inconvenient for the individual. Furthermore, the individual
seeking medical
assistance may desire or need more immediate medical assistance and cannot
wait for the time
.. and date set by the medical provider. In such situations, the individual
goes to the emergency
room of a hospital or some type of medical clinic (e.g., Minute Clinic, Take
Care Clinic, Urgent
Care Clinic, etc.), assuming that such clinics are available or convenient to
visit. In other
situations, especially in smaller towns and rural areas, a medical facility
may be located many
miles away thus making a visit to such a facility very inconvenient. As such,
many individuals
who should seek medical care decide to not seek the advice of medical
personnel due to the
inconvenience of having to travel large distances to a medical facility.
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The costs associated with visiting a medical provider can be costly depending
on the type
of insurance, if any, the individual carries. When an individual visits the
emergency room of a
hospital, the medical costs can be substantially higher and insurance coverage
may be limited to
various types of visits. Insurance coverage and the cost of the visit may also
vary at various
clinics. In many communities, clinics are not readily available, thus the
individual must either
visit the medical provider or go to the hospital.
Various phaunacy and drug stores have begun offering medical services on their
premises. These locations generally offer flu shots and very basic medical
services, and are
typically provided by a nurse practitioner, not a doctor. As such, only very
limited types of
medical services are offered at such locations. Also, these locations are not
offered in a private
environment. Generally, the services are provided in a side corridor or
partitioned location in the
facility.
In view of the current state of the medical services, there is a need for
providing medical
services in a more convenient, desirable, timely and cost effective manner.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for providing
medical
services, diagnoses, health, and/or wellness advice to individuals in a
convenient, desirable,
timely and cost effective manner. The novel medical apparatus of the present
invention and the
novel method for providing medical services, diagnoses, health advice, and/or
wellness advice
addresses the current deficiencies that exist for providing medical services
to individuals.
In one non-limiting aspect of the invention, there is provided a method and
apparatus for
providing medical services, diagnoses, health, and/or wellness advice to
individuals that includes
a remote medical service arrangement wherein a patient can receive various
types of medical
advice and services remotely from one or more medical providers (e.g., doctor,
nurse
practitioner, nurse, psychologist, psychiatrist, optometrist, physician
assistant, pharmacist, health
coach, dietitian, medical assistant, etc.). Traditionally, a patient was
required to go to a medical
facility (e.g., hospital, medical clinic, doctor's office, etc.) to personally
meet with and be
diagnosed by the medical provider. The present invention is directed to a
method wherein
medical services, diagnoses, health advice, and/or wellness advice can be
dispensed by a medical
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provider at a location that is remote from the patient. The present invention
can be used to
provide services in one or more different medical specialties (e.g.,
Allergology; Andrology;
Anesthesia; Angiology; Athletic training; Aviation medicine; Cardiology;
Dentistry;
Dermatology; Disaster medicine; Emergency medicine; Endocrinology; Family
medicine;
Gastroenterology; General practice; Medical genetics; Geriatrics; Gerontology;
Gynaecology;
Hematology; Hepatology; Immunology; Infectious diseases; Intensive care
medicine; Internal
medicine; Military medicine; Nephrology; Neurology; Nuclear medicine;
Obstetrics; Oncology;
Ophthalmology; Oral and maxillofacial surgery; Orthopedics; Otolaryngology;
Paleopathology;
Palliative medicine; Pathology; Pediatrics; Podiatry; Psychiatric specialties;
Psychiatry;
Pulmonology; Radiology; Rehabilitation medicine; Rheumatology; Serology;
Sexual health;
Sleep medicine; Space medicine; Sports medicine; Surgery; Toxicology;
Transplantation
medicine; Tropical medicine; Urology; Wilderness medical emergencies; and/or
Wilderness
medicine). The method and device of the present invention can be used to
provide initial
screening, treatment, and/or follow-up treatment for a patient. The method and
device of the
present invention can be used in many situations as an alternative for a
patient visiting a medical
facility or a doctor's office. However, it can be appreciated that the device
of the present
invention could be located in a lobby or special region of a doctor's office
or medical facility. In
one non-limiting arrangement of the present invention, there is provided an
audio and/or video
link between one or more medical providers located at one or more locations
(e.g., medical
provider's office, medical provider's home, hospital, etc.) and the patient is
located at some other
location (e.g., shopping mall, shopping center, drug store, grocery store,
department store,
warehouse store, discount retailer, discount department store, truck trailer,
mobile office, mobile
home, office space location, etc.) that is remote from the one or more medical
providers. The
novel method of the present invention for providing medical services,
diagnoses, health advice,
and/or wellness advice enables a medical provider to provide medical services,
diagnoses, health
advice, and/or wellness advice to patients without the patient having to
physically visit the
medical provider and/or having to go to the medical provider's office or place
of work. As can
be appreciated, the audio and/or video link that is used by the medical
provider can enable the
medical provider to provide medical services, diagnoses, health advice, and/or
wellness advice at
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a single remote location or a plurality of remote locations. When the audio
and/or video link
enables the medical provider to provide medical services, diagnoses, health
advice, and/or
wellness advice to a plurality of remote locations, a single medical provider
and/or a plurality of
medical providers can be used to provide medical services, diagnoses, health
advice, and/or
.. wellness advice to patients that are located at a variety of different
remote locations. When a
plurality of medical providers is used, the medical providers can be located
at the same or
different locations. As can be appreciated, the novel method for providing
medical services
allows for more flexibility for a patient to obtain medical services,
diagnoses, health advice,
and/or wellness advice. The site at which the patient obtains the medical
services, diagnoses,
health advice, and/or wellness advice via the method and device of the present
invention can be
located in a) non-traditional locations that are more convenient to a patient
(e.g., shopping mall,
public park, department store, retail store, grocery store, museum, office
building, business
office, business facility, big box stores, government base or facility, drug
stores, boat, airplane,
train, etc.), and/or b) traditional locations (e.g., doctor's office,
hospital, urgent care facility, etc.)
so as to provide easier and/or more convenient access to such medical
services, diagnoses, health
advice, and/or wellness advice. The geographic location for the device of the
present invention
can be in a single neighborhood, multiple neighborhoods, a single town or
city, multiple towns or
cities, a single state or province, multiple states or provinces, a single
country, or multiple
countries. The novel method can also be used to provide medical services,
diagnoses, health
.. advice, and/or wellness advice at standard times (e.g., 9am-5pm Monday
through Friday, etc.)
and/or non-standard times (e.g., early morning hours, evening hours, weekend
hours, holiday
hours, etc.) to enable a patient to obtain medical services, diagnoses, health
advice, and/or
wellness advice that are more convenient and timely to the patient.
In another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the invention, the novel
method and
.. apparatus for providing medical services, diagnoses, health, and/or
wellness advice to individuals
can be used to provide a variety of different medical services, diagnoses,
health advice, and/or
wellness advice. Non-limiting examples of such medical services, diagnoses,
health advise,
wellness advise and/or medical conditions that can be identified, treated
and/or addressed
include, but are not limited to Acid Reflux; Hypertension Management;
Allergies; Athlete's
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Foot; Acne; Mental Health Counseling; Wellness Counseling; Asthma; Cold Sores;
Vaccinations; Arthritis; Bronchitis; Impetigo; Wellness Coaching; Weight Loss;
Eating
Disorders; Bladder Infections; Insect Stings; Allergic Reactions; Rashes;
Hemorrhoids; Minor
Burns; Health Risk Management; Migraine Headaches; Common Colds; Virus
Infections;
Bacterial Infections; Minor Skin Infections; Chronic Disease Management;
Coughs; Poison
Oak/Ivy; Diarrhea; Rashes; Diabetes; Ringworm; Lice; Ear Infections; Sties;
Flu; Fever; Gout;
Headache (minor); Pink Eye; Sinus Infections; Sore Throat; Ear Infections;
Cramps; STDs; Strep
Throat; Throat Infections; Feeding Problems For Newborns; Vomiting; Teething;
Gastrointestinal Problems; Anxiety; Depression, Formula Advice For Newborns;
Concussion;
Head Injuries; Bone Fractures; Sprains; Hair Loss; Alopecia; Eye Infections;
Urinary Tract
Infections; Constipation; Appendicitis; Pharyngitis; Medication Therapy
Management; Acid
Reflux Disease; Acne; Alcohol abuse; Allergies; Antisocial Personality
Disorder; Attention
Deficit Disorder; Altitude Sickness; Alzheimer's Disease; Andropause; Anger
management;
Anorexia Nervosa; Arthritis; Aspergers Syndrome; Asthma; Autism; Back Pain;
Bad Breath
(Halitosis); Baldness; Bedwetting; Bipolar Disorder; Bladder Cancer; Body
Dysmorphic
Disorder; Bone Cancer; Brain Cancer; Breast Cancer; Brain Tumors; Brain
Injury; Bronchitis;
Burns; Bursitis; Cancer; Canker Sores; Carpal Tunnel Syndrome; Celiac Disease;
Cervical
Cancer; Cholesterol; Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease; Colon Cancer;
Congestive Heart
Failure; Cradle Cap; Crohn's Disease; Dandruff; Deep Vein Thrombosis;
Dehydration;
Depression; Diabetes; Diaper Rash; Diarrhea; Disabilities; Diverticulitis;
Down Syndrome; Drug
Abuse; Smoking Cessation; Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding; Dyslexia; Ear
Infections; Ear
Problems; Eating Disorders; Eczema; Endometriosis; Enlarged Prostate;
Epilepsy; Erectile
Dysfunction; Eye Problems; Fibromyalgia; Fracture; Gallbladder Disease;
Gallstones;
Generalized Anxiety Disorder; Genital Herpes; Genital Warts;
Glomerulonephritis; Gonorrhea;
Gout; Gum Diseases; Gynecomastia; Head Lice; Headache; Hearing Loss; Heart
Attacks; Heart
Disease; Heartburn; Heat Stroke; Heel Pain; Hemorrhage; Hemorrhoids; Hepatitis
; Herniated
Discs; Hiatal Hernia; HIV/AIDS; Hives; Hyperglycemia; Hyperkalemia;
Hypertension;
Hyperthyroidism; Hypothyroidism; Infectious Diseases; Infectious
Mononucleosis; Influenza;
Infertility; Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus; Iron Deficiency Anemia;
Irritable Bowel
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Syndrome; Irritable Male Syndrome; Itching; Joint Pain; Juvenile Diabetesl;
Juvenile
Rheumatoid Arthritis; Kidney Diseases; Kidney Stones; Leukemia; Liver Cancer;
Lung Cancer;
Mad Cow Disease; Malaria; Medication Management; Melena; Memory Loss;
Menopause;
Mesothelioma; Migraine; Miscarriages; Mucus In Stool; Multiple Personality
Disorder; Multiple
Sclerosis; Muscle Cramps; Muscle Fatigue; Muscle Pain; Nail Biting;
Narcissistic Personality
Disorder; Neck Pain; Obesity; Obsessive Compulsive Disorder; Osteoarthritis;
Osteomyelitis;
Osteoporosis; Ovarian Cancer; Ovarian Cyst; Pain; Pain Management; Panic
Attack; Parkinson's
Disease; Peripheral Artery Disease; Personality Disorders; Pervasive
Developmental Disorder;
Peyronie's Disease; Phobias; Pink Eye; Polio; Pneumonia; Post Nasal Drip; Post
Traumatic
.. Stress Disorder; Premature Baby; Premenstrual Syndrome; Prostate Cancer;
Psoriasis; Reactive
Attachment Disorder; Renal Failure; Restless Legs Syndrome; Rheumatoid
Arthritis; Rheumatic
Fever; Ringworm; Rosacea; Rotator Cuff; Scabies; Scars; Sciatica;
Schizophrenia; Sexually
Transmitted Disease; Sinus Infections; Skin Cancer; Skin Rash; Sleep Apnea;
Sleep Disorders;
Smallpox; Snoring; Social Anxiety; Staph Infection; Stomach Cancer; Strep
Throat; Sudden
Infant Death Syndrome; Sunburn; Syphilis; Systemic Lupus Erythematosus; Tennis
Elbow;
Termination of Pregnancy; Testicular Cancer; Tooth Decay; Tuberculosis;
Ulcers; Urinary Tract
Infection; Varicose Veins; Vertigo; Warts; Williams Syndrome; Yeast Infection;
Yellow Fever,
etc. As can be appreciated, other or additional types of medical services
and/or health care
services can be provided. The medical services and/or health care services
that can be provided
can include, but are not limited to, 1) providing advice and/or
recommendations about a medical
condition, 2) diagnosing and/or treating a medical condition, 3) providing
referral services for a
medical condition, 4) prescribing medicine for a medical condition, 5)
periodically monitoring a
medical condition, 6) providing follow-up checks for a medical condition, 7)
providing routine
check-up services, 8) providing advice, counseling, and/or recommendations
about medical
.. and/or health matters, 9) providing a course of treatment for a medical
condition, 8) providing
health counseling, 10) providing health information, 12) providing wellness
counseling, and/or
13) providing wellness information. As can be appreciated, other or additional
services can be
provided to the patient. In essence, any type of medical condition, medical
concern, health
concern, wellness concern, etc. can be addressed in whole or part by the novel
method and
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apparatus for providing medical services of the present invention.
Hereinafter, these services
will be collectively referred to as medical services. As can be appreciated,
the type of services
provided to a patient will depend on the specific medical condition, medical
concern or need,
wellness concern or need, and/or health concern or need of the patient. In
many instances, the
.. medical provider will be able to diagnose, address, advise, consult and/or
treat the specific
medical condition or need, medical concern or need, wellness concern or need,
health concern or
need, etc. of the patient. In some instances, the specific medical condition
or need, medical
concern or need, wellness concern or need, health concern or need, etc. of the
patient may be too
complicated and/or complex to address via an audio and/or video link, thus the
medical provider
in such situations may have to refer the patient to a hospital, a doctor's
office, counselor,
psychiatrist/psychologist, medical specialist, health professional, dietician,
rehabilitation facility,
or a traditional medical clinic for further counseling, treatment and/or
diagnosis, or some other
location or professional that can address the patient's needs and/or
requirements.
In still another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the invention, the
novel method
and apparatus for providing medical services, diagnoses, health, and/or
wellness advice to
individuals can include the use of a medical kiosk to enable the patient to
conveniently
communicate with one or more medical providers. One or more medical kiosks can
be used in
the present invention. Generally, a plurality of medical kiosks which are
located at one or more
locations are used in the method of the present invention; however, it can be
appreciated that a
single medical kiosk can be used in accordance with the present invention.
Typically one or
more medical providers provide services to one or more medical kiosks. The
size, shape,
configuration and look of the medical kiosk are non-limiting. In one non-
limiting embodiment
of the invention, the medical kiosk provides a private or semi-private
environment for a patient
to communicate with one or more medical providers that are located remotely
from the medical
kiosk. In one non-limiting arrangement, the medical kiosk includes an
enclosure that is designed
to enable a patient to enter the enclosure and to communicate with the medical
provider in a
private or semi-private manner while in the enclosure of the medical kiosk.
The size, shape and
configuration of the enclosure of the medical kiosk are non-limiting. In
another and/or
alternative non-limiting arrangement, the medical kiosk includes one or more
walls that form all
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or a portion of the sides of the enclosure of the medical kiosk. The enclosure
may include one or
more doors or entry points to enable a patient to enter and/or exit the
enclosure. In another
and/or alternative non-limiting arrangement, the medical kiosk typically
includes a floor and/or a
ceiling. The ceiling, when included, can include a portion that is partially
or fully transparent;
however, this is not required. In another and/or alternative non-limiting
arrangement, the
medical kiosk can have a modular configuration to enable the parts of the
medical kiosk to be set
up in various configurations to enable the medical kiosk to be used in various
types of spaces
and/or to be set up in various types of configurations. The medical kiosk can
be formed of any
number of materials (e.g., plastic, foam, metal, wood, composite materials,
fiber board, etc.).
The one or more walls of the medical kiosk can be designed to be
interchangeable to enable the
door, when used, to be positioned on various locations on the medical kiosk;
however, this is not
required. The medical kiosk can include a floor and/or ceiling to provide for
increased privacy
for the patient when the patient is inside the room, cavity or enclosure of
the medical kiosk;
however, this is not required. The medical kiosk can include one or more
tables, ledges,
benches, and/or seats in the interior and/or exterior of the medical kiosk;
however, this is not
required. Such table, ledge, bench, and/or seat, when used, can be designed to
be connected in
multiple locations on the exterior and/or interior of the medical kiosk;
however, this is not
required. The modular configuration of the medical kiosk can be such that it
can be easily
assembled and/or disassembled so that the medical kiosk can be easily brought
into a location
and easily set up, and/ or be easily removed from a location; however, this is
not required.
In yet another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the invention, the
novel method
and apparatus for providing medical services, diagnoses, health, and/or
wellness advice to
individuals can include the use of a medical kiosk that includes one or more
data input terminals.
The one or more data input terminals can be located on one or more locations
on the exterior of
the medical kiosk; however, this is not required. Alternatively or
additionally, the one or more
data input terminals can be located on one or more locations in the interior
or enclosure of the
medical kiosk; however, this is not required. The one or more data input
terminals can include a
video display to display information regarding identification and/or data
entry, a camera and/or
video camera used to collect information for identification and/or data entry,
a key pad or key
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board for identification and/or data entry, a touch screen for identification
and/or data entry,
microphone and voice recognition software for identification and/or data
entry, fingerprint
scanner for identification and/or data entry, retina scanner for
identification and/or data entry,
and/or face and/or body scanners for identification and/or data entry. As can
be appreciated,
other or additional devices can be included on the medical kiosk to display
and/or obtain
information regarding identification and/or data entry. The medical kiosk can
be used by the
patient to enter/convey basic information about the patient. Such information
includes, but is not
limited to, a) patient name, b) patient address, c) patient contact
information (e.g., home address,
work address, phone number, email address, pager number, work number, etc.),
d) patient age, e)
patient sex, 0 patient height, g) patient weight, h) patient medical history,
i) current medicines
used by patient, j) reason(s) for visit by patient, k) patient current
symptoms, 1) patient insurance
information, m) patient payment information, n) patient's current doctor, o)
guardian or patent
information, p) next of kin information, q) desired medical provider for
visit, r) allergy
information, s) information about a prior visit, t) medical records
information, and/or u)
pharmacy information. As can be appreciated, other or additional information
can be
inputted/conveyed by the patient.
In still another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the invention, the
novel method
and apparatus for providing medical services, diagnoses, health, and/or
wellness advice to
individuals can include a medial kiosk that can be designed to provide
information to the patient
prior to and/or during the inputting/conveying of information by the patient
to the medical kiosk.
In one non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the medical kiosk can include
audio and/or
visual instructions and/or displays used to provide a) information about the
medical kiosk, b)
how to use the medial kiosk, c) how to properly input/convey information to
the medical kiosk,
d) provide instructions and/or interactions with the patient during the
inputting/conveying of
information by the patient to the medical kiosk, e) the wait time for the
patient's use of the
medical kiosk, 0 a list of patient's waiting to use the medical kiosk, g)
available medical
providers, h) types of medical issues that can be addressed by use of the
medical kiosk, i)
insurance providers that can be used to partially or fully pay for a visit in
the medical kiosk, j)
payment options for use of the medical kiosk, k) information regarding when
the medical kiosk
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in the future is available, and/or 1) information regarding whether the
medical kiosk is in use or is
available. In another and/or alternative non-limiting embodiment of the
invention, the medical
kiosk can include light, sound indicators, and/or digital displays to provide
information regarding
whether the medical kiosk is in use or is available; however, this is not
required. In still another
and/or alternative non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the medical kiosk
can include a
notification system to a patient that the medical kiosk is available or will
soon be available;
however, this is not required. Such notification can be sent via email, text,
phone, pager,
interne, digital display, etc. Such notification system can be useful when the
medical kiosk is
not currently available to the patient. The patient can input the information
into the medical
kiosk and then go home, run other errands, etc., and then be later notified
when the medical
kiosk is available or will soon be available. The medical kiosk and/or
notification system can
also be used to inform the patient when and/or where other medical kiosks are
available;
however, this is not required. This service, when available, can be used to
inform the patient that
a nearby medical kiosk has a shorter wait period or is currently available,
thus providing the
patient with the option of traveling to another available medical kiosk
instead of waiting for the
current medical kiosk to become available; however, this is not required. This
service, when
available, can also be used to inform the patient when a prescription is ready
for pickup and/or
for conveying prescription information to the patient; however, this is not
required. This service,
when available, can also be used to inform the patient when a follow-up visit
is due and/or
scheduled; however, this is not required. As can be appreciated, the
notification system can be
used for other or additional services.
In yet another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the invention, the
novel method
and apparatus for providing medical services, diagnoses, health, and/or
wellness advice to
individuals can include a scheduling system for use of the medical kiosk. The
schedule system
allows a patient to schedule an appointment with a medical provider when the
patient uses the
medical kiosk. The scheduling system can be used to 1) enable a patient to
select a particular
medical provider, 2) make an appointment on a medical kiosk at a particular
time and place, 3)
enable a patient to select a medical provider or type of medical provide based
on the particular
need of the patient (e.g., select a medical provider that specializes in
dermatology to address a
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rash issue on the patient, select a medical provider that specializes in
orthopedics to address a
sports injury to the knee, etc.), 4) locate available locations of medical
kiosks, 5) enable a patient
to enter basic information about the patient, 6) check a past, current or
future appointment of the
patient regarding use of the medical kiosk, 7) enter a partial or fully
payment for use of the
medical kiosk, 8) enter medical insurance information, etc. The scheduling
system can be
designed to be accessed by a patient on a data entry device on a medical
kiosk, via a computer or
phone or smart device, and/or by phone. The scheduling system can optionally
be designed to
enable a patient to request assistance if there a question regarding the use
of the scheduling
system.
In still yet another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the invention,
the novel
method and apparatus for providing medical services, diagnoses, health, and/or
wellness advice
to individuals can include one of more software applications (e.g., patent
registration application,
attendant application, patient appointment or registration application,
medical provider
application, administrator application, patient portal, provider portal,
etc.). For example, the
Patient Appointment or Registration Application can include the screens the
patient navigates
through during the patient registration process; however, this is not
required. These screens can
optionally appear on the registration station of the exterior of the medical
kiosk. The Attendant
Application can include screens that the medical attendant, when used,
navigates through during
the patient appointment; however, this is not required. These screens can
optionally appear on a
laptop, computer screen, tablet, smart phone, etc. located with the medical
attendant and/or at or
near the attendant desk on the exterior of the medical kiosk; however, this is
not required. The
Patient Appointment or Registration Application can include screens the
patient navigates
through during the patient consultation; however, this is not required. These
screens can
optionally appear on the medical provider screen and/or patient screen in the
interior of the
medical kiosk. The Provider Application can include the screens the medical
provider navigates
through during the patient appointment; however, this is not required. These
screens can
optionally appear on the medical provider's computer, laptop, tablet, smart
phone, etc. at his/her
remote location. As can be appreciated, other or additional software and/or
hardware application
can be used with the medical kiosk of the present invention. The Patient
Appointment or
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Registration Application can allow the patient to select a language to be
displayed (e.g., English,
Spanish, German, French, Chinese, Japanese, etc.); however, this is not
required.
In another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the invention, the novel
method and
apparatus for providing medical services, diagnoses, health, and/or wellness
advice to individuals
can include the use of a Patient Appointment or Registration Application. The
Patient
Appointment or Registration Application can include one or more navigational
buttons (e.g.,
back, next, cancel, request assistance, etc.) for use by the patient during
the registration process;
however, this is not required). For example, the Back button can be designed
to allow the patient
to return to the previous screen, the Next button can be designed to allow the
patient to proceed
to the next screen, the Cancel button can be designed to allow the patient to
cancel a process and
return to the beginning of the process (e.g., patient receives a pop-up box
asking them if they are
sure they want to cancel and return to the beginning of the process. They may
choose "Yes" or
"No". "Yes" returns them to the beginning of the process. "No" returns them to
the screen they
were on when they hit the "Cancel" button), and the Request Assistance button
can be designed
to allow the patient to request assistance from the Attendant (e.g., the
patient can receive a pop-
up box notifying them that the attendant will be with them in a moment and the
attendant also
receive a notice that the patient requires assistance. The notice provided to
the attendant can
optionally be color coded and/or generate a certain sound to indicate the
source and/or
seriousness of the request by a patient and/or medical provider, etc.). The
Patient Appointment
or Registration Application can include a process through which the patient
identifies themselves
as a new and/or returning patient and either schedules an appointment at one
or more medical
kiosks or registers for an existing appointment at one or more medical kiosks.
The medical kiosk
can optionally be staffed by a medical assistant or attendant at all times.
During the patient
registration process, the medical assistant or attendant responsibilities,
when used, can include
welcoming the patient, offering assistance, validating patient identification,
initiating/finalizing
the patient consultation, and/or completing the sanitization process. As can
be appreciated, the
medical assistant or attendant can have other or additional responsibilities
(e.g., check operation
of medical kiosk, report a malfunction of a medical kiosk, monitor appointment
status of medical
kiosk, assist the patient in the medical kiosk, reload software, etc.). The
Patient Appointment or
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Registration Application can optionally be designed to enable a patient to
register and schedule
appointments through one or more methods (e.g., on-line registration, calling
a registration
location, visiting a medical kiosk, etc.). During the patient registration
process, the Patient
Appointment or Registration Application can include scheduling software that
provides a
.. scheduling system for a patient to register with one or more medical
kiosks. The scheduling
system can be designed to be accessed by a patient on a data entry device on a
medical kiosk, via
a computer or phone or smart device, and/or by phone. The patient registration
system can be
designed to 1) schedule a new appoint for a patient, 2) schedule an
appointment for a returning
patient, and/or 3) welcome a patient that has already scheduled an
appointment. In one non-
limiting arrangement, the patient registration system generally asks if the
patient is a returning
patient, a new patient or if the patient requires assistance. The patient
registration system
generally provides the patient with a privacy policy associated with the use
of the medical kiosk;
however, this is not required. When a privacy policy is presented to the
patient, the patient
generally must acknowledge or accept the privacy policy before the patient can
proceed further
with the registration process; however, this is not required. The patient
registration system
generally provides the patient with terms of service policy associated with
the use of the medical
kiosk; however, this is not required. When the terms of service policy is
presented to the patient,
the patient generally must acknowledge or accept the terms of service policy
before the patient
can proceed further with the registration process; however, this is not
required. The patient
registration system generally asks why the patient is using the patient
registration system (e.g.,
Medical kiosk tour, Medical kiosk demo, Medical kiosk payment demo, check-in
for a medical
visit, etc.). The patient registration system generally asks the patient to
enter a password, phone
number, pin number, name, email address, address, date or birth, sex, or the
like to identify the
patient; however, this is not required. The patient registration system
generally asks the patient
to verify if the patient is at least a certain age (e.g., at least two years
old, etc.) before medical
services can be provided by the medical kiosk; however, this is not required.
