WO2023092233A1

WO2023092233A1 - Secure healthcare device, system, method, and computer readable medium

Info

Publication number: WO2023092233A1
Application number: PCT/CA2022/051732
Authority: WO
Inventors: George BARAKAT
Original assignee: Medworks Inc.
Priority date: 2021-11-25
Filing date: 2022-11-25
Publication date: 2023-06-01

Abstract

A secure healthcare system for use with a communications device in scheduling and delivering health and wellness services from providers to a client. The client is matched with providers based on: the services sought and offered; mutual availability of the client and providers; and proximity of the providers to the client. The communications device presents the client with provider data regarding the services available for delivery. The client selectively schedules an appointment for the delivery. The communications device presents the client with real-time updates on a current location and estimated arrival time of the provider. The system processes any payment required for the delivery. Client data associated with the delivery is securely encrypted, when stored and during access,with an auditable end-to-end encryption that is HIPAA compliant. The client can securely access the client data on demand, and securely interact with the scheduled provider.

Description

SECURE HEALTHCARE DEVICE, SYSTEM, METHOD, AND COMPUTER READABLE MEDIUM

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to healthcare and, more particularly, to a secure healthcare device, system, method, and computer readable medium.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Previously, healthcare may have involved public and private components. Public healthcare may have been free (for example, in Canada), but inconvenient. Appointments and locations often may have been difficult to make work. Public healthcare may have been theoretically accessible to all, but in practice, these public systems may have been complicated and/or difficult to navigate. Public healthcare systems may be overburdened. Often, they may have required tradeoffs in care decisions. Care most often was uncoordinated and/or relied on patients to manage it.

[0003] Private healthcare, on the other hand, may have been costly. Although private systems may have offered high quality healthcare, such systems often may have been truly accessible only to the wealthy.

[0004] In the prior art, one or more healthcare markets may have predominantly included increasingly scarce family-doctors, impersonal walk-in clinics, over-stressed emergency rooms as a last resort, COVID-19 rapid testing, and even grocery delivery. These markets may have been inefficient and outdated. They may have presented numerous challenges, for example, inadequate access to doctors I medical services, inadequate hours of operation (e.g., for people who get sick outside of regular operating hours), environmental challenges, economic challenges, human challenges, inflexibility, and inordinate length of time to obtain referrals. Prior art healthcare systems may have created a current need for improved access to healthcare, for improved autonomy and/or self-direction, for improved efficiency, and/or for reduced waste of time, resources, and/or money. Current opportunities may exist in supply and demand pain points. There may be a current need for a universally-accessible online platform and/or to help fund individuals’ self-directed healthcare costs - e.g., via a cryptocurrency fund, and/or with surge I off-peak pricing. There may be a need and/or desire to enable better individual control over personal healthcare, and/or for delivery of on-demand healthcare services.

[0005] Prior art markets for healthcare services may have been inefficient. Those who relied on public healthcare may have been unable to find proper care and/or, if they were lucky enough to find it, often may have been left waiting for months and/or confused about how to navigate concurrent healthcare providers. On the other hand, private healthcare may have been very expensive and/or varied greatly in an available scope of services across different jurisdictions.

[0006] What may be needed is a software application (or “app”) to help alleviate these market inefficiencies, for example, by connecting patients I end users with healthcare providers and/or with healthcare retailers, and vice versa. Such an app might be needed, preferably, to generate extra revenue for healthcare providers and retailers, to reduce the costs of customer acquisition, and/or to provide critical healthcare services for patients and families.

[0007] In recent years, global healthcare markets may have been booming. For example, in 2018, the global healthcare market may have reached in the order of about $8.45T USD. It may be expected to exceed about $10T by 2022. Canadians may have spent about $7,000 USD and Americans may have spent a global high of about $12,700 USD per capita in 2019. The rise in this market may have been driven, perhaps at least in part, by an increase in population, more advanced and/or more complex treatments, adoption of patient service technologies and/or emerging health-focused technologies, alternative delivery models, and/or new health challenges.

[0008] While demand may remain high despite overall accessibility barriers, healthcare delivery may be changing. Increasingly, patients may be taking care into their own hands and/or relying on web-based resources and/or Internet-of-things (or “loT”) devices, such as EMRs, virtual visits, wearables, and more. While, increasingly, the focus of patients and/or providers may be shifting towards prevention and/or wellbeing.

[0009] Across the globe, governments and/or private healthcare providers may be addressing the changing healthcare market and/or service model. Physicians and/or health system providers may be offering more virtual services, with a rise in remote I video conference capabilities and/or in sharing of data through secured online channels. Virtual healthcare delivery and/or business models may be evolving and/or proliferating. There may be a need for integration of telehealth with other virtual health solutions, for hybrid virtual I in-person care models, and/or for improved consumer experience, convenience, access, outcomes, and/or affordability.

[0010] Likewise, the recent uptake in virtual I remote care may require providers to increase security, so as to more securely maintain patient privacy and/or the accuracy of shared information. In this regard, there may have been an increased acceptance and use of blockchain and other technologies in healthcare and the life sciences for better trust and/or collaboration.

[0011] In Canada, the healthcare system may be under stress with questionable ability to maintain funding levels in the face of demographic changes and/or the cost of providing modem healthcare solutions. Governments and/or healthcare providers may seek funding alternatives and/or solutions, while private healthcare providers in all forms (e.g, in person, virtual, etc.) may have started to fill some of the gaps. That said, virtual and/or private healthcare may remain relatively expensive with limited accessibility.

[0012] In the US, healthcare may be driven by insurance companies and/or private health systems. Many Americans may have struggled with high healthcare bills and/or with weighty decisions in a difficult tradeoff between their long-term physical health and their long-term financial health.

[0013] Globally, the gap between the rich and poor may be more prominent than ever and still growing, especially in terms of access to healthcare. People in wealthy nations may expect to live about 18 years longer than their poorer neighbors. Wealth often determines access to healthcare within each country and even within each city too.

[0014] Numerous countries worldwide offer universal healthcare, which affords citizens with healthcare access regardless of their ability to pay. Amongst these countries, healthcare standards may vary widely, perhaps depending on funding, access to technology, population size, and/or social, economic, and/or political factors. These countries may also widely differ in the scope of healthcare services they cover. For example, some countries’ universal healthcare systems cover vision and/or dental services while others do not.

[0015] The United States does not offer universal healthcare. It may have the highest per capita healthcare costs in the world. In the US, private healthcare may have been provided mostly by insurance companies, who may have been in a position to collectively dictate accessibility to care, range of services covered, cost of care, and/or remuneration of healthcare providers.

[0016] Prior art digital health models may involve integration of electronic collection and/or compilation of health data, decision support tools, and/or analytics with use of audio, video, and/or other technologies to deliver preventive, diagnostic, and/or treatment services and/or to promote patient and/or population health. Such models may have already somewhat established themselves, but the arrival of COVID-19 and/or of social distancing measures may have accelerated their use. Now, virtual care may have not only taken hold, but many patients may have reported a desire to continue using such models and/or services after the pandemic subsides.

[0017] There may have been a recent rise in virtual healthcare, in demands on accessibility and/or costs, in reliance on home monitoring technologies, and/or in promotion of preventive health measures.

[0018] There may be a need for a secure healthcare logistics and payment device, system, method, and/or computer readable medium. There may be a need for a device, system, and/or method which provides a fulsome and/or tailored response according to each healthcare user’s needs and/or supplier’s capabilities. There may be a need for a healthcare device, system, and/or method which provides wide-ranging and/or vital utility across the healthcare marketplace, with robust design features and/or security measures.

