Researchers Submit Patent Application, “Systems And Methods For At-Home Testing, Treatment, And Monitoring”, for Approval (USPTO 20230268070): Patent Application

2023 SEP 13 (NewsRx) -- By a News Reporter-Staff News Editor at Insurance Daily News -- From Washington, D.C., NewsRx journalists report that a patent application by the inventors Ferro, JR., Michael W. (Palm Beach, FL, US); Miller, Sam (Hollywood, FL, US); Nienstedt, Zachary Carl (Wilton Manors, FL, US); Rassner, Samantha Eve (Pompano Beach, FL, US); Sands, John Andrew (Weston, FL, US), filed on February 21, 2023, was made available online on August 24, 2023.

No assignee for this patent application has been made.

News editors obtained the following quote from the background information supplied by the inventors: “

“Field

“Some embodiments are directed to systems and methods for conducting remote health testing, diagnostics, and treatments. Some embodiments are directed to remote medical testing and testing platforms. Some embodiments are directed to systems, methods, and devices for providing a follow-up service to a user after the user undergoes a test, such as a medical diagnostic test. Some embodiments relate to the monitoring and adjustment of physiological indicators.

“Description of the Related Art

“The approaches described in this section are approaches that could be pursued, but not necessarily approaches that have been previously conceived or pursued. Therefore, unless otherwise indicated, it should not be assumed that any of the approaches described in this section qualify as prior art merely by virtue of their inclusion in this section.

“Use of telehealth to deliver healthcare services has grown consistently over the last several decades and has experienced very rapid growth in the last several years. Telehealth can include the distribution of health-related services and information via electronic information and telecommunication technologies. Telehealth can allow for long distance user and health provider contact, care, advice, reminders, education, intervention, monitoring, and remote admissions. Telehealth can be especially beneficial during public health emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic, when medical resources may be strained. During such periods, an individual may be more reluctant to travel to their healthcare provider or their healthcare provider may have no or limited availability to treat the individual.

“Often, telehealth can involve the use of a user or user’s personal user device, such as a smartphone, tablet laptop, personal computer, or other device. For example, a user (e.g., a patient) can interact with a remotely located medical care provider using live video, audio, or text-based chat through the personal user device. Generally, such communication occurs over a network, such as a cellular or internet network.

“Remote or at-home healthcare testing and diagnostics can solve or alleviate some problems associated with in-person testing. For example, health insurance may not be required, travel to a testing site can be avoided, and tests can be completed at a testing user’s convenience. However, remote or at-home testing introduces various additional logistical and technical issues, such as guaranteeing timely test delivery to a testing user, providing test delivery from a testing user to an appropriate lab, ensuring adequate user experience, ensuring proper sample collection, ensuring test verification and integrity, providing test result reporting to appropriate authorities and medical providers, connecting testing users with medical providers who are needed to provide guidance and/or oversight of the testing procedures remotely, and providing follow-up care and/or monitoring.”

As a supplement to the background information on this patent application, NewsRx correspondents also obtained the inventors’ summary information for this patent application: “The systems, methods, and devices described herein each have several aspects, no single one of which is solely responsible for its desirable attributes. Without limiting the scope of this disclosure, several non-limiting features will now be described briefly.

“In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a computer system for at-home diagnostic testing and treatment, the computing system including: one or more computer data stores configured to store a plurality of computer executable instructions; and one or more hardware computer processors in communication with the one or more computer data stores and configured to execute the plurality of computer executable instructions in order to cause the computer system to: receive, from a first data source, forecast information, wherein the forecast information indicates a projected infection trend; receive, from a second data source, a risk profile; receive, from a third data source, a selection of one or more individuals; convert the selection of one or more individuals to a format compatible with a fourth data source; request, from the fourth data source, health information associated with at least one of the one or more individuals; receive, from the fourth data source, health information associated with at least one of the one or more individuals; determine, for each of the one or more individuals, a risk score, wherein the risk score is based at least in part on the health information and the forecast information; and determine that the risk score of an individual of the one or more individuals meets the risk profile.

“In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a computer system, wherein the computer executable instructions are further configured to cause the computer system to: electronically communicate a request to send a test box to the individual.

“In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a computer system, wherein receiving the selection of one or more individuals includes: providing a map display, wherein the map display is configured to show a visual representation of the forecast information; receiving a selection of a geographic area; and determining one or more individuals in the geographic area.

“In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a computer system, wherein receiving health information for one or more individuals includes: determining that a query return multiple results for an individual of the one or more individuals; and determining which of the multiple results matches the individual.

“In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a computer system, wherein determining which of the multiple results matches the individual includes: comparing information not used to request the health information.