The patient
registration system generally asks the patient to identify one or more
symptoms (e.g., body
aches, chest congestion, cough, diarrhea, ear ache or pain, eye itching or
swelling, fatigue, fever,
headache, nasal congestion, nausea, pink eye, shortness of breath, skin rash,
urinary problems,
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constipation, wheezing, cramps, pulled muscle, stomach pains, indigestion, gas
problems,
swelling, etc.) that the patient is experiencing in which the patient is
seeking medical assistance;
however, this is not required. The patient registration system may optionally
ask one or more
follow-up questions after the patient enters the one or more symptoms and/or
may inform the
patient to seek an in-person visit by a medical provider; however, this is not
required. The
patient registration system may optionally ask the patient to identify one or
more known allergies
of the patient (e.g., none, amoxicillin, aspirin, bee stings, cosmetics, eggs,
fish, hay fever, hives,
latex, metals, milk, mold, MSG, nuts, drugs, penicillin, pets, poison ivy,
shellfish, soy, sulfa, sun,
wheat, other, etc.) ; however, this is not required. The patient registration
system may optionally
ask the patient to identify one or more known medical conditions of the
patient (e.g., none,
alcoholism, arthritis, asthma, breast cancer, chronic ear infections,
diabetes, emphysema,
enlarged prostate, glaucoma, heat attach, high blood pressure, high
cholesterol, liver problems,
other cancer, skin cancer, stroke, thyroid problems, tuberculosis, other,
etc.); however, this is not
required. The patient registration system may optionally ask the patient to
identify one or more
past medical procedures that have been performed on the patient; however, this
is not required.
The patient registration system may optionally ask the patient to identify one
or more
medications the patient is taking; however, this is not required. The patient
registration system
may optionally ask the patient if the patient has medical insurance; however,
this is not required.
If medical insurance is inquired about and the patient indicates that he/she
has medical insurance,
the patient registration system may optionally ask the patient to enter in the
medical insurance
information (e.g., insurer name, ID number, policy number, etc.) and/or to
scan the insurance
card; however, this is not required. The patient registration system may
optionally ask the
patient to make a copay based the medical insurance or to fully pay for the
medical visit;
however, this is not required. Such payments, if any, can be by cash, check,
debit card, credit
card, smart device, etc.). For debit and credit cards and smart devices, the
medical kiosk may
include a card reader or scanner or RFID system, and/or may include a key pad
to enter the
charge or credit information; however, this is not required. A medical
assistant or attendant of
the medical kiosk can optionally assist the patient with the payment of
services and/or with any
other check-in step of the patient registration system; however, this is not
required. For example,
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the patient registration system may include a button or other request
arrangement to signal to a
medical assistance or attendant, if used, that the patient need assistance
with one or more steps of
the registration process; however, this is not required. Once the patient is
registered, the patient
registration system will list one or more days and/or times that the medical
kiosk is available for
use by the patient; however, this is not required. The time intervals can be
spaced by a certain
time period (e.g., every twenty minutes, every thirty minutes, etc.); however,
this is not required.
The patient registration system can verify that an appointment has been made
by the patient once
all of the required information and optional payment has been made; however,
this is not
required. Such verification can be merely displayed on the patient
registration system, printed
out for the patient, emailed or texted to the patient or left on a voicemail
of the patient; however,
this is not required. If the patient is a returning patient, the patient may
merely need to enter the
ID information to access the information that patient had previously entered
and then optionally
update such information; however, this is not required. A previous patient may
be asked about
the new visit (e.g., follow-up, new symptoms, etc.); however, this is not
required. The previous
patient may optionally be asked to update insurance information, reenter
insurance information,
etc. and then optionally make the required copay or full payment. If the
returning patient is
merely returning to a scheduled appointment, the patient may need to enter the
ID information
and verify that the patient is present and is checked-in or cancelling the
scheduled appointment;
however, this is not required. A medical assistant or attendant can optionally
provide assistance
to a patient during any step of the check-in or registration process or
recheck-in process;
however, this is not required. The information entered and/or scanned
regarding the patient can
optionally be saved to a file for current and/or later access by the patient,
medical provider,
medical assistant, etc.; however, this is not required. Such store information
is generally saved
on a database, server, etc. that is located remote to the medical kiosk;
however, this is not
required.
In still another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the invention, the
novel method
and apparatus for providing medical services, diagnoses, health, and/or
wellness advice to
individuals can include the use of one or more medical assistants or
attendants with the medical
kiosk; however, this is not required. In one non-limiting embodiment of the
invention, the
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medical kiosk can have one or more attendants assist a patient during the use
of the medical
kiosk (e.g., assist in check-in procedures, assist check-out procedures,
assist in entering/exiting
the medical kiosk, answering questions about the medical kiosk, assist the
patient about the use
of the kiosk, assist the patient during examination of the patient by the
medical provider, assist in
maintaining privacy/security of a patient while using the medical kiosk,
assist user during
payment of medical services, assist user in obtaining a prescription, assist
in answering general
questions about the medical kiosk, assist the remote medical provider during
the examination of
the patient, assist in using one or more medical devices on the patient,
cleaning the medical
kiosk, maintaining the systems of the medical kiosk, resetting the medical
kiosk for use by
another patient, assist in processing of payments and/or insurance information
of a patient,
monitor proper use of the medical kiosk, etc.); however, this is not required.
Such attendant,
when used, can be a medical provider or non-medical provider. The assistant
may or may not
have any formal medical education. The one or more attendants, when used, can
also or
alternatively clean and/or sanitize various regions of the medical kiosk prior
to and/or after being
used by a patient and/or set up the medical kiosk for a new user; however,
this is not required.
For example, prior to and/or after one or more patients have entered the
medical kiosk, the one or
more attendants can clean/sanitize one or more exterior surfaces and/or
regions of the medical
kiosk (e.g., medical kiosk door, medical kiosk check-in terminal, medical
kiosk desk top,
medical kiosk exterior walls, medical kiosk touch screen, medical kiosk
monitors, seating/tables
in waiting area near medical kiosk, etc.); however, this is not required. In
an another and/or
additional example, prior to and/or after one or more patients have entered
the medical kiosk, the
one or more attendants can clean/sanitize one or more interior surfaces of the
medical kiosk (e.g.,
medical kiosk door, medical kiosk floor, medical kiosk bench, medical kiosk
chair, medical
kiosk user terminal, medical kiosk interior desk top, medical kiosk interior
walls, medical kiosk
touch screen, medical kiosk monitors, medical kiosk instrument doors, medical
devices/instruments used by and/or touched by user when in the medical kiosk,
any other surface
in the interior of the medical kiosk, etc.); however, this is not required. In
still another and/or
additional example, prior to and/or after one or more patients have entered
the medical kiosk, the
one or more attendants can set up the medical kiosk for a user (e.g.,
clean/sanitize interior
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surfaces of medical kiosk; clean/sanitize medical devices/instruments used
and/or touched by a
prior user; reposition medical devices/instruments into device storage areas;
replace disposable
components on medical devices/instruments; replenish paper in a printer; clear
a paper jam in a
printer; replace batteries for one or more electronic components; close
medical device/instrument
compartments doors in the medical kiosk; reset user touch screen for next user
in the medical
kiosk; fix, repair and/or replace non-operating, damaged or broken medical
devices/instruments
in the medical kiosk; fix, repair and/or replace electronic components,
computers, fans, light
bulbs, UV bulbs, UV devices, etc. in the interior and/or exterior of the
medical kiosk; refill
cleaning and/or sanitizing fluid; etc.); however, this is not required. In yet
another and/or
additional example, the one or more attendants can be used to assist one or
more users in the
medical kiosk. Generally, such assistance will occur only after requested by
the user in the
medical kiosk or by the medical provider that is assisting the user while in
the medical kiosk;
however, this is not required. For instance, the one or more attendants can
assist a user in the
medical kiosk if the one or more attendants hear a verbal request from the
user, receive notice
(e.g., light indicator activated by user, sound indicator activated by user,
hear user talking via a
speaker to attendant, hear user talking through walls of medical kiosk,
receive a notice from the
medical provider [e.g., phone call, email, light indicator, etc.], etc.);
however, this is not
required. The one or more medical assistants can be positioned at a desk or
table that is
positioned adjacent to or connected to the exterior of the medical kiosk;
however, this is not
.. required. The medical assistant can be provided with a computer, tablet,
etc. to monitor the
appointment for the medical kiosk, to cancel an appointment, to reschedule and
appointment, to
indicate if a patient missed an appoint or is late for an appointment,
validate the ID of a patient,
to view appointment information of the medical kiosk, to validate a patient's
insurance, to
monitor the need for the assistant to assist a patient via patient or medical
provider request, to
monitor the status of the visit by the patient (e.g., medical kiosk cleaned
for patient, the patient
has properly checked-in, appointed has started and vitals capture process has
begun, vitals
capture process completed, video consultation by medical provider with patient
has begun, the
video consultation with the medical provider has been completed, the medical
provider is
completing the patient report, the visit by the patient in the medical kiosk
is completed, etc.), to
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assist in insurance and information processing and/or scheduling of a patient,
to assist in the
payment by the patient for medical services, to print out reports and/or email
reports to patient
that provides a summary or complete report to the patient regarding the visit
to the medical
kiosk, to activate the sanitation system of the medical kiosk (e.g., UV
sanitation system, etc.), to
keep a record of when the kiosk was cleaned/sanitized and/or what was
cleaned/sanitized by the
assistance (e.g., clean patient counter, clean patient touch screen desk,
clean patient bench, clean
entry doors, clean thermometer, clean dermascope, clean patient chair, clean
interior walls, clean
medical doors and handles, clean otoscope, clean pulse-ox, clean floor, clean
scale, clean video
monitor, clean exterior of the medical kiosk, clean the medical assistant
desk, clean the check-in
.. screen on the exterior of the medical kiosk, clean walk-in mat, clean door
tracks, clean UVC
panel, clean inside ceiling, clean top of medical kiosk, clean UVC lights,
clean medical device
compartments, etc.), to enter information about the operation of the medical
kiosk, to schedule a
service call for the medical kiosk, to order parts or accessories for the
medical kiosk, to verify
the start and completion of an appointment, to process comment information by
a patient, to
create and/or send reports regarding the use of the medical kiosk, to escort
the patient into and/or
out of the medical kiosk, to begin the vitals capture of the patient, provide
information and/or
instructions to a patient regarding the medical kiosk and/or regarding the
proper use of the
medical kiosk, to assist a potential patient in a tour of the medical kiosk,
etc.
In yet another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the invention, the
novel method
and apparatus for providing medical services, diagnoses, health, and/or
wellness advice to
individuals can include the use of an Attendant Application. The Attendant
Application includes
software and/or hardware that enables the attendant to 1) monitor, modify
and/or cancel existing
appointments for a medical kiosk, 2) monitor whether a patient requires
assistance, 3) monitor
and/or assistant a patient during registration with the medical kiosk, 4)
provide procedures and/or
check lists for the medical assistant, and/or 5) provide information on the
status of the medical
kiosk. As can be appreciated, the Attendant Application can have other and/or
additional
functions. In one non-limiting arrangement, the initial Attendant's screen,
displays one or more
appointment fields (e.g., time, patient name, medical provider name, status,
action, etc.). For
examples, the time field, when used, can be designed to display the time of
upcoming
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appointments on the medical kiosk; the patient name field, when used, can be
designed to display
the name of the patients for upcoming appointments on the medical kiosk, the
provider name
field, when used, can be designed to display the name of the providers for
upcoming
appointments on the medical kiosk, the status field, when used, can be
designed to display the
status of upcoming appointments on the medical kiosk (e.g., Ready ¨ The
medical kiosk has been
sanitized and is ready for the next patient appointment, Checked-In ¨ The
patient has been
checked-in and their appointment is pending, Pre Consult ¨ The appointment has
started and
vitals capture process is in progress, In Visit ¨ The vitals capture process
has been completed and
the video consultation with the medical provider is in progress, Post Consult
¨ The video
consultation with the medical provider has been completed and the medical
provider is
completing the visit, Completed ¨ The appointment has been completed, etc.),
and the actions
field, when used, can be designed to display the available of the Attendant
functions. The
actions field, when used, can be designed to allow for one or more actions
(e.g., "X" Icon, Clock
Icon, Printer Icon, Emergency Clean-Up Icon, etc. The "X" Icon, when used, can
be design to
perform one or more functions such as to cancel an upcoming appointment;
however, this is not
required. The "X" Icon can also allow entry and/or selection of a reason for
cancellation (e.g.,
No Show ¨ This action cancels the appointment, but maintains the patient
record; Can't Make
Appointment (Not Rescheduling) ¨ This action cancels the appointment, but
maintains the
patient record; Patient Changed Mind ¨ This action cancels the appointment,
but maintains the
.. patient record; Cancel Cancellation ¨ This action cancels the cancellation;
etc.). The "Clock"
Icon, when used, can be designed to reschedule an upcoming appointment;
however, this is not
required. When this Icon is selected, entry and/or selection of one or more
types of data can be
allowed (e.g., input a date and time to reschedule an appointment, etc.);
however, this is not
required. The "Printer" Icon, when used, can be designed to print a visit
summary and/or some
other type of information (e.g., prescription, coupons, follow-up visit
information, survey and/or
survey results, etc.); however, this is not required. This Icon can be
designed to only appear after
an appointment has been completed and/or scheduled; however, this is not
required. The
"Emergency Clean-Up" Icon, when used, can be designed to allow the medical
attendant to
associate an emergency clean-up with a patient appointment so as to be used
for tracking
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purposes and/or some other purpose; however, this is not required. Upon
selection of the
"Emergency Clean-Up" Icon, the medical attendant can be allowed to type a note
regarding the
emergency clean-up; however, this is not required.
In still yet another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the invention,
the novel
.. method and apparatus for providing medical services, diagnoses, health,
and/or wellness advice
to individuals can include the use of an Attendant Application that allows the
medical attendant
to 1) view appointment information, 2) validate patient IDs, 3) validate
patient insurance, 4)
reschedule or cancel an appointment, and/or 5) perform the sanitization
process for the medical
kiosk; however, this is not required. In one non-limiting embodiment of the
invention, once the
patient is "Checked-In" via the patient registration process, the appointment
status changes to
"Pending." At that time, the medical attendant can be required to validate the
patient's ID;
however, this is not required. For example, the medical attendant can 1)
select the patient
records (e.g., from the computer screen or monitor, etc.) and 2) select the
"Validate Patient ID"
button or similar type of button or selection; however, this is not required.
If the patient is a new
patient, the medical attendant can be prompted to insert and scan the
patient's identification for
the first time to be saved in the patient's electronic file. If the patient is
a returning patient, the
medical attendant can be prompted to "Update Patient ID". If "Update Patient
ID" is selected,
the medical attendant can be prompted to "Start Scan" of updated patient ID.
Once the patient's
ID is validated and scanned, the medical attendant may be required to rescan
the ID (if image
quality is compromised) or save the image in the patient's file; however, this
is not required. As
can be appreciated, other or additional methods can be used to validate a
patient's ID. In one
non-limiting arrangement, the patient's identification is validated by use of
a valid driver's
license, US passport, military ID, and/ or photo ID card issued by Federal,
State, or Local
government. As can be appreciated, other or additional types of IDs can be
used. If the patient
is under 18 or some other age designating a minor, the patient may be required
to be
accompanied by a parent or legal guardian; however, this is not required. If
the patient is not
accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, the patient may not be allowed to
proceed with the
visit. The medical assistant may be required to inform the under 18 or minor
age patient of
certain rights when using the medical kiosk (e.g., It is not necessary for the
parent or legal
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guardian to accompany the under 18 patient into the consultation; Anyone under
18 years of age
needs to have parent or legal guardian to use the medical kiosk, etc.);
however, this is not
required. If the patient is under a certain age (e.g., 2 years old, etc.), the
medical attendant may
be required to inform the patient, parent and/or guardian that the patient to
too young to use the
medical kiosk, thus cannot proceed with the visit; however, this is not
required. If a new patient
indicates that they have insurance or a returning patient indicates their
insurance information has
changed, the patient may be prompted to see the medical attendant and/or be
required to enter the
insurance information; however, this is not required. The Attendant
Application can prompt the
medical attendant to for entry of a copay amount and/or to scan the insurance
card into the
patient record; however, this is not required. As can be appreciated, the
patient can enter the
insurance information without a medical attendant and/or make a copayment
without the medical
attendant; however, this is not required. Once the patient's insurance is
validated and entered
and/or scanned, the medical attendant or patient may be required to rescan the
ID (if image
quality is compromised) and/or reenter the information if not entered properly
or save the image
and/or entered insurance information into the patient's file; however, this is
not required. If the
insurance information is not verified at a first try, the patient or medical
attendant can attempt to
reverify the insurance information; however, this is not required. Once the
patient insurance is
saved, the patient can be prompted to "Check in" for the next available
appointment or select
some appointment time and/or day in the future; however, this is not required.
Once the patient
is checked-in for a visit to the kiosk, the appointment status will change to
"Pre Consult" or some
other statement on the screen of the Attendant Application; however, this is
not required. At that
time, the medical attendant may be required to recite a "Pre-Visit Summary"
(e.g., "After your
appointment is verified, you will step into the medical kiosk, your vitals are
captured and you
will meet with a medical provider over a video connection. The medical
provider will provide
the diagnoses and you may receive a prescription. The prescription can be sent
to a pharmacy of
your choice, etc.); however, this is not required. Once the patient is checked-
in and after any
optional statement is made to the patient, the patient can enter the medical
kiosk. The medical
attendant may be required to escort the patient into the medical kiosk to
initiate the vitals capture
and/or consultation; however, this is not required. The medical attendant
and/or patient can
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cause the Provider Application to prompts the medical provider to start the
medical visit;
however, this is not required. Once the medical provider completes the
appointment via the
Provider Application, the appointment status on the Attendant Application for
a particular patient
can be designed to change to "Completed". Once the patient visit has completed
the medical
visit and exited the medical kiosk, the medical attendant may be required to
perform a
sanitization process; however, this is not required. Such sanitation process
can include the
medical attendant 1) selecting the patient record on the screen, and 2)
selecting the "Start
Sanitization" button or similar labeled button or selection. The medical
attendant can enter the
medical kiosk and perform the sanitization process. A screen that includes a
check list or a paper
check list can be used by the medical attendant to check off items that have
been sanitized. For
example, a screen inside the medical kiosk can include a check list and the
medical assistant
checks off each item as such item is sanitized by the medical attendant;
however, this is not
required. When all items are sanitized and optionally checked off, the medical
attendant can
select a button on the Attendant Application that the sanitation step is
completed; however, this
is not required. The medical attendant can optionally select to "Run UVC
Light" or some other
or additional automated sanitation system if such option is available;
however, this is not
required. Areas of the medical kiosk that can be cleaned after each visit
and/or cleaned at period
times based on some protocol are: patient counter, patient monitor screen,
physician monitor
screen, patient chair, seat at rear of station, kiosk wall panels, medical
devices, medical device
doors and handles, interior of kiosk, entry door of kiosk, internal wood
surfaces in kiosk,
attendant station, walk in door mat, floor of kiosk, door track of kiosk,
external display monitor
of kiosk, external surfaces of kiosk, UVC panel in kiosk, and/or UVC lights.
The surfaces can
be cleaned with wipes (e.g., Virox wipes [Towelettes with disinfecting
chemicals that kill 99%
of viruses and bacteria], glass cleaner, surface cleaners, floor cleaners,
duster, dusting cloth, etc.
Upon completion of the sanitization process, the medical kiosk status can
return to "Ready" on
the Attendant Application; however, this is not required. At that point, the
medical attendant can
start validation of the next patient's ID.
In another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the invention, the novel
method and
apparatus for providing medical services, diagnoses, health, and/or wellness
advice to individuals
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can include the use of a Patient Appointment or Registration Application to
navigate patients
through the vitals capture process, patient consultation, and/or survey;
however, this is not
required. The Patient Appointment or Registration Application can contain one
or more
navigational buttons on the patient screen that is located inside the medical
kiosk (e.g., back,
next, cancel, request assistance, etc.); however, this is not required. The
"Back" button, when
used, allows the patient to return to the previous screen. The "Next" button,
when used, allows
the patient to proceed to the next screen. The "Cancel" button, when used,
allows the patient to
cancel a process and return to the beginning of the process. The patient can
optionally receive a
request to confirm the cancel procedure; however, this is not required. The
"Request Assistance"
button, when used, allows the patient to request assistance from the medical
attendant. The
selection of this button can be designed to also notify the patient that the
medical attendant will
be with them in a moment; however, this is not required. The selection of the
"Request
Assistance" button by the patient can result in the Attendant Application
displaying on a screen a
notice or generating a warning sound, etc. that the patient has requested
assistance. For example,
when the patient initiates the "Request Assistance" button, a pop-up box
(e.g., orange box, red
box, blue box, etc.) can appear on the medical attendant's screen that is
labeled "kiosk," colored
orange, and indicates the patient requires assistance. As can be appreciated,
the screen of the
Provider Application, when used, can include an "Alert Attendant" button to
notify the medical
attendant that the patient requires assistance; however, this is not required.
If the medical
provider initiates the "Alert Attendant" button from the Provider Application,
a pop-up box can
be designed to appear on the medical attendant's screen that indicates the
patient requires
assistance. The pop-up box can be a colored box (e.g., red box, green box,
orange box, etc.);
however, this is not required. A sound can also or alternatively be generated
by the Attendant
Application, when used, to notify the medical attendant that the medical
provider has selected the
"Alert Attendant" button; however, this is not required. The Patient
Appointment or Registration
Application, when used, can be designed to allow the patient to 1) capture
vitals, 2) perform the
provider consultation, and/or 3) perform the survey. As can be appreciated,
the Patient
Appointment or Registration Application, when used, can be designed to allow
the patient to
perform other or additional functions. The Patient Appointment or Registration
Application can
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be designed to appear on the Patient Screen and/or Provider Screen that are
located in the interior
of the medical kiosk; however, this is not required. The Provider Screen, when
used, is the
screen that is located above or adjacent to the Patient Screen; however, this
is not required. The
medical provider generally appears on the Provider Screen when the
consultation starts;
however, this is not required. The Patient Screen, when used, can provide
information to the
patient while located in the kiosk and/or allow the patient to enter
information (e.g., patient
receives vitals capture instructions on the Patient Screen and enters
information as prompted,
etc.). The Patient Appointment or Registration Application can be designed to
capture vitals of
the patient. The Patient Appointment or Registration Application can be
designed to require the
patient to initiate the capture vital procedure and/or the medical attendant
can the capture vital
procedure for the patient. The Patient Appointment or Registration Application
can be designed
to navigate the patient and/or provide instructions to the patient for one or
more of the vital
capture procedures; however, this is not required. During the vital capture
process, the patient
can request that the medical assistant assist the patient in one or more of
the procedures for
capturing the vital; however, this is not required. The Patient Appointment or
Registration
Application can be designed require the patient to confirm that instructions
for a particular vital
capture procedure have been read and/or understood before proceeding with the
next vital
capture step; however, this is not required. The Patient Appointment or
Registration Application
can be designed to have the patient enter his/her height on the Provider
Screen and/or Patient
Screen; however, this is not required. The interior of the medical kiosk can
include a height
marker or height tape to enable a patient to determine his/her height;
however, this is not
required. The medical kiosk can include a camera or some other type of
arrangement that can be
used to automatically determine the height of the patient while the patient is
positioned in the
medical kiosk; however, this is not required. The Patient Appointment or
Registration
Application can be designed have the patient enter his/her weight on the
Provider Screen and/or
Patient Screen; however, this is not required. The interior of the medical
kiosk can include a
scale (e.g., built-in floor scale, etc.) that can be used by the patient to
determine the patient's
weight; however, this is not required. When a scale is provided in the medical
kiosk, the weight
can be automatically transferred to the Patient Appointment or Registration
Application and/or
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can be manually entered by the patient. The Patient Appointment or
Registration Application
can be designed to have the patient obtain his/her temperature. The Patient
Appointment or
Registration Application can be designed to open a medical device cabinet that
contains a
thermometer; however, this is not required. The Patient Appointment or
Registration
Application can be designed to provide instructions and/or a video on how to
use the
thermometer (e.g., a) remove thermometer from open medical cabinet, b) place
thermometer in
ear, c) remove thermometer from ear after hearing a beep sound or other
indicator that indicates
procedure is completed, d) return thermometer to medical cabinet, etc.);
however, this is not
required. The Patient Appointment or Registration Application can be designed
to have the
patient obtain his/her blood pressure. The Patient Appointment or Registration
Application can
be designed to open a medical device cabinet that contains a blood pressure
cuff and/or allows
the blood pressure cuff to be plugged into the medical kiosk; however, this is
not required. The
Patient Appointment or Registration Application can be designed to provide
instructions and/or a
video on how to use the blood pressure cuff; however, this is not required. As
can be
appreciated, the medical attendant can place the blood pressure cuff on the
patient entering the
medical kiosk and/or after the patient has entered the medical kiosk; however,
this is not
required. If the blood pressure cuff requires that it be connected to the
medical kiosk, the
medical attendant or the patient can perform such connection. The patient or
the medical
attendant can start the blood pressure reading by selecting a button on the
Patient Appointment
or Registration Application; however, this is not required. The blood pressure
cuff can be used
to measure the blood pressure/heart rate of a patient. A real-time reading of
the blood
pressure/heart rate of a patient can be displayed on the Patient Screen and/or
Provider Screen;
however, this is not required. The patient or medical attendant can stop the
process of capturing
the blood pressure/heart rate of the patient; however, this is not required.
After the completion of
capturing of all the vitals, The Patient Appointment or Registration
Application can be designed
to display on the Patient Screen and/or Provider Screen a summary of one or
more of the
captured vitals. Patient Appointment or Registration Application can be
designed to allow a
patient to manually change one or more of the collected vials; however, this
is not required.
Once the vital capture process is completed, the patient can be prompted
(e.g., "I'm Ready"
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button, etc.) to indicate that the patient is ready for the conference with
the medical provider;
however, this is not required. The Patient Appointment or Registration
Application can be
designed to notify the patient that the medical provider will be with them
shortly; however, this
is not required. Once the consultation has begun, the Patient Appointment or
Registration
Application can be designed to cause the medical provider to appear on the
lower half of the
Provider Screen and the patient's vitals appear on the upper half of the
Provider Screen;
however, this is not required. As can be appreciated, the full Provider Screen
can only include
the medical provider. The Patient Appointment or Registration Application can
be designed to
allow the patient to adjust the volume by use of volume buttons on the Patient
Screen; however,
this is not required. As can be appreciated, volume control can be located in
other or additional
locations in the medical kiosk. After the completion of the consultation, the
Patient Appointment
or Registration Application can be designed to ask the patient to complete a
survey; however,
this is not required. The Patient Appointment or Registration Application can
be designed to
allow the patient to skip the survey, when used, or to proceed with the
survey; however, this is
not required. If the patient selects the survey, when offered, one or more
questions can be
displayed on the Patient Screen and/or Provider Screen; however, this is not
required. As can be
appreciated, the medical attendant can provide the patient with a written
survey and/or ask verbal
survey questions; however, this is not required. At the completion of the
survey, or if the patient
chooses to skip the survey when such survey is offered, the Patient
Appointment or Registration
Application can be designed display a final screen thanking the patient for
his/her visit and/or
prompting them to request a visit summary from the medical attendant; however,
this is not
required.