[0019] What may be needed and/or desirable is an app, device, system, and/or method that matches clients I end users with service providers, preferably based on client needs, provider capabilities, coordinated availability, and/or prioritised/weighted proximity, and/or preferably within a secure environment which meets and/or exceeds medical service standards.

[0020] No previous business - not a private healthcare business like MedCan, not a virtual healthcare business like Maple, and not a software healthcare business like Akira Health - has taken advantage of the “network effect”. None have leveraged an Advanced Encryption Standard with a 256 bit key length (or “AES-256 encryption”) and/or blockchain encryption for EMR security. And, none have leveraged a loyalty program and/or crypto-currency.

[0021] Recently, the gig economy model has been characterized by short-term contracts and freelance work, often with last-minute scheduling. In non-analogous prior art, ride-sharing apps and platforms - e.g., the Uber™ platform offered by Uber Technologies, Inc. and the Lyft™ platform offered by Lyft, Inc. (both of San Francisco, California) - may have forever changed the taxi industry. The Uber™ platform, for example, may have enabled users to request vehicles to their location and facilitated charging such users for vehicle rides. Other on-demand worker I supplier business models may have had similarly disruptive effects on other industries. In such fields of art, however, various problems and shortcomings may have arisen. Yet, the gig economy may have had no real transformative effect on how healthcare and associated services are provided. [0022] The prior art, as a whole, may have failed to match and connect those in need of healthcare services, with others nearby in their community offering such assistance, using an efficient online model.

[0023] What may be needed is a secure healthcare device, system, method, and/or computer readable medium. What may be needed is a secure healthcare device, system, method, and/or computer readable medium that provides a community-based solution which better enables people to connect with each other. It may be an object according to one aspect of the invention to provide a secure healthcare device, system, method, and/or computer readable medium that may be delivered as a consumer-based smartphone app and/or web platform.

[0024] It is an object of the present invention to obviate or mitigate one or more disadvantages and/or shortcomings associated with the prior art, to meet or provide for one or more desires, benefits, needs and/or advantages, and/or to achieve one or more objects of the invention - one or more of which may preferably be readily appreciable by and/or suggested to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings and/or disclosures hereof.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0025] According to the invention, there is disclosed a secure healthcare system for use in offering, scheduling, and/or delivering health and/or wellness services from offering providers to a client. The system may preferably be for use with a communications device that is local to the client. The system may preferably include a matching subsystem, a booking subsystem, a tracking subsystem, a transaction management subsystem, and/or an encryption subsystem. The matching subsystem may preferably match the client with one or more matching providers among the offering providers preferably based, in dependent relation, on: (i) the health and wellness services that are sought by the client; (ii) the health and wellness services that are offered by the offering providers; (iii) any mutual availability of the client and the offering providers; and/or (iv) a weighted geographical proximity of each of the offering providers relative to a service delivery location for the client. The matching subsystem may preferably use the communications device to present the client with provider data: the matching providers; and/or the health and/or wellness services that are available from the matching providers for delivery to the service delivery location. The booking subsystem may preferably enable the client to selectively schedule an appointment when the client and a scheduled provider among the matching providers are mutually available to attend at the service delivery location for the delivery. The tracking subsystem may preferably use the communications device to present the client with one or more updates, substantially in real-time, on a current location of the scheduled provider and/or an estimated arrival time of the scheduled provider at the service delivery location. The transaction management subsystem may preferably manage a transaction, and/or process any payment, required for the delivery of the health and/or wellness services to the client by the scheduled provider. The encryption subsystem may preferably enable the client and/or the scheduled provider to securely store client data associated with the delivery of the health and/or wellness services to the client. The client data may preferably be securely encrypted, when stored and/or during access, with an auditable end-to-end encryption that may preferably be HIPAA compliant. The encryption subsystem may preferably enable the client to securely access the client data on demand. Accordingly, the system may preferably enable the client to securely interact with the scheduled provider.

[0026] According to one aspect of the invention, the auditable end-to-end encryption may preferably, but need not necessarily, include AES-256 encryption.

[0027] According to one aspect of the invention, the auditable end-to-end encryption may preferably, but need not necessarily, include a secure blockchain element for auditably storing and/or accessing the client data.

[0028] According to one aspect of the invention, the client data may preferably, but need not necessarily, include provider interaction information, appointment history information, demographic information, and/or health history information regarding the client.

[0029] According to one aspect of the invention, the system may preferably, but need not necessarily, be adapted for further use by a selected party. The encryption subsystem may preferably, but need not necessarily, enable the client to securely provide the selected party with access to a subset of the client data.

[0030] According to one aspect of the invention, the system may preferably, but need not necessarily, be adapted for use by one or more of the following as the selected party: another provider of health and/or wellness services; a health insurance provider; one or more family members of the client; and/or a substitute decision-maker.

[0031] According to one aspect of the invention, the system may preferably, but need not necessarily, also include a service access subsystem for delivery of the health and/or wellness services by the scheduled provider, via the communications device, to the client.

[0032] According to one aspect of the invention, the service access subsystem may preferably, but need not necessarily, include a video conferencing element that enables the appointment to be conducted as a virtual visit, substantially in real-time, via the communications device.

[0033] According to one aspect of the invention, the system may preferably, but need not necessarily, also include a loyalty I rewards subsystem that provides the client with a predetermined percentage of any aforesaid payment processed by the transaction management subsystem in the form of loyalty points. The loyalty points may preferably, but need not necessarily, be for selective exchange by the client, preferably at an exchange rate of substantially about 1 :1 , in making any subsequent payment as aforesaid, preferably via the transaction management subsystem, and/or preferably when the subsequent payment may be required for the delivery of subsequent aforesaid health and/or wellness services to the client. [0034] According to one aspect of the invention, the predetermined percentage may preferably, but need not necessarily, be substantially between about one and ten percent.

[0035] According to one aspect of the invention, the system may preferably, but need not necessarily, also include a cryptocurrency subsystem that enables the client to selectively buy one or more cryptocurrency tokens with the loyalty points. The cryptocurrency subsystem may preferably, but need not necessarily, determine a floating value of the cryptocurrency tokens, in dependent relation, based on one or more free-trading currencies. The cryptocurrency subsystem may preferably, but need not necessarily, enable the cryptocurrency tokens to be selectively exchanged by the client, preferably at an exchange rate based on the floating value of the cryptocurrency tokens, in making any payment as aforesaid, preferably via the transaction management subsystem, and/or preferably when such payment may be required for the delivery of the health and/or wellness services to the client.

[0036] According to one aspect of the invention, the system may preferably, but need not necessarily, also include a cryptocurrency subsystem that enables the client to selectively buy one or more cryptocurrency tokens. The cryptocurrency subsystem may preferably, but need not necessarily, determine a floating value of the cryptocurrency tokens, in dependent relation, based on one or more free-trading currencies. The cryptocurrency subsystem may preferably, but need not necessarily, enable the cryptocurrency tokens to be selectively exchanged by the client, preferably at an exchange rate based on the floating value of the cryptocurrency tokens, in making any payment as aforesaid, preferably via the transaction management subsystem, and/or preferably when such payment may be required for the delivery of the health and/or wellness services to the client.

[0037] According to one aspect of the invention, the system may preferably, but need not necessarily, be adapted for use with one or more of the following as the communications device: a smartphone, a mobile communications device, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, and/or a web browser software application.

[0038] According to one aspect of the invention, the health and/or wellness services may preferably, but need not necessarily, include one or more of the following: primary healthcare services; para-healthcare services; prescription filling services; health insurance services; preventative healthcare services; health and/or wellness testing and/or diagnostic services; mental health services; holistic healthcare services; wellness services; lifestyle services; massage services; physiotherapy services; ready-made meal services; and/or delivery of retail health and/or wellness products and/or services.

