Abstract: An automated tracking system for a pharmacy that tracks unique identifiers (“UI”) with a stock supply of an item or items within a supply container and that provides a security system for determining a discrepancy associated with the stock supply. The UI information automatically travels with the stock supply until it is dispensed to a customer or patient, thereby allowing the system to monitor and track supply for replenishment of the supply or improper or potentially fraudulent transactions. If desired, the improved security allows supply containers and individual supplies within those containers to be stored in the same storage area thereby maximizing available storage space while still improving dispensing and filling accuracy and minimizing loss.

Abstract: An automated tracking system for a pharmacy that maintains each medication's Unique Drug Identifier (“UDI”) from the stock supply container to individual prescription orders filled therefrom and provides a security system for determining a discrepancy associated with filling a prescription order. The UDI information automatically travels with each individual prescription until it is dispensed to a customer or patient, thereby allowing the system to monitor and track supply containers and individual prescription orders for improper or potentially fraudulent transactions. If desired, the improved security allows both supply containers and individual prescription orders to be stored in the same storage area thereby maximizing available storage space while still improving dispensing and filling accuracy and minimizing loss.

Abstract: A storage system for a pharmacy that has a frame containing a rack-like structure with a plurality of storage carriers detachably suspended therefrom. The carriers are sized to receive filled prescription orders and the like and include individual identifiers that facilitate locating the carriers at a specific location on the rack-like structure. Preferably, the storage system includes a tracking system that detects, monitors, and displays to a worker the location of the storage carrier containing a particular customer's prescription order, thereby providing easy retrieval of the customer's prescription order.

Abstract: A method of conducting a transaction involving transfer of a filled prescription order from a pharmacy to a customer. The method includes detecting that the filled prescription order is available for transfer from the pharmacy to the customer. Upon detecting that the filled prescription order is available for transfer from the pharmacy to the customer, the method automatically completes at least one process for facilitating the transfer of the filled prescription order to the customer.

Abstract: A method of conducting a transaction involving transfer of a filled prescription order from a pharmacy to a customer. The method includes detecting that the filled prescription order is available for transfer from the pharmacy to the customer. Upon detecting that the filled prescription order is available for transfer from the pharmacy to the customer, the method automatically completes at least one process for facilitating the transfer of the filled prescription order to the customer.

Abstract: A method of distributing a filled prescription order from a worker of a pharmacy to a customer includes providing a computer-readable memory device having saved thereon a first identifier of the customer and a second identifier of the customer. The method also includes requesting the first identifier from the customer and requesting the second identifier from the customer. Also, the method includes inputting the first and second identifiers into an input device by at least one of the worker and the customer. Moreover, the method includes confirming an identity of the customer by confirming that the first and second identifiers input correspond satisfactorily with the first and second identifiers saved on the memory device. Still further, the method includes limiting transfer of the filled prescription order from the worker to the customer until confirming the identity of the customer.

Abstract: A storage system for a pharmacy that has a frame containing a rack-like structure with a plurality of storage carriers detachably suspended therefrom. The carriers are sized to receive filled prescription orders and the like and include individual identifiers that facilitate locating the carriers at a specific location on the rack-like structure. Preferably, the storage system includes a tracking system that detects, monitors, and displays to a worker the location of the storage carrier containing a particular customer's prescription order, thereby providing easy retrieval of the customer's prescription order.

Abstract: A portable cart and related system for operating the cart to automatically detect and track a prescription orders through distribution, particularly within a health-care facility is disclosed. A unique wireless tag is operably secured to each prescription order, and tag readers, which are in communication with a computer system, are positioned near the cart and, if needed, throughout the facility, to detect the presence of a tag within a defined physical area. Preferably, unique tags are also operably secured to each worker and patient. The system this detected information to track the prescription order and preferably verify the proper distribution of the prescription order to the correct patient. More preferably, the system also records, or charts, the distribution event.

Abstract: A method of conducting a transaction involving transfer of a filled prescription order from a pharmacy to a customer. The method includes detecting that the filled prescription order is available for transfer from the pharmacy to the customer. Upon detecting that the filled prescription order is available for transfer from the pharmacy to the customer, the method automatically completes at least one process for facilitating the transfer of the filled prescription order to the customer.

Abstract: A storage system for a pharmacy that has a frame containing a rack-like structure with a plurality of storage carriers detachably suspended therefrom. The carriers are sized to receive filled prescription orders and the like and include individual identifiers that facilitate locating the carriers at a specific location on the rack-like structure. Preferably, the storage system includes a tracking system that detects, monitors, and displays to a worker the location of the storage carrier containing a particular customer's prescription order, thereby providing easy retrieval of the customer's prescription order.

Abstract: A pharmacy supply container tracking system that automatically detects and tracks a pharmacy supply container within a pharmacy is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment the system also detects and tracks prescription orders of customers, and automatically verifies that the correct pharmacy supply is used to fill a particular prescription order. One disclosed system includes using tags, such as Radio-Frequency Identification (“RFID”) tags, and their related readers to locate objects through electromagnetic interrogation of a spatial region to determine the presence of an object within that special region.

Abstract: An economical prescription order tracking system automatically monitors and tracks prescription orders through a conventional pharmacy. The system includes a tracking tag having a unique identifier associated with it secured near the prescription order such that it travels with the order through various locations within the pharmacy. Tag reading devices are positioned at key locations throughout the pharmacy to detect the location of each tag, and its associated attached prescription order. The detected locations are compiled via a computer system and associated with the customer, such that at any given time the location of the prescription order within the pharmacy can be determined, thereby facilitating the efficient operation of the pharmacy. Preferably, filled prescription orders are placed in a large bin having multiple cubbies within it.

Abstract: A pharmacy prescription order identification system that has a uniquely identified tag that travels with the prescription order throughout the pharmacy and is wirelessly connected to a computer system. The tag includes one or more worker signaling devices, such as lights or an audio speaker, that activate in response to either input from the pharmacy worker or other predetermined criteria to identify the prescription order to the pharmacy worker. In a preferred embodiment, the tag includes a plurality of worker signaling devices, and the activation of each transducer alerts a pharmacy worker to a different status of the prescription order. More preferably, the prescription order identification system includes a computer system that allows a pharmacy worker to individually access a customer's record, then activate the worker singling devices on the tag associated with that customer's prescription order, thereby allowing a particular prescription order within the pharmacy to be easily identified.

Abstract: A pharmacy prescription order identification system is disclosed that permits individual detection and tracking of prescription orders even when they are all contained within a bulk container. Each prescription order in the bulk container has a uniquely identified tag. The tag is uniquely coded such that a tag reader can substantially simultaneously read a plurality of tags, thereby facilitating bulk processing and tracking of prescription orders. In a preferred embodiment the computer system compares the detected prescription orders in a bulk shipment with a provided manifest and alerts a worker of any discrepancies found. The tag reader is preferably a hand-held wand.