In still another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the invention, the
novel method
and apparatus for providing medical services, diagnoses, health, and/or
wellness advice to
individuals can include the use of a Provider Application that is designed to
enable the medical
provider to navigate through the appoint process during the patient
appointment. The Provider
Application can be designed to allow the medical provider to a) display
appointment, b) display
patient information, c) view and/or modify visit information, d) perform the
consultation, and/or
e) utilize one or more medical devices in the medical kiosk. The Provider
Application can be
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designed to cause screens to appear on the medical provider's computer, smart
phone, tablet, etc.
at the medical provider's remote location; however, this is not required. Upon
entering the
Provider Application, the medical provider, the Provider Application can be
designed to enable
the medical provider to view appointments that have been completed by the
medical provider,
that are in progress by the medical provider and/or which are future
appointments. In one non-
limiting arrangement, the Provider Application can be designed to enable the
medical provider to
view appointments that have been completed by the medical provider or are in
in progress for a
certain day (e.g., today, last Monday, etc.). In another non-limiting
arrangement, the Provider
Application can be designed to enable the medical provider to view
appointments that have been
made for a future time (e.g., two hours from the present, the next day, etc.).
For example, the
Provider Application can be designed to display on one portion of the screen
(e.g., left side, right
side, center, etc.) appointments for "Today" and "Future." In one non-limiting
arrangement, the
"Today" tab can be designed to display one or more types of patient
appointment information
(e.g., Time ¨ Time of appointment, Patient Name ¨ Patient Name for
appointment, Status ¨
Status of appointment, Pending ¨ Patient started the registration process, but
has not yet been
approved for payment, Checked-In ¨ Patient has been checked-in, Pre Consult -
Appointment
has started and vitals are being collected, In Visit ¨Vitals have been
collected and the video
consultation is in-progress, Post Consult ¨ Video consultation has been
completed and medical
provider completion is pending, Completed ¨ Appointment has been completed,
etc.). The
.. "Future" tab can be designed to display one or more types of patient
appointment information
(e.g., Date ¨ Date of appointment, Time ¨ Time of appointment, Patient Name ¨
Patient Name
for appointment, etc.). The Provider Application can be designed to enable the
medical provider
to view a selected record on another portion of the screen; however, this is
not required. The
selected record can provide the medical provider one or more types of
infolination (e.g., Patient
Name, Patient Date of Birth, Patient Sex, Symptoms, Medical Conditions, Date
of Last Visit,
Diagnosis, Allergies, Medications, Prior Visit Record of Patient, Medical
Records of Patient,
etc.). The Provider Application can be designed to enable the medical provider
notify the
medical attendant that the patient requires assistance; however, this is not
required. The Provider
Application can be designed to enable the medical provider to view the
appointment and/or
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patient information prior to the vitals capture process. The Provider
Application can be designed
to limit access to a patient's information until a certain point (e.g.,
patient status is "Checked-In",
etc.); however, this is not required. The Provider Application can be designed
to enable the
medical provider to refuse an appointment that has been created for the
medical provider;
however, this is not required. Generally, such refusal should occur prior to
the patient status of
"Checked-In" to enable the system to locate another available medical
provider; however, this is
not required. The Provider Application can be designed to allow the medical
provider to begin
the conference with the patient once the patient is ready in the medical kiosk
(e.g., after "Check-
In", after "Capture of Vitals", etc.); however, this is not required. The
Provider Application can
.. be designed to cause a "Start Visit" button or similar button to appear on
the medical provider's
screen to allow the medical provider to begin the consultation with patient;
however, this is not
required. Once the visit or consultation has been initiated, the Provider
Application can be
designed to update the appointment status to "In Visit"; however, this is not
required. Once the
visit or consultation has begun, the patient appears on a portion of the
medical provider's screen
(e.g., right side of screen, center of screen, left side of screen, etc.);
however, this is not required.
The medical provider may greet the patient in the medical kiosk with a
greeting (e.g., "Welcome
to HealthSpot's Station at ______ , can you see me ok? Can you hear me ok?",
etc.);
however, this is not required. The Provider Application can be designed to
cause an "End
Consultation" or similar button to appear on the medical provider's screen to
terminate the
consultation or visit with the patient and thereby terminate the video link
between the medical
provider and patient in the medical kiosk; however, this is not required. Once
the consultation or
visit with the patient is terminated, the Provider Application can be designed
to cause the status
of the patient to change to "Post Consult"; however, this is not required
"Post Consult" means
the video consultation has been completed and the medical provider is
completing the visit
summary. Once the medical provider has completed the visit summary and written
any require
prescriptions, the Provider Application can be designed to cause a "Complete
Appointment" or
similar button to appear on the medical provider's screen; however, this is
not required. The
selection of the "Complete Appointment" button or similar button after
completion of the video
consultation can result in the status of the patient to change to "Completed";
however, this is not
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required "Completed" means the medical provider has completed input of all
information and is
ready to commence the next appointment. The Provider Application can be
designed to allow
the medical provider to view the patient records, including the vitals capture
process that has
occurred or is occurring in the medical kiosk. The Provider Application can be
designed to
cause one or more tabs to be displayed on the medical provider's screen once a
patient record has
been selected (e.g., Patient Information, Current Visit, Previous Visit,
etc.). The "Patient
Information" tab, when used, can list one or more types of information of the
patient on the
medical provider's screen (e.g., Personal Information, Medications, Allergies,
Medical
Conditions, etc.). One or more of these categories of information can be
further expanded upon
selection by the medical provider; however, this is not required. For example,
selection of the
Personal Information category can cause further information about the patient
to be displayed
(e.g., date of birth, sex, alcohol usage, smoker status, race, eye color,
native language,
citizenship, address, etc.); however, this is not required. The "Current
Visit" tab, when used, can
list one or more types of information of the patient on the medical provider's
screen (e.g.,
Medications, Notes, Vitals, Devices, Visit Summary, Attendant Instruction,
etc.). One or more
of these categories of information can be further expanded upon selection by
the medical
provider; however, this is not required. For example, selection of the
Medications category can
cause further information about medications used by the patient (e.g., past
medications used, past
medications prescribed to patient, current medications used by the patient,
etc.). The "Previous
Visit" tab, when used, can list one or more types of information of the
patient on the medical
provider's screen (e.g., Symptoms, Notes, Vitals, Visit Summary, etc.). One or
more of these
categories of information can be further expanded upon selection by the
medical provider;
however, this is not required. For example, selection of the Vitals category
can cause further
information about the vitals that were captured during a previous visit to the
current medical
kiosk, some other medical kiosk, or at some other medical facility. In one non-
limiting
embodiment of the invention, the Provider Application is designed to cause at
least three tabs to
be displayed on the medical provider's screen once a patient record has been
selected, namely
Patient Information, Current Visit, and Previous Visit. The "Patient
Information" tabs contains
sections for Personal Information, Medications, Allergies, and Medical
conditions; however, it
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can be appreciated that other or additional tab sections can be included. The
"Personal
Information" section contains one or more sub-sections, of which some or all
the information
was entered by the patient during the registration process. This information
generally cannot be
modified by the medical provider; however, this is not required. Non-limiting
examples of
information that can be displayed in the "Personal Information" section
includes Date of Birth,
Gender ¨ Male or Female, Alcohol Use, Smoker , Race, Eye Color, Hair Color,
Native
Language, Citizenship, Address, etc. The "Medications" section allows the
medical provider to
see previously entered medications, search and select new medications, and/or
remove
medications the patient is no longer taking. The Provider Application can be
designed to allow a
medical provider to add a medication by having the medical provider type in
the medication
and/or to start typing the medication name in the "Search Medications" drop
down and allow a
listing of matching medication names to appear for selection and then to
select the proper
medication. The Provider Application can be designed to allow a medical
provider to delete a
medication by having the medical provider select an "X" next to the
medication. As can be
.. appreciated, other or additional arrangements can be used to add and/or
delete medications in a
patient's record. The "Allergies" section allows the medical provider to view
allergies as input
by the patient. This function allows the medical provider to see previously
entered allergies,
search and select new allergies, and/or remove allergies. The Provider
Application can be
designed to allow a medical provider to add an allergy by having the medical
provider type in the
allergy and/or to start typing the allergy name in the "Add Allergy" drop down
and allow a
listing of matching allergy names to appear for selection and then to select
the proper allergy.
The Provider Application can be designed to allow a medical provider to delete
an allergy by
having the medical provider select an "X" next to the allergy. As can be
appreciated, other or
additional arrangements can be used to add and/or delete allergies in a
patient's record. The
"Medical Conditions" section allows the medical provider to view patient
medical conditions as
input by the patient. This function allows the medical provider to see
previously entered medical
conditions, search and select new medical conditions, and/or remove medical
conditions. The
Provider Application can be designed to allow a medical provider to add a
medical condition by
having the medical provider type in the medical condition and/or to start
typing the medical
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condition in the "Add Medical Condition" drop down and allow a listing of
matching medical
condition names to appear for selection and then to select the proper medical
condition. The
Provider Application can be designed to allow a medical provider to delete a
medical condition
by having the medical provider select an "X" next to the medical condition. As
can be
appreciated, other or additional arrangements can be used to add and/or delete
medical
conditions in a patient's record. The "Current Visit" tab contains sections
for Symptoms, Notes,
Vitals, Devices, Visit Summary, and Attendant; however, it can be appreciated
that other or
additional tab sections can be included. The "Symptoms" section contains all
of the patient's
symptoms for the current visit as input by the patient. This function allows
the medical provider
to see entered symptoms, search and select new symptoms, and remove symptoms.
The Provider
Application can be designed to allow a medical provider to add a symptom by
having the
medical provider type in the symptom and/or to start typing the symptom in the
"Symptoms"
drop down and allow a listing of matching symptom names to appear for
selection and then to
select the proper symptom. The Provider Application can be designed to allow a
medical
provider to delete a symptom by having the medical provider select an "X" next
to the symptom.
As can be appreciated, other or additional arrangements can be used to add
and/or delete
symptoms in a patient's record. The "Notes" section allows the medical
provider to enter notes
for the current visit. This information generally does not appear on the
Appointment Summary
and is intended for internal reference only; however, this is not required.
The Provider
Application can be designed to allow a medical provider to add or delete a
note by type a note in
the note texted box or by deleting a note in the note text box. As can be
appreciated, other or
additional arrangements can be used to add and/or delete notes in a patient's
record. The
"Vitals" section contains the patient's vitals for the current visit. They are
displayed
dynamically on the provider's screen as the vitals capture process takes
place; however, this is
not required. This function allows the medical provider to see the below
vitals prior to starting
and during the consultation; however, this is not required. This information
is generally only
displayed and cannot be updated; however, this is not required. Non-limiting
vitals can include
Height, Weight, Blood Pressure, Heart Rate, Oxygen Saturation, and
Temperature. The
"Devices" section contains icons of the medical devices that are located in
the medical kiosk
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and/or can be used with the medical kiosk. On the interior of the medical
kiosk there can be one
or more medical containers (e.g., 1-10, 2, 4, 6, etc.), wherein one or more
can be locked upon
patient entry into the medical kiosk. The medical provider has the capability
to unlock one or
more of the medical cabinets in the medical kiosk as necessary. When the
medical provider
wants to unlock a medical device cabinet, the medical provider clicks on or
selects the
appropriate medical device icon on the medical provider's computer screen.
This selection
action can result in the activation of the medical device and/or the opening
of the medical cabinet
door that includes the selected medical device. An audible sound can be
generated (e.g., sound
of dropping door, sound of a lock unlocking, etc.) when access to a medical
cabinet is granted to
a patient; however, this is not required. As can be appreciated, a visual
indicator can also or
alternatively be used to indicate that a patient can access a particular
medical cabinet; however,
this is not required. Non-limiting medical devices can be included in the
medical kiosk can be
selected by the medical provider for use in a patient visit (e.g.,
Thermometer, Otoscope,
Stethoscope, Dermascope, Pulse Oximeter, Spirometer, Blood Pressure Cuff,
blood sugar
analyzer, etc.). As can be appreciated, the medical attendant can provide one
or more medical
devices to a patient prior to and/or during the visit (e.g., Blood Pressure
Cuff, etc.). The "Visit
Summary" section is comprised of one or more sub-sections, some or all of
which are input by
the medical provider (e.g., Current Diagnoses, Treatment Plan, Follow-Up Care,
Visit
Documents, etc.). The "Current Diagnoses" section, when used, allows for the
provider to input
diagnoses codes and descriptions for the current visit. The medical provider
can update and/or
enter a diagnoses by entering the name of the diagnoses and/or an ICD code in
a drop down
menu and/or search menu. Once the diagnoses name has been entered and/or
searched and
located, the medical provider can add the diagnoses to the patient's record.
More than one
diagnoses can be added to a patient's record during a single visit. Once the
one or more
diagnoses are entered, such diagnoses can be optionally displayed under the
"Current Diagnoses"
section. The "Treatment Plan" section, when used, allows for the medical
provider to input a
treatment plan for the current visit. Such treatment plan can be typed by the
medical provider
into a text box and this information can appear on the Appointment Summary for
the patient to
reference; however, this is not required. The "Follow-Up Care" section, when
used, allows for
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the medical provider to input follow-up care for the current visit. Such
follow-up care plan can
be typed by the medical provider into text box; however, this is not required.
This information
can appear on the Appointment Summary for the patient to reference; however,
this is not
required. The "Visit Document" section, when used, allows for the medical
provider to input
follow-up care for the current visit. The medical provider can include one or
more visit
documents and/or other types of documents (e.g., documents about the common
cold, documents
about rashes, documents about the flu, documents about lice, documents bout
acne, etc.) which
can be provided to the patient along with the Appointment Summary; however,
this is not
required. The "Attendant Instructions" section, when used, allows for the
medical provider to
input attendant instructions for the current visit. Such information can be
entered into a text box
by the medical provider. This information may or may not be provided to the
patient. The
"Previous Visit" tab contains information about prior medical visits by the
patient. When the
"Previous Visit" tab is selected, a drop-down box appears containing the dates
of all previous
visits. The medical provider can select a previous visit and then review
information about the
previous visit. In one non-limiting arrangement, when the previous visit date
is selected, one or
more sections are displayed (e.g., Symptoms, Notes, Vitals, Visit summary,
etc.). The
"Symptoms" section, when used, allows for the medical provider to view all of
the patient's
symptoms from the previous visit as input by the patient and/or medical
provider. The "Notes"
section, when used, allows the medical provider to view all notes for the
previous visit that were
inputted by the medical provider in the prior visit. The "Vitals" section,
when used, allows for
the medical provider to view all of the patient's vitals that were captured
during previous visit.
The "Visit Summary" section, when used, allows for the medical provider to
view all visit
summary information input during a prior visit. This section can include one
or more
subsections (e.g., Treatment Plan, Follow-up Care, Visit Documents, etc.).
In yet another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the invention, the
novel method
and apparatus for providing medical services, diagnoses, health, and/or
wellness advice to
individuals can include a method and a kiosk wherein before the video-
conference between the
medical provider and the patient begins, each patient starts with a Vitals
Check to capture the
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following one or more of the information: Height, Weight, Temperature, Blood
Pressure and/or
Heart Rate.
In still yet another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the invention,
the novel
method and apparatus for providing medical services, diagnoses, health, and/or
wellness advice
to individuals can include a method and a kiosk wherein the kiosk includes six
advanced medical
device cabinets which are locked upon patient entry. During the patient
consultation, the
medical provider has the capability to unlock and lower these cabinets from
the Provider
Application on the Provider's computer. The following medical devices can be
contained within
the cabinets, namely a thermometer, an otoscope, a stethoscope, a dermascope,
a pulse
oximeteren and/or a blood pressure cuff Additional medical devices can be
included in the
medical kiosk (e.g., scale, height tape, eye chart, blood sugar analyzer,
etc.). The stethoscope,
when used, is used for detecting sounds produced in the body that are conveyed
to the ears of the
listener. The medical kiosk stethoscope sounds are transmitted from the
stethoscope in the
medical device (e.g., hardwire, USB, Bluetooth, etc.) to the medical
provider's stethoscope. On
.. the interior of the medical kiosk, the stethoscope can be contained in the
first medical device
cabinet on the left; however, this is not required. The stethoscope can be
activated by the
medical provider via the Provider Application by the medical provider
selecting the stethoscope
icon the provider's screen; however, the stethoscope can be activate by other
or additional
arrangements. In one non-limiting arrangement, when the medical provider via
the Provider
Application selects the stethoscope icon on the provider's screen, the
stethoscope in the medical
kiosk is activated and the cabinet door in the medical kiosk for the
stethoscope opens or drops
down to enable the patient in the medical kiosk to access the stethoscope;
however, this is not
required. The medical provider can provide instructions to the patient on how
to use the
stethoscope (e.g., Once the patient has removed the device, request for
patient to turn on the
stethoscope on the stethoscope device. The "On" button is the lower most
button on the device; it
looks like a smiley face with one eye. Tell the patient to attempt to hold the
device on the sides,
while using it, so other buttons are not depressed, etc.) and/or instructions
for use of the
stethoscope can be provided on the Patient Screen and/or Provider Screen in
the medical kiosk;
however, this is not required. When the stethoscope is activated, a video
image can be designed
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to appear on the Provider Application (e.g., medical provider's screen) and/or
the Provider
Screen and/or Patient Screen that is located in the interior of the medical
kiosk. If a video image
option is available for display on the Provider Screen and/or Patient Screen
that is located in the
interior of the medical kiosk, the medical provider via the Provider
Application can turn off such
video image on the Provider Screen and/or Patient Screen; however, this is not
required. The
medical provider via the Provider Application can capture images and/or data
generated by the
stethoscope and/or video camera in the medial kiosk for placement in the
patient's file; however,
this is not required. The medical provider via the Provider Application can
optionally annotate
an image once captured (e.g., use the paint brush and font icons to modify
image, etc.) and/or
show the captured image to the patient; however, this is not required. The
medical provider via
the Provider Application can increase and/or decrease the volume received from
the stethoscope;
however, this is not required. As can be appreciated, the patient can increase
and/or decrease the
volume from the stethoscope; however, this is not required. The medical
provider and/or patient
can request assistance by the medical assistant related to the stethoscope if
so required. The
otoscope, when used, is a device used for examining the internal ear. The
image generated by
the otoscope in the medical kiosk can be displayed on the Patient's Screen
and/or Provider's
Screen in the medical kiosk and/or on the screen being used by the medical
provider; however,
this is not required. The transmission of the signal can be by various means
(e.g., hardwire,
USB, Bluetooth, etc.). On the interior of the medical kiosk, the otoscope can
be contained in the
second medical device cabinet on the left in the medical kiosk; however, this
is not required.
The otoscope can be activated by the medical provider via the Provider
Application by the
medical provider selecting the otoscope icon the provider's screen; however,
the otoscope can be
activated by other or additional arrangements. In one non-limiting
arrangement, when the
medical provider via the Provider Application selects the otoscope icon on the
provider's screen,
the otoscope in the medical kiosk is activated and the cabinet door in the
medical kiosk for the
otoscope opens or drops down to enable the patient in the medical kiosk to
access the otoscope;
however, this is not required. The medical provider can provide instructions
to the patient on
how to use the otoscope (e.g., Once the patient has pulled out the device,
request for patient to
place the otoscope in the appropriate ear lobe, then adjust the focus dial.
The focus dial is on the
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top of the otoscope. The patient can push it to the top and then dial it down
to determine to focus;
To direct the patient to maneuver the otoscope for best image capture, use the
interior of the
medical kiosk as reference points. Once the device is in the patient's ear
canal, instruct them (or
the individual assisting them) to move the device towards the front, back,
bottom, and top of the
.. medical kiosk, etc.) and/or instructions for use of the otoscope can be
provided on the Patient
Screen and/or Provider Screen in the medical kiosk; however, this is not
required. When the
otoscope is activated, a video image can be designed to appear on the Provider
Application (e.g.,
medical provider's screen) and/or the Provider Screen and/or Patient Screen
that is located in the
interior of the medical kiosk. If a video image option is available for
display on the Provider
Screen and/or Patient Screen that is located in the interior of the medical
kiosk, the medical
provider via the Provider Application can turn off such video image on the
Provider Screen
and/or Patient Screen; however, this is not required. The medical provider via
the Provider
Application can capture images and/or data generated by the otoscope and/or
video camera in the
medial kiosk for placement in the patient's file; however, this is not
required. The medical
.. provider via the Provider Application can optionally annotate an image once
captured (e.g., use
the paint brush and font icons to modify image, etc.) and/or show the captured
image to the
patient; however, this is not required. The medical provider via the Provider
Application can
adjust the focus of the otoscope; however, this is not required. As can be
appreciated, the patient
can adjust the focus of the otoscope; however, this is not required. The
medical provider and/or
patient can request assistance by the medical assistant related to the
otoscope if so required. The
thermometer, when used, is used for detecting human internal heat. The
temperature that is
transmitted by the thermometer can be displayed on the Patient's Screen and/or
Provider's
Screen in the medical kiosk and/or on the screen being used by the medical
provider; however,
this is not required. The transmission of the signal can be by various means
(e.g., hardwire,
USB, Bluetooth, etc.). On the interior of the medical kiosk, the thermometer
can be contained in
the third medical device cabinet on the left in the medical kiosk; however,
this is not required.
The patient's temperature can be collected during the vitals capture process
which is prior to the
consultation with the medical provider; however, this is not required. If the
medical providers
wants the temperature to be retaken or if the temperature of the patient has
not already been
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taken, the thermometer can be activated or reactivated by the medical provider
via the Provider
Application by the medical provider selecting the thermometer icon the
provider's screen;
however, the thermometer can be activate by other or additional arrangements.
In one non-
limiting arrangement, when the medical provider via the Provider Application
selects the
thermometer icon on the provider's screen, the thermometer in the medical
kiosk is activated and
the cabinet door in the medical kiosk for the thermometer opens or drops down,
if not already
open, to enable the patient in the medical kiosk to access the thermometer;
however, this is not
required. The medical provider can provide instructions to the patient on how
to use the
thermometer (e.g., Once the patient has pulled out the device, request for
patient to turn on the
thermometer. The "On" button is on the inside handle of the device; Request
for the patient to
insert the thermometer into their ear and press the button on top of the
handle to start the reading.
Once the patient's temperature is collected, a beep will sound; Once the beep
is sounded to
indicate the temperature reading has completed, the patient can hit the
"Temperature Recorded"
button on the patient screen, etc.) and/or instructions for use of the
thermometer can be provided
on the Patient Screen and/or Provider Screen in the medical kiosk; however,
this is not required.
When the thermometer is activated, a video image can be designed to appear on
the Provider
Application (e.g., medical provider's screen) and/or the Provider Screen
and/or Patient Screen
that is located in the interior of the medical kiosk. If a video image option
is available for
display on the Provider Screen and/or Patient Screen that is located in the
interior of the medical
kiosk, the medical provider via the Provider Application can turn off such
video image on the
Provider Screen and/or Patient Screen; however, this is not required. The
medical provider via
the Provider Application can capture images and/or data generated by the
thermometer and/or
video camera in the medial kiosk for placement in the patient's file; however,
this is not required.
The medical provider via the Provider Application can optionally annotate an
image once
captured (e.g., use the paint brush and font icons to modify image, etc.)
and/or show the captured
image to the patient; however, this is not required. The medical provider
and/or patient can
request assistance by the medical assistant if so required. In one non-
limiting arrangement, the
temperature must register between 95.0 degrees and 105.9 degrees; however,
this is not required.
Temperatures under or above 95.0 degrees and 105.9 degrees can be designed to
create an error
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and request the patient to manually enter their temperature, request the
patient to try again to take
a proper temperature, and/or request the medical assistant to assist the
patient related to the
thermometer; however, this is not required. The dermascope, when used, is used
to visualize
body surface, skin, hair, scalp, eyes, and/or throat with magnification and/or
illumination. The
image generated by the dermascope in the medical kiosk can be displayed on the
Patient's
Screen and/or Provider's Screen in the medical kiosk and/or on the screen
being used by the
medical provider; however, this is not required. The transmission of the
signal can be by various
means (e.g., hardwire, USB, Bluetooth, etc.). On the interior of the medical
kiosk, the
dermascope can be contained in the first medical device cabinet on the right
in the medical kiosk;
however, this is not required. The dermascope can be activated by the medical
provider via the
Provider Application by the medical provider selecting the dermascope icon the
provider's
screen; however, the dermascope can be activate by other or additional
arrangements. In one
non-limiting arrangement, when the medical provider via the Provider
Application selects the
dermascope icon on the provider's screen, the dermascope in the medical kiosk
is activated and
the cabinet door in the medical kiosk for the dermascope opens or drops down
to enable the
patient in the medical kiosk to access the dermascope; however, this is not
required. The
medical provider can provide instructions to the patient on how to use the
derrnascope (e.g.,
Once the patient has pulled out the device, request for patient to place the
dermascope device at
the appropriate place, then request for the patient to adjust the focus dial.
The focus dial is on the
top handle of the dermascope. The patient can push it to the top and then dial
it down to
determine appropriate focus, etc.) and/or instructions for use of the
dermascope can be provided
on the Patient Screen and/or Provider Screen in the medical kiosk; however,
this is not required.
When the dermascope is activated, a video image can be designed to appear on
the Provider
Application (e.g., medical provider's screen) and/or the Provider Screen
and/or Patient Screen
that is located in the interior of the medical kiosk. If a video image option
is available for
display on the Provider Screen and/or Patient Screen that is located in the
interior of the medical
kiosk, the medical provider via the Provider Application can turn off such
video image on the
Provider Screen and/or Patient Screen; however, this is not required. The
medical provider via
the Provider Application can capture images and/or data generated by the
dermascope and/or
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video camera in the medial kiosk for placement in the patient's file; however,
this is not required.
The medical provider via the Provider Application can optionally annotate an
image once
captured (e.g., use the paint brush and font icons to modify image, etc.)
and/or show the captured
image to the patient; however, this is not required. The medical provider via
the Provider
Application can adjust the focus of the dermascope; however, this is not
required. As can be
appreciated, the patient can adjust the focus of the dermascope; however, this
is not required.
The medical provider and/or patient can request assistance by the medical
assistant related to the
dermascope if so required. The pulse oximiter, when used, is used for
measuring the amount of
saturated hemoglobin in the tissue capillaries by transmitting a beam of light
through the tissue
to a receiver. The image generated by the pulse oximiter in the medical kiosk
can be displayed
on the Patient's Screen and/or Provider's Screen in the medical kiosk and/or
on the screen being
used by the medical provider; however, this is not required. The transmission
of the signal can
be by various means (e.g., hardwire, USB, Bluetooth, etc.). On the interior of
the medical kiosk,
the pulse oximiter can be contained in the second medical device cabinet on
the right in the
medical kiosk; however, this is not required. The pulse oximiter can be
activated by the medical
provider via the Provider Application by the medical provider selecting the
pulse oximiter icon
the provider's screen; however, the pulse oximiter can be activate by other or
additional
arrangements. In one non-limiting arrangement, when the medical provider via
the Provider
Application selects the pulse oximiter icon on the provider's screen, the
pulse oximiter in the
medical kiosk is activated and the cabinet door in the medical kiosk for the
pulse oximiter opens
or drops down to enable the patient in the medical kiosk to access the pulse
oximiter; however,
this is not required. The medical provider can provide instructions to the
patient on how to use
the pulse oximiter (e.g., Provider: Once the patient has pulled out the
device, request for patient
to place the device on their index finger as illustrated by the diagram on the
top on the device.