[0039] According to one aspect of the invention, the transaction managed by the transaction management subsystem may preferably, but need not necessarily, include one or more of the following: a public health transaction; a private healthcare transaction; an insurance transaction; and/or a for-pay transaction.

[0040] According to one aspect of the invention, the system may preferably, but need not necessarily, be adapted for further use by one or more coordinated care administrators. The secure healthcare system may preferably, but need not necessarily, also include a concierge subsystem that connects the client with the coordinated care administrators, preferably to help the client identify, assess, and/or address one or more health and/or wellness issues and/or needs of the client.

[0041] According to one aspect of the invention, the system may preferably, but need not necessarily, also include a questionnaire-style subsystem that uses the communications device for input of the health and/or wellness services that may be sought by the client. The questionnaire-style subsystem may preferably, but need not necessarily, use the communications device to present the client with the aforesaid health and/or wellness services that may be offered by the offering providers, preferably based, in dependent relation, on the health and/or wellness services that may be sought by the client. [0042] According to one aspect of the invention, the transaction management subsystem may preferably, but need not necessarily, remit the payment to the scheduled provider after the delivery of the health and/or wellness services to the client.

[0043] According to one aspect of the invention, the system may preferably, but need not necessarily, be adapted for further use by a system administrator. The system may preferably, but need not necessarily, also include an administrative subsystem that presents the system administrator with one or more of the following: a location for each said client; the health and/or wellness services sought by each aforesaid client; a number of system users; and/or details of any searches abandoned by the system users.

[0044] According to the invention, there is also disclosed a secure healthcare method for use in offering, scheduling, and/or delivering health and/or wellness services from offering providers to a client. The method may preferably be for use with a communications device that may be local to the client. The method may preferably include a matching step, a booking step, a tracking step, a transaction management step, and/or an encryption step. In the matching step, the client may preferably be matched with one or more matching providers among the offering providers, preferably based, in dependent relation, on: (i) the health and/or wellness services that may be sought by the client; (ii) the health and/or wellness services that may be offered by the offering providers; (iii) any mutual availability of the client and the offering providers; and/or (iv) a weighted geographical proximity of each of the offering providers relative to a service delivery location for the client. In the matching step, the communications device may preferably present the client with provider data regarding: the matching providers; and/or the health and/or wellness services that are available from the matching providers for delivery to the service delivery location. The booking step may preferably enable the client to selectively schedule an appointment when the client and a scheduled provider among the matching providers may be mutually available to attend at the service delivery location for the delivery. In the tracking step, the communications device may preferably present the client with one or more updates, substantially in real-time, on a current location of the scheduled provider and/or an estimated arrival time of the scheduled provider at the service delivery location. The transaction management step may preferably manage a transaction, and/or process any payment, required for the delivery of the health and/or wellness services to the client by the scheduled provider. The encryption step may preferably enable the client and/or the scheduled provider to securely store client data associated with the delivery of the health and/or wellness services to the client. The client data may preferably be securely encrypted, when stored and/or during access, with an auditable end-to-end encryption that may preferably be HIPAA compliant. The encryption step may preferably enable the client to securely access the client data on demand. Accordingly, the method may preferably enable the client to securely interact with the scheduled provider.

[0045] According to one aspect of the invention, the method may preferably, but need not necessarily, also include a service access step. In the service access step, the health and/or wellness services may preferably, but need not necessarily, be delivered by the scheduled provider, preferably via the communications device, to the client.

[0046] According to one aspect of the invention, the method may preferably, but need not necessarily, also include a loyalty I rewards step of providing the client with a predetermined percentage of any aforesaid payment processed by the transaction management subsystem. The predetermined percentage may preferably, but need not necessarily, be provided in the form of loyalty points which may preferably be for selective exchange by the client, preferably at an exchange rate of substantially about 1 :1 , in making any subsequent payment as aforesaid. The subsequent payment may preferably, but need not necessarily, be made via the transaction management subsystem, preferably when required for the delivery of subsequent aforesaid health and/or wellness services to the client.

[0047] According to one aspect of the invention, the method may preferably, but need not necessarily, also include a cryptocurrency step. In the cryptocurrency step, the client may preferably, but need not necessarily, selectively buy one or more cryptocurrency tokens. In the cryptocurrency step, a floating value of the cryptocurrency tokens may preferably, but need not necessarily, be determined, in dependent relation, based on one or more free-trading currencies. In the cryptocurrency step, the cryptocurrency tokens may preferably, but need not necessarily, be selectively exchanged by the client, at an exchange rate that may preferably be based on the floating value of the cryptocurrency tokens, in making any payment as aforesaid. The payment may preferably, but need not necessarily, be made via the transaction management subsystem, preferably when required for the delivery of the health and/or wellness services to the client.

[0048] According to one aspect of the invention, the method may preferably, but need not necessarily, be adapted for further use by one or more coordinated care administrators. The method may preferably, but need not necessarily, also include a concierge step of connecting the client with the coordinated care administrators, preferably to help the client identify, assess, and/or address one or more health and/or wellness issues and/or needs of the client

[0049] According to the invention, there is also disclosed a secure healthcare computer readable medium encoded with executable computer processing instructions. Preferably, when operatively executed by one or more computer processors, the executable computer processing instructions may perform the method as aforesaid.

[0050] According to the invention, and to come at it another way, there are also disclosed one or more healthcare devices, systems, methods, and/or computer readable media.

[0051] According to one aspect of the invention, the devices, systems, methods, and/or computer readable media may preferably, but need not necessarily, be adapted for use in a healthcare provider marketplace. The devices, systems, methods, and/or computer readable media may preferably, but need not necessarily, provide a smartphone, mobile, desktop, and/or computer software application (or “app”) that preferably acts as a health and wellness connector, through which patients and vendors can transact. The app may preferably, but need not necessarily, provide client users with information concerning services available regionally for delivery to the client users’ homes. The app may preferably, but need not necessarily, match client users with service providers based on each client user’s need, on provider capability, on mutual availability, and on weighted proximity.

[0052] According to one aspect of the invention, the devices, systems, methods, and/or computer readable media may preferably, but need not necessarily, provide for delivery of primary healthcare services, para-healthcare services, wellness services, lifestyle services, and retail products and services to client users in the comfort of their homes.

[0053] According to one aspect of the invention, the devices, systems, methods, and/or computer readable media may preferably, but need not necessarily, provide a virtual personal healthcare support system that can: help determine personal I tailored healthcare needs; suggest, access, and/or schedule healthcare services and/or products for client users; and/or deliver those services and products directly to client users’ homes, on demand.

[0054] According to one aspect of the invention, the devices, systems, methods, and/or computer readable media may preferably, but need not necessarily, provide and/or enable provision of a la carte services, a service tracking feature, an optional concierge service, a service rating system, encryption, a loyalty I rewards program, and/or a cryptocurrency element, as may be described elsewhere herein.

[0055] According to one aspect of the invention, the devices, systems, methods, and/or computer readable media may preferably, but need not necessarily, enable end users to access services, schedule appointments, hold video appointments, access reports and/or diagnostics, communicate with vendors, manage loyalty I rewards points, and/or secure general help. [0056] According to one aspect of the invention, the devices, systems, methods, and/or computer readable media may preferably, but need not necessarily, geotag service providers and client users and/or connect them based perhaps at least in part on geography. The app may preferably, but need not necessarily, generate results based on need, proximity, availability, scheduling, payment, records, and/or tracking.

