Method and apparatus for health and disease management combining patient data monitoring with wireless internet connectivity

Abstract

Embodiments of the invention provide a method and apparatus for a wireless health monitoring system for interactively monitoring a disease or health condition of a patient by connecting an internet-enabled wireless web device (“WWD”) to a health monitoring device which may be a medical device or other health related device such as an exercise machine. The WWD may be connected to the health monitoring device directly by a wired connection to a generic input/output port of the WWD using an optional adaptor if necessary. Alternatively, the WWD may be wirelessly connected to the health monitoring device, such as via an infrared or radio frequency connection, including using protocols such as Bluetooth or 802.11. The wireless connection may also employ an adaptor if necessary. The user may also input data to the WWD manually, such as by a keypad, keyboard, stylus, or optionally by voice command. The health related data is transmitted from the WWD to a server using standard internet protocols. The server calculates a response using a software program which may include an algorithm or artificial intelligence system, and may further provide for review by a physician or health specialist. The user may interact with the server. For example, the server transmits a response to the WWD, and the user may answer the response or provide other information.

1 . A wireless health-monitoring system for monitoring a disease state or condition of a patient, comprising: 
 an internet-enabled wireless web device, the internet-enabled wireless web device including a first communications port having a generic input/output port and a second communications port having a circuit for wireless communications with a network, the internet-enabled wireless web device configured to store:    a health parameter, the health parameter corresponding to a disease state or condition of a patient and determined by a health parameter determining means:    a device application; and    a user interface; and    a server application, residing on a computer readable medium and disposed on a server in communication with the wireless network, for causing the server to:    receive the determined health parameter;    calculate a response based in part on the determined health parameter; and    provide the response to the internet-enabled wireless web device.    
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the generic input/output port includes a port for wireless communications.  
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein a wireless communications scheme employed by the generic input/output port uses radio frequency.  
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein the wireless communications scheme employed uses the Bluetooth protocol.  
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein the wireless communications scheme employed uses the 802.11 protocol.  
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the wireless communications scheme employed uses infrared.  
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the generic input/output port includes a port for serial communications.  
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the generic input/output port includes a port for parallel communications.  
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the internet-enabled wireless web device is selected from the group consisting of: an internet-enabled cellular phone; a handheld, palm, or laptop computer having an optional implemented or integral wireless capability; and a hybrid device of a handheld computer and cellular telephone.  
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein the internet-enabled wireless web device is a personal digital assistant with a wireless capability.  
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a medical device, the medical device including the health parameter determining means, the medical device further comprising an output port to deliver data corresponding to the health parameter.  
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 11 , further comprising an adaptor for connection to the output port of the medical device, the adaptor having an output to deliver data corresponding to the health parameter.  
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein the adaptor output and the generic input/output port communicate via a wired link.  
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein the adaptor output and the generic input/output port communicate via a wireless link.  
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 14 , wherein a wireless communications scheme employed by the generic input/output port and the adaptor output uses radio frequency.  
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein the wireless communications scheme employed uses the Bluetooth protocol or the 802.11 protocol.  
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 14 , wherein a wireless communications scheme employed by the generic input/output port and the adaptor output uses infrared.  
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the output port of the medical device and the generic input/output port communicate via a wired link.  
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the output port of the medical device and the generic input/output port communicate via a wireless link.  
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 19 , wherein a wireless communications scheme employed by the generic input/output port and the output of the medical device uses radio frequency.  
     
     
         21 - 105 . (canceled)