The picture is a finger nail print which should align to the patient's finger
nail, etc.) and/or
instructions for use of the pulse oximiter can be provided on the Patient
Screen and/or Provider
Screen in the medical kiosk; however, this is not required. When the pulse
oximiter is activated,
a video image can be designed to appear on the Provider Application (e.g.,
medical provider's
screen) and/or the Provider Screen and/or Patient Screen that is located in
the interior of the
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medical kiosk. If a video image option is available for display on the
Provider Screen and/or
Patient Screen that is located in the interior of the medical kiosk, the
medical provider via the
Provider Application can turn off such video image on the Provider Screen
and/or Patient
Screen; however, this is not required. The medical provider via the Provider
Application can
capture images and/or data generated by the pulse oximiter and/or video camera
in the medial
kiosk for placement in the patient's file; however, this is not required. The
medical provider via
the Provider Application can optionally annotate an image once captured (e.g.,
use the paint
brush and font icons to modify image, etc.) and/or show the captured image to
the patient;
however, this is not required. The medical provider via the Provider
Application can adjust the
focus of the pulse oximiter; however, this is not required. As can be
appreciated, the patient can
adjust the focus of the pulse oximiter; however, this is not required. The
medical provider and/or
patient can request assistance by the medical assistant related to the pulse
oximiter if so required.
The scale, when used, is used to obtain the weight of the patient. The weight
that is transmitted
by the scale can be displayed on the Patient's Screen and/or Provider's Screen
in the medical
.. kiosk and/or on the screen being used by the medical provider; however,
this is not required.
The transmission of the signal from the scale can be by various means (e.g.,
hardwire, USB,
Bluetooth, etc.). On the interior of the medical kiosk, the scale can be
located on the floor of the
medical kiosk; however, this is not required. The patient's weight can be
collected during the
vitals capture process which is prior to the consultation with the medical
provider; however, this
.. is not required. If the medical providers wants the patient's weight to be
retaken or if the
patient's weight has not already been taken, the scale can be activated or
reactivated by the
medical provider via the Provider Application by the medical provider
selecting the thermometer
icon the provider's screen; however, the scale can be activate by other or
additional
arrangements. In one non-limiting arrangement, when the medical provider via
the Provider
Application selects the scale icon on the provider's screen, the scale in the
medical kiosk is
activated to enable the patient in the medical kiosk to obtain the weight of
the patient; however,
this is not required. The medical provider can provide instructions to the
patient on how to use
the scale (e.g., Request for the patient to step on the scale and wait for the
recording to be
completed, etc.) and/or instructions for use of the scale can be provided on
the Patient Screen
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and/or Provider Screen in the medical kiosk; however, this is not required.
When the scale is
activated, a video image can be designed to appear on the Provider Application
(e.g., medical
provider's screen) and/or the Provider Screen and/or Patient Screen that is
located in the interior
of the medical kiosk. If a video image option is available for display on the
Provider Screen
and/or Patient Screen that is located in the interior of the medical kiosk,
the medical provider via
the Provider Application can turn off such video image on the Provider Screen
and/or Patient
Screen; however, this is not required. The medical provider via the Provider
Application can
capture images and/or data generated by the scale and/or video camera in the
medial kiosk for
placement in the patient's file; however, this is not required. The medical
provider via the
Provider Application can optionally annotate an image once captured (e.g., use
the paint brush
and font icons to modify image, etc.) and/or show the captured image to the
patient; however,
this is not required. The medical provider and/or patient can request
assistance by the medical
assistant if so required. In one non-limiting arrangement, the weight must
register no greater
than 501 pound or some other upper limit; however, this is not required.
Weights that are above
the upper weight limit can be designed to create an error and request the
patient to manually
enter their weight, request the patient to try again to take a proper weight,
and/or request the
medical assistant to assist the patient related to the scale; however, this is
not required. The scale
can be positioned in any location in the medical kiosk (e.g., floor, bench,
chair, etc.). In one non-
limiting embodiment, the can be integrated into the medical kiosk in such a
way that it at least
partially incorporated in on the floor of the medical kiosk. In one non-
limiting design, the scale
is positioned flush with the floor so that it poses no safety challenges for
the user/patient in the
medical kiosk; however, this is not required. As can be appreciated, the size,
shape, and type of
scale are non-limiting. The scale in the floor of the kiosk can also
optionally be used as
designated standing location of a patient so that a height of the patient can
be obtained by used of
one or more cameras and/or other electron devices in the medical kiosk;
however, this is not
required. The blood pressure cuff, when used, is used to determine the
arterial pressure of the
systemic circulation. The information that is transmitted by the blood
pressure cuff can be
displayed on the Patient's Screen and/or Provider's Screen in the medical
kiosk and/or on the
screen being used by the medical provider; however, this is not required. The
transmission of the
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signal from the scale can be by various means (e.g., hardwire, USB, Bluetooth,
etc.). On the
interior of the medical kiosk, the blood pressure cuff can be contained in the
third medical device
cabinet on the right in the medical kiosk; however, this is not required.
Alternatively, the blood
pressure cuff can be kept with the medical attendant, and the medical
attendant then assists the
patient in placing the blood pressure cuff on the patient prior to the patient
entering the medical
kiosk or while the patient is located in the medical kiosk; however, this is
not required. The
patient's blood pressure can be collected during the vitals capture process
which is prior to the
consultation with the medical provider; however, this is not required. If the
medical providers
wants the patient's blood pressure to be retaken or if the patient's blood
pressure has not already
been taken, the blood pressure cuff can be activated or reactivated by the
medical provider via
the Provider Application by the medical provider selecting the blood pressure
cuff icon the
provider's screen; however, the blood pressure cuff can be activate by other
or additional
arrangements. In one non-limiting arrangement, when the medical provider via
the Provider
Application selects the blood pressure cuff icon on the provider's screen, the
blood pressure cuff
in the medical kiosk is activated and the cabinet door in the medical kiosk
for the blood pressure
cuff opens or drops down to enable the patient in the medical kiosk to access
the blood pressure
cuff however, this is not required. As can be appreciated, if the blood
pressure cuff is not
located in a medical cabinet, that patient can obtain the blood pressure cuff
from the location that
the blood pressure cuff currently exists in the medical kiosk or the medical
assistant can provide
the blood pressure cuff to the patient if the medical attendant is retaining
the blood pressure cuff.
In another non-limiting arrangement, the medical kiosk includes an
ambidextrous blood pressure
cuff The cuff arm can optionally be mounted to the desk top to enable the
blood pressure cuff to
be moved from side to side of the desk top; however, this is not required.
Such movement of the
blood pressure cuff enables the blood pressure cuff to be positioned so that
the left arm or right
arm of a user can be inserted into the blood pressure cuff when the user is
facing the desk top.
As can be appreciated, when a blood pressure cuff is included in the medical
kiosk, it can be
mounted and/or positioned in the medical kiosk in a variety of ways.
Information to and from
the blood pressure cuff, when used, can be transmitted by wire and/or
wirelessly to one or more
computers, processors, storage devices, etc. in the medical kiosk and/or to a
location remote from
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the medical kiosk. The ambidextrous blood pressure cuff, when used, may be
made of high-
strength plastic or any other sufficiently rigid and/or strong material (e.g.,
metal, composite
material, etc.). The cuff arm can be designed to be manually moved by the
patient/user, be
remotely moved by the medical provider and/or medical kiosk assistant, and/or
be electronically
moved by the patient/user. The blood pressure cuff can be designed to be
activated/deactivated
by the patient/user and/or remotely by the medical provider and/or medical
kiosk assistant. The
medical provider can provide instructions to the patient on how to use the
blood pressure cuff
(e.g., The blood pressure cuff is most effective when the patient fully places
their bicep in the
cuff, with the palm of their hand facing the ceiling, etc.) and/or
instructions for use of the blood
pressure cuff can be provided on the Patient Screen and/or Provider Screen in
the medical kiosk;
however, this is not required. When the blood pressure cuff is activated, a
video image can be
designed to appear on the Provider Application (e.g., medical provider's
screen) and/or the
Provider Screen and/or Patient Screen that is located in the interior of the
medical kiosk. If a
video image option is available for display on the Provider Screen and/or
Patient Screen that is
located in the interior of the medical kiosk, the medical provider via the
Provider Application can
turn off such video image on the Provider Screen and/or Patient Screen;
however, this is not
required. The medical provider via the Provider Application can capture images
and/or data
generated by the blood pressure cuff and/or video camera in the medial kiosk
for placement in
the patient's file; however, this is not required. The medical provider via
the Provider
Application can optionally annotate an image once captured (e.g., use the
paint brush and font
icons to modify image, etc.) and/or show the captured image to the patient;
however, this is not
required. The medical provider via the Provider Application can start and/or
stop the blood
pressure operation; however, this is not required. As can be appreciated, the
patient can start
and/or stop the blood pressure operation; however, this is not required. The
medical provider
and/or patient can request assistance by the medical assistant related to the
blood pressure cuff if
so required.
In another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the invention, the novel
method and
apparatus for providing medical services, diagnoses, health, and/or wellness
advice to individuals
can include a scheduling application that 1) enables a medical provider to
input the day and time
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the medical provider is available to conduct a visit with a patient in a
medical kiosk, 2) obtains or
collects information on appoints that have been made by one or more patients
at one or more
medical kiosks, and 3) assigns a medical provider to a particular appoint that
has been made at a
particular medical kiosk. The scheduling application can be designed to enable
a patient to select
a particular medical provider, gender of a medical provider, specialty of a
medical provider, a
medical provider that can speak a certain language, etc.; however, this is not
required. The
scheduling application can be designed to allow a medical provider to refuse
an appointment
with a particular patient; however, this is not required. If the medical
provider refuses an
appointment, the scheduling application can be designed to attempt to schedule
a different
appoint for the newly available time slot of the medical provider, or can
block off such time and
not reschedule a new appointment for such time period; however, this is not
required. The
scheduling application can be designed to select a medical provider for a
particular appointment
based on a set algorithm (e.g., available medical provider that has the
largest time since last
appointment, etc.) and/or by a random process. The scheduling application can
be designed to
attempt to select a new medical provider for a particular appointment if the
originally selected
medical provider is unable and/or unwilling to conduct a visit with a patient
in the medical kiosk;
however, this is not required.
In still another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the invention, the
novel method
and apparatus for providing medical services, diagnoses, health, and/or
wellness advice to
individuals can include a medication adherence application; however, this is
not required. The
medication adherence application can be designed to reduce medication errors.
The medication
adherence application can include a reminder for patients to take their meds
and then optionally
the system can automatically log when the patient takes their medication;
however, this is not
required. The medication adherence application can also include the ability to
track a patient's
compliance to taking their medication on time and/or provide automatic
progress reports;
however, this is not required. The medication adherence application can also
include the ability
to refer the patient to a pharmacist to answer any questions and/or for
additional consultation;
however, this is not required. Each user/patient utilizing the medical kiosk
can be automatically
enrolled in the e-script network, which network sends their prescriptions to
the pharmacy of their
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choice; however, this is not required. The medication adherence application
can be used to assist
in improving patient outcomes and/or satisfaction. The medication adherence
application of the
present invention can be designed to be used on a screen in the medical kiosk,
and/or on a
computer screen and/or mobile device; however, this is not required. The
medication adherence
.. application of the present invention can be designed to generate a screen
that includes one or
more main buttons (e.g., 1) Speak to a _____________________________________
(e.g., Walgreens, CVS, Wal-Mart, etc.) Pharmacist
now, 2) Change my medications alerts, 3) Learn about controlling my ________
(e.g., cholesterol,
high blood pressure, diabetes, etc.), 4) Check orders status, 5) Refill
Prescriptions, etc., 6)
Transfer prescriptions to _________________________________________________
(e.g., Walgreens, CVS, Wal-Mart, etc.), 7) Recommended
.. dosage, 8) Period for taking medications, 9) Frequency for taking
medications, 10) Information
about medications, 11) Generic brands available for medications, 12) Request
appointment to
speak with a medical provider, 13) Entry of compliance information regarding
medication usage
by patient, etc.); however, this is not required. The screen can include
additional buttons (e.g.,
help button, Finish button, etc.); however, this is not required. The screen
can include
.. advertising information; however, this is not required. The selection of
one or more of the button
can result in additional screens appearing based on the selected button;
however, this is not
required. If a user/patient needs further guidance from the pharmacist
regarding the prescribed
medication, the user/patient can select the first category button to request
such information;
however, this is not required. The patient/user can be provided a number to
call and/or allow the
user to send an email, make a phone call, etc. regarding the question. The
user/patient can be
provided the option to set a new appointment to meet with a medical provider
regarding the
medication; however, this is not required. The user/patient can be provided
the option to change
the medication alerts; however, this is not required. Such change can be
requested by telephone,
email, text, phone, etc. The frequency and/or type of alert and/or the manner
in which the alert is
.. sent to the user/patient (e.g., email, twitter, phone message, text, etc.)
may also be modified by
the user/patient; however, this is not required. The user/patient may be
provided to option to
obtain information about certain medical conditions (e.g., cholesterol, blood
pressure, migraines,
back pain, arthritis, allergies, flu, etc.); however, this is not required.
The user/patient may be
provided the option to obtain the order status, shipment status, etc. for a
particular medication;
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however, this is not required. If allowable by current medication guidelines
and/or medical
plans, the patient may request to fill their prescriptions directly through
the application; however,
this is not required. The user/patient may be provided the option to change
their preferred
prescription location; however, this is not required. The user/patient may be
provided the option
to enter information as to whether the prescribed medications are being timely
taken and in the
proper amounts; however, this is not required. Periodic reports regarding
medication compliance
can be generated and provided to the user/patient via phone, email, text,
twitter, etc.; however,
this is not required. The medication adherence application of the present
invention can be used
to allow the patient to more easily obtain and understand the correct use of
their prescriptions. In
summary, the medication adherence software application allows a user/patient
to 1) speak to a
pharmacist, 2) change the patient's medications alerts, 3) learn about certain
types of medical
conditions, 4) check medication orders status, 5) check medication delivery
status, 6) refill a
prescriptions, 7) transfer prescriptions to a another location, 8) obtain
information about
recommended medication dosages, 9) obtain information about recommended times
to take
medications, 10) obtain information about recommended frequency for taking
medications, 11)
obtain information about medications, 12) obtain information about generic
brands available for
medications, 13) request an appointment to speak with a medical provider, 14)
enter information
regarding compliance information regarding medication usage by patient, and/or
15) receive
compliance reports for patients regarding medication usage.
In yet another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the invention, the
novel method
and apparatus for providing medical services, diagnoses, health, and/or
wellness advice to
individuals can include an expandable mounting system for medical devices;
however, this is not
required. In one non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the medical kiosk
includes one or
more equipment chambers that can be positioned on or near the front interior
wall of the medical
kiosk; however, it can be appreciated that one or more equipment chambers can
be positioned in
other or additional regions of the medical kiosk. The equipment chambers are
used to store one
or more medical devices (e.g., stethoscope, otoscope, thermometer, dermascope,
spirometer,
pulse oximeter, heating pad, magnifying glass, tongue depressor, tweezers,
blood glucometer
etc.). The one or more equipment chambers can also or alternatively be used to
include other
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types of materials (e.g., tissue, Band-Aid, gauze, cotton ball, disinfecting
wipe, cortisone cream,
anti-biotic cream/ointment, alcohol wipe, cotton swab, fabric wrap, etc.). The
one or more
equipment chambers generally include a door to limit access to the one or more
equipment
chambers; however, this is not required. The door, when used on one or more of
the equipment
chambers, can be manually openable/closeable, and/or the doors can be
controllably
opened/closed remotely by the medical provider and/or medical attendant.
Generally, one or
more of the doors are controllably opened and/or unlocked by the medical
provider during the
examination of the user in the medical kiosk; however, this is not required.
After the user/patient
has left the medical kiosk, the medical attendant can enter the medical kiosk,
then clean the
medical equipment that was handled or used by the prior user/patient and/or
dispose of and/or
replace items that were used and/or handled by the prior user/patient;
however, this is not
required. Thereafter, the medical attendant can restock, replace, and/or
reposition the medical
equipment and/or non-medical equipment in the equipment chambers and close the
equipment
chamber doors prior to the next user/patient entering the medical kiosk;
however, this is not
required. One or more types of medical equipment can be designed to transmit
information by
wire or wirelessly to electronic components in the medical kiosk and/or to the
remotely located
medical provider; however, this is not required. In one non-limiting
arrangement, the medical
kiosk can include six (6) equipment chambers having doors, three on each side
of the desk top of
the medical kiosk. As can be appreciated, a larger or smaller number of
equipment chambers can
be used and/or the one or more equipment chambers can be positioned in other
or additional
locations in the medical kiosk. As also can be appreciated, some or all of the
equipment
chambers can be absent doors. The door on one or more of the equipment
chambers can be
designed to be unlocked and/or opened remotely by the medical provider and/or
medical
attendant; however, this is not required. The doors can be designed to
automatically lock closed
when the doors are closed by the medical attendant and/or medical provider
after the user/patient
has left the medical kiosk; however, this is not required. Each of the
equipment chambers can be
designed to include a different piece of medical equipment, namely a
stethoscope, an otoscope, a
thermometer, a dermascope, a spirometer, and a pulse oximeter; however, other
or additional
equipment and/or materials can be included in one or more of the equipment
chambers (e.g.,
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wipes, blood sugar analyzer, tissue, band aide, gauze, urine sample container,
medication, etc.).
Alternatively, the equipment chambers can be used to store one or more
integrated medical
devices that can include, but are not limited to, the following integrated
devices: a stethoscope to
evaluate heart, lung and/or bowel sounds; a thermometer to record temperature;
an otoscope to
examine the ear drum, external ear canal, nasal passages, mouth and/or throat;
pulse-oximeter to
measure blood oxygen saturation and/or heart rate; a spirometer and transducer
to measure the
volume of air inspired and/or expired by the lungs; an audiometer to test
hearing; a 3-lead EKG
to provide a snapshot of the heart rhythm and/or data regarding stress and/or
injury to the heart
muscle; and/or a glucometer to measure blood glucose levels. As can be
appreciated, other or
additional medical devices can be included in the medical kiosk which are
inside or outside of
the expandable mounting system such as, but not limited to, a scale, lab-on-a-
chip finger stick
technology, blood analyzer (e.g., blood sugar analyzer, blood toxicity
analyzer, blood oxygen
content analyzer, etc.), height tape and others; however, this is not
required. As can also be
appreciated, a larger or smaller number of medical equipment can be used in
the medical kiosk
and/or different types of medical equipment can be included in the medical
kiosk. The one or
more equipment chambers can also or alternatively be used to include other
types of material
(e.g., tissue, gauze, disinfecting wipe, cotton ball, tongue depressor,
tweezers, cortisone cream,
urine sample container, etc.); however, this is not required. The one or more
equipment
chambers generally include a door to limit access to the one or more equipment
chambers;
however, this is not required. The door, when used, can be manually
openable/closeable, and/or
the doors can be controllably open/closed remotely by the medical provider or
medical attendant;
however, this is not required. The expandable mounting system for medical
devices can be made
of high-strength plastic or any other sufficiently rigid and strong material
such as metal, wood,
and the like. The configuration and/or size of each the equipment chambers can
be the same or
different. The one or more doors on the expandable mounting system can be
manually opened
and/or closed and/or remotely opened and/or closed by a medical provider
and/or medical
attendant. The one or more medical devices in the one or more chambers or bays
can are
activated/deactivated remotely by software and/or manually
activated/deactivated. The one or
more medical devices in the one or more chambers or bays can be connected to a
connector in
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the chambers or bays so as to supply power to the medical device and/or to
electronically
transmit information between the medical device and a computer, network,
storage device, etc.
The expandable mounting system can include one or more visual indicators
(e.g., light, etc.) to
indicate to a user/patient which chamber is to be used and/or is active. A
medical attendant
and/or medical provider can be used to assist the patient in the operation of
one or more medical
devices; however, this is not required.
In still yet another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the invention,
the novel
method and apparatus for providing medical services, diagnoses, health, and/or
wellness advice
to individuals can include digital signage on the exterior of the medical
kiosk; however, this is
not required. The digital signage, when used, can be displayed through one or
more monitors or
display screens on the exterior and/or interior of the medical kiosk to able a
user/patient/potential
user to see one or more of the monitors or display screens. One non-limiting
aspect of this
invention is that the one or more monitors or display screens can be used to
display
advertisements that may be arranged by the originating site; however, this is
not required.
Another non-limiting aspect of this invention is that one or more of the
monitors or display
screens can be used to display the current wait time for the medical kiosk
and/or the list of
scheduled appointments; however, this is not required. The digital signage
application can allow
various companies to advertise via the medical kiosk, including the business
where it is located;
however, this is not required. The digital signage application can be tailored
to display
information for specific patients based upon their conditions; however, this
is not required. The
digital signage application can include the ability to display a scrolling
message at the bottom of
the screen, based upon the business's preference; however, this is not
required. The one or more
display screens and/or monitors can be used to provide various types of
information (e.g.,
registration information, information input by the user, advertising
information, information
about the medical kiosk, information about wait time for a medical kiosk,
information as to the
order of users waiting to use the medical kiosk, information about whether a
medical kiosk is
available or in use, cable TV, satellite TV, local broadcast TV, infomercial,
medical programs,
DVD materials, Blu-ray materials, etc.). Patients waiting to enter the medical
kiosk can be
allowed to view the various advertisements and/or other types of information
displayed on the
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one or more screens; however, this is not required. The patients can see the
wait time for their
appointment and/or their position in the appointment queue when such
information is displayed
on the one or more video screens; however, this is not required. Any message
necessary for the
patient to see can also be displayed upon the screen in the interior of the
medical kiosk; however,
this is not required (e.g., "Welcome (Patient Name)", "Your Medical Provider
(Provider Name)
Will Begin Your Visit Once You Have First Captured Some Basic Vitals", etc.).
The one or
more interior screens are primarily utilized for video conferencing between
the patient and the
provider, patient data input, and patient instructions, but can also be used
to display
advertisements and/or other information during periods where the medical kiosk
has no
appointment queued; however, this is not required. The digital signage
application can allow
businesses to display advertisements and/or current promotions in a way that
will attract the
consumer's attention; however, this is not required. The ability to tailor the
signage to individual
patients and/or population groups makes it very adaptable; however, this is
not required. The
information on the display can be any language. The information on the display
can include
subtitles, etc.; however, this is not required.
In another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the invention, the novel
method and
apparatus for providing medical services, diagnoses, health, and/or wellness
advice to individuals
can include an exterior check-in registration station via an integrated touch
screen monitor;
however, this is not required. The novel method of the present invention can
include the use of a
medical kiosk to enable the patient to conveniently communicate with the
medical provider. In
one non-limiting embodiment, the medical kiosk has an exterior check-in
registration station.
The check-in registration station can include a key pad and/or key board for
identification and/or
data entry, a touch screen for identification and/or data entry, microphone
and/or voice
recognition software for identification and/or data entry, fingerprint scanner
for identification
and/or data entry, and/or retina scanner for identification and/or entry;
however, this is not
required. As can be appreciated, other or additional devices can be included
on the medical
kiosk for identification and/or data entry. The medical kiosk having an
exterior check-in
registration station can be used by the patient to enter/convey basic
information about the patient.
Such information includes, but is not limited to, a) patient name, b) patient
address, c) patient
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contact information, d) patient age, e) patient sex, f) patient height, g)
patient weight, h) patient
medical history, i) current medicines used by patient, j) reason(s) for visit
by patient, k) patient
current symptoms, 1) patient insurance information, m) patient payment
information, n) consent
forms, and/or o) patient's current doctor. As can be appreciated, other or
additional information
can be inputted/conveyed by the patient. The medial kiosk can be designed to
provide
information to the patient prior to and/or during the inputting/conveying of
information by the
patient to the medical kiosk. In one non-limiting embodiment of the invention,
the medical kiosk
can include audio and/or visual instructions and/or displays used to provide
a) information about
the medical kiosk, b) how to use the medial kiosk, c) how to properly
input/convey information
to the medical kiosk, d) provide instructions and/or interactions with the
patient during the
inputting/conveying of information by the patient to the medical kiosk, e) the
wait time for the
patient's use of the medical kiosk, f) a list of patient's waiting to use the
medical kiosk, and/or g)
information regarding whether the medical kiosk is in use or is available. In
another and/or
alternative non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the medical kiosk can
include light and/or
sound indicators to provide information regarding whether the medical kiosk is
in use or is
available; however, this is not required. In still another and/or alternative
non-limiting
embodiment of the invention, the medical kiosk can include a notification
system to a patient that
the medical kiosk is available or will soon be available; however, this is not
required. Such
notification can be sent via email, phone, pager, internet, etc. Such
notification system can be
useful when the medical kiosk is not currently available to the patient. The
patient can input the
information into the medical kiosk and then go home, run other errands, etc.,
and then be later
notified when the medical kiosk is available or will soon be available. The
medical kiosk and/or
notification system can also be used to inform the patient when and/or where
other medical
kiosks are available; however, this is not required. This service, when
available, can be used to
inform the patient that a nearby medical kiosk has a shorter wait period or is
currently available,
thus providing the patient with the option of traveling to another available
medical kiosk instead
of waiting for the current medical kiosk to become available; however, this is
not required. This
service, when available, can also be used to inform the patient when a
prescription is ready for
pickup and/or for conveying prescription information to the patient; however,
this is not
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required. This service, when available, can also be used to inform the patient
when a follow-up
visit is due and/or scheduled; however, this is not required. As can be
appreciated, the
notification system can be used for other or additional services. The medical
kiosk can include
an exterior registration station for check-in via a touch-screen monitor
(e.g., monitor, etc.). The
touch-screen monitor can be mounted at a height and angle that meets ADA
compliance and is
easily accessible to individuals in wheel chairs; however, this is not
required. The touch-screen
monitor can include a built in privacy filter for HIPAA compliance; however,
this is not
required. In one non-limiting embodiment, the front panel of the medical kiosk
includes a
registration station. The registration station can include a touch screen, a
display screen, and an
.. optional frame that such components can be mounted thereto; however, this
is not required. The
shape of the frame, when used, is non-limiting. The frame, when used, can be
designed to be
easily removed from the front panel to enable servicing, repair, replacement,
etc. of one or more
components of the registration station; however, this is not required. As can
be appreciated, the
registration station can also or alternatively include other or optional
features (e.g., additional
display screen, additional touch screen, lights, buttons, switches, camera,
speakers, microphone,
keyboard, scanner, receiver, transmitter, credit card/debit card or other some
other card reader,
smart phone or other smart device reader/scanner, finger and/or eye scanner,
shelf, printer,
storage cavity, service access door, motion sensor, sound sensor, temperature
sensor, logos, etc.);
however, this is not required. The touch screen, when used, is generally used
to allow a user to
enter in information about the user (e.g., age, sex, contact information,
payment information,
medical history, medical issue, etc.); however, this is not required. The
touch screen can be
substituted for a keyboard; however, this not required. The frame can be
designed to mount the
touch screen at some angle (e.g., 10-8(r) relative to the front plane of the
front panel; however,
this is not required. The frame optionally includes one or more side sections
that can include one
or more other or optional features of the registration station; however, this
is not required. As
can be appreciated, one or more other or optional features of the registration
station can also or
alternatively be located on other regions of the registration station. The
touch screen can display
various types of information (e.g., electronic keyboard, instructions on how
to register, questions
that are displayed during registration, instructions during registration,
information displayed to
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user during registration, various templates, various menus, various lists of
information, etc.);
however, this is not required. As can be appreciated, the medical kiosk can be
designed to accept
voice commands during the registration process; however, this is not required.