[0057] According to one aspect of the invention, the app may preferably, but need not necessarily, enable payment processing and/or management of transactions.

[0058] According to one aspect of the invention, the devices, systems, methods, and/or computer readable media may preferably, but need not necessarily, be delivered as a consumer-based smartphone app and/or web platform.

[0059] Other advantages, features, and/or characteristics of the present invention, as well as methods of operation and functions of the related elements of the structure, operation, and/or the combination of parts, features, and/or economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of this detailed description with reference to the figures which accompany this application, and/or to any figures which may accompany any applications claiming priority herefrom.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0060] The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the present invention, and related devices, systems, methods, and/or computer readable media according to the present invention, as to their structure, organization, use, and/or method of operation, together with further objectives and advantages thereof, may be better understood from the figures which accompany this application, in which presently preferred embodiments of the invention have been illustrated by way of example. It is expressly understood, however, that such figures have been provided for the purpose of illustration and/or description only, and not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. In the accompanying drawings: [0061] FIG. 1 depicts a mobile device running an app and system according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

[0062] FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of the system of FIG. 1 , shown in a public I private healthcare continuum;

[0063] FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of the system of FIG. 1 , shown between central patients I families and spokes of various service providers;

[0064] FIG. 4 shows a virtuous cycle method according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

[0065] FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of the system of FIG. 1 , shown between various service providers and patients I families;

[0066] FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of the system of FIG. 1 , shown at an intersection of various healthcare models;

[0067] FIG. 7 is a welcome screen presented by the app of FIG. 1 ;

[0068] FIG. 8 is a service provider screen presented by the app of FIG. 1 ;

[0069] FIG. 9 is a login screen presented by the app of FIG. 1 ;

[0070] FIG. 10 is a sign-up screen presented by the app of FIG. 1 ;

[0071] FIG. 11 is another screen in a sequence of sign-up screens presented by the app of FIG. 1 ;

[0072] FIG. 12 is a further screen in the sequence of sign-up screens presented by the app of FIG. 1 ;

[0073] FIG. 13 is yet another screen in the sequence of sign-up screens presented by the app of FIG. 1 ; [0074] FIG. 14 is a yet further screen in the sequence of sign-up screens presented by the app of FIG. 1 ;

[0075] FIG. 15 is another screen in the sequence of sign-up screens presented by the app of FIG. 1 ;

[0076] FIG. 16 depicts a cryptocurrency screen presented by the app of FIG. 1 ;

[0077] FIG. 17 depicts another cryptocurrency screen presented by the app of FIG. 1 ;

[0078] FIG. 18 depicts a further cryptocurrency screen presented by the app of FIG. 1 ;

[0079] FIG. 19 depicts a delivery zone screen presented by the app of FIG. 1 ;

[0080] FIG. 20 depicts a service options screen presented by the app of FIG. 1 ;

[0081] FIG. 21 depicts a questionnaire-style screen presented by the app of FIG. 1 ;

[0082] FIG. 22 depicts a home screen screen presented by the app of FIG. 1 ;

[0083] FIG. 23 depicts another service provider screen presented by the app of FIG. 1 ;

[0084] FIG. 24 depicts a booking screen presented by the app of FIG. 1 ;

[0085] FIG. 25 depicts a transaction screen presented by the app of FIG. 1 ;

[0086] FIG. 26 depicts another transaction screen presented by the app of FIG. 1 ;

[0087] FIG. 27 depicts a profile settings screen presented by the app of FIG. 1 ;

[0088] FIG. 28 depicts an account setup screen presented by the app of FIG. 1 ;

[0089] FIG. 29 depicts another account setup screen presented by the app of FIG. 1 ;

[0090] FIG. 30 depicts a verification screen presented by the app of FIG. 1 ;

[0091] FIG. 31 depicts a password creation screen presented by the app of FIG. 1 ;

[0092] FIG. 32 depicts an account creation screen presented by the app of FIG. 1 ; [0093] FIG. 33 depicts a card checkout screen presented by the app of FIG. 1 ;

[0094] FIG. 34 depicts an add card screen presented by the app of FIG. 1 ;

[0095] FIG. 35 is a cryptocurrency checkout screen presented by the app of FIG. 1 ;

[0096] FIG. 36 depicts a request confirmation screen presented by the app of FIG. 1 ;

[0097] FIG. 37 is a location and service radius screen presented by the app of FIG. 1 ;

[0098] FIG. 38 depicts a location confirmation screen presented by the app of FIG. 1 ;

[0099] FIG. 39 depicts a service customization screen presented by the app of FIG. 1 ;

[0100] FIG. 40 depicts another home screen presented by the app of FIG. 1 ;

[0101] FIG. 41 depicts a further home screen presented by the app of FIG. 1 ;

[0102] FIG. 42 depicts an account screen presented by the app of FIG. 1 ;

[0103] FIG. 43 depicts another login screen presented by the app of FIG. 1 ;

[0104] FIG. 44 depicts yet another sign-up screen presented by the app of FIG. 1 ;

[0105] FIG. 45 depicts a loyalty I rewards screen presented by the app of FIG. 1 ;

[0106] FIG. 46 depicts another service provider screen presented by the app of FIG. 1 ;

[0107] FIG. 47 depicts another transaction screen presented by the app of FIG. 1 ;

[0108] FIG. 48 depicts a further transaction screen presented by the app of FIG. 1 ;

[0109] FIG. 49 depicts another booking screen presented by the app of FIG. 1 ;

[0110] FIG. 50 depicts a payment screen presented by the app of FIG. 1 ;

[0111] FIG. 51 depicts a client language and special instructions screen presented by the app of FIG. 1 ; and [0112] FIG. 52 is a schematic of the system of FIG. 1 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0113] This disclosure, including the accompanying drawings, may include one or more numbers, words, phrases, sentences, menu items, arrangements, and/or configurations which may be included by way of example. It may bear repeating, in this respect specifically, that such drawings and/or this disclosure are for the purpose of illustration and description only, and not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention.

[0114] Generally - The accompanying drawings illustrate aspects of one or more secure healthcare devices, systems 200, methods, and/or computer readable media 400 according to preferred embodiments of the invention.

[0115] Accompanying FIG. 1 and FIG. 7 to 51 depict an app or website that may preferably be adapted to present features and functionalities afforded by devices, systems 200, methods, and computer readable media 400 according to the invention.

[0116] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, a secure healthcare system 200 is for use in offering, scheduling, and/or delivering health and wellness services 120 from offering providers 130 to a client 110. The health and wellness services can be (for example): primary healthcare services; para-healthcare services; prescription filling services; health insurance services; preventative healthcare services; health and wellness testing and diagnostic services; mental health services; holistic healthcare services; wellness services; lifestyle services; massage services; physiotherapy services; ready-made meal services; and/or the delivery of retail health and wellness products and services.

[0117] The system 200 is for use with a communications device 100 that is local to the client 110. The communications device can be, for example, a smartphone, a mobile communications device, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, and/or a web browser software application. [0118] The system 200 may preferably include: a matching subsystem 210; a booking subsystem 230; a tracking subsystem 240; a transaction management subsystem 250; an encryption subsystem 260; a service access subsystem 300; a loyalty I rewards subsystem 310; a cryptocurrency subsystem 320; a concierge subsystem 330; a questionnaire-style subsystem 340; and/or an administrative subsystem 350.

[0119] The matching subsystem 210 preferably matches the client 110 with matching providers 130 based, in dependent relation, on: (i) the health and wellness services 120 that are sought by the client 110; (ii) the health and wellness services 120 that are offered by the offering providers 130; (iii) any mutual availability 212 of the client 110 and the offering providers 130; and/or (iv) a weighted geographical proximity 214 of each of the offering providers 130 relative to a service delivery location 216 for the client 110.