“In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a computer system, wherein determining which of the multiple results matches the individual includes: determining a confidence level for each match of the one or more matches; and selecting the match with a highest confidence level.

“In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a computer system, wherein receiving health information for one or more individuals includes: determining a confidence level for health information associated with each of the one or more individuals.

“In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a computer system, wherein receiving health information for one or more individuals includes: determining that no health information was returned for an individual of the one or more individuals; and executing a second query to request health information for the individual, wherein the second query is broader than a first query used to request health information for the one or more individuals.

“In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a computer system, wherein the second query uses fuzzy matching.

“In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a computer system, wherein the computer data store further includes instructions that, when executed by the one or more computer hardware processors, causing the computer system to: convert the selection of one or more individuals to a format compatible with a fifth data source; request, from the fifth data source, non-health information associated with at least one of the one or more individuals; and receive, from the fifth data source, non-health information associated with at least one of the one or more individuals, wherein the risk score is additionally determined based at least in part on the non-health information.

“In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a computer system, wherein the non-health information includes one or more of public transit information, pharmacy location information, employment information, housing information, healthcare provider location information, or income information.

“In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a computer system, wherein determining that the risk score of an individual of the one or more individuals meets the risk profile includes determining that the risk score is above a threshold amount.

“In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a computer system, wherein the threshold is based at least in part on a number of test kit boxes to be shipped.

“In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a computer system, wherein the threshold is based at least in part on an amount to be spent for test kit boxes.

“In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a computer system, wherein the risk score indicates a likelihood that the individual will suffer a severe health consequence if the individual contracts an infectious disease.

“In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a computer system, wherein determining the risk score includes: providing the health information and the forecast information to a machine learning model; and receiving output from the machine learning model, the output indicating a risk level for an infectious disease.

“In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method for at-home diagnostic testing and treatment, the computing system including: receiving, from a first data source, forecast information, wherein the forecast information indicates a projected infection trend; receiving, from a second data source, a risk profile; receiving, from a third data source, a selection of one or more individuals; converting the selection of one or more individuals to a format compatible with a fourth data source; requesting, from the fourth data source, health information associated with at least one of the one or more individuals; receiving, from the fourth data source, health information associated with at least one of the one or more individuals; determining, for each of the one or more individuals, a risk score, wherein the risk score is based at least in part on the health information and the forecast information; and determining that the risk score of an individual of the one or more individuals meets the risk profile.

“In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, further including: electronically communicate a request to send a test box to the individual.

“In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, wherein receiving the selection of one or more individuals includes: providing a map display, wherein the map display is configured to show a visual representation of the forecast information; receiving a selection of a geographic area; and determining one or more individuals in the geographic area.

“In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, wherein receiving health information for one or more individuals includes: determining that a query return multiple results for an individual of the one or more individuals; and determining which of the multiple results matches the individual.

“In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, wherein determining which of the multiple results matches the individual includes: comparing information not used to request the health information.

“In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, wherein determining which of the multiple results matches the individual includes: determining a confidence level for each match of the one or more matches; and selecting the match with a highest confidence level.

“In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, wherein receiving health information for one or more individuals includes: determining a confidence level for health information associated with each of the one or more individuals.

“In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, wherein receiving health information for one or more individuals includes: determining that no health information was returned for an individual of the one or more individuals; and executing a second query to request health information for the individual, wherein the second query is broader than a first query used to request health information for the one or more individuals.

“In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, wherein the second query uses fuzzy matching.

“In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, further including: converting the selection of one or more individuals to a format compatible with a fifth data source; requesting, from the fifth data source, non-health information associated with at least one of the one or more individuals; and receiving, from the fifth data source, non-health information associated with at least one of the one or more individuals, wherein the risk score is additionally determined based at least in part on the non-health information.”

There is additional summary information. Please visit full patent to read further.”

The claims supplied by the inventors are:

“1. A computer system for at-home diagnostic testing and treatment, the computing system comprising: one or more computer data stores configured to store a plurality of computer executable instructions; and one or more hardware computer processors in communication with the one or more computer data stores and configured to execute the plurality of computer executable instructions in order to cause the computer system to: receive, from a first data source, forecast information, wherein the forecast information indicates a projected infection trend; receive, from a second data source, a risk profile; receive, from a third data source, a selection of one or more individuals; convert the selection of one or more individuals to a format compatible with a fourth data source; request, from the fourth data source, health information associated with at least one of the one or more individuals; receive, from the fourth data source, health information associated with at least one of the one or more individuals; determine, for each of the one or more individuals, a risk score, wherein the risk score is based at least in part on the health information and the forecast information; and determine that the risk score of an individual of the one or more individuals meets the risk profile.