The display
screen can be used to provide various types of information (e.g., registration
information,
information input by the user, advertising information, information about the
medical kiosk,
information about wait time for a medical kiosk, information as to the order
of users waiting to
use the medical kiosk, information about whether a medical kiosk is available
or in use, cable
TV, satellite TV, local broadcast TV, infomercial, medical programs, DVD
materials, Blu-ray
materials, etc.). Another display screen can be positioned above the screen
used at the
registration station and/or at some other location on the exterior of the
medical kiosk; however,
this is not required. This other display screen can be used to display various
types of information
(e.g., advertising information, information about the medical kiosk,
information about wait time
for a medical kiosk, information as to the order of users waiting to use the
medical kiosk,
information about whether a medical kiosk is available or in use, cable TV,
satellite TV, local
broadcast TV, infomercial, medical programs, DVD materials, Blu-ray materials,
etc.); however,
this is not required. In one non-limiting arrangement, the screen used at the
registration station
and the one or more other displays can be design to display different types of
information (e.g.,
screen used at the registration station displays information related to the
registration process and
the one or more other displays are used to display one or more types of
information that are
different from the infoiniation displayed on the screen used at the
registration station, etc.);
however, this is not required. The size of the screen used at the registration
station and the one
or more other displays can be the same or different. In one non-limiting
arrangement, a
user/patient can be allowed to enter payment information at the registration
station (e.g., swipes a
credit or debit card, etc.); however, it can be appreciated that payment
inforination can also or
alternatively be entered inside the medical kiosk, at the optional attendant
station, wirelessly or
over a network via a smart phone or other device or by a computer connected to
a network, etc.
If a medical attendant is available, the medical attendant can assist a user
during the registration
process; however, this is not required. Generally, the medical kiosk includes
a single registration
station; however, this is not required. As can be appreciated, the
registration station can
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alternatively be located inside the medical kiosk, at the attendant station,
on other panels or
sidewalls of the medical kiosk, or located remotely from the medical kiosk
(e.g., central
registration center for use with multiple medical kiosks, etc.). In one non-
limiting arrangement,
the exterior check-in registration station can be designed to be easily
removed from the front
panel of the medical kiosk and/or be easily access from the interior of the
medical kiosk to
enable servicing, repair, replacement, etc. of one or more components of the
registration station;
however, this is not required. The check-in system in accordance with the
present invention
offers a new way for organizations to meet rising consumer expectations for
convenience and at
the same time improve accuracy and usability of information systems; however,
this is not
required. The check-in system in accordance with the present invention can
result in shorter
waiting times for check-in, as well as efficiency gains from increased
throughput and fewer
errors in keeping patient demographic data up to date; however, this is not
required. The check-
in system in accordance with the present invention can result in the reduction
of risk of patient
misidentification and clerical errors at data entry; however, this is not
required. The check-in
system in accordance with the present invention can improve accuracy in
language access for
those not fluent in English by offering multiple language options during the
check-in process;
however, this is not required.
In still another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the invention, the
novel method
and apparatus for providing medical services, diagnoses, health, and/or
wellness advice to
individuals can include a sanitizing system (e.g., UV system, mist system,
etc.) that can be
automatically activated and/or activated by the medical attendant and/or
medical provider prior
to and/or after a patient has used the medical kiosk; however, this is not
required. The medical
kiosk can include a cleaning system designed to clean the interior of the
medical kiosk and/or
kill/neutralize some of or all germs and/or other micro-organisms in the
medical kiosk; however,
.. this is not required. One non-limiting cleaning system that can be used is
an ultraviolet
sanitizing system. As can also be appreciated, a mist sanitizer can also or
alternatively be used
to fully or partially clean/sanitize one or more portions of the medical
kiosk. As can be
appreciated, other or additional cleaning systems can be used. In another
and/or alternative non-
limiting aspect of the invention, the medical kiosk can be made of one or more
materials that
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resist growth of bacteria, viruses and/or other micro-organisms; however, this
is not required. In
one non-limiting embodiment, the floor, walls and ceiling of the medical kiosk
include or are
fully made of materials that resist or prevent the growth of bacteria, viruses
and/or other micro-
organisms; however, this is not required. In one non-limiting arrangement, the
medical kiosk
includes an ultraviolet light sanitization system which can be used in the
medical kiosk and
which can be activated through software from a remote location and/or by a
kiosk attendant;
however, this is not required. The ultraviolet light sanitization system can
be activated twice
daily to ensure the sanitary environment is maintained; however, it can be
appreciated, that the
ultraviolet light sanitization system can be activated a greater or lesser
number of times per day.
The location of the ultraviolet light sanitization system, when used, is non-
limiting. In one non-
limiting arrangement, the ultraviolet light sanitization system can be located
in the roof or ceiling
of the medical kiosk; however, this is not required. For example, the
ultraviolet light sanitization
system can be connected or positioned adjacent to the ceiling panel and rear
panels; however,
this is not required. The ultraviolet light sanitization system can be located
in the rear of the
medical kiosk where it will be out of the way of the patients utilizing the
medical kiosk;
however, this is not required. The ultraviolet light sanitizing system
generally includes one or
more ultraviolet lights that are designed to kill some or all of the germs
and/or other micro-
organisms in the medical kiosk. The ultraviolet sanitizing system can
optionally include one or
more vents that allow air to flow into and/or out of the ultraviolet
sanitizing system to facilitate
in the cooling of the ultraviolet sanitizing system; however, this is not
required. The sanitization
system can be built with high-strength plastics and/or any other sufficiently
rigid and strong
material such as metal and constructed in a way preventing it from being
tampered with by
patients or anyone other than the attendant; however, this is not required.
Such an arrangement,
when used, can facilitate in ensuring that it is not activated incorrectly or
at an inopportune time;
however, this is not required. The shape, size and/or configuration of the
built in sanitization
system are non-limiting. The one or more medical attendants, when used, can
also or
alternatively clean and/or sanitize various regions of the medical kiosk prior
to and/or after being
used by a patient and/or set up the medical kiosk for a new user; however,
this is not required.
For example, prior to and/or after one or more patients have entered the
medical kiosk, the one or
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more attendants can clean/sanitize one or more exterior surfaces and/or
regions of the medical
kiosk (e.g., medical kiosk door, medical kiosk check-in terminal, medical
kiosk desk top,
medical kiosk exterior walls, medical kiosk touch screen, medical kiosk
monitors, seating/tables
in waiting area near medical kiosk, etc.); however, this is not required. In
an another and/or
additional example, prior to and/or after one or more patients have entered
the medical kiosk, the
one or more medical attendants can clean/sanitize one or more interior
surfaces of the medical
kiosk (e.g., medical kiosk door, medical kiosk floor, medical kiosk bench,
medical kiosk chair,
medical kiosk user terminal, medical kiosk interior desk top, medical kiosk
interior walls,
medical kiosk touch screen, medical kiosk monitors, medical kiosk instrument
doors, medical
devices/instruments used by and/or touched by user when in the medical kiosk,
any other surface
in the interior of the medical kiosk, etc.); however, this is not required. In
still another and/or
additional example, prior to and/or after one or more patients have entered
the medical kiosk, the
one or more medical attendants can set up the medical kiosk for a user (e.g.,
clean/sanitize
interior surfaces of medical kiosk; clean/sanitize medical devices/instruments
used and/or
touched by a prior user; reposition medical devices/instruments into device
storage areas; replace
disposable components on medical devices/instruments; fix, repair and/or
replace fans, UV
bulbs, UV devices, etc. in the interior and/or exterior of the medical kiosk;
refill cleaning and/or
sanitizing fluid; etc.); however, this is not required. In still yet another
and/or alternative non-
limiting aspect of the invention, the medical kiosk can include a sanitizing
system (e.g., UV
system, mist system, etc.) that can be automatically activated and/or
activated by the medical
attendant prior to and/or after a patient has used the medical kiosk; however,
this is not required.
As can also be appreciated, a mist sanitizer can also or alternatively be used
to fully or partially
clean/sanitize one or more portions of the medical kiosk. Generally the germs
and/or other
micro-organisms in the medical kiosk are treated when the interior of the
medical kiosk does not
include a user. The sanitizing system can optionally include one or more
standard lights that can
be used to provide illumination in the medical kiosk; however, this is not
required. The
sanitizing system can optionally include a cooling fan for the one or more
components in the
sanitation system; however, this is not required. The sanitizing system can
optionally include
both a UV and a mist sanitizing system; however, this is not required. The
sanitizing system can
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house one or more cameras, speakers, sensors (e.g., temperature sensor, motion
sensor, sound
sensor, etc.), etc. for use in the medical kiosk; however, this is not
required. The sanitizing
system includes a shroud that includes vent/light/mist openings to house the
components of the
sanitizing system; however, this is not required. The shape, size and
configuration of the shroud,
when used, are non-limiting. When a mist sanitizing system is additionally or
alternatively used,
one or more mist nozzles can be located in one or more regions of the medical
kiosk so as to
direct the sanitizing mist to desired locations in the medical kiosk; however,
this is not required.
The doors to the medical kiosk can be closed and/or locked to prevent a
user/patent from
entering the medical kiosk during a sanitizing process; however, this is not
required.
In yet another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the invention, the
novel method
and apparatus for providing medical services, diagnoses, health, and/or
wellness advice to
individuals can include a medical kiosk that enables a service operator to
easily access the
various components of the medical kiosk for purposes of service, repair,
maintenance, upgrade,
replacement, etc. In order to offer the comprehensive services the medical
kiosk is capable of,
there are multiple components that must be functioning at all times. The
various devices that
may need service include, but are not limited to, the display screens, the
network connection,
various other electronics and wiring, fans, lights, electronic switches,
backup power supplies,
computers, electronic storage devices, doors on the medical equipment
compartments, etc. The
ability to easily and conveniently access and/or performing maintenance on
these components is
advantageous to providing the medical kiosk services via the medical kiosk;
however, this is not
required. To more easily facilitate the service of these components, the
medical kiosk can be
designed with a moveable front panel; however, this is not required. The front
panel can be built
on casters, wheel, rail system, etc. to allow the front panel to be easily
moved; however this is
not required. The front panel can be equipped with a tamper proof lock to
prevent unauthorized
personnel from accessing the components located behind the front panel;
however, this is not
required. A portion or the entire front panel can be designed to move in order
to ensure that when
there is a problem with one or more components used in the medical kiosk, the
repair of such
components does not require the disassembly of the entire or a substantial
portion of the medial
kiosk to repair the components; however, this is not required. The components
of the medical
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kiosk that are generally difficult or inaccessible when the medical kiosk is
fully assemble are 1)
the components that form the exterior check-in station, 2) the interior
displays or monitors, 3) the
interior speakers, the interior cameras, 4) the interior sound jack, 5) the
doors on the medical
compartments, 6) the interior microphone, 7) the electronics located behind
the exterior check-in
station, 8) the electronics located behind the interior AV system, and/or 9)
the computer and
other electronics used for network communication, control and/or storage;
however, this is not
required. As can be appreciated, there may be other or additional components
of the medical
kiosk that are generally difficult or inaccessible when the medical kiosk is
fully assembled.
Access to one or more of these components can be more easily accessed by the
movement of the
interior front panel of the medical kiosk; however, this is not required.
In still yet another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the invention,
the novel
method and apparatus for providing medical services, diagnoses, health, and/or
wellness advice
to individuals can include a method and a medical kiosk that enables the
medical provider to
generate electronic prescriptions and/or for the patient to conveniently
select and/or order
.. prescription drugs; however, this is not required. In one non-limiting
embodiment, this novel
method and apparatus will allow patients to 1) choose between name brand and
generic drugs, 2)
choose the supply quantity for the prescription (i.e., 30 days supply, 60 days
supply, 90 days
supply, etc.), 3) choose between picking the prescription up at the pharmacy
of their choice or
mail delivery of the prescription, 4) enter medical insurance for partial or
full payment of the
.. prescription, 5) enter a credit or debit card information to pay for the
prescription, 6) enter
information for mail delivery of the prescription, 8) enter information to
provide automatic
reminders to patient regarding refilled and/or follow-up medical visits, 9)
enter information to
enable a patient to be notified when a prescription has been mailed and/or is
ready to be picked-
up at the pharmacy; however, this is not required, 10) obtain a print out
and/or electronic version
of the prescription written by the medical provider, and/or 11) receive
information about the
issued prescription (e.g., prescribed use, side effects, etc.) in printout
and/or electronic form;
however, this is not required. Another non-limiting aspect of this method and
apparatus will
allow the patient to select the select the pharmacy where he/she would like to
pick-up the
prescription; however, this is not required. In one non-limiting embodiment of
the invention, the
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medical provider can generate an electronic prescription for a patient. The
prescription can
include both the generic and name brand drugs along with the patient copay
amount for each;
however, this is not required. The electronic prescription can provide
additional information
(e.g., potential savings for selecting certain medications, the dosage amount,
the medication
dosage, quantity or strength, name of medical provider, help information,
etc.), advertising
information, etc.; however, this is not required. Once the particular
medication brand is selected
by the patient, another screen can optionally appear; however, this is not
required. For example,
the second screen can illustrate the brand of medication selected by the
patient/user and/or also
provides quantity supply options for the medication, etc.; however, this is
not required. The
second screen can optionally illustrated additional information such as, but
not limited to, the
copay amount for the selected medication brand and quantity, the monthly,
yearly, etc. savings
for selecting a particular medication brand and/or quantity, help information,
go back option,
advertising infoimation, etc.; however, this is not required. The second or a
third screen can
optionally appear that provides an order confirmation along with the
associated savings;
however, this is not required. The second or third screen can optionally
illustrate additional
information such as, but not limited to, the monthly, yearly, etc. savings for
selecting a particular
medication brand and/or quantity, help information, advertising information,
etc. As can be
appreciated, other or additional screens can be displayed to the user/patient.
This aspect of the
invention has the advantage of allowing the user/patient to view and/or select
brand or generic
drugs thereby allowing the user/patient to decide which drug option is best
for them and their
budget; however, this is not required. The medical kiosk and method for using
the medical kiosk
can thus include a point of purchase prescription workflow application
allowing a medical
provider to generate prescriptions and optionally allowing patients to select
and/or order
prescription drugs; however, this is not required. The medical kiosk and
method for using the
medical kiosk can include a point of purchase prescription workflow
application that allows a
user/patient to choose his/her drug brand and/or quantity; however, this is
not required. The
medical kiosk and method for using the medical kiosk can include a point of
purchase
prescription workflow application that allows a user/patient to select the
pharmacy from which to
pick up his/her prescription; however, this is not required.
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In another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the invention, the novel
method and
apparatus for providing medical services, diagnoses, health, and/or wellness
advice to individuals
can include headphone jacks. The one or more headphone jacks allow for hearing
impaired
patients to utilize headphones in order to better understand the provider's
instructions; however,
this is not required. The one or more headphone jacks can also be used to
enable additional
persons in the medical kiosk (e.g., child's parent, etc,) to listen in on the
conversation between
the medical provider and patient; however, this is not required. The one or
more headphone
jacks can also be used to provide additional privacy between the medical
provider and patient;
however, this is not required. The headphones may be available from the kiosk
and/or the
medical attendant; however, this is not required. The headphone jack can be
placed at a height
allowing any person to reach it if necessary; however, this is not required.
The headphones
generally will be sanitary either through disposable covers or through another
form of
sanitization; however, this is not required. The headphone jack can be a
standard jack to enable
a patient to use his/her own headphone; however, this is not required. The
medical kiosk can
include a wireless system (e.g., Bluetooth technology, IR technology, RF
technology, etc.) to
transmit sound wirelessly to a patient and/or other person located in the
medical kiosk; however,
this is not required. The kiosk can also be equipped with a wheelchair
accessible ramp; however,
this is not required. The medical kiosk can be designed to be fully ADA
compliant as a result of
these novel innovations; however, this is not required. A medical kiosk that
includes one or
more headphone jacks and/or a wheelchair accessible ramp can permit the
medical kiosk to
better serve the public at large; however, this is not required.
In still another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the invention, the
novel method
and apparatus for providing medical services, diagnoses, health, and/or
wellness advice to
individuals can include a medical kiosk that utilizes high definition video
and/or high quality
sound to create a conference link between a patient located in the medical
kiosk and a medical
provider that is located remotely to the medical kiosk. In one non-limiting
aspect of the
invention, the medical kiosk includes the use of one or more high definition
cameras, one or
more high definition monitor(s) and/or high quality speaker(s) built into the
medical kiosk;
however, this is not required. The one or more cameras located within the
medical kiosk can be
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on an adjustable sliding bar allowing camera positioning to create ideal eye
contact; however,
this is not required. The one or more cameras in the medical kiosk can be used
to enable a
medical provider to obtain information about a user/patient in the medical
kiosk (e.g., height,
build, sex, skin color, alertness, body cuts, body infections, body rashes,
pupil dilation, hygiene,
race, physical condition, emotional condition, metal condition, etc.);
however, this is not
required. In one non-limiting arrangement, one or more monitors and/or display
screens can be
positioned on the front interior wall of the medical kiosk; however, this is
not required. The
monitor is generally used to view the one or more medical providers when the
user/patient is
located in the medical kiosk; however, this is not required. The shape, size,
and thickness of the
one or more monitors are non-limiting. One or more cameras can be positioned
on the front
interior wall, be embedded in the one or more monitor/display screens, and/or
be located on a
sliding bar allowing it to be positioned relative to the user/patient to
create better eye contact
with the user/patient in the medical kiosk; however, this is not required. The
one or more
cameras enable pictures of the user/patient in the medical kiosk to be
transmitted to a remotely
located medical provider; however, this is not required. The remotely located
provider typically
has a camera at his/her location so that pictures of the medical provider can
be transmitted to the
one or more medical screens in the medical kiosk; however, this is not
required. As can be
appreciated, a projector can be used as a substitute of one or more monitors
in the medical kiosk;
however, this is not required. One or more speakers can be positioned on the
front interior wall
of the medical kiosk; however, this is not required. As can be appreciated,
one or more speakers
can be positioned on other or additional locations in the medical kiosk;
however, this is not
required. The speakers can be used to enable a user/patient in the medical
kiosk to listen to what
the medical provider is saying to the user/patient; however, this is not
required. One or more
microphones are generally included in the medical kiosk to allow the
user/patient to
communicate with the medical provider; however, this is not required.
In yet another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the invention, the
novel method
and apparatus for providing medical services, diagnoses, health, and/or
wellness advice to
individuals can include a medical kiosk that is modular kiosk that is able to
be partially or fully
broken down; however, this is not required. In one non-limiting embodiment of
the invention,
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the modular medical kiosk can be partially or fully broken down so as to fit
through a doorway
(e.g., standard 36" by 80" doorway, etc.); however, this is not required. The
modular design of
the medical kiosk can enables the medical kiosk to be set up in various
configurations to enable
the medical kiosk to be used in various types of spaces; however, this is not
required. The
modular design of the medical kiosk can be designed to not only accommodate
multiple
configurations of the medical kiosk, but can also be designed to facilitate in
enabling the medical
kiosk to be moved into an existing facility and then allowing the assembly of
the medical kiosk
in such facility without having to modifying the entry ways into or out of the
facility; however,
this is not required. The medical kiosk can be formed of any number of
materials (e.g., plastic,
foam, metal, wood, etc.). The modular configuration of the medical kiosk can
be such that it can
be easily assembled and disassembled so that the medical kiosk can be easily
brought into a
location and easily set up; however, this is not required. The medical kiosk
can be designed to
include a floor panel; however, this is not required. The floor panel, when
used, is generally a
one piece unit; however, the floor panel can be formed of multiple pieces. The
floor panel, when
used, can be formed of a durable material (e.g., plastic, metal, wood,
composite material, man-
made materials, etc.). The floor panel, when used, can be folined of a
slightly compressible
material to facilitate in the comfort of walking on the floor panel; however,
this is not required.
The floor panel can have an oval shape; however, other shapes can be used
(e.g., circular, square,
rectangular, polygonal, etc.). In one non-limiting design, the maximum length
of the floor panel
is generally 3-15 feet, typically 4-12 feet, more typically about 6-10 feet,
and even more
typically about 8-9 feet; however, other lengths can be used. In one non-
limiting design, the
maximum width of the floor panel is generally 3-10 feet, typically 4-8 feet,
and more typically
about 4-6 feet; however; other widths can be used. In one non-limiting design,
the top surface
area of the floor panel is generally 10-150 sq. ft., typically 15-80 sq. ft.,
and more typically about
50-60 sq. ft.; however, other surface areas of the floor panel can be used.
The floor panel can be
sized to enable a user in a wheelchair to enter the medical kiosk and turn
and/or fully maneuver
in the medical kiosk while sitting in the wheelchair; however, this is not
required. In one non-
limiting design, the thickness of the floor panel is generally about 0.1-5
inches, and typically
about 0.25-3 inches; however, other thicknesses of the floor panel can be
used. A ramp can be
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optionally used to facilitate entry and exiting of the medical kiosk; however,
this is not required.
The shape and size of the ramp are non-limiting. The ramp can be made of a
similar material as
the floor panel; however, this is not required. The ramp generally includes a
sloped surface to
facilitate in transitioning from a floor surface to the top surface of the
floor panel; however, this
is not required. The medical kiosk can optionally include one or more benches,
stools and/or
chairs. When a bench is included in the medical kiosk, the bench is generally
positioned on the
back interior wall of the medical kiosk; however, this is not required. The
bench can be used to
allow a parent, guardian, spouse, relative, friend, etc. to sit in the medical
kiosk while the user is
obtaining medical services in the medical kiosk. The bench can be designed to
enable one or
more persons to sit on the bench. The bench can optionally include a storage
space under the
seat of the bench that can be used to store supplies, equipment, etc. for the
medical kiosk. A
liftable seat section can be used to access the storage space; however, this
is not required. When
the bench includes a storage space, the bench can include a lock to limit
access to the storage
space; however, this is not required. As can be appreciated, the medical kiosk
can include one or
more chairs, not shown, to enable one or more users to sit in the medical
kiosk while receiving
medical services in the medical kiosk; however, this is not required. The
bench is generally
about 10-25 inches high, and typically about 16-20 inches high; however, other
heights can be
used. In one non-limiting arrangement, the medical kiosk can include two front
panels, two rear
panels, one side wall, and one door system; however, this is not required. The
front panels, rear
panels, side wall, and door system are generally formed of a durable material
(e.g., plastic, metal,
wood, composite material, man-made materials, etc.). As can be appreciated,
the medical kiosk
can be designed to only include a single front panel and/or a single rear
panel. As can also be
appreciated, the medical kiosk can be designed to include more than two front
panels and/or
more than two rear panels. As can be appreciated, the medical kiosk can be
designed to include
more than one side wall and/or more than one door system. As can also be
appreciated, a side
wall can be substituted for another door system; however, this is not
required. The general shape
and size of the front and rear panels are the same; however, this is not
required. The shape of the
front and rear panels can be arcuate; however, this is not required. The
radius of curvature the
front and rear panels can be about 10-100 inches, typically 15-50 inches, and
more typically
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about 20-35 inches; however, other radius of curvatures can be used. The front
and rear panels
can have an angle of curvature of about 90 or a quarter of a circle; however,
it can be appreciated
that one or both rear and/or front panels can have different angles of
curvature. The general
shape and size of the side wall and the door system are generally the same;
however, this is not
.. required. The side wall and door system can lie in a generally flat plane;
however, this is not
required. The front and rear panels and the side wall and door system can form
a generally oval
shape for the medical kiosk; however, this is not required. The two front
panels and two rear
panels can have the same or similar footprint; however, this is not required.
The side wall and
the door system can have the same or similar footprint; however, this is not
required. The
.. similarity in the shape and footprint of the wall components of the medical
kiosk, when used,
enables the medical kiosk to be assembled in a manner that is convenient for
the facility that will
include the medical kiosk. For example, if the door system needs to be
positioned on the left
side of the medical kiosk, instead of the right side, the similarly shaped
side wall and door
system enables the medical kiosk to be assembled in such a manner. Also, if
the optional
registration station of the medical system needs to be placed on the left side
or right side or on
the rear end of the medical kiosk instead of the front end, the similarly
shaped front and rear
panels can be easily exchanged to create such configuration for the medical
kiosk. The modular
medical kiosk not only accommodates multiple configurations of the medical
kiosk, it also can
facilitate in enabling the medical kiosk to be moved into an existing facility
and then assembling
the medical kiosk in such facility without having to modify the entryways into
or out of the
facility; however, this is not required. The thickness and height of the front
panels, rear panels,
side wall and door system are non-limiting. In one non-limiting embodiment,
the maximum
height of the front panels, rear panels, side wall and door system is about 5-
12 ft., typically about
6-9 ft., and more typically about 7-8 ft.; however, other heights can be used.
In one non-limiting
embodiment, the thickness of the front panels, rear panels, side wall and door
system is generally
about 0.5-10 inches, typically about 1-5 inches, and more typically about 1-2
inches; however,
other thicknesses can be used. The front panels, rear panels, side wall and
door system can
optionally include insulation, sound dampening material, etc.; however, this
is not required. The
front panels, rear panels, side wall and door system can be designed to be
connected together in a
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variety of ways (e.g., bolted/screwed together, latched together, snap fitted
together, press fitted
together, etc.). Generally, the arrangement is used to connect together the
front panels, rear
panels, side wall and door system is selected to enable easy connecting and
disconnecting of the
front panels, rear panels, side wall and door system from one another. One or
more of the front
panels, rear panels, side wall and door system can include openings, windows,
transparent/semi-
transparent regions that allow for ventilation, illumination, and/or viewing;
however, this is not
required. Generally, front panels, rear panels, side wall and door system are
mostly or fully
formed of opaque or non-transparent materials so as to ensure the privacy of
the user in the
medical kiosk; however, this is not required. The configuration of the door
system is non-
limiting. The door system can include a frame and two doors; however, it can
be appreciated
that the door system only includes a single door. Each door can include a
handle or grasp cavity
on one or both sides of the one or both doors. The one or more doors can be
designed to open
and close in a variety of ways (e.g., swing open and closed, slide open and
closed on a
top/bottom rail system, etc.). As can be appreciated, the one or more doors
for the medical kiosk
can also or alternatively be positioned on one or more of the front or rear
panels; however, this is
not required. In one non-limiting embodiment, the maximum height of the doors
is generally
about 5-9 ft., and typically about 6-7 ft.; however, other heights can be
used. In one non-limiting
embodiment, the maximum width of the entry provided by the one or more doors
when fully
open is generally about 15-60 inches, typically about 25-55 inches, and more
typically about 30-
50 inches; however, other widths can be used. The door opening is generally
selected to enable a
standard wheelchair to pass through the opening; however, this is not
required. The medical
kiosk can optionally include an exterior attendant station that is connected
to and/or positioned
near the medical kiosk. The exterior attendant station can be used by one or
more medical
attendants, medical providers, etc. A desk can be connected to and/or
positioned next to an
exterior wall of the medical kiosk; however, this is not required. The desk,
when used, can be
formed of one or more pieces. When the desk is designed to be connected to an
exterior wall of
the medical kiosk, such connection arrangement is not limited (e.g., screw,
bolt, clamp, press fit,
snap arrangement, etc.). The desk can include a desk top, one or more legs,
one or more shelf
regions, one or more drawers, etc.; however, this is not required. One or more
chairs, not shown,
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can be used to allow one or more medical attendants, medical providers, etc.
to sit at the desk;
however, this is not required. The desk, when used, can be positioned at or
adjacent to one or
both front panels; however, this is not required. The desk can be designed to
include one or
more drawers, shelves, doors, etc. One or more locks can be included on the
desk; however, this
is not required. The desk can be used to support a monitor, computer, power
supply, power strip,
printer, router, network switcher, key board, mouse, printer paper, medical
supplies, sanitation
supplies, refrigerator, freezer, scanner, credit card/debit card reader, data
port, lights, desk
supplies, etc. The freezer and/or refrigerator, when used, can contain
immunizations,
medications, urine samples, blood samples, etc.