[0120] The matching subsystem 210 uses the communications device 100 to present the client 110 with provider data 218 regarding the matching providers 130 and/or their health and/or wellness services 120 that are available for delivery to the service delivery location 216.

[0121] The booking subsystem 230 enables the client 110 to selectively schedule an appointment 232 when the client 110 and a scheduled provider 130 are mutually available to attend at the service delivery location 216 for the delivery.

[0122] The tracking subsystem 240 preferably uses the communications device 100 to present the client 110 with real-time updates 242 on a current location of the scheduled provider and their estimated arrival time at the service delivery location 216.

[0123] The transaction management subsystem 250 manages a transaction 252, and processes any payment 256, required for the delivery of the health and wellness services to the client 110 by the scheduled provider 130. Preferably, the transaction 252 managed by the transaction management subsystem 250 can, for example, be a public health transaction, a private healthcare transaction, an insurance transaction, and/or a for-pay transaction. The transaction management subsystem 250 preferably remits the payment 256 to the scheduled provider 130 after the delivery of the health and wellness services 120 to the client 110.

[0124] The encryption subsystem 260 enables the client 110 and the scheduled provider 130 to securely store client data 270 associated with the delivery of the health and wellness services. The client data 270 preferably includes provider interaction information 274, appointment history information 276, demographic information 278, and/or health history information 280 regarding the client 110.

[0125] The client data 270 is securely encrypted, when stored and during access, with an auditable end-to-end encryption 290 that is HIPAA compliant. The auditable end-to-end encryption 290 preferably includes AES-256 encryption 292 and/or a secure blockchain element 294 for auditably storing and/or accessing the client data 270. The encryption subsystem 260 enables the client 110 to securely access the client data 270 on demand.

[0126] The encryption subsystem 260 preferably enables the client 110 to securely provide a selected party 140 with access to a subset 272 of the client data 270. The selected party 140 can be another provider of health and wellness services, a health insurance provider, one or more family members of the client, and/or a substitute decision-maker.

[0127] The service access subsystem 300 is preferably for virtual delivery of the health and wellness services 120 by the scheduled provider 130, via the communications device 100, to the client 110. It preferably includes a video conferencing element 302 that enables the appointment 232 to be conducted as a virtual visit, in real-time, via the communications device 100.

[0128] The loyalty I rewards subsystem 310 preferably provides the client 110 with a predetermined percentage 316 of any aforesaid payment 256 processed by the transaction management subsystem 250 in the form of loyalty points 312. The predetermined percentage 316 is between about one and about ten percent. For example, the predetermined percentage 316 can preferably be about ten percent.

[0129] The loyalty points 312 are preferably for selective exchange by the client 110, at an exchange rate 314 of about 1 :1 , in making any subsequent payment 256 as aforesaid, via the transaction management subsystem 250, when the subsequent payment 256 is required for the delivery of subsequent health and wellness services 120 to the client 110.

[0130] The cryptocurrency subsystem 320 preferably enables the client to selectively buy cryptocurrency tokens 322 - e.g., with regular currency or with the loyalty points 312. The cryptocurrency subsystem 320 preferably determines a floating value 324 of the cryptocurrency tokens 322. The floating value 324 is preferably determined, in dependent relation, based on a free-trading currency 326.

[0131] The cryptocurrency subsystem 320 enables the cryptocurrency tokens 322 to be selectively exchanged by the client 110, at an exchange rate based on the floating value 324 of the cryptocurrency tokens 322. In this manner, the cryptocurrency tokens 322 can be used to make a payment 256, via the transaction management subsystem 250, when required for the delivery of the health and wellness services 120 to the client 110.

[0132] The concierge subsystem 330 preferably connects the client 110 with a coordinated care administrator 150 to help the client 110 identify, assess, and/or address one or more health and/or wellness issues and/or needs of the client 110.

[0133] The questionnaire-style subsystem 340 preferably uses the communications device 100 for input of the client’s sought-after health and wellness services 342. The questionnaire-style subsystem 340 preferably uses the communications device 100 to present the client 110 with health and wellness services 120 offered by the providers 130 based, in dependent relation, on the sought-after health and wellness services 342 of the client 110. [0134] The administrative subsystem 350 preferably presents a system administrator 160 with (for example): a location for the clients 110; the sought-after health and wellness services 342 of the client 110; a number of system users 352; and/or details of any searches abandoned by the system users 354.

[0135] As set out above, the system 200 preferably, among other things, enables the client 110 to securely interact with the scheduled provider 130.

[0136] The computer readable medium 400 is preferably encoded with executable computer processing instructions. When operatively executed by one or more computer processors (e.g., onboard the communications device 100), the executable computer processing instructions direct the communications device 100 to perform a method according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0137] In use, the systems 200 and devices 100 (e.g., smartphones, other mobile devices, computers, and apps or platforms running on them) according to the invention may preferably carry out and/or embody one or more steps of the method according to the invention. Likewise, the computer readable media 400 according to the invention may preferably be used to readily adapt other devices 100 and/or systems 200 to carry out and/or embody such steps.

[0138] The system (alternately herein referred to as the platform and/or app) 200 according to the invention preferably are adapted for use in a healthcare provider marketplace. The app (alternately herein referred to as “the MedWorks app”) 200 is a smartphone, mobile, desktop, and/or computer software application that preferably acts as a health and wellness connector, through which patients 110 and vendors 130 can transact - preferably, while providing users with information concerning services 120 available regionally for delivery to end users’ homes 216. (Herein, users 110 may be alternately referred to as patients and/or clients.) According to the invention, in use, the app 200 preferably executes an algorithm to match clients 110 with service providers 130 based on client need, provider capability, mutual availability 212, and weighted proximity 214.

[0139] The app 200 preferably provides accessible, coordinated, and high-quality healthcare 120 to users 110 - no matter the complexity of their need, geographic location 216, or socioeconomic status. A new, holistic, and accessible healthcare app 200, it preferably offers affordable and accessible high-quality healthcare 120 and provides access to all healthcare vendors 130 via a la carte and/or concierge services 330. The app 200 preferably sources, coordinates, and delivers individual and family care 120 at home, in the community, and beyond 216. The app 200 may preferably utilize a combination of public health coverage, private healthcare coverage, and/or for-pay services. The app 200 preferably provides primary, para-healthcare, wellness, lifestyle, and retail products and services 120 for all demographics, all socioeconomic status, and all geographies - preferably, delivered to the comfort of a user’s home 216.

[0140] The app 200 preferably has been designed with patients 110 and patient needs at its core, and to change the world of healthcare as appropriate. The app 200 affords users 110 with a robust portal that preferably provides access to patients 110, service coordinators 150, and healthcare providers 130 alike. Coordinators and administrators (alternately herein “admins”) 150 can preferably use the app to help patients 110 and doctors 130 ensure alignment, availability, and coverage for appointments 232. Doctors and healthcare and wellness providers 130 can preferably use the app 200 to conduct appointments 232 with patients 110, upload reports and diagnostics, and make referrals. Together, the app 200 can be used to access a community and/or network of customers 140 and patients 110, retailers and providers 130, healthcare systems, and business partners. Use of the app 200 preferably helps app operators and admins 150, 160 to monetize a scale benefit of this crowd 110, 130, 160.

[0141] Among its many capabilities, the app preferably provides an irreplaceable virtual personal healthcare support system 200 that can: help determine personal I tailored healthcare needs; suggest, access, and schedule healthcare services 120 and products for users 110; deliver those services 120 and products directly to users’ homes 216, on demand; and grow with users 110 as their personal needs change over time.

