| abstract |
A system and methodology for the acquisition of medical data from multiple, at-home patient measurement devices transfers the data via telephone communications to a remotely accessed data management and display system such as a Web-based data management system. The measurement device, which supports two-way communications between the patient and the database system, is extensible to support multiple plug-in medical devices and devices for patient input or identification. Collection of data is mediated through an interface device that is connected via a digital link (serial, network, or digital RF link) to single or multiple patient measurement devices. This interface device is connected to a network via wide area network means including standard phone lines. In the preferred embodiment, data transfer is mediated through pervasive DTMF phone networks. Although DTMF is the preferred format, alternative analog or digital audio tone formats may be used. |