In still yet another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the invention,
the novel
method and apparatus for providing medical services, diagnoses, health, and/or
wellness advice
to individuals can include a medical kiosk that includes a ceiling panel. The
ceiling panel can be
formed of one or more pieces. The ceiling panel can be formed of a transparent
or semi-
transparent material to allow light to enter and illuminate the interior of
the medical kiosk;
however, this is not required.
In still yet another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the invention,
the novel
method and apparatus for providing medical services, diagnoses, health, and/or
wellness advice
to individuals can include a medical kiosk that is made of one or more
materials that resist or
prevent the growth of bacteria, viruses and/or other micro-organisms; however,
this is not
required. In one non-limiting embodiment, the floor, walls and ceiling of the
medical kiosk
include or are fully made of materials that resist or prevent the growth of
bacteria, viruses and/or
other micro-organisms; however, this is not required.
In still another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the invention, the
novel method
and apparatus for providing medical services, diagnoses, health, and/or
wellness advice to
individuals can include a medical kiosk that includes a payment center that
enables a user to pay
for medical services, prescriptions, medical equipment, medical accessories,
etc. prior to and/or
after the user uses the medical kiosk; however, this is not required. The
payment center can be in
any form (e.g., credit card reader, mobile phone scanner, transmitter/receiver
device, electronic
scanner, cash receiver, etc.). The payment center may include a touch pad, key
board, scanner,
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receiver, transmitter, credit card/debit card or some other card reader, smart
phone or other smart
device reader/scanner, finger and/or eye scanner, monitor, chair, table,
shelf, printer, instructions
on how to use the payment center, etc. The payment center can be located on
the exterior and/or
interior of the medical kiosk. Generally, the user is required to register and
pay for the medical
services prior to obtaining medical services from the medical provider;
however, this is not
required. In one non-limiting arrangement, the medical kiosk includes a
registration station on
the exterior of the medical kiosk (e.g., exterior wall of the medical kiosk,
on a table exterior to
the medical kiosk, etc.); however, this is not required. As can be
appreciated, a user can be
allowed to wirelessly connect to the medical kiosk or to some other computer
network so as to
wirelessly register and/or enter payment information for use of the medical
kiosk; however, this
is not required. In such an arrangement, a user could register to use a
medical kiosk, enter in
payment for use of the medical kiosk, set an appointment time for use of the
medical kiosk,
select a particular medical kiosk to use at some particular location, etc. at
some location near or
remote from the medical kiosk via a smart phone or other smart device, a
computer, etc.
In yet another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the invention, the
novel method
and apparatus for providing medical services, diagnoses, health, and/or
wellness advice to
individuals can include a medical kiosk that includes an interior cavity or
room that provides
privacy to the patient when inputting and/or conveying data to the medical
kiosk, and/or
communicating with a medical provider via an audio and/or video link. The
size, configuration
and/or arrangement of the interior cavity or room are non-limiting. The
interior cavity or room
can include a) one or more speakers, b) one or more microphones, c) one or
more video displays,
d) one or more data input device, e) one or more chairs and/or other types of
seating areas, f) one
or more tables, g) one or more doors, h) one or more shelves, i) one or more
compartments used
to contain medical supplies, medical instruments, etc., j) one or more light
switches, k) one or
more power outlets, 1) sterilization system, m) one or more headphone jacks,
n) one or more
lights, o) one or more table tops, p) one or more chair and/or benches, q) one
or more doors, r)
one or more windows, s) walls, floor and/or ceiling, t) one or more vents, u)
one or more power
outlets, v) one or more light and/or power switches, w) one or more USB and/or
data connection
outlets, and/or x) one or more fans. As can be appreciated, the interior
cavity or room can
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include other or additional items. The size and configuration of the interior
cavity or room can
be designed to enable wheelchair access and maneuvering inside the interior
cavity or room;
however, this is not required. For example, the interior cavity or room can be
designed to enable
a standard wheelchair to move 90 , 180 and/or 360 while in the medical
kiosk. The size and
configuration of the interior cavity or room can be designed to provide
sufficient room for the
patient so that the patient can easily move within the interior cavity or room
and/or the patient
does not feel cramped or claustrophobic when in the interior cavity or room;
however, this is not
required.
In still yet another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the invention,
the novel
method and apparatus for providing medical services, diagnoses, health, and/or
wellness advice
to individuals can be designed to provide a convenient and low-cost structure
(e.g., medical
kiosk) that can be placed in many different locations, and which enable
patients to conveniently
access and obtain medical advice and/or care. Medical providers that are
located locally or
throughout the world can be used to communicate with the patient accessing the
medical kiosk.
.. As such, the medical services can be offered year around and at all times
so long as there is a
qualified medical provider somewhere in the world that is available and is
qualified to provide
medical assistance via the medical kiosk. Such an arrangement can be more
convenient to the
medical provider since the medical provider can work from home or from some
other convenient
location. The arrangement is also convenient to the patient since the patient
can access medical
assistance via the medical kiosk at the time and place of choosing. Indeed, in
rural areas or
smaller communities that do not have a local hospital or local doctor's
offices nearby, the
installation of a medical kiosk in the local drug store, department store,
grocery store, etc., results
in more accessible and timely medical care for patients in such communities.
The costs
associated with providing medical care via the medical kiosk may be less than
if the patient seeks
medical assistance from a hospital, clinic or doctor's office, thus resulting
in the patient
potentially saving money. As can be appreciated, other or additional
advantages may exist by
the method of the present invention.
In another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the invention, the novel
method and
apparatus for providing medical services, diagnoses, health, and/or wellness
advice to individuals
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can include the use of a mobile device (e.g., smart phone, tablet, Ipad, Ipod,
PDA, etc.) and/or
computer (e.g., desktop computer, laptop computer, ultralight computer, etc.)
to enable a patient
to 1) conveniently locate an available medical kiosk, 2) schedule an
appointment (e.g., date
and/or time), 3) pre-register symptoms and/or reasons for visit, 4) set and/or
cancel an
appointment, 5) received reminders and/or updates regarding appoints, 6)
obtain information
about medical kiosk availability, 7) obtain information about certain medical
provider
availability, 8) obtain information about the available medical provider
(e.g., name, specialty,
etc.), 9) enable the selection of a certain medical provider and/or medical
provider in a certain
field of medicine, 10) obtain map information, address information and/or
hours of operation
information regarding selected medical kiosk, 11) locate closest kiosk and/or
kiosk availability
for a certain medical provider and/or medical provider in a certain field of
medicine, 12)
presubmit and/or preclear medical insurance, 13) submit payment information,
14) receive
information on payment status, 15) receive information on insurance coverage,
16) receive
appointment reminders and/or updates, 17) receive prescription information,
18) submit payment
information for medical visit and/or prescription, 19) answer surveys
regarding the use of the
medical kiosk, and/or 20) receive medication reminders. The size, shape,
configuration and look
of the medical kiosk are non-limiting. In one non-limiting embodiment, this
invention will allow
patients to schedule appointments using a patient portal through a computer
and/or mobile
device; however, this is not required. Another non-limiting aspect of the
application will allow
the patient to select the kiosk location for their appointment. While
selecting their appointment
time and/or location, the patient can also fill out the symptom survey, select
the time of their
appointment, and/or select a physician if they choose; however, this is not
required. The
application can also allow the patient to receive appointment reminders via
mobile device, text,
phone, cell-phone, web-page, and/or email; however, this is not required. The
application may
also allow for patients to cancel or change their appointment; however, this
is not required.
In still another and/or alternative embodiment of the invention, the novel
method and
apparatus for providing medical services, diagnoses, health, and/or wellness
advice to individuals
can include a mobile application for a portable device (e.g., smart phone,
PDA, blackberry
device, mobile note device, Ipad, Kindle device, Nook device, tablet device,
etc.) and/or a
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computer based application (e.g., desktop computer, laptop computer,
ultralight computer, etc.)
that when launched gives the user a series of options that can include, but
are not limited to,
finding a medical kiosk (e.g., medical kiosk, etc.), set medication reminders,
visit the home page
of the medical kiosk operator, etc. As can be appreciated other and/or
additional information can
.. be included on the welcome screen of the mobile application and/or computer
based application.
The mobile application and/or computer based application can be designed to
enable a user to 1)
search or and/or locate medical kiosks in one or more communities, towns,
cities, states,
countries, etc., 2) determine the distance a patient is from a medical kiosk,
3) obtain the
directions to a medical kiosk, 4) to view the waiting status and/or
availability of a particular
medical kiosk, 5) obtain a map to the selected kiosk, 6) obtain information
about the hours
available for the medical kiosk, 7) obtain information about the actual
location picture of the
medical kiosk, 8) allow a user to make appointment with the medical kiosk, 9)
provides
information on the hospitals and/or medical providers associated with the
medical kiosk, 10)
provides information on which insurance carriers provide coverage for use of
the medical kiosk,
11) obtain information on whether a particular medical provider is part of the
medical kiosk
network of medical providers, 12) obtain publics comments about the medical
kiosk, 13) contact
a helpdesk that provides information about the medical kiosk, 14) schedule an
appointment (e.g.,
date and/or time), 15) pre-register symptoms and/or reasons for visit, 16)
enter information
required to create an appointment (e.g., personal information, date and time
of appointment,
particular medical kiosk, particular medical provider, insurance information,
payments, ID
verification, insurance card, etc.), 17) set and/or cancel an appointment, 18)
receive reminders
and/or updates regarding appoints, 19) obtain information about the available
medical provider
(e.g., name, specialty, etc.), 20) enable the selection of a certain medical
provider and/or medical
provider in a certain field of medicine, 21) locate closest kiosk and/or kiosk
availability for a
.. certain medical provider and/or medical provider in a certain field of
medicine, 22) presubmit
and/or preclear medical insurance, 23) submit payment information, 24) receive
information on
payment status, 25) receive information on insurance coverage, 26) receive
appointment
reminders and/or updates, 27) receive medication reminders, and/or 28) receive
visit summaries;
however, this is not required. In one particular non-limiting arrangement, the
mobile application
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and/or computer based application enables a user to schedule an appointment at
a medical kiosk.
The creation of the appointment can be designed to enable the user to a)
select the day and/or the
time of the appointment, b) select a particular medical provider or type of
medical provider (e.g.,
pulmonary doctor, gynecologist, etc.), c) provide a reason for visit and/or
provide the user's
.. symptoms, and/or d) set appointment and medication reminders; however, this
is not required.
As can be appreciated, other and/or additional information can be inputted by
the user when
making an appointment (e.g., sex, age, weight, height, medical history, use of
current
medications, symptom, allergies, etc.). The mobile application and/or computer
based
application can be designed to create an appointment confirmation screen along
with text and/or
email reminder options; however, this is not required. The confirmation
screen, when provided,
can provide information about the medical provider; however, this is not
required. The
confirmation screen, when provided, can be designed to enable the patient to
change/cancel the
appointment; however, this is not required. Several non-limiting advantages of
the present
invention include allowing a patient to decide which kiosk location is most
convenient for the
.. patient. The mobile application and/or computer based application may
include an override for
"first available" in regards to physician selection; however, this is not
required. The patient also
may be able to check availability of a preferred medical provider and/or the
kiosk location;
however, this is not required.
In yet another and/or alternative embodiment of the invention, the novel
method and
apparatus for providing medical services, diagnoses, health, and/or wellness
advice to individuals
can include a Provider Application wherein the medical provider can contact
another medical
provider during a patient visit if a special need or question arises during
the patient visit wherein
the medical provide believes and/or the patient request a second opinion
and/or an opinion from
a specialist; however, this is not required. The Provider Application can be
designed to enable
two or more medical providers to be simultaneously viewed and/or heard by the
patient in the
medical kiosk; however, this is not required. The Provider Application can be
designed to allow
only one medical provider at a time to be viewed and/or heard by the patient
in the medical
kiosk; however, this is not required. The Provider Application can be designed
to allow an
interpreter to appear to the medical provider and/or patient (e.g., language
translator, sign
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language translator, etc.); however, this is not required. The Provider
Application can be
designed to allow a medical provide to contact another party (e.g., patient,
guardian, relative,
etc.) to obtain information, authorization, etc. about/for a patient using the
medical kiosk;
however, this is not required.
In still yet another and/or alternative embodiment of the invention, the novel
method and
apparatus for providing medical services, diagnoses, health, and/or wellness
advice to individuals
can include an administrator application allowing a medical administrator to
remotely access one
or more components of the medical kiosk; however, this is not required. The
administrator
application can optionally include one or more functions selected from the
group consisting of 1)
.. allowing remote access to one or more medical devices in the medical kiosk,
2) allowing remote
access to one or more computers in the medical kiosk, 3) allowing remote
access to one or more
routers in the medical kiosk, 4) allowing remote access to one or more
displays on the medical
kiosk, 5) allowing remote access to one or more power supplies in the medical
kiosk, 6) allowing
remote access to one or more servers in the medical kiosk, 7) allowing remote
access to one or
more harddrives in the medical kiosk, 8) allowing diagnostics to be executed
from a remote
location on one or more electronic components in the medical kiosk (e.g.,
computer, router,
server, battery backup, harddrive, medical devices, electronic locks, fans,
displays, speakers,
camera, headphone jack, electronic scale, Bluetooth devices, lights, pumps,
scanners, touch pad,
ID verification devices, printer, etc.), 9) allowing the rebooting and/or
reinitializing from a
remote location of one or more electronic components in the medical kiosk, 10)
allowing for
review of the current and/or past status from a remote location of one or more
electronic
components in the medical kiosk, 11) allowing hardware and/or software updates
to be remotely
sent and/or loaded onto one or more electronic components in the medical
kiosk, and/or 12)
allowing software to be loaded onto and/or removed from one or more electronic
components in
the medical kiosk.
In another and/or alternative embodiment of the invention, the novel method
and
apparatus for providing medical services, diagnoses, health, and/or wellness
advice to individuals
can include a pharmaceutical dispensing system that dispenses medications to
the patient;
however, this is not required. The pharmaceutical dispensing system can be
located on the
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medical kiosk or be a unit separate from the medical device. The
pharmaceutical dispensing
system can be designed to allow the patient to obtain the medication with or
without the
assistance of the medical attendant. The pharmaceutical dispensing system can
be designed to
only dispense medication that was authorized by the medical provider. In one
non-limiting
arrangement, the medical provider can use the Provider Application to send
instructions to the
pharmaceutical dispensing system to dispense certain types and/or amounts of
medication to the
patient; however, this is not required. Such information can be stored by the
medical provider in
the patient's record; however, this is not required. The medical provider can
send notification to
the medical attendant that medication is being dispensed to the patient;
however, this is not
required. The send information can include type and/or quantity of medication;
however, this is
not required. Non-limiting medication and/or other materials that can be
dispensed by the
pharmaceutical dispensing system include antibiotics, aspirin, hydrocodone,
simvastatin,
Lisinopril, levothyroxine sodium, amlodipine besylate, omeprazole,
Azithromycin, Amoxicillin,
metformin, Hydrochlorothiazide, Lipitor, Nexium, Plavix, Advair Diskus,
Abilify, Seroquel,
Singulair, Crestor, Actos, Epogen, Band-Aid, tissue, alcohol wipe, bandage,
cold pack, heading
pad, etc. The payment for medication and/or materials from the pharmaceutical
dispensing
system can be by mobile device, payment at the medical kiosk, payment at
attendant's station,
and/or payment at the pharmaceutical dispensing system and/or by some other
method and/or at
some other location.
In still another and/or alternative embodiment of the invention, the novel
method and
apparatus for providing medical services, diagnoses, health, and/or wellness
advice to individuals
can include a data port and/or wireless receiver that can be used by a patient
to download and/or
upload information to a medical device on a patient (e.g., heart monitor,
heart pacemaker,
implantable cardioverter defibrillators, etc.). Such information can be
designed to be viewed by
the medical provider, and/or data can be sent to the medical device by the
medical provider;
however, this is not required.
In yet another and/or alternative embodiment of the invention, the novel
method and
apparatus for providing medical services, diagnoses, health, and/or wellness
advice to individuals
can designed to be transported to various locations to be used an emergency
medical station;
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however, this is not required. For example, after a natural disaster (e.g.,
flood, hurricane, tidal
wave, earthquake, fire, tornado, etc.), the medical kiosk of the present
invention can be
transported to the area of the incident and then be used as an emergency
medical station. As can
be appreciated, the medical kiosk can be continuous transported to various
locations (e.g., remote
rural locations, camp sites, etc.) to enable individuals in such locations to
obtain medical
assistance.
In still yet another and/or alternative embodiment of the invention, the novel
method and
apparatus for providing medical services, diagnoses, health, and/or wellness
advice to individuals
can be designed to allow patients to rate the medical provider and/or to view
the ratings of
medical providers that have offered services to patients in the medical kiosk;
however, this is not
required. Such ratings can be used by patients to select a certain medical
provider for a visit, if
such option is available.
In another and/or alternative embodiment of the invention, the novel method
and
apparatus for providing medical services, diagnoses, health, and/or wellness
advice to individuals
can designed to allow patient to rate the experience received in the medical
kiosk and/or to view
the ratings of other patients that have used the medical kiosk; however, this
is not required.
In still another and/or alternative embodiment of the invention, the novel
method and
apparatus for providing medical services, diagnoses, health, and/or wellness
advice to individuals
can designed to automatically order supplies for the medical kiosk based on
the usage of the
medical devices in the medical kiosk; however, this is not required. For
example, the number of
patients using the medical kiosk can be monitored. If a thermometer was used
for every visit, a
software program can be used to automatically order the disposable component
of the
thermometer after a certain number of patients have visited the medical kiosk;
however, this is
not required. In another and/or additional example, software can be used to
monitor the number
of times a medical door for a medical device has been opened. Based on such
number of door
openings, a software program can be used to automatically order the disposable
component of
the medical device in a certain medical compartment after a certain number of
door openings has
been detected; however, this is not required.
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In still yet another and/or alternative embodiment of the invention, the novel
method and
apparatus for providing medical services, diagnoses, health, and/or wellness
advice to individuals
can designed to generate a fresh scent in the medical kiosk; however, this is
not required. The
type of scent and/or method of scent delivery are non-limiting.
In another and/or alternative embodiment of the invention, the novel method
and
apparatus for providing medical services, diagnoses, health, and/or wellness
advice to individuals
can designed to collect information about patients, patient retention, and/or
patient referrals for
use in the marketing of the medical kiosk and/or to improve/alter/enhance the
services provided
by the medical kiosk; however, this is not required.
In still another and/or alternative embodiment of the invention, the novel
method and
apparatus for providing medical services, diagnoses, health, and/or wellness
advice to individuals
can designed to print and/or send coupons, advertisements, marketing
literature, and/or medical
literature to a patient that has used the medical kiosk and/or has registered
with the medical
kiosk; however, this is not required. Such coupons, advertisements, marketing
literature, and/or
medical literature can be general in nature and/or targeted to the particular
patient and/or type of
diagnoses received by the patient. For example, if a prescription has been
written by the medical
provider, one or more pharmacies may have a coupon sent to the patient to
provide the patient
with a discount, etc. if the patient fills the prescription at the pharmacy;
however, this is not
required.
It is one non-limiting object of the invention to provide tele-med services
that are
convenient to a user.
It is another and/or alternative one non-limiting object of the invention to
provide tele-
med services that are cost effective to a user.
It is still another and/or alternative one non-limiting object of the
invention to provide
tele-med services that can be provided to a user via a medical kiosk.
It is yet another and/or alternative one non-limiting object of the invention
to provide
tele-med services that can be provided to a user via a modular medical kiosk.
It is still yet another and/or alternative one non-limiting object of the
invention to provide
a medical kiosk and method for using a medical kiosk that is easy to assemble
and disassemble.
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It is another and/or alternative one non-limiting object of the invention to
provide a
medical kiosk and method for using a medical kiosk that includes an easy and
convenient
registration system and payment system.
It is still another and/or alternative one non-limiting object of the
invention to provide a
medical kiosk and method for using a medical kiosk that provides privacy to a
user when
obtaining medical services.
It is yet another and/or alternative one non-limiting object of the invention
to provide a
medical kiosk and method for using a medical kiosk that is sized and shaped to
accommodate
disabled or handicapped users.
It is still yet another and/or alternative one non-limiting object of the
invention is to
provide a medical kiosk and method for using a medical kiosk that includes
medical instruments
that can be used by a user when obtaining medical services.
It is another and/or alternative one non-limiting object of the invention to
provide a
medical kiosk and method for using a medical kiosk that includes video
conferencing capabilities
between a user and a medical provider.
It is still another and/or alternative one non-limiting object of the
invention to provide a
medical kiosk and method for using a medical kiosk that provides the option to
play back one or
more portions of the video conference session to the user after the video
conference between the
user and medical provider has been completed.
It is yet another and/or alternative one non-limiting object of the invention
to provide a
medical kiosk and method for using a medical kiosk that includes an attendant
station, digital
signage, and/or a registration station on the exterior of the medical kiosk.
It is still yet another and/or alternative one non-limiting object of the
invention to provide
a medical kiosk and method for using a medical kiosk that includes a Provider
Screen and/or
Patient Screen in the interior of the medical kiosk.
It is another and/or alternative one non-limiting object of the invention to
provide a
medical kiosk and method for using a medical kiosk that includes one or more
medical device
cabinets on the interior of the medical kiosk.
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It is still another and/or alternative one non-limiting object of the
invention to provide a
medical kiosk and method for using a medical kiosk that includes the use of a
Patient
Appointment or Registration Application, Attendant Application, Patient
Appointment or
Registration Application, Provider Application, Administrator Application,
Patient Portal and/or
Provider Portal.
It is yet another and/or alternative one non-limiting object of the invention
to provide a
medical kiosk and method for using a medical kiosk that includes a Patient
Appointment or
Registration Application that enables patients to schedule an appointment at a
medical kiosk.
It is still yet another and/or alternative one non-limiting object of the
invention to provide
a medical kiosk and method for using a medical kiosk that includes Patient
Appointment or
Registration Application that enables a patient to enter insurance information
and/or to make a
payment and/or copay for the medical visit in the kiosk.
It is another and/or alternative one non-limiting object of the invention to
provide a
medical kiosk and method for using a medical kiosk that includes Patient
Registration System
that enables a patient to check-in for a preexisting appointment.
It is still another and/or alternative one non-limiting object of the
invention to provide a
medical kiosk and method for using a medical kiosk that includes a Patient
Registration System
that enables a patient to identify the patient's symptoms, medications,
allergies, and/or medical
conditions.
It is yet another and/or alternative one non-limiting object of the invention
to provide a
medical kiosk and method for using a medical kiosk that includes registration
and/or check-in
system that enables a patient to request assistance from a medical attendant.
It is still yet another and/or alternative one non-limiting object of the
invention to provide
a medical kiosk and method for using a medical kiosk that includes an
Attendant Application
that enables a medical attendant to monitor past, present and/or future
appointments for the
medical kiosk.
It is another and/or alternative one non-limiting object of the invention to
provide a
medical kiosk and method for using a medical kiosk that includes an Attendant
Application that
enables a medical attendant to monitor the status of a current visit in the
medical kiosk.
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It is still another and/or alternative one non-limiting object of the
invention to provide a
medical kiosk and method for using a medical kiosk that includes an Attendant
Application that
enables a medical attendant to cancel and/or reschedule an appointment to a
medical kiosk.
It is yet another and/or alternative one non-limiting object of the invention
to provide a
medical kiosk and method for using a medical kiosk that includes an Attendant
Application that
informs that medical attendant that the patient requires assistance.
It is still yet another and/or alternative one non-limiting object of the
invention to provide
a medical kiosk and method for using a medical kiosk that includes an
Attendant Application
that enables the medical attendant to keep track of the clean-up of the
medical kiosk.
It is another and/or alternative one non-limiting object of the invention to
provide a
medical kiosk and method for using a medical kiosk that enables the medical
assistant to activate
an automated sanitation and/or cleaning system of the medical kiosk.
It is still another and/or alternative one non-limiting object of the
invention to provide a
medical kiosk and method for using a medical kiosk that includes an Attendant
Application that
enables a medical assistant to validate the insurance and/or ID of a patient.
It is yet another and/or alternative one non-limiting object of the invention
to provide a
medical kiosk and method for using a medical kiosk that includes a Patient
Appointment or
Registration Application that helps the patient capture vitals and/or enter
the vitals information
during the visit.
It is still yet another and/or alternative one non-limiting object of the
invention to provide
a medical kiosk and method for using a medical kiosk that includes a Patient
Appointment or
Registration Application that enables the patient to request assistance from
the medical attendant.
It is another and/or alternative one non-limiting object of the invention to
provide a
medical kiosk and method for using a medical kiosk that includes a Patient
Appointment or
Registration Application that can assist the patient during the consultation
with the medical
provider.
It is still another and/or alternative one non-limiting object of the
invention to provide a
medical kiosk and method for using a medical kiosk that includes a Patient
Appointment or
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Registration Application that enables a patient to take a survey regarding the
consultation with
the medical provider and/or the use of the medical kiosk.
It is yet another and/or alternative one non-limiting object of the invention
to provide a
medical kiosk and method for using a medical kiosk that includes a Provider
Application that
assists the medical provider in providing medical services to the patient in
the medical kiosk.
It is still yet another and/or alternative one non-limiting object of the
invention to provide
a medical kiosk and method for using a medical kiosk that includes a Provider
Application that
provides information to the medical provider regarding past, current and
future appointment that
have been schedules with the medical provider.
It is another and/or alternative one non-limiting object of the invention to
provide a
medical kiosk and method for using a medical kiosk that includes a Provider
Application that
enables the medical provider to view personal information that the patient has
entered regarding
the medical visit.
It is still another and/or alternative one non-limiting object of the
invention to provide a
medical kiosk and method for using a medical kiosk that includes a Provider
Application that
enables the medical provider to view vitals that have been collected on the
patient.
It is yet another and/or alternative one non-limiting object of the invention
to provide a
medical kiosk and method for using a medical kiosk that includes a Provider
Application that
enables the medical provider to request that the medical attendant assist the
patient in the
medical kiosk.
It is still yet another and/or alternative one non-limiting object of the
invention to provide
a medical kiosk and method for using a medical kiosk that includes a Provider
Application that
enables the medical provider to control the use and/or access of one or more
medical devices in
the medical kiosk.
It is another and/or alternative one non-limiting object of the invention to
provide a
medical kiosk and method for using a medical kiosk that includes a Provider
Application that
enables a medical provider to create a visit summary of the patient in the
medical kiosk.
It is still another and/or alternative one non-limiting object of the
invention to provide a
medical kiosk and method for using a medical kiosk that includes a Provider
Application that
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enables the medical provider to update personal information, medical history
information and/or
symptom information about the patient.
It is yet another and/or alternative one non-limiting object of the invention
to provide a
medical kiosk and method for using a medical kiosk that includes a Provider
Application that
enables a medical provider to select and/or enter a diagnosis for a patient.