[0142] The app 200 provides users 110 with access to a variety of service providers 130 beyond just the traditional healthcare service providers 130 it presents. The app 200 preferably provides users 110 with access to preventative and holistic health service providers 130. The app 200 preferably provides users 110 with access to retailers, including retailers of groceries and pharmacy and home health products. These retailers (e.g., home healthcare equipment retailers) preferably include retail store chains and independent retailers. The app 200 can preferably be used to access services 120 that are aligned with the overall health plans and objectives of individual patients 110 and families 140.

[0143] According to the invention, the app 200 preferably offers a la carte services 120, a service tracking feature 240, an optional concierge service 330, a service rating system, encryption 290, a loyalty I rewards program 310, and/or a cryptocurrency element 320 (among other features). The app 200 preferably provides end users 110 with an ability to access services 120, schedule appointments 232, hold video appointments 302, access reports and diagnostics, communicate with vendors 130, manage loyalty I rewards points 310, and secure general help.

[0144] The app 200 preferably allows for both patient 110 and provider 130 onboarding and the ability to connect these parties. It preferably includes functionality to help define patient needs and to qualify and categorize providers 130. The app 200 preferably has an admin side I back-end 350 that stores, manages, and harvests data to inform and make proper connections between patients 110 and providers 130. The app 200 can preferably help to deliver primary care and paramedical services 130, as well as retail services. It preferably also accommodates additional specialists.

[0145] It preferably offers geotagging to enable an ability to connect patients 110 and providers 130 based on geography 214 as well as other parameters. The app 200 preferably generates results based on need, proximity 214, availability 212, scheduling, payment, records, and/or tracking 240.

[0146] The app 200 preferably offers payment processing 250 to enable management of transactions 252. The app 200 is preferably available on both the iOS and Android platforms.

[0147] A La Carte Services 120 - The app 200 preferably provides users with a variety of a la carte services 120, preferably including primary care services, paramedical services, at-home, and retail and other services (e.g., grocery services, ready made meals, and other consumables). The app 200 preferably offers services 120 relating to COVID testing, diabetes care, mental health services, and personal training. Preferably, via a la carte services 120, the app 200 provides users 110 with a timely ability to (for example) fill prescriptions, take COVID-19 tests, get a massage or physiotherapy, obtain medical supplies and groceries - with delivery to their door-steps 216.

[0148] The app’s a la carte services 120 leverage highly skilled healthcare workers 130 as a mobile team for delivery of high-quality healthcare, across many service offerings, to patients I users 110 in need. Use of the app 200 preferably helps to alleviate pressures on hospital emergency rooms, primary healthcare service providers, and others.

[0149] Online Scheduling 230 - The app 200 preferably provides users 110 with an ability to schedule 230 services based on location 216 and service provider availability.

[0150] Service Tracker 240 - The app 200 preferably presents users 110 with a service tracking feature 240 that provides users 110 with live updates 242 on their healthcare service providers' locations and estimated arrival times. Preferably, the app 200 may tell the end user 110 approximately how long it might take for the service provider 130 to get there 216. [0151] Virtual Visits 300 - The app 200 preferably provides users 110 and service providers 130 with an ability to conduct virtual I video visits 302 with each other within the app 200.

[0152] Concierge Service 330 - The app 200 preferably offers an optional concierge service 330 for coordinated care. The app 200 preferably enables concierge services 330 by providing end users 110 the ability to coordinate numerous complex calendars, sequencing of appointments, and more. Through this concierge service 330, the app 200 preferably provides services 120 tailored to one or more needs of the individual patients 110 and families 140 who use the concierge service 330. The app 200 may preferably record key demographic information 278 and a health history 280 about such patients 110 and families 140, and assign one or more app coordinators, other admins, and team members 150 to help identify, assess, and/or address key health and wellness issues.

[0153] The concierge service 330 of the app 200 preferably provides such users 110, 140 with ongoing care and access to a dedicated team 150 substantially all the time, on-demand, and when and as needed (e.g., 24 hours per day and 7 days per week). Users 110, 140 of the app’s concierge service 330 preferably benefit from a comprehensive health assessment enabled by the app 200, and from team members 150 who preferably help to coordinate patient care needs, navigate the health system, and advocate on behalf of such users 110, 140.

[0154] In this respect, the app 200 preferably presents users 140 I patients 110 with a questionnaire-style front end 340 that is operatively connected to an Al back end. The app 200 preferably uses individual patient data 270, together with additional data from health and wellness providers 130, to determine a list of potential options for the individual 110 / family 140 from which to choose.

[0155] The concierge service 330 of the app 200 preferably provides children 140 of aging seniors 110, persons in need of assisted living care 110, substitute decision-makers 140, and numerous others with support in navigating the health system for their own health and the health of their loved ones. The app 200 preferably provides app coordinators 150 and admins 160 with a better ability to help patients 110 with healthcare 120 and wellness providers 130 - e.g., to ensure alignment, availability, patient access, appointment history 276, and file transfer.

[0156] The app 200 preferably provides an affordable and accessible high-quality healthcare concierge service 330 that sources, coordinates, and delivers individual and family care at home, in the community, and beyond 216. In this way, the app 200 preferably functions as a smartphone application that also acts as a medical concierge 330.

[0157] Preferably, the app’s concierge service 330 provides users 110, for example, with a curated selection of accessible wearables, and/or with a customized selection of healthy menu items, as part of a holistic healthcare ecosystem where the individual patient’s well-being comes first.

[0158] Preferably, in its concierge services 330, the app 200 may provide corporate medical services, such as, for example, insurance claim review and medical writing and literature reviews.

[0159] Service Rating System - The app 200 preferably presents users 110 with a points-based rating system (e.g., a rating of 1 to 5 stars) for rating different vendors 130 based on user interactions via the app I platform 200. According to the invention, the app 200 preferably provides patients 110 and families 140 with an ability to review and score service providers 130. As such, the app 200 preferably helps to vett service providers 130, and to ensure that service providers 130 maintain high standards of service and care 120. Any providers who do not meet the app’s basic threshold are preferably removed from the network of service providers 130 accessible via the app 200.

[0160] Encryption 290 - The app 200 preferably leverages data to facilitate encrypted, secure, and selective transfer of patient information 270. The app 200 may preferably utilize a secured blockchain 294, and/or secured auditable AES-256 encryption 292, for patient records 270, for patients 110 to share interactions with whomever 140 they choose, and/or to ensure patients 110 can have secured interactions with the service providers 130 they choose.

[0161] The app 200 preferably provides HIPAA compliant patient records 270, preferably handled with AES-256 encryption 292. Patient data 270 is preferably encrypted 260 within the app 200 both in transit and at rest. The transfer of patient I customer records and information 270 is preferably available through the app’s concierge service 330 and/or other app member services. This then allows customers 1401 patients 110 to focus and guide their healthcare in ways they want.

[0162] For example, after a patient 110 I customer 140 has enrolled in the app’s concierge services 330, vendors 130 can preferably record a healthcare I occurrence note 274. The app 200 preferably provides protected I selective access to information 270 available through the app 200. Healthcare vendors 130 can safely access health records 270 only with a patient’s consent.

[0163] Interactions 274 are preferably stored within the app 200, including information provided by doctors 130, diagnostic centers, and health insurance companies. This feature preferably enables patients 110 / customers 140 to have access to their information 270 on demand.

