초록 ▼

A network of interactive, self-service, medication dispensing kiosks that are each adaptable to contain an inventory of, for example, 200 to 1600 different drugs, as may be currently obtained directly from a local storefront, mail order, or "cyber" pharmacy. With the exception of periodic maintenanc

A network of interactive, self-service, medication dispensing kiosks that are each adaptable to contain an inventory of, for example, 200 to 1600 different drugs, as may be currently obtained directly from a local storefront, mail order, or "cyber" pharmacy. With the exception of periodic maintenance or inventory replenishment, the kiosks constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention are unmanned. By strategically locating the dispensing kiosks of the present invention in easily accessible public locations on a regional or national basis, and stocking the same with an inventory of frequently prescribed medications for which a patient is likely to have an exigent need, an on-line (Internet) or mail order pharmacy may offer a level of convenient access to emergency medications and pharmaceutical services that is at least as complete and comprehensive as that offered by the conventional storefront pharmacy.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A method of dispensing medication to a patient, comprising the steps of:receiving, at a first location, an Rx request to supply a patient with at least one package containing a drug prescribed by a physician; creating a record comprising an encrypted file containing information relating to an Rx

1. A method of dispensing medication to a patient, comprising the steps of:receiving, at a first location, an Rx request to supply a patient with at least one package containing a drug prescribed by a physician; creating a record comprising an encrypted file containing information relating to an Rx request received during the receiving step and instructions for enabling a remote drug dispensing machine to dispense the drug specified by a physician; and associating a unique Rx transaction key code with the record created during the creating step, said Rx transaction key code being adapted for use by a remote drug dispensing machine to decrypt said record.