It is still yet another and/or alternative one non-limiting object of the
invention to provide
a medical kiosk and method for using a medical kiosk that includes a Provider
Application that
enables the medical provider to enter notes about a patient and/or create a
treatment plan for a
patient.
It is another and/or alternative one non-limiting object of the invention to
provide a
medical kiosk and method for using a medical kiosk that includes a Provider
Application that
enable a medical provider to view information about past visits by a patient.
It is still another and/or alternative one non-limiting object of the
invention to provide a
medical kiosk and method for using a medical kiosk that includes a mobile
application and/or an
on-line application that enables a patient to 1) conveniently locate an
available medical kiosk, 2)
schedule an appointment (e.g., date and/or time), 3) pre-register symptoms
and/or reasons for
visit, 4) set and/or cancel an appointment, 5) received reminders and/or
updates regarding
appoints, 6) obtain information about medical kiosk availability, 7) obtain
information about
certain medical provider availability, 8) obtain information about the
available medical provider
(e.g., name, specialty, etc.), 9) enable the selection of a certain medical
provider and/or medical
provider in a certain field of medicine, 10) obtain map information, address
information and/or
hours of operation information regarding selected medical kiosk, 11) located
closest kiosk and/or
kiosk availability for a certain medical provider and/or medical provider in a
certain field of
medicine, 12) presubmit and/or preclear medical insurance, 13) submit payment
information, 14)
receive information on payment status, 15) receive information in insurance
coverage, 16)
receive appointment reminders and/or updates, and/or 17) receive medication
reminders, and the
like.
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It is yet another and/or alternative one non-limiting object of the invention
to provide a
medical kiosk and method for using a medical kiosk that includes a scale in
the floor of the
medical kiosk.
It is still yet another and/or alternative one non-limiting object of the
invention to provide
a medical kiosk and method for using a medical kiosk that includes a
medication adherence
application that allows a user/patient to 1) speak to a pharmacist, 2) change
the patient's
medications alerts, 3) learn about certain types of medical conditions, 4)
check medication orders
status, 5) check medication delivery status, 6) refill a prescriptions, 7)
transfer prescriptions to a
another location, 8) obtain information about recommended medication dosages,
9) obtain
information about recommended times to take medications, 10) obtain
information about
recommended frequency for taking medications, 11) obtain information about
medications, 12)
obtain information about generic brands available for medications, 13) request
an appointment to
speak with a medical provider, 14) enter information regarding compliance
information
regarding medication usage by patient, and/or 15) receive compliance reports
for patients
regarding medication usage.
It is another and/or alternative one non-limiting object of the invention to
provide a
medical kiosk and method for using a medical kiosk that includes a medication
adherence
application that 1) sends reminders for user/patients to take their
medications, 2) monitors a
user's/patient's adherence to taking their meds and/or distributes progress
reports to the patient,
and/or 3) automatically enrolls a patient in an electronic prescriptions
network which can
optionally send a patient's prescriptions to their choice of pharmacy.
It is still another and/or alternative one non-limiting object of the
invention to provide a
medical kiosk and method for using a medical kiosk that includes one or more
headphone jacks
in the medical kiosk.
It is yet another and/or alternative one non-limiting object of the invention
to provide a
medical kiosk and method for using a medical kiosk that includes a medical
kiosk having HD
components and an industrial strength design.
It is still yet another and/or alternative one non-limiting object of the
invention to provide
a medical kiosk and method for using a medical kiosk that includes a medical
kiosk having a
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modular configuration and/or a configuration that enables the medical kiosk to
be brought in to
or removed from locations having a standard sized doorway.
It is another and/or alternative one non-limiting object of the invention to
provide a
medical kiosk and method for using a medical kiosk that includes a medical
kiosk having a
check-in registration system positioned on the exterior of the medical kiosk.
It is still another and/or alternative one non-limiting object of the
invention to provide a
medical kiosk and method for using a medical kiosk that includes a medical
kiosk having one or
more medical device cabinets located in the interior of the medical kiosk.
It is yet another and/or alternative one non-limiting object of the invention
to provide a
medical kiosk and method for using a medical kiosk that includes a medical
kiosk having digital
signage on the interior and/or exterior of the medical kiosk.
It is still yet another and/or alternative one non-limiting object of the
invention to provide
a medical kiosk and method for using a medical kiosk that includes a medical
kiosk having a
built-in sanitation system.
It is another and/or alternative one non-limiting object of the invention to
provide a
medical kiosk and method for using a medical kiosk that allows patients to 1)
choose between
name brand and generic drugs, 2) choose the supply quantity for the
prescription (i.e., 30 days
supply, 60 days supply, 90 days supply, etc.), 3) choose between picking the
prescription up at
the pharmacy of their choice or mail delivery of the prescription, 4) enter
medical insurance for
partial or full payment of the prescription, 5) enter a credit or debit card
information to pay for
the prescription, 6) enter information for mail delivery of the prescription,
8) enter information to
provide automatic reminders to patient regarding refilled and/or follow-up
medical visits, 9)
enter information to enable patient to be notified when prescription has been
mailed and/or is
ready to be picked-up at the pharmacy; however, this is not required, 10)
obtain a print out
and/or electronic version of the prescription written by the medical provider,
and/or 11) receive
information about the issued prescription (e.g., prescribed use, side effects,
etc.) in printout
and/or electronic form.
It is still another and/or alternative one non-limiting object of the
invention to provide a
medical kiosk and method for using a medical kiosk that includes a medical
kiosk having a
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movable front interior wall panel to enable access to components that are
positioned behind the
front interior wall of the medical kiosk.
These and other objects and advantages will become apparent to those skilled
in the art
upon reading and following the description taken together with the
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Reference may now be made to the drawings which illustrate various preferred
embodiments that the invention may take in physical form and in certain parts
and arrangement
of parts wherein:
FIGURE 1 is an exploded view of a medical kiosk in accordance with the present
invention;
FIGURE 2 is a front elevation view of the medical kiosk of FIGURE 1;
FIGURE 3 is a top view of the medical kiosk of FIGURE 1;
FIGURE 4 is a bottom view of the medical kiosk of FIGURE 1;
FIGURE 5 is a front side view of the medical kiosk of FIGURE 1;
FIGURE 6 is a back side view of the medical kiosk of FIGURE 1;
FIGURE 7 is a back view of the medical kiosk of FIGURE 1;
FIGURE 8 is a top interior view of the medical kiosk of FIGURE 1;
FIGURE 9 is a top interior view of the medical kiosk of FIGURE 1 that
illustrates the
front interior panel in the open position;
FIGURE 10 is a cross-section view along line 10-10 of FIGURE 8;
FIGURE 11 is an enlarged view of the medical cabinets of FIGURE 10;
FIGURE 12 is a cross-section view along line 10-10 of FIGURE 8 viewed from the
opposite direction; and,
FIGURE 13 is a front view of another embodiment of the medical kiosk.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ONE NON-LIMITING EMBODIMENTS
Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for the purpose of
illustrating
one non-limiting embodiments of the invention only and not for the purpose of
limiting same,
FIGURES 1-12 illustrate one non-limiting embodiment of the medical kiosk in
accordance with
the present invention. The medical kiosk 100 is designed to be used by a user
to obtain medical
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services. Such medical services are generally tele-med services wherein one or
more medical
providers located at a remote location provide medical services to one or more
users that are
using the medical kiosk. As can be appreciated, non-tele-med services can also
be provided to a
user that is using the medical kiosk.
The shape, size and configuration of the medical kiosk are non-limiting. The
materials
and colors of the medical kiosk are also non-limiting. Generally, the
materials used to form the
medical kiosk include materials that resist or prevent microbial growth;
however, this is not
required. The medical kiosk illustrated in FIGURES 1-12 is designed to
accommodate about 1-4
adults; however, it can be appreciated that the medical kiosk can be designed
to accommodate
additional users.
The medical kiosk is generally designed to be modular so that it can be easily
assembled
and disassembled; however, this is not required. FIGURE 1 illustrates one non-
limiting set of
modular components of the medical kiosk. The medical kiosk generally includes
a floor panel
110; however, this is not required. The floor panel, when used, can be a one
or two piece unit;
however, the floor panel can be formed of more than two pieces. As illustrated
in FIGURE 1,
the floor panel is formed of two pieces 112, 114 that can be positioned and/or
connected together
in a variety of ways. A rail system 116 can be positioned about the floor
panel to facilitate in
connecting other components of the medical kiosk to the floor panel; however,
this is not
required. The rail system, when used, can be connected to the floor panel
and/or other
components of the medical kiosk in a variety of ways. The floor panel is
generally formed of a
durable material (e.g., plastic, metal, wood, composite material, man-made
materials, etc.). The
floor panel can be formed of a slightly compressible material to facilitate in
the comfort of
walking on the floor panel; however, this is not required. The floor panel is
illustrated as having
an oval shape; however, other shapes can be used (e.g., circular, square,
rectangular, polygonal,
etc.). The maximum length of the floor panel is generally 3-15 feet, typically
4-12 feet, more
typically about 6-10 feet, and even more typically about 8-9 feet; however,
other lengths can be
used. The maximum width of the floor panel is generally 3-10 feet, typically 4-
8 feet, and more
typically about 4-6 feet; however; other widths can be used. The top surface
area of the floor
panel is generally 10-150 sq. ft., typically 15-80 sq. ft., and more typically
about 50-60 sq. ft.;
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however, other surface areas of the floor panel can be used. The floor panel
can be sized to
enable a user in a wheelchair to enter the medical kiosk and turn and/or fully
maneuver in the
medical kiosk while sitting in the wheelchair; however, this is not required.
The thickness of the
floor panel is generally about 0.1-5 inches, and typically about 0.25-3
inches; however, other
thicknesses of the floor panel can be used.
A weight scale 118 can optionally be partially or fully embedded in the floor
panel. As
can be appreciated, a weight scale can be placed on the top surface of the
floor panel and/or
positioned on other regions of the medical kiosk (e.g., chair, bench, etc.).
The weight scale,
when used, provides information about the weight of a user. The information
from the scale can
be electronically (e.g., wired, wirelessly) transferred to a medical provider
and/or displayed to
the user and/or medical provider.
A ramp 120 can be optionally used to facilitate entry and exiting of the
medical kiosk;
however, this is not required. The shape and size of the ramp are non-
limiting. The ramp can be
made of a similar material as the floor panel; however, this is not required.
The ramp generally
.. includes a sloped surface to facilitate in transitioning from a floor
surface to the top surface of
the floor panel; however, this is not required. A ramp connector 122 can be
used to connect the
ramp to the floor panel; however, this is not required.
The medical kiosk can optionally include one or more benches 130, stools
and/or chairs.
When bench 130 is included in the medical kiosk, the bench is generally
positioned on the back
interior wall of the medical kiosk; however, this is not required. The bench
can be used to allow
a parent, guardian, spouse, relative, friend, etc. to sit in the medical kiosk
while the user is
obtaining medical services in the medical kiosk. The bench can be designed to
enable one or
more persons to sit on the bench. The bench can optionally include a storage
space 132 under
the seat of the bench that can be used to store supplies, equipment, etc. for
the medical kiosk. A
liftable seat section 134 can be used to access the storage space. When the
bench includes a
storage space, the bench can include a door 136 which may or may include a
lock to limit access
to the storage space; however, this is not required. As can be appreciated,
the medical kiosk can
include one or more chairs, not shown, to enable one or more users to sit in
the medical kiosk
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while receiving medical services in the medical kiosk. The bench is generally
about 10-25
inches high, and typically about 16-20 inches high; however, other heights can
be used.
The medical kiosk is illustrated as having two front panels 140, 150, two rear
panels 160,
170, one side wall 180, and one door system 190. The front panels, rear
panels, side wall, and
door system are generally formed of a durable material (e.g., plastic, metal,
wood, composite
material, man-made materials, etc.). The front panels, rear panels, side wall
can have upper trim
142, 152, 162, 172, 182; however, this is not required. As can be appreciated,
the medical kiosk
can be designed to only include a single front panel and/or a single rear
panel. As can also be
appreciated, the medical kiosk can be designed to include more than two front
panels and/or
more than two rear panels. As can be appreciated, the medical kiosk can be
designed to include
more than one side wall and/or more than one door system. As can also be
appreciated, a side
wall can be substituted for another door system; however, this is not
required. The general shape
and size of the front and rear panels are the same; however, this is not
required. As illustrated in
FIGURE 1, the shape of the front and rear panels is arcuate. The radius of
curvature is about 10-
100 inches, typically 15-50 inches, and more typically about 20-35 inches;
however, other radius
of curvatures can be used. As illustrated in FIGURES 1 and 3, the front and
rear panels have an
angle of curvature of about 90 or a quarter of a circle; however, it can be
appreciated that one or
both rear and/or front panels can have different angles of curvature. The
general shape and size
of the side wall and the door system are generally the same; however, this is
not required. As
illustrated in FIGURES 1 and 3, the side wall and door system lie in a
generally flat plane;
however, this is not required. As illustrated in FIGURE 3, the assembly of the
front and rear
panels and the side wall and door system forms a generally oval shape for the
medical kiosk.
The two front panels and two rear panels are illustrated as having the same or
similar footprint;
however, this is not required. Likewise, the side wall and the door system
have the same or
similar footprint; however, this is not required. The similarity in the shape
and footprint of the
wall components of the medical kiosk enables the medical kiosk to be assembled
in a manner
that is convenient for the facility that will include the medical kiosk. For
example, if the door
system needs to be positioned on the left side of the medical kiosk, instead
of the right side, the
similarly shaped side wall and door system enables the medical kiosk to be
assembled in such a
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manner. Also, if the registration station of the medical system needs to be
placed on the left side
or right side or on the rear end of the medical kiosk instead of the front
end, the similarly shaped
front and rear panels can be easily exchanged to create such configuration for
the medical kiosk.
The modular medical kiosk not only accommodates multiple configurations of the
medical kiosk,
it also facilitates in enabling the medical kiosk to be moved into an existing
facility and then
assembling the medical kiosk in such facility without having to modifying the
entry ways into or
out of the facility. The thickness and height of the front panels, rear
panels, side wall and door
system are non-limiting. Generally, the maximum height of the front panels,
rear panels, side
wall and door system is about 5-12 ft., typically about 6-9 ft., and more
typically about 7-8 ft.;
however, other heights can be used. The thickness of the front panels, rear
panels, side wall and
door system is generally about 0.5-10 inches, typically about 1-5 inches, and
more typically
about 1-2 inches; however, other thicknesses can be used. The front panels,
rear panels, side
wall and door system can optionally include insulation, sound dampening
material, etc.;
however, this is not required. The front panels, rear panels, side wall and
door system can be
designed to be connected together in a variety of ways (e.g., bolted/screwed
together, latched
together, snap fitted together, press fitted together, etc.). Generally, the
arrangement is used to
connect together the front panels, rear panels, side wall and door system is
selected to enable
easy connecting and disconnecting of the front panels, rear panels, side wall
and door system
from one another. One or more of the front panels, rear panels, side wall and
door system can
include openings, windows, transparent/semi-transparent regions that allow for
ventilation,
illumination, and/or viewing; however, this is not required. Generally, front
panels, rear panels,
side wall and door system are mostly or fully formed of opaque or non-
transparent materials so
as to ensure the privacy of the user in the medical kiosk; however, this is
not required.
The configuration of the door system 190 is non-limiting. As illustrated in
FIGURES 1
and 2, the door system includes a frame 192, 193 and two doors 194, 196;
however, it can be
appreciated that the door system only includes a single door. One or more both
doors can
include a handle or grasp cavity 198 on one or both sides of the one or both
doors. The one or
more doors can be designed to open and close in a variety of ways (e.g., swing
open and closed,
slide open and closed on a top/bottom rail system, etc.). As can be
appreciated, the one or more
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doors for the medical kiosk can also or alternatively be positioned on one or
more of the front or
rear panels; however, this is not required. The maximum height of the doors is
generally about
5-9 ft., and typically about 6-7 ft.; however, other heights can be used. The
maximum width of
the entry provided by the one or more doors when fully open is generally about
15-60 inches,
typically about 25-55 inches, and more typically about 30-50 inches; however,
other widths can
be used. The door opening is generally selected to enable a standard
wheelchair to pass through
the opening; however, this is not required. The door system can optionally
include an indicator
199 (e.g., light, message, etc.) that indicates when the medical kiosk is in
use or is available. As
can be appreciated, the use indicator can be located on other or additional
locations on the
medical kiosk. The door system can optionally include a lock arrangement 197.
The
configuration of the lock arrangement is non-limiting. The lock arrangement,
when used, can be
designed to enable the user to lock the doors to the kiosk medical to prevent
access to the interior
of the medical kiosk while the user is in the medical kiosk; however, this is
not required. The
lock arrangement can also or alternatively be used to lock and prevent access
to the interior of
the medical kiosk when the medical kiosk is not in use; however, this is not
required.
The medical kiosk can optionally include an exterior attendant station that is
connected to
and/or positioned near the medical kiosk. The exterior attendant station can
be used by one or
more attendants, medical providers, etc. As illustrated in FIGURES 1-5 and 7-
9, a desk 200 can
be connected to and/or positioned next to an exterior wall of the medical
kiosk. The desk can be
formed of one or more pieces. When the desk is designed to be connected to an
exterior wall of
the medical kiosk, such connection arrangement is not limited (e.g., screw,
bolt, clamp, press fit,
snap arrangement, etc.). The desk can include a desk top 202, one or more legs
203, one or more
shelf regions 204, one or more cabinet doors 206, one or more shelves 208,
drawers, etc. The
one or more doors, when used, can optionally include a lock 207. The desk top
202 can
optionally include an opening 201 for cables, etc. One or more chairs, not
shown, can be used to
allow one or more attendants, medical providers, etc. to sit at the desk. The
desk can be used to
support a computer, printer, files, supplies, medical devices, refrigerator,
medicine, patient blood
and/or urine samples, phone, monitor, scanner, credit card reader, etc. The
one or more one or
more attendants, medical providers, etc. located at the desk can assist a user
in using the medical
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kiosk, maintain and/or clean the medical kiosk, provide medical services to a
user of the medical
kiosk, etc. The desk is illustrated as positioned at or adjacent to one or
both front panels;
however, this is not required. Generally the attendant, when used, is not a
medical provider;
however, this is not required. The attendant, when used, is generally trained
to assist a user to
.. use the medical kiosk; however, this is not required. The attendant can 1)
provide assistance to a
user during the registration process and/or payment process, 2) provide
assistance to a user
about the medical kiosk and/or how to use the medical kiosk, 3) provide
assistance to a user
regarding technology in the medical kiosk and/or how to use such technology in
the medical
kiosk, 4) provide assistance to a user to enter and/or exit the medical kiosk,
5) clean and/or
sanitize the medical kiosk, 6) answer and/or assist the user in other ways
regarding the medical
kiosk and/or services provided by the medical kiosk, 7) assist in the
registration, appointment
and/or check-in process for a user, etc.
The medical kiosk can optionally include a ceiling panel 210. The ceiling
panel can be
formed of one or more pieces. The ceiling panel can be formed of a transparent
or semi-
transparent material to allow light to enter and illuminate the interior of
the medical kiosk for
partial or fully ambient lighting of the medical kiosk; however, this is not
required. One or more
lights, not shown, can be positioned on the ceiling panel to illuminate the
interior of the medical
kiosk; however, this is not required. The ceiling panel is illustrated as
including a plurality of
vents 212 to enable air to circulate inside the medical kiosk; however, this
is not required. One
or more fans can be positioned on or adjacent to one or more of the vents;
however, this is not
required. As can be appreciated, the location of the one or more fans, when
used, is non-
limiting. As can also be appreciated, one or more fan systems, when used, can
also or
alternatively be positioned on other components of the medical kiosk (e.g.,
front panel, back
panel, side wall, door system, floor panel, etc.). Generally, the rear vents
212 are designed to
allow air into the medical kiosk and front vents are designed to allow air to
exit the medical
kiosk; however, this is not required. One or more fan systems, when used,
and/or vents can
optionally include a filter system, to partially or fully filter dust, mites,
airborne particles, micro-
organisms, viruses, etc. from the air prior to the air entering into the
medical kiosk and/or prior to
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the air exiting the medical kiosk; however, this is not required. The filter
can include many
different arrangements (e.g., HEPA filter, electronic filter, liquid filter,
etc.).
The medical kiosk can optionally include a cleaning system that is designed to
clean one
or more portions of the interior of the medical kiosk and/or kill/neutralize
some or all germs
and/or other micro-organisms in the medical kiosk. One non-limiting cleaning
system that can
be used is a UV sanitizing system 220. As can also be appreciated, a mist
sanitizer can also or
alternatively be used to fully or partially clean/sanitize one or more
portions of the medical
kiosk. As illustrated in FIGURES 1, 8, 9 and 12, the UV sanitizing system 220
can be connected
to or positioned adjacent to the ceiling panel and rear panels; however, this
is not required. The
UV sanitizing system generally includes one or more UV lights that are
designed to kill some or
all of the germs and/or other micro-organisms in the medical kiosk. Generally
the germs and/or
other micro-organisms in the medical kiosk are treated when the interior of
the medical kiosk
does not include a user. The UV sanitizing system can optionally include one
or more standard
lights that can be used to provide illumination in the medical kiosk; however,
this is not required.
The UV sanitizing system can optionally include one or more vents that allow
air drawn into the
medical kiosk by a fan system to flow into the interior of the medical kiosk;
however, this is not
required. The UV sanitizing system can optionally include a cooling fan for
the one or more UV
lights and/or optional standard lights; however, this is not required. The UV
sanitizing system
can optionally include all or a portion of a mist sanitizing system; however,
this is not required.
The UV sanitizing system can house one or more cameras, speakers, sensors
(e.g., temperature
sensor, motion sensor, sound sensor, etc.), etc. for use in the medical kiosk;
however, this is not
required. The UV sanitizing system includes a shroud 222 that includes
vent/light openings 224
to house the components of the UV sanitizing system; however, this is not
required. The shape,
size and configuration of the shroud are non-limiting. When a mist sanitizing
system is
additionally or alternatively used, one or more mist nozzles can be located in
one or more
regions of the medical kiosk so as to direct the sanitizing mist to desired
locations in the medical
kiosk. The sanitizing system, when used, can be activated by an attendant
and/or a medical
provider while the medical kiosk is not being used by a user. The doors to the
medical kiosk can
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be closed and/or locked to prevent a user from entering the medical kiosk
during a sanitizing
process; however, this is not required.
Referring now to FIGURES 1-5 and 7-10, front panel 150 includes a registration
station
230. The registration station is illustrated as including a touch screen 232,
a display screen 234,
and an optional frame 236 that such components can be mounted thereto. The
shape of the
frame, when used, is non-limiting. The frame, when used, can be designed to be
easily removed
from the front panel to enable servicing, repair, replacement, etc. of one or
more components of
the registration station; however, this is not required. As can be
appreciated, the registration
station can also or alternatively include other or optional features (e.g.,
additional display screen,
additional touch screen, lights, buttons, switches, camera, speakers,
microphone, keyboard,
scanner, receiver, transmitter, credit card/debit card or other some other
card reader, smart phone
or other smart device reader/scanner, finger and/or eye scanner, shelf,
printer, storage cavity,
service access door, motion sensor, sound sensor, temperature sensor, logos,
etc.). The touch
screen is generally used to allow a user to enter in information about the
user (e.g., age, sex,
contact information, payment information, medical history, medical issue,
etc.). The touch
screen can be substituted for a keyboard; however, this not required. The
frame is designed to
mount the touch screen at some angle (e.g., 10-8(f) relative to the front
plane of the front panel
150 as illustrated in FIGURES 1, 2 and 5; however, this is not required. The
frame optionally
includes one or more side sections 238, 240 that can include one or more other
or optional
features of the registration station. As can be appreciated, one or more other
or optional features
of the registration station can also or alternatively be located on other
regions of the registration
station. The touch screen can display various types of information (e.g.,
electronic keyboard,
instructions on how to register, questions that are displayed during
registration, instructions
during registration, information displayed to user during registration,
various templates, various
menus, various lists of information, etc.). As can be appreciated, the medical
kiosk can be
designed to accept voice commands during the registration process; however,
this is not required.
The display screen can be used to provide various types of information (e.g.,
registration
infolination, information input by the user, advertising information,
information about the
medical kiosk, information about wait time for a medical kiosk, information as
to the order of
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users waiting to use the medical kiosk, information about whether a medical
kiosk is available or
in use, cable TV, satellite TV, local broadcast TV, infomercial, medical
programs, DVD
materials, Blu-ray materials, video streaming, etc.). Generally, a user enters
payment
information at the registration station (e.g., swipes a credit or debit card,
etc.); however, it can be
appreciated that payment information can also or alternatively be entered
inside the medical
kiosk, at the optional attendant station, wirelessly or over a network via a
smart phone or other
device or by a computer connected to a network, etc. If an attendant is
available, the attendant
can assist a user during the registration process; however, this is not
required. Generally, the
medical kiosk includes a single registration station; however, this is not
required. As can be
appreciated, the registration station can alternatively be located inside the
medical kiosk, at the
attendant station, on other panels or sidewalls of the medical kiosk, or
located remotely from the
medical kiosk (e.g., central registration center for use with multiple medical
kiosks, etc.).
Referring now to FIGURES 1 and 8-12, a non-limiting interior of the medical
kiosk is
illustrated. As previously discussed, the interior room or cavity of the
medical kiosk can
optionally include a scale 112, a bench 130 and/or a UV sanitizing system 220.
Referring now to FIGURES 8-11, a non-limiting interior front region of the
medical
kiosk is illustrated. The interior chamber of the medical kiosk includes a
front interior panel 300.
The front interior panel 300 can be connected to front panels 140 and/or 150.
As illustrated in
FIGURE 9, the front interior panel can be pivotally connected to front panel
140 to enable the
front interior panel to be moved away from front panel 150; however, this is
not required. The
movement of the front interior panel can be used to allow access to the
components (e.g.
computer, router, server, battery backup, harddrive, medical devices,
electronic locks, fans,
displays, speakers, camera, headphone jack, electronic scale, Bluetooth
devices, lights, pumps,
scanners, touch pad, ID verification devices, printer, etc.) that are located
between front panels
.. 140 and 150 and front interior panel 300; however, this is not required.
Such access can be used
to facilitate in the service, maintenance, upgrading, replacement, etc. of
such components;
however, this is not required. The front interior panel can include a lock;
however, this is not
required.
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The front of the front interior panel can include a desk top 302 that is used
to support one
or more touch screens 310, touch pads or keyboards positioned on the desk top.
