Abstract: The location of a medical device is determined by receiving one or more signals at the medical device transmitted by one or more beacons, respectively, at known locations. The one or more signals received at the medical device are sent from the medical device to a processor, which determines the location of the medical device based on the received one or more signals. One of the beacons may be a portable patient beacon, the location of which is determined when its signal is received by a medical device, the location of which was previously determined.

Abstract: Systems and methods for dispensing medications to hospitalized individuals through a first apparatus containing optional medications that is configured to be replenished by optional medication from a central storage location. Some embodiments provide that the first apparatus is associated with an individual patient. The first apparatus is preferably secured at a location near the individual patient, such as, for example, within the individual patient's room. By creating multiple dispensing apparatuses, a caregiver who administers required medications no longer has to retrieve optional medications from a central storage location.

Abstract: A portable medication dispensing system is described. In some embodiments, the system includes a portable medication tote comprising a securable compartment configured to hold medication, and a controller, responsive to access information, configured to assign a patient to the securable compartment such that medications for the patient are authorized for placement into the securable compartment. The controller is also configured to selectively permit a user access to the medications for the patient in the securable compartment when the access information indicates the user has access to the securable compartment, and restrict access to retrieval of the medications for the patient in the securable compartment when the access information indicates the user does not have access to the securable compartment. The system also includes an information output module configured to output usage information regarding access to the securable compartment.

Abstract: A method for identifying under-coded comorbidities is provided. The method comprises the step of receiving a billing entry which includes a first diagnosis corresponding to a predetermined diagnostic related group. The method further comprises the step of determining whether the billing entry includes a second diagnosis corresponding to the predetermined diagnostic related group. The method further comprises the step of, if the billing entry is determined not to include the second diagnosis, reviewing laboratory information corresponding to the billing entry to determine whether the laboratory information includes test data indicating the second diagnosis. The method further comprises the step of, if the laboratory information is determined to include test data indicating the second diagnosis, generating an alert corresponding to the billing entry and the second diagnosis.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for simulating physical features of a projected keyboard in a sterile environment by incorporating a mechanical keyboard and a virtual keyboard. A keyboard projection apparatus projects light toward a mechanical keyboard. When a key is pressed, the keyboard projection apparatus tracks finger locations. User input is created by the keyboard projection apparatus and can be processed by a computer or other electrical equipment. By using an actual keyboard having simple mechanical components with the keyboard projection apparatus, the tactile feel can be realized and the keyboard can be easily cleaned or disposed of.

Abstract: Drug purchases are evaluated according to available offers from drug manufacturers, based on the equivalent dosage regimens for similar drugs. Equivalent doses among drugs are calculated. Purchasing amounts of equivalent doses of drugs are reviewed. The costs of the equivalent doses of the drugs are compared, taking into account contractual price adjustments, such as discounts and rebates. Subsequent purchasing amounts of the drugs are determined, using results from the comparisons. The new purchasing amounts of the equivalent doses of the drugs are produced.

Abstract: An optical fingerprint imaging system comprises an optically transparent platen and a protective film removably attached to the platen with an adhesive. The protective film protects the platen from scratches, pits, and other surface damage and is substantially chemically inert to petroleum-based substances which may come into contact when receiving a finger pressed to take a fingerprint image. The adhesive has a selected cohesive strength that allows the protective film and adhesive to be removed from the platen without leaving behind an adhesive residue. The protective film can be replaced periodically as part of maintenance of the platen to allow continued acquisition of accurate fingerprint images. A method for protecting a platen is also disclosed.

Abstract: A needleless connector for medical use, adapted to facilitate the flow of fluid therethrough, includes a housing having an inlet port and an outlet port. The connector also includes a flex-tube assembly defining a fluid path between the inlet port and the outlet port. The flex-tube assembly is movable between uncompressed and compressed states. The flex-tube assembly has a first internal volume when in the uncompressed state and a second internal volume, greater than or substantially equal to the first internal volume, when in the compressed state.

Abstract: A pump having a disposable fluid contacting portion which defines a fluid inlet and outlet and a fluid path there between is presented. The pump includes a drive portion configured to engage the disposable portion to cause fluid to be moved from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet. The disposable portion is configured to be selectively coupled to the drive portion. The disposable portion includes a driven membrane which forms a portion of the fluid path, and the drive portion includes a drive membrane. The two membranes are vacuum coupled to each other, whereby movement of the drive membrane causes the driven membrane to move, causing fluid to be pumped through the disposable portion. The pump has particular utility in the medical field for moving fluid from a source to a patient. The pump may include features such as an air-trap, bubble detection, fluid flow controls, and pressure detection.

Abstract: A medication dispensing system is described. In some embodiments, the system includes a medication station and a controller responsive to patient admittance status information. The medication station includes at least one securable compartment configured to hold medication. The controller is configured to assign a patient to the at least one securable compartment such that medications for the patient are able to be placed into the at least one securable compartment. The controller is also configured to selectively permit access to the medications for the patient in the at least one securable compartment when the patient admittance status information indicates the patient is currently admitted, and restrict access to retrieval of the medications for the patient in the at least one securable compartment when the patient admittance status information indicates the patient is not currently admitted.

