System and method for conducting a physician-patient consultation

摘要

A system and method for conducting a physician-patient consultation is disclosed wherein the patient is located, at least initially, remotely from the physician. The system includes a first clinic station operable by a physician, a patient station remote from the first clinic station for communicating information relating to the patient, and a second clinic station operable by medical personnel for direct contact with the patient, i.e., conducting a physical examination of the patient. A communications network is also provided which includes a communication link between the first clinic station and the patient station, whereby the fist communication link utilizes an interactive computer network and a second communications link between the second clinic station and the first clinic station. In the method, a first set of patient information is communicated from the patient station to the first clinic station and thus to the physician. A first type of patient information is obtained for the purpose of advancing or firing consultation. A second set of patient information is then gathered by the second clinic station through direct contact with the patient, i.e., direct interview and/or physical examination. Both types or sets of patient information is stored in the computer database and are accessible by the physician station.