[0164] In this way, the app 200 preferably provides users 110 with immediate and constant access to their respective medical records 270 I histones 274, 276, 280 that are stored and protected using strong blockchain technologies 294, which meet and surpass the highest security standards demanded by the healthcare system. The app 200 preferably provides users 110 with an ability to selectively and instantly share those records 270 with the professional healthcare community 140.

[0165] Loyalty / Rewards 310 - The app 200 preferably presents users 110 with healthcare promotions via a comprehensive loyalty or rewards program 310. The app 200 preferably provides a percentage 316 of each patient I customer’s spend (e.g., 1-10%) back to the patient 110 / customer 140 in the form of incentive, loyalty, or rewards points 312 or dollars that can be used to purchase additional healthcare services 120 or products from service providers 130 via the app 200. These service providers 130 preferably include retailers, grocers, healthcare systems, auxiliary healthcare providers, and home healthcare and wellness providers. For example, if a patient spends $100 on a massage therapist, they might immediately earn back up to $10 in loyalty reward points 312 / dollars to spend in the app 200. There may preferably be a 1 :1 relationship 314 between points 312 and redemption dollar, e.g., 1 Reward Point may be equivalent to $1 CAD or to $1 USD. According to the invention, service providers 130 preferably can accept such loyalty points 312 as a form of payment 256 from the patient 110 and/or from the app operator or admins 160, and/or the service providers 130 can preferably selectively use the loyalty points 312 to pay the app operator / admins 160, or another provider on the app 200, for a service 120.

[0166] This loyalty and rewards feature 310 may also, according to the invention, function as a wellness rewards component, with rewards 312 accruing for attending regularly scheduled visits for medical services 120, for maintaining healthy habits, for exercise I personal training sessions, for use of meditation services, for use of financial health services, and/or for healthy eating I dietician services, each and all to the extent they may be enabled and/or facilitated via use of the app 200.

[0167] The loyalty I rewards feature 310 of the app 200 preferably provides users 110 with some relief at the cash register. The loyalty I rewards feature 310 of the app 200 preferably provides users 110 with healthcare 120 for them and their families at reduced or no cost. Users 110 can preferably benefit by earning and using loyalty I rewards points 312 or vouchers (e.g., in increments of $10) towards their purchases 252 with participating service providers 130.

[0168] Apart from any direct percentage 316 that may accrue with purchases 256 in the app 200, the app’s loyalty / rewards 312 preferably can work with other bonus points incentives that may be tied to purchases 256 and/or to use of the app 200 in other ways.

[0169] The app 200 may preferably also present users 110 with a rewards marketplace or store, which spotlights specific products and service providers 130 for redemption of loyalty I rewards points 312. Within the app 200 reward points 312 can preferably, according to the invention, be redeemed for services 120, merchandise, gift cards I vouchers, and/or as donations to a user’s selected charities.

[0170] The loyalty I rewards features 310 of the app 200 may be integrated with and/or delivered as part of the app’s cryptocurrency element 320, and/or delivered apart from it. The app 200 preferably offers one or more points I health coin capabilities 320 that are seamlessly integrated into the profiles and operations of patients 110, physicians 130, and retailers. The points I health coin capabilities 320 are preferably transactional. An app operator or admin 160 may preferably help manage the points I health coin ecosystem.

[0171] Cryptocurrency 320 - The app 200 preferably utilizes a cryptocurrency token I coin 322 to provide an additional I alternate accretive opportunity for customers 140, patients 110, and investors. The app 200 provides users 110 with an ability to buy cryptocurrency tokens I coins (alternately herein “MedWorks coin”) 322.

[0172] The app 320 may provide users 110 with an ability to acquire MedWorks coins 322 as a percentage of their spend in the app 200 - e.g., via the loyalty I rewards program 310 described elsewhere herein. The app 200 preferably provides users 110 with an ability to transfer loyalty points 312 into actual accretive currency via MedWorks coins 322. In this way, the app 200 preferably provides users 110 with healthcare 120 for them and their families at no charge. The app 200 may provide clients 110 with money that they can use and reinvest back into any of the service providers 130 accessible via the app 200. [0173] The app 200 preferably provides users 110 with at-home healthcare 120, while offering cryptocurrency 322. And, as described elsewhere herein, a percentage of sales preferably goes back into loyalty I rewards 312 for potential use in future health care purchases 256. The cryptocurrency tokens I coins 322 available via the app 200 can preferably be redeemed for services 120 within the app 200, and preferably hold monetary value 324 based on one or more free-trading currencies 326.

[0174] According to the invention, users 110 can access a wallet portion 250 of the app 200, and/or sign-in to a separate app provided as part of the MedWorks platform 200, to view one or more MedWorks coins 322 that they own and/or to buy or sell Medworks coins 322.

[0175] The app 200 preferably enables users 110 to select how they would like to pay 256 and then pay for services 120 from providers (in the MedWorks network of the service providers) 130 via the app 200 - whether by loyalty I rewards points 312, MedWorks coin 322, or standard currency.

[0176] The app 200 preferably provides users 110 with an ability to denominate the amount of MedWorks coin 322 they wish to buy in units of the cryptocurrency itself, or in units of each such user’s local currency 326. Similarly, when redeeming MedWorks coin 322 to purchase services 130 via the app 200, the app 200 enables each user 110 to denominate the purchased services 120 in units of the cryptocurrency 322 or in units of such user’s local currency 326. The app 200 preferably offers an ability to report on a floating value 324 of the MedWorks coin 322 to help users 110 understand their ability to procure and offset the cost of services 120. Users 110 can preferably preview and confirm a purchase 252 before buying and, if the details are correct, then click “Buy” to complete the purchase 252.

[0177] For recurring purchases, the app 200 enables users 110 to select how often they would like such purchases to repeat. [0178] Preferably, devices, apps, systems 200, methods, and/or computer readable media 400 according to the invention may be used for, and afford advantageous utilities with, industries and/or environments other than those associated with healthcare.

[0179] For Clients / End Users 110 - Client end users 110 can preferably download the app 200 on an Android™ or Apple™ device 100 and provide their basic information 270, preferably including their name, phone number, and credit card number.

[0180] For Loved Ones & Caregivers 140 - The app 200 preferably provides patients’ loved ones 140, who arrange and manage patient care and services 120 within the app 200, (e.g., with Power of Attorney) with access to view their scheduled services, rewards 310, and other features.

[0181] For Vendors / Service Providers 130 - The app 200 may preferably offer services 120 from a network of providers 130 from coast to coast. Vendors and service providers 130 can preferably benefit from use of the app 200. The app 200 preferably enables them to make money in their spare time, while helping to improve lives and quality of life for people around cities and other regions. The app 200 preferably provides vendors 130 with flexibility to deliver services 120 only when they want, and provides them with control over their own schedules, free and independent of any office or boss. The app 200 preferably provides vendors 130 with an ability to earn extra cash, with weekly earnings preferably deposited directly into their bank accounts. The app 200 preferably provides vendors 130 with full access to view their scheduling, vendor chargebacks, disputes, service area, modifications, and rewards.

[0182] Vendors and service providers 130 are preferably not employed by the app or platform 200 according to the invention. Preferably, they are independent contractors, and things (such as gasoline, vehicle maintenance, and vehicle depreciation) are preferably paid or covered by the service providers 130 themselves, according to the invention. [0183] Admin Dashboard 350 - The app 200 preferably provides admins 160 with secure access to one or more admin I support views, with reporting features, (e.g., via an admin dashboard 350) for various modules of the app 200. The app’s admin dashboard 350 preferably provides admin users 160 with a holistic view for the various workflows performed and/or accessed by other users 110, 130, 140, 150 via the app 200.

