Method for providing consumer choice and equalizing pharmacy provider availability in prescription medication dispensing plans
US11865199B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 21, 2010 |
| Grant date | Jan 9, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 21, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG16H20/10
- WIPO fieldPharmaceuticals
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A method is disclosed whereby consumers enrolled in a prescription benefit plan can obtain prescription medication fulfillment at any participating pharmacy of their choice, regardless of whether the fulfillment is by a retail pharmacy or a mail order pharmacy, and whether the quantity of medication prescribed is for administration over a short period (acute care) or a prolonged period (maintenance). The plan of this invention operates by having the plan manager substantially equalize the financial effects of the discounts and services fees allowed to participating pharmacies such that both retail and mail order pharmacies are compensated in a manner which encourages them to accept all consumers and fill all prescriptions. Compensation is preferably adjusted periodically by the manager to retain pharmacy incentives. Consumers obtain choice of pharmacies, plan payers have pleased employees and members and pharmacies obtain income from the entire spectrum of consumers.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.