Method and Apparatus for Processing Pharmaceutical Orders to Determine Whether a Buyer of Pharmaceuticals Qualifies for an 'Own Use' Discount

摘要

Disclosed is a method and apparatus for processing pharmaceutical orders to determine whether a buyer of pharmaceuticals qualifies for an “own use” discount. “Own use” discounts on pharmaceuticals are available for a limited class of buyers under 35 U.S.C. §13c. Under one method, an auditor receives an order for a quantity of pharmaceuticals, receives a report associated with the order containing sufficient information therein to perform an audit on the order, and compares the information found in the order with the information found in the associated report to make a status determination as to whether a buyer qualifies for an “own use” discount. Preferably a second report containing additional audit information is received as well. The auditor can also audit the order by comparing the order to this additional information. If these comparisons result in a determination that the buyer does in fact qualify for an “own use” discount, the auditor can then place the order with a pharmaceutical seller for a discounted price. Also disclosed is a pharmaceutical order auditing system that uses a computer to perform the above-described audit.