At-home health data management method and apparatus

Abstract

A system and methodology for the acquisition of medical data from multiple, at-home patient measurement devices transfers the data via telephone communications to a remotely accessed data management and display system such as a Web-based data management system. The measurement device, which supports two-way communications between the patient and the database system, is extensible to support multiple plug-in medical devices and devices for patient input or identification. Collection of data is mediated through an interface device that is connected via a digital link (serial, network, or digital RF link) to single or multiple patient measurement devices. This interface device is connected to a network via wide area network means including standard phone lines. In the preferred embodiment, data transfer is mediated through pervasive DTMF phone networks. Although DTMF is the preferred format, alternative analog or digital audio tone formats may be used. The device may therefore be equipped with auto-dialer, without necessarily requiring a full chipset modem, since the vast majority of home medical appliances are low data rate devices. In alternative embodiments, however, the connection may incorporate a modem for faster data transfer, modems for DSL, cable or RF network connections, and RF or various digital connections between the medical measurement devices and the communications device itself.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.