“2. The computer system of claim 1, wherein the computer executable instructions are further configured to cause the computer system to: electronically communicate a request to send a test box to the individual, wherein the request is based on the risk score exceeding a risk threshold.

“3. The computer system of claim 1, wherein receiving the selection of one or more individuals comprises: providing a map display, wherein the map display is configured to show a visual representation of the forecast information; receiving a selection of a geographic area; and determining one or more individuals in the geographic area.

“4. The computer system of claim 1, wherein receiving health information for one or more individuals comprises: determining that a query return multiple results for an individual of the one or more individuals; and determining which of the multiple results matches the individual.

“5. The computer system of claim 1, wherein receiving health information for one or more individuals comprises: determining a confidence level for health information associated with each of the one or more individuals.

“6. The computer system of claim 1, wherein the computer data store further comprises instructions that, when executed by the one or more computer hardware processors, causing the computer system to: convert the selection of one or more individuals to a format compatible with a fifth data source; request, from the fifth data source, non-health information associated with at least one of the one or more individuals; and receive, from the fifth data source, non-health information associated with at least one of the one or more individuals, wherein the risk score is additionally determined based at least in part on the non-health information.

“7. The computer system of claim 6, wherein the non-health information comprises one or more of public transit information, pharmacy location information, employment information, housing information, healthcare provider location information, or income information.

“8. The computer system of claim 1, wherein determining that the risk score of an individual of the one or more individuals meets the risk profile comprises determining that the risk score is above a threshold amount.

“9. The computer system of claim 1, wherein the risk score indicates a likelihood that the individual will suffer a severe health consequence if the individual contracts an infectious disease.

“10. The computer system of claim 1, wherein determining the risk score comprises: providing the health information and the forecast information to a machine learning model; and receiving output from the machine learning model, the output indicating a risk level for an infectious disease.

“11. A method for at-home diagnostic testing and treatment, the computing system comprising: receiving, from a first data source, forecast information, wherein the forecast information indicates a projected infection trend; receiving, from a second data source, a risk profile; receiving, from a third data source, a selection of one or more individuals; converting the selection of one or more individuals to a format compatible with a fourth data source; requesting, from the fourth data source, health information associated with at least one of the one or more individuals; receiving, from the fourth data source, health information associated with at least one of the one or more individuals; determining, for each of the one or more individuals, a risk score, wherein the risk score is based at least in part on the health information and the forecast information; and determining that the risk score of an individual of the one or more individuals meets the risk profile.

“12. The method of claim 11, further comprising: electronically communicate a request to send a test box to the individual.

“13. The method of claim 11, wherein receiving the selection of one or more individuals comprises: providing a map display, wherein the map display is configured to show a visual representation of the forecast information; receiving a selection of a geographic area; and determining one or more individuals in the geographic area.

“14. The method of claim 11, wherein receiving health information for one or more individuals comprises: determining that a query return multiple results for an individual of the one or more individuals; and determining which of the multiple results matches the individual.

“15. The method of claim 11, wherein receiving health information for one or more individuals comprises: determining a confidence level for health information associated with each of the one or more individuals.

“16. The method of claim 11, further comprising: converting the selection of one or more individuals to a format compatible with a fifth data source; requesting, from the fifth data source, non-health information associated with at least one of the one or more individuals; and receiving, from the fifth data source, non-health information associated with at least one of the one or more individuals, wherein the risk score is additionally determined based at least in part on the non-health information.

“17. The method of claim 16, wherein the non-health information comprises one or more of public transit information, pharmacy location information, employment information, housing information, healthcare provider location information, or income information.

“18. The method of claim 11, wherein determining that the risk score of an individual of the one or more individuals meets the risk profile comprises determining that the risk score is above a threshold amount.

“19. The method of claim 11, wherein the risk score indicates a likelihood that the individual will suffer a severe health consequence if the individual contracts an infectious disease.

“20. The method of claim 11, wherein determining the risk score comprises: providing the health information and the forecast information to a machine learning model; and receiving output from the machine learning model, the output indicating a risk level for an infectious disease.”

For additional information on this patent application, see: Ferro, JR., Michael W.; Miller, Sam; Nienstedt, Zachary Carl; Rassner, Samantha Eve; Sands, John Andrew. Systems And Methods For At-Home Testing, Treatment, And Monitoring. U.S. Patent Application Number 20230268070, filed February 21, 2023 and posted August 24, 2023. Patent URL (for desktop use only): https://ppubs.uspto.gov/pubwebapp/external.html?q=(20230268070)&db=US-PGPUB&type=ids

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