Abstract: A self-sealing male Luer connector for connection with a female Luer connector. The male Luer connector includes a housing having a distally-projecting tubular male body and a surrounding cuff interconnected by a proximal wall in which is formed at least one activation opening. A valve plug is slidably installed within the housing and formed with a distal end configured to sealingly engage the distal end of the male body's interior flow passage and with at least one activation arm at its proximal end configured to extend through the activation opening into the cavity formed between the male body and the cuff. An elastomeric device is sealingly configured within the activation opening about the activation arm to secure the valve plug in position and bias it distally. The proximal end of the male Luer connector may be configured as a conventional female connector, a blood collection device, or other such device.

Abstract: A care management system in which the management of the administration of care for patients is automated. Hospital information systems are monitored and the information from those systems is used in verifying the administrations of care to patients. The care management system monitors ongoing administrations for progress and automatically updates records and provides alarms when necessary. The care management system is modular in nature but is fully integrated among its modules. Particular lists of data, such as the termination times of all ongoing infusions, provide hospital staff current information for increased accuracy and efficiency in planning. Features include the automatic provision of infusion parameters to pumps for accurate and efficient configuration of the pump, and providing an alarm when an unscheduled suspension of an infusion exceeds a predetermined length of time. A passive recognition system for identifying patients and care givers is provided.

Abstract: A medication dispenser is provided, comprising a securable container configured to store one or more doses of one or more medications and an access device configured to selectably permit access to the one or more doses. The medication dispenser further comprises an electronic interface configured to acquire user input from a user, and a processor configured to compare the user input to a database, to select, responsive to the comparing, an appropriate dose from the one or more doses, and to permit access through the access device to the appropriate dose. A method for dispensing medication is provided, comprising the steps of locating a medication dispenser at a point-of-care, acquiring user input from a user at the point-of-care, comparing the user input to a database, selecting, responsive to the comparing, an appropriate dose from the one or more doses, and permitting access through the access device to the appropriate dose.

Abstract: A connection device has a male connector and a female connector. The female connector will only accommodate the dedicated male connector, thereby prohibiting a misconnection with the wrong male connector. In certain embodiments, a member prohibits male connectors, other than a dedicated male connector, from being inserted into the female connector. In certain other embodiments, a post prohibits male connectors, other than a dedicated male connector including a slot, from being inserted into the female connector. In still certain other embodiments, a series of prongs in the male connector and corresponding grooves in the female connector ensure the proper connection. Once the male connector is inserted and secured within the female connector, a fluid-tight seal is formed between the male connector and the female connector.

Abstract: A closed-loop system and method for optimizing one or more aspects of the operation of a facility or business is presented. The system includes a platform at a remote provider for accepting and storing data from the facility for analysis. The system facilitates a live consultation such that information is exchanged between the parties, including facility data in analyzed or unanalyzed form for reference during the consultation, recommendations are made in relation to the facility data relative to one or more aspects of the operation of the facility, video and audio of the representative conducting the live consultation, and a whiteboard configured to display input by one or more parties. The method allows skilled experts to provide recommendations of actions for optimizing one or more aspects of operations at a facility, without the requirement that the facility maintain an infrastructure of trained personnel and equipment.

Abstract: An IV product transport device is configured to transport an IV product from one location to another in automated fashion. The transport device may comprise a chassis with one or more ports for IV products. A drive mechanism is configured to move the transport device. In one embodiment, the transport device includes a controller. Information may be provided to the controller about an IV product, such as its intended destination or use. The controller may also exchange information with a delivery device, such as an infusion pump, to verify that the IV product is delivered to the proper destination. The transport device may include a delivery mechanism for off-loading an IV product. The transport device may deliver IV products of various configurations, including one in which the product comprises a flexible bag and a container housing for supporting and protecting the fluid bag.

Abstract: An IV product comprises a flexible fluid bag and a container housing for supporting and protecting the fluid bag. The IV product may include an information element such as a bar code, RFID or the like which provides information. The IV product may also include a mechanism for expelling fluid from the fluid bag, such as an inflatable bellows. In one embodiment, the IV product may be mated to a docking station or receptacle. One or more elements may be provided for aligning and connecting the IV product to establish a fluid connection with the fluid bag.

Abstract: Described herein are embodiments of systems and methods for providing an automated medication handling system that can, among other things, single-dose package medications, store and dispense medications in a pharmacy, transport medications to a nursing unit or other remote location, store them at that remote location, and load them into a portable unit carried by a nurse, who may dispense the medication at a bedside.

Abstract: A fluid flow rate control system and method comprises a capillary tube having a proximal end that projects into a chamber with a cross-sectional area that is larger than or equal to the fluid supply tube's cross-sectional area. The inner cross-sectional area of the capillary tube is configured less than the inner cross-sectional area of the chamber. The chamber has a volume large enough to slow the fluid conducted to it by the upstream fluid line to permit contaminants to fall out of solution. In another aspect, a sleeve is used to mount the capillary tube into the chamber. The sleeve provides a mounting surface for tube segments from the pump and downstream of the capillary restrictor.

Abstract: An infusion status indicator disposed in the medical infusion line includes a housing with an opening through which the status of the infusion may be determined. A flexible membrane is located at the opening to indicate the status of fluid in the cavity. A recessed flexible membrane indicates insufficient flow of medical fluid into the cavity from the fluid supply, a level flexible membrane indicates correct flow of fluid through the indicator, and a concave flexible membrane indicates an insufficient flow of medical fluid out of the cavity, possibly indicating an occlusion of the fluid line downstream of the indicator. Check valves may be included upstream and downstream of the cavity so that a bolus of fluid may be forced out of the cavity to the patient by pressing the flexible membrane into the cavity.