The shape,
thickness and size of the desk top are non-limiting. The desk top is
illustrated as secured to or
formed on the front interior panel 300; however, this is not required. The
desk top can have one
.. or more support legs, not shown; however, this is not required. The one or
more touch screens,
touch pads, keyboards, etc. on the desk top can be secured to the desk top;
however, this is not
required. The desk top is illustrated as sloping downward toward the front
edge; however, this is
not required. The size, shape and thickness of the one or more touch screens,
touch pads,
keyboards, etc. are non-limiting. The one or more touch screens, touch pads,
keyboards, etc. are
.. designed to be used by a user to enter various types of information (e.g.,
quality survey, patient
history, patient medical information, payment information, questions to
medical provider, vitals,
etc.) before, during and/or after receiving medical services. As can be
appreciated, the one or
more touch screens, when used, can additionally or alternatively be used to
provide information
and/or instructions to the user and/or can provide other uses for the user
(e.g., use policy,
instructions on how to use the medical kiosk and/or medical devices, providing
information on
next step of medical visit, request assistance , increase/decrease speaker
volume,
increase/decrease headjack volume, focus medical devices, adjust volume of
medical devices,
adjust lighting in kiosk, etc.) during use of the medical kiosk; however, this
is not required. The
desk top can optionally include one or more other devices (lights, buttons,
switches, camera,
speakers, microphone, scanner, receiver, transmitter, credit card/debit card
or other some other
card reader, smart phone or other smart device reader/scanner, finger and/or
eye scanner, shelf,
printer, storage cavity, motion sensor, sound sensor, temperature sensor,
logos, scanner, etc.);
however, this is not required. A chair, not shown, can be provided to enable
the user to sit when
using the medical kiosk. The chair can be a free standing chair or be
connected to the medical
kiosk.
One or more monitors or display screens 320 can be positioned on the front of
the interior
front panel. As can be appreciated, one or more monitors or display screens
can be positioned on
other or additional locations in the medical kiosk. The shape, size and
thickness of the one or
more monitors are non-limiting. The monitor is generally used to view the one
or more medical
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providers when the user is located in the medical kiosk. The one or more
monitors can also or
alternatively display other or additional information (e.g., instructions,
questions, general
medical infoimation, time, output or results of examination of user, vitals
infoimation, results
from the medical devices, advertisements, information about the medical kiosk,
information
being displayed and/or entered by the user on the touchscreen, etc.).
One or more cameras (e.g., video camera, etc.) can be positioned on the
interior wall
panel and/or be embedded in the one or more monitors or display screens 320.
As can be
appreciated, one or more cameras can be positioned on other or additional
locations in the
medical kiosk. The one or more cameras enable pictures of the user in the
medical kiosk to be
transmitted to a remotely located medical provider. The remotely located
medical provider also
typically includes a camera at his/her location so that pictures of the
medical provider can be
transmitted to the one or more monitors or display screens 320 in the medical
kiosk. Such an
arrangement can allow for real-time or near real-time video conferencing
between the user and
medical provider while the user is located in the medical kiosk. The one or
more cameras can
have other or additional functions (e.g., determine height of user when
standing on scale or other
locations in the medical kiosk, view one or more regions of user so as to
provide a medical
examination of the user in the medical kiosk, monitor occupancy of the medical
kiosk, provide
security monitoring for the medical kiosk, etc.). The one or more monitors or
display screens
320 in the medical kiosk can also be used to replay one or more portions of
the video conference
between the user and medical provider after the secession with the medical
provider has ended;
however, this is not required. Such a feature, when available, enables the
user to review or again
listen to instruction, advice, etc. provided by the medical provider to the
user. This video
playback feature, when available, can be limited to being viewed by the user
while the user
remains in the medical kiosk, or can also or alternatively be accessed be the
user after the user
exits the medical kiosk; however, this is not required. If the user can
optionally access the
recorded video conference outside the medical kiosk, the video file can 1) be
accessed from
some central server, 2) electronically sent to a personal computer, mobile
device, tablet, laptop,
etc., and/or 3) mailed to the user (e.g., DVD, Blu-ray disk, video tape, USB
jump drive, etc.).
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One or more speakers 330 can be positioned on the front interior panel of the
medical
kiosk. As can be appreciated, one or more speakers can be positioned on other
or additional
locations in the medical kiosk. The speakers can be used to enable a user in
the medical kiosk to
listen to what the medical provider is saying to the user. One or more
microphones are generally
included in the medical kiosk to enable the user to verbally communicate with
the medical
provider. The medical kiosk can optionally include a braille keyboard and/or
reader to enable
the visually and/or hearing impaired to communicate with a medical provider
while in the
medical kiosk. The speakers can also or alternatively be used to play
background music, sound
an alarm, etc. A headphone jack 340 can be provided on the interior front
panel and/or other
locations in the medical kiosk to enable headphones to be connected to the
medical kiosk;
however, this is not required. The interior front panel and/or other locations
in the medical kiosk
can include one or more data ports (e.g., UBS, Ethernet, Firewire, etc.) to
enable medical
devices, storage devices, smart phones, computers, tablets, and/or other
devices to be connected
to the medical kiosk; however, this is not required. For example, the data
port could be used by a
patient, to download and/or upload information to a medical device on a
patient (e.g., heart
monitor, heart pacemaker, implantable cardioverter defibrillators, etc.).
The front interior panel 300 can optionally include one or more air vents 350.
The one or
more air vents, when used, can enable air to enter or exit an interior
location positioned between
the front wall panels and the front interior panel to thereby provide
circulation in the medical
kiosk. Such interior location can include one or more fans to draw air through
the one or more
vent and into the interior location; however, this is not required. As
illustrated in FIGURES 8
and 8, the interior location can include a computer 360, a router, a server, a
battery backup, a
harddrive, medical devices, electronic locks, displays, speakers, camera,
headphone jack,
Bluetooth devices, lights, pumps, devices, printer, etc. Such devices can
generate heat during
operation, thus the air flow can be used to provide cooling for such devices.
The front interior panel can include one or more equipment chambers 370 can be
positioned on or near the front interior wall. The equipment chambers are used
to store one or
more medical devices (e.g., stethoscope, otoscope, thermometer, dermascope,
spirometer, pulse
oximeter, heating pad, magnifying glass, tongue depressor, tweezers, blood
glucometer etc.).
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The one or more equipment chambers can also or alternatively be used to
include other types of
materials (e.g., tissue, Band-Aid, gauze, cotton ball, disinfecting wipe,
cortisone cream, anti-
biotic cream/ointment, cotton swab, fabric wrap, etc.). The one or more
equipment chambers
generally include a door 372 to limit access to the one or more equipment
chambers; however,
this is not required. The door, when used, can be manually openable/closeable,
and/or the doors
can be controllably opened/closed remotely by the medical provider and/or
attendant. Generally,
the doors are controllably opened and/or unlocked by the medical provider
during the
examination of the user in the medical kiosk. After the user has left the
medical kiosk, the
attendant can enter the medical kiosk, and then clean the medical equipment
that was handled or
used by the prior user and/or dispose of and/or replace items that were used
and/or handled by
the prior user. Thereafter, the attendant can restock, replace, and/or
reposition the medical
equipment and/or non-medical equipment in the equipment chambers and close the
equipment
chamber doors prior to the next user entering the medical kiosk. One or more
types of medical
equipment can be designed to transmit information by wire or wirelessly to
electronic
components in the medical kiosk and/or to the remotely located medical
provider. As illustrated
in FIGURES 10 and 11, six equipment chambers having doors are included in the
medical kiosk,
three on each side of the desk top 300. As can be appreciated, a larger or
smaller number of
equipment chambers can be used. As also can be appreciated, some or all of the
equipment
chambers can be absent doors. The doors on the six equipment chambers are
designed to be
unlocked and/or opened remotely by the medical provider and/or during the
taking of vitals by
the patient. The doors are designed to automatically lock closed when the
doors are closed by
the attendant after the user has left the medical kiosk; however, this is not
required. Each of the
six equipment chambers is designed to include a different piece of medical
equipment, namely a
stethoscope 380, an otoscope 390, a thermometer 400, a dermascope 410, a
spirometer 420, and
a pulse oximeter 430. As can be appreciated, a larger or smaller number of
medical equipment
can be used in the medical kiosk and/or different types of medical equipment
can be included in
the medical kiosk.
Referring now to FIGURE 13, there is illustrated an alternative configuration
for the
medical kiosk 100 of the present invention. In this embodiment, floor 110,
doors 190, panels
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140, 150, 160 and 170, ceiling 210, ramp 120, bench 130 and UV sanitizer 220
are absent from
the medical kiosk. The attendant desk 200 may also be absent. In this non-
limiting arrangement,
the medical kiosk 100 can be placed in a private room and/or some other
location. The medical
kiosk includes a registration station 230 that can be the same or similar as
the registration station
described above. The medical kiosk can include front wall panels 140 and 150
or a single wall
front wall panel. The medical kiosk includes interior front panel 300 which
can be the same or
similar to interior front panel 300 as described above in FIGURES 1 and 8-11.
The interior front
panel can be pivotally connected to the one or more front wall panels;
however, this is not
required. The interior front panel may or may not include a Physician Screen
340. If interior
front panel is the same or similar to interior front panel 300 as described
above in FIGURES 1
and 8-11, then the user can have a teleconference with a medical provider.
However, if interior
front panel does include a Physician Screen 340 and one or more other
components (e.g.,
speakers 330, headphone jack 340, etc.), then the user may only be able to
collect one or more
vitals and then proceed to another location to visit a medical provider. As
can also be
appreciated, the medical kiosk can also be absent the desk top, medical device
compartments,
Patient Screen and the like such that the medical kiosk primarily includes the
registration station
230 to enable a user to check-in for a visit with a medical provider. As can
be appreciated, one
or more features of the medical kiosk of the present invention can be used in
other ways to
provide medical services to a user.
The medical kiosk and method for using the medical kiosk are a novel and
advanced
healthcare delivery system wherein patients and physicians can engage in real-
time interactive
consultations, providing convenient and affordable healthcare services. The
medical kiosk
includes the latest technologies in medical devices, video conferencing, and
VOW telephony so
that the medical kiosk can extend traditional healthcare to convenient retail
pharmacy locations
or other locations in a user's neighborhood, therein enabling a user to see a
medical provider and
obtain a prescription, if required, in a fast and convenient manner.
Some advantageous aspect of the medical kiosk and medical method are:
= Patient Portal (Cloud Based).
= Provider Portal (Cloud Based).
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= Integrated Care Station.
= Facilitates Efficient Delivery of Basic Healthcare Delivery.
= Automates All Aspects of a Check Up.
= Easy Check-In.
= Vital Signs Capture.
= Prescription Generation.
= Post Care and Outcomes.
= Convenient Locations Where Consumers Want To Be.
= Video playback of the recorded session between the user and medical
provider.
The medical kiosk and medical method can be used to provide primary and/or
urgent care
services in four (4) simple steps:
Step 1 - Patient begins/completes check-in process via web portal or at the
medical kiosk.
The patient can optionally begin the check-in via web portal and then later
complete check-in
process at the medical kiosk; however, this is not required. A medical
provider can send a
reminder to patient regarding an appointment and/or begin the check-in process
for a patient
(e.g., follow-up appointment, etc.); however, this is not required.
Step 2 ¨ Medical provider receives eligible request and accepts and/or is
assigned to
patient.
Step 3 - Patient visits the medical kiosk and has a private appointment with a
doctor via
the Patient Screen.
Step 4 - Visit is completed. The medical kiosk and/or medical provider can
then provide
additional care/services that include: prescription, billing information,
education, referrals,
follow up and/or EMR/PHR entry. The medical provider can cause the medical
kiosk to printout
a prescription and/or directly send the prescription request to a pharmacy.
The medical kiosk can
print out a bill after the medical services are provided and/or accept payment
prior to or after
medical services are provided. The medical kiosk can be designed to accept
and/or process
medical insurance information provided by the user. The medical kiosk can
print out and/or
display education materials/information relevant to/requested by the user
and/or provided by the
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medical provider. The medical kiosk and/or medical provider and/or attendant
can schedule a
follow-up visit for the user. Email, twitter, Facebook, test, and/or mail
reminders can be sent to
the user regarding scheduled and/or follow-up visits. The medical provider
and/or attendant can
schedule a visit with another medical provider and/or admit the user to the
hospital, contact an
ambulance, etc. during or after the visit to the medical kiosk. A visit
summary can be printed out
and/or sent to the patient. As can be appreciated, the medical kiosk and
method for using the
medical kiosk can have other or additional features.
Advantageous portal features of the medical kiosk and associated medical
method are:
= Practice Management Engine.
Appointments Scheduling Engine.
Online Eligibility, Claims, and Billing Engine.
ePrescribing with Alerts and Reminder Engine.
Medical Records Interface and Access.
Personal Health Record (PHR).
Electronic Medical record (EMR).
Rules-Based Care Plans.
Rules-Based Education.
= Check In Pathway to Care Engine.
= Secure Video Conferencing Engine.
= Documentation Module.
Appointment Storage and Analysis.
= Education and Post Care.
Some non-limiting advantages to patients by use of the medical kiosk and
medical
.. method are:
= Convenient.
Closer to home.
Saves time.
Language and culture friendly.
= Better Access.
Personal doctor available while traveling.
Larger selection of doctors.
Not limited by doctor's visitation schedule.
= More Accurate.
Review record of appointment.
Automatic data entry into PHR.
= Less Exposure to Illness.
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Some non-limiting advantages to medical providers by use of the medical kiosk
and
medical method are:
= Higher Revenues.
More appointments/day.
Less traveling.
= More Accurate.
Review record of appointment.
Automatic data entry into EMRJHER.
= Integrated Care.
Referral and transfer.
= Load Balancing.
Appointment load can be shared with other doctors regardless of location.
Some non-limiting advantages to payers by use of the medical kiosk and medical
method
are:
= Change in Status.
Transition from Payer to Provider.
= Market Leverage.
New Business Model.
Call Center based Nurse Practitioner.
= Efficiency.
Market Demand.
Less Overhead.
Scalability.
Less Liability.
The medical kiosk of the present invention is an Integrated Care Terminal that
is a highly
equipped doctor's office that is built and designed to deliver urgent and
minor medical care in
the field utilizing a centralized team of doctors for the evaluation and
treatment of patients. The
medical kiosk can be fitted with the latest FDA approved medical devices used
by doctors today.
Employing the latest technology that is used in physician offices and
emergency rooms,
the medical kiosk is able to allow patients to obtain appropriate care in
locations that are
convenient, accessible, and more affordable.
The medical kiosk is designed to be a comfortable, self-contained, secure,
sanitary,
soundproof kiosk that is approximately 5 feet wide and 9 'A feet long;
however, it can have other
dimensions. The medical kiosk can be made of extruded plastics and related
components. The
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interior of the medical kiosk can contain one or more of the following
integrated medical
devices:
= Thermometer (e.g., temperature taken via ear, temperature taken via ear,
IR
thermometer to scan head or other area of body, etc.).
= Scale built into the patient seat or floor for measuring the patient's
weight.
= Otoscope ¨ for examining the middle ear, exterior ear, nasal passages,
mouth and
throat.
= Oximeter which measures the blood oxygen saturation.
= Stethoscope for evaluation of heart, lung and bowel sounds.
= Blood Pressure Cuff to measure blood pressure.
= EKG which provides a snapshot of the heart rhythm and data regarding
stress or
injury to the heart muscle.
= Spirometer and transducer for measuring lung function.
= Blood glucose measuring device or monitor.
= Retinal scan device (e.g., Itronix retinal scan device, etc.).
= D ermas cop e.
A medical attendant (e.g., medical assistant, nurse assistant, nurse, nurse
practitioner,
physician, etc.) who resides outside the medical kiosk can be responsible for
answering user
questions, assisting with user registration/payment, thoroughly clean the
medical kiosk after each
use, and restock and/or reset the medical kiosk after each use. The cleaning
of the medical kiosk
can include sanitizing the seat, touch screen, floor, walls, seat, and all
instruments as well as
ensuring the medical kiosk is free of debris and any patient belongings. The
medical kiosk can
also be designed to be automatically sterilized after one or more users use
the medical kiosk by
utilizing a chemical mist sterilization technology and /or UV sterilization
technology. The
medical attendant can also ensure that any insurance forms required by the
user/patient for
reimbursement are provided via a printer or some other means contained in the
exterior and/or
interior of the medical kiosk.
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The medical kiosk can also contain one or more computers, which are connected
to the
internet and powers the one or more monitors and/or other type of equipment in
the medical
kiosk; however, this is not required. The exterior monitor on the medical
kiosk can be used for
patient registration and appointment selection that can be conducted in a
touch screen format.
The method for providing medical services via a medical kiosk regarding
protocols for
scheduling, diagnosing, delivering and documenting telemedicine primary care
can include:
a. Medical Provider Application ¨ this application is used by the medical
provider to
provide clinical services. The application contains all that the medical
provider requires to
diagnose, deliver care and document the clinical episode. It runs on the
physician's computer
and can be integrated with the leading EMR applications.
b. Patient Application ¨ this application is used by the patient to
register with a
medical kiosk and also captures the patient's medical history and/or vitals.
It includes all the
information required to administer clinical services to the patient. This
includes financial/billing
information and a Healthspot Electronic Medical Record (EMR), which can be
accessed by the
patient and the medical providers.
c. Integrated videoconferencing software ¨ this application supports the
live patient-
clinician interaction required for delivery of the clinical services. It uses
a secure connection to
the servers and the provider via an internet connection.
To use a medical kiosk, the users/patients may go through one or more of the
following
steps:
a. Go Online, register and schedule an appointment at the nearest terminal
or walk-
in and register at the medical kiosk.
b. Use the scheduling engine to select an appointment time.
c. Input insurance, preferred pharmacy location and/or billing information,
and remit
payment.
d. Complete pre-appointment pathway to care.
e. Visit a medical kiosk and see a medical provider via the integrated care
terminal.
f. Pick up prescription, if indicated, at the pharmacy of choice.
g. Optionally use website to manage user's care until user is better.
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The following example is a non-limiting example as to what one user may
encounter
when using the medical kiosk of the present invention:
Jane Doe is not feeling well, suffering from severe nasal congestion and "cold
symptoms" for several days. She realizes she should seek care, but finds it
frustrating to
schedule an appointment with her primary care physician and knows that this is
not an
appropriate reason to visit her local ER. However, she recently became aware
of a medical kiosk
in her neighborhood grocery store, and decides to drive to the store a few
minutes from her home
to see if she can get a walk-in appointment. Upon arrival, Jane is met by the
attendant who helps
her register at the exterior of the medical kiosk for the next available
appointment in a few
minutes. She completes the basic information about her medical condition in a
short guided
questionnaire via the monitor on the exterior of the terminal. The intake
questionnaire captures
demographic information that can include some or all of the following
information: name,
address, gender, race, native language, age, birthdate, fingerprint, simple
medical
history/medications, current symptoms, allergies, medical condition,
medications currently used,
preferred pharmacy, insurance information, and a debit/credit card payment
and/or some other
types of payment for the visit, and/or time of next available visit in kiosk.
Information is
gathered and stored securely to facilitate future visits. Jane then has a seat
at a small waiting
area near the medical kiosk. When the appointment prior Jane's ends by another
user, Jane
witnesses the attendant cleaning the appropriate surface areas of the interior
of the medical kiosk,
and the changing the protective covers of the instruments that were used.
Jane then proceeds to check-in to the kiosk by providing a password or some
other type
of ID. This check-in can occur with the registration station on the kiosk
and/or with the medical
attendant. Once checked-in, the medical attendant escorts the patient into the
medical kiosk.
The medical assistant also fits a blood pressure cuff on the patient, connects
the blood pressure
cuff to the medical kiosk, and then begins the vital capture process for the
patient. The medical
attendant may or may not be present during the complete vitals capture
process. During the
vitals capture process, the weight and temperature of the patient is also
collected. The Patient
Application provides information to the patient on how to proceed with the
vitals capture
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process. Once the vital capture process is completed, the patient presses a
button or indicates in
some other manner that the patient is ready to proceed with the teleconference
with the medical
provider. During the vitals capture process, the medical provider can view
Jane's medical
history, current medications, symptoms and/or any other information that
Jane's entered during
the registration process. The medical provider can also view the results of
the vitals that were
captured during the vitals capture process. Once the medical provider receives
information that
the patient is ready for the teleconference, the medical provider selects the
option to create such
connection. The medical provide then appears on the Provider Screen in the
medical kiosk and
the patient appears on the screen being used by the medical provider. The
medical provider can
then question and examine Jane during the teleconference.
After the medical provider has spoken to Jane, he suspects a possible sinus
infection.
The medical provider then clicks on a button on the Provider Application which
causes a door to
a medical device cavity or compartment on the medical kiosk to open for the
otoscope. The
medical provider then instructs Jane to gently insert the device in her nose
and takes a picture of
her nasal mucosa. The picture is displayed on the medical provider's screen
and optionally
displayed on the Patient and/or Provider screen in the medical kiosk for Jane
to see. The medical
provider proceeds to instruct Jane to use the instrument to look in her ears
and throat. The
medical provider views the pictures and determines that the throat and nasal
passages are
inflamed which is indicative of an upper respiratory infection. Based on her
symptoms and the
examination, the medical provider tells Jane he believes that she has a sinus
infection.
The medical provider can optionally prescribe a prescription for the
appropriate antibiotic
which can be e-prescribed by the medical provider and sent electronically to
the pharmacy of
Jane's choice, which in this case happens to be the pharmacy within the
grocery store. Prior to
or after Jane exits the medical kiosk, Jane may take a survey of the visit.
Jane may optionally
complete an insurance form from the attendant, which she can use to file with
her insurance
company for reimbursement. Jane then walks over to the pharmacy and waits on
her
prescription, which is available ten minutes later. She returns home and
begins taking the
medication to cure her sinus infection.
Some of the non-limiting features of the medical kiosk are:
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= Integrated Medical Devices.
= Exterior Check-In Station.
= Patient Waiting Area.
= Integrated Wi-Fi Hot Spot.
= Touch Screen User Interface.
= HIPAA Compliant Design.
= Instant Sterilization.
= Video/Audio Conferencing.
= Flexible Access.
Handicap.
Parent and Child.
= Modular design for Pharmacy door deployment.
= Small Footprint.
= Fully Integrated Interior Design.
= Expandable Device Rail.
= Secure PC storage with access.
= Open design feels comfortable.
= Payment and Signature.
= Finger Print Reader.
= Integrated Printer.
= Integrated Medical Devices.
Thermometer ¨ (e.g., temperature taken via ear, temperature taken via ear,
IR thermometer to scan head or other area of body, etc.
Scale built into the patient seat or floor for measuring the patient's weight.
Otoscope ¨ for examining the middle ear, exterior ear, nasal passages,
mouth and throat.
Oximeter which measures the blood oxygen saturation.
Stethoscope for evaluation of heart, lung and bowel sounds.
Blood Pressure Cuff to measure blood pressure.
EKG which provides a snapshot of the heart rhythm and data regarding
stress or injury to the heart muscle.
Spirometer and transducer for measuring lung function.
Blood Glucose measurement device and/or monitor to measure blood
glucose levels.
Retinal scan device to view structures in the eye.
Dermascope to view the skin and/or throat.
= Exterior Check-In Station - A monitor and keyboard is generally mounted
on the
outside of the medical kiosk to allow for new user/patient registration and
check in. The station
can be designed to take payment and/or a fingerprint. The station generally is
located away from
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the entrance to the medical kiosk to allow a degree of separation from the
patient inside the
medical kiosk. The attendant can use this station for her work.
= Patient Waiting Area - Can include a small area to put a few chairs
outside the
medical kiosk to act as a waiting area.
= Integrated
Wi-Fi Hot Spot - In order to minimize network connection cost, a Wi-
Fi hot spot can partner with an ISP of choice (AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, T-
Mobile, etc.).
= Touch Screen User Interface - The patient can be allowed to interact
while inside
the medical kiosk by use of a touch screen interface.
= HIPAA Compliant Design - HIPAA requires patient information to be secure.
This will mean the medical kiosk will generally be sound proof and a passerby
cannot see in and
see any patient information. The medical kiosk generally is fully enclosed and
lockable, but can
allow exterior access in case of emergency.
= Instant Sterilization - Because of the many germs and other contaminants
that will
be inside the medical kiosk, a sterilization technology can be used in the
medical kiosk. One
type of sterilization system that can be used is a built-in sanitizing misting
system that dispenses
from a series of misters between every appointment. Another or additional
sterilization system
that can be used is a UV lighting system that can be blasted between
appointments. Other
techniques and technologies can also or alternatively be used. The attendant
can have the ability
to activate one or more sterilization systems (e.g., via button, computer,
etc.). The attendant can
be required to keep track of records about the sanitization process and can
ensure that the doors
to the medical kiosk are closed/locked during the sterilization process.
= Video/Audio Conferencing - The patient will communicate with the medical
provider via video and audio conferencing technology. This environment can
make the patient
feel as close to the medical provider as actually being present as possible. A
two-way glass can
be used to place the camera in the center of the monitor to keep the patient
looking head on,
versus the Skype and current video conferencing solutions that keep users
looking at the camera
and back to the monitor.
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= Flexible Access - The medical kiosk should have a large enough door to
accommodate a wheel chair. It should also be large enough inside to allow a
parent to sit with a
child and not feel constrained.
= Modular design for Pharmacy door deployment - Most Pharmacies today only
have a standard door. The medical kiosk is built in a manner that allows it to
enter through the
door and quickly be assembled.
= Small Footprint - Because of the cost of retail space, the medical kiosk
will be
small enough to fit in most locations (e.g., 4-6 ft. wide and 7-10 ft.
length).
= Fully Integrated Interior Design - The interior of the medical kiosk can
be
designed to be cleaner, sleeker, nicer, more luxurious, than the experience
they get at the average
doctor's office.
= Expandable Device Rail - The medical kiosk can include the latest medical
devices and update such medical devices in a more rapid manner than the
average doctors'
office. The medical kiosk can include a mounting rail type system that allows
medical devices in
the medical kiosk to be easily accessed by the user. An indicator, such as a
light, can be used to
notify which medical device is to be used by the user.
= Secure PC storage with access - Because uptime of the software is so
important,
electronics can be inserted in a compaitinent in the medical kiosk. Such area
generally should be
secure, cooled, and easily accessible for service.
= Open design
feels spacious - The medical kiosk is generally designed to feel
bigger than it is such as by providing a glass window that wraps around the
back half of the
kiosk.
= Payment and Signature - The medical kiosk can include an integrated
credit card
swipe for payment, and a signature pad for medical authorization.
= Finger
Print Reader - A finger print reader can be included on the medical kiosk
to confirm patient ID under HIPAA.
= Integrated Printer - An integrated printer can be included in the medical
kiosk to
print medical and insurance forms and/or receipts and/or prescription. The
printer can also print
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coupons based upon diagnosis to promote product sales. Our software can be
included to inform
the attendant of low paper in the paper.
= Video Playback ¨ The recorded medical session can be partially or fully
reviewed
by the user to enable the user to again listen to information, instructions
and/or advise from the
medical provider. As can be appreciated, the video playback feature can also
or alternatively be
used for auditing purposes, compliance purposes, security purposes, quality
control purposes,
etc.
It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above, among those made
apparent from the
preceding description, are efficiently attained, and since certain changes may
be made in the
constructions set forth without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention, it is intended
that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the
accompanying drawings shall
be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. The invention has
been described with
reference to preferred and alternate embodiments. Modifications and
alterations will become
apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding the
detailed discussion of the
invention provided herein. This invention is intended to include all such
modifications and
alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the present invention. It
is also to be
understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic
and specific features
of the invention herein described and all statements of the scope of the
invention, which, as a
matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween. The invention has been
described with
reference to the preferred embodiments. These and other modifications of the
preferred
embodiments as well as other embodiments of the invention will be obvious from
the disclosure
herein, whereby the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely
as illustrative of the
invention and not as a limitation. It is intended to include all such
modifications and alterations
insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims.
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Representative Drawing