[0184] The app 200 preferably presents an app operator, administrator, and/or in-house dashboard 350 that presents admins 160 with one or more key performance indicators or metrics - e.g., number of users 110, 130, 140, 150, location of users 110, 130, 140, 150, services 342 sought by users 110, and abandoned searches by users 110.

[0185] In use - In use, the app 200 preferably works with a combination of public health coverage, private healthcare coverage and for-pay services. The app 200 preferably provides users 110 with access to primary healthcare services, para-healthcare services, and retail products I services for all demographics, all socioeconomic statuses, and all geographies. The app 200 preferably aggregates and provides an access point to healthcare services 120.

[0186] Among its many capabilities, the device, system I app I platform 200, method, and computer readable media 400 according to the invention provide an irreplaceable virtual personal healthcare support system to: help determine users’ personal healthcare needs; suggest, access, and schedule healthcare services and products for users; deliver those services and products directly to users’ homes 216, on demand; be a blockchain-protected repository to track, hold, and exchange users’ medical records 270 as they may wish; leverage a dedicated healthcare-cryptocurrency fund to pay for users’ personal medical services and products as may be required; and/or grows with users as their personal needs change over time.

[0187] The app 200 preferably works with a wide variety of partners, including top tier medical supply companies, service providers, insurance brokers, and government agencies. The app 200 preferably: monitors patient / healthcare professional relationships in real time; reveals strategic partnerships opportunities and advantages in real-time; and/or increases revenues, avails new opportunities, and expands businesses for healthcare suppliers 130 at home and internationally.

[0188] According to the invention, the app 200 may preferably provide revenue and/or revenue opportunities via: (a) advertising, e.g., banner ads, product placement, e.g., blogs, influencers); (b) commissions; (c) on-boarding services for service providers and suppliers; (d) concierge services, referrals, and/or administration fees; (e) cryptocurrency fund growth; and/or (f) alignments with retailers and/or other service providers, including national and geolocated (e.g., grocery, pharmacy, homecare) service providers.

[0189] The app 200 preferably helps users 110 to avoid, eliminate, or reduce any need or desire to schedule doctors’ appointments weeks in advance, attend impersonal walk-in clinics, and/or wait in Emergency Rooms for anything other than a true emergency.

[0190] According to the invention, the system 200 provides a robust smartphone application for substantially immediate and on-demand delivery of services 120 to patients’ homes 216. The app 200 preferably works with local labs, if and when required, for substantially immediate diagnosis. According to the invention, lab results 270 can be reported directly and substantially immediately to patients 110 via the app 200. The results 270 are preferably recorded and reported according to current healthcare protocols.

[0191] The app 200 can preferably determine and suggest, based on each individual patient’s profile, a custom selection of products, services, and helpful information to each such patient 110. For example, the app 200 can suggest required next steps, follow-up regimens, and/or other potentially relevant services 120, such as, e.g., in-home professional care services (e.g., those offered by Nurse Next Door Professional Home Care Services Inc. of Vancouver, Canada), medical equipment and medical service supply services, tailored grocery delivery services, community support (e.g., babysitting, counselling) services, physiotherapy services, exercise services, dietary services, etc.

[0192] The app 200 may find particular utility with individuals, families, advocates, groups, companies, paramedics, nurses, nurse practitioners, care providers, and personal support workers (among others).

[0193] The app 200 preferably provides a solution to one or more problems in the prior art that is patient-centered, uncomplicated, and accessible, and puts family first.

[0194] Every healthcare provider 130, every patient 110, and every retailer who joins the app’s network increases its value for those who follow. The app 200 preferably can generate revenue for operators and admins 150, 160 via the app’s concierge service 330 and/or as a percentage (e.g., up to a maximum percentage of 10%) charged to service providers 130 on their transactions 252 conducted via the app 200.

[0195] With the rise in virtual healthcare, demands on accessibility and costs, the reliance on technology to home monitor and the need to promote preventive health, the app 200 fits the bill like none other. Preferably, its mix of public and privately funded services, its concierge service 330 that coordinates care for individuals 110 and families 140 across the care continuum, its access to providers 130 virtually 300, in the community, and at home 216 is unmatched. Preferably, the app 200 drives internal adoption through its cryptocurrency 322 and enables delivery of services 130 where and when patients 110 need it most and in a way that is affordable.

[0196] User 110 experience via the app 200 may be a function of one or more medical questionnaire flows 340 and/or other factors. Much about the app 200 may be virtual and accessed online.

[0197] Location First Workflow - FIG. 9 and FIG. 43 depict “Get Started” / “Log in” screens presented by the app 200. FIG. 11 and FIG. 37 depict “Where are you located” screens that the app 200 presents to help determine user 110 location 216, to enable users 110 to input their locations 216, and to confirm a preferred service radius 214. FIG. 38 depicts a “Location Saved” screen to enable users 110 to confirm their address 216 and service radius 214. FIG. 22 depicts a screen that the app 200 presents to an unregistered user 110, i.e., before registration.

[0198] On-Boarding / Personalization Workflow - FIG. 39 depicts a screen presented by the app 200 after a personalization workflow starts. FIG. 28 depicts a setup screen presented by the app 200 to enable a user to input personal details 270. FIG. 29 depicts another screen to capture user details 270 for the user account. FIG. 30 depicts a two-factor authentication screen presented by the app 200. FIG. 31 depicts a screen that prompts a user to create a complex password. FIG. 40 depicts a screen that the app 200 presents after a user account has been successfully setup. FIG. 40 depicts a screen that the app presents to a registered user after registration.

[0199] Personalization / Service Booking Workflow - FIG. 21 depicts a personalization screen 340 presented by the app 200 that enables clients 100 to personalize their service offerings 120. FIG. 23 depicts a client 110 view of a vendor 130 home screen presented by the app 200 to enable users 110 to select a service offering 120. FIG. 24 and FIG. 49 depict client booking screens that enable a user 110 to select an available date and time for a particular service (e.g., teeth cleaning) 120. FIG. 25 depicts a client booking confirmation screen presented by the app 200. FIG. 26 depicts a patient service pricing confirmation screen presented by the app 200. FIG. 10 depicts an account creation screen presented by the app 200 that enables a user to create a client account through “Open Authentication” or with email. FIG. 28 and FIG. 29 depict client sign-up screens presented by the app 200 that enables clients to input more information 270 about themselves. FIG. 30 depicts a two-factor authentication screen presented by the app 200. FIG. 31 depicts a screen that prompts a user 110 to create a complex password 270. FIG. 32 depicts a screen that the app 200 presents after a user account has been successfully setup. FIG. 33 depicts a client checkout screen presented by the app 200 that enables clients to enter their checkout information details, payment card information details, etc. FIG. 36 depicts a client checkout request success screen presented by the app 200 after successful account creation and scheduling of a service request.

[0200] FIG. 52 is a schematic of the system 200. It shows the system 200 in use by the client 110, the provider 130, the selected party 140, the coordinated care administrator 150, and the system administrator 160. It schematically depicts the matching subsystem 210 (including its mutual availability 212, geographical proximity 214, service delivery location 216, and provider data 218 elements), the booking subsystem 230 (including the appointment 232), the tracking subsystem 240 (including the updates 242), the transaction management subsystem 250 (including its transaction 252 and payment 256 elements), the encryption subsystem 260 with the client data 270 (including a subset 272 thereof, the provider interaction information 274, the appointment history information 276, the demographic information 278, and the health history information 280) and the auditable end-to-end encryption 290 (including the AES-256 encryption 292 and the secure blockchain element 294), the service access subsystem 300 (including the video conferencing element 302), the loyalty I rewards subsystem 310 (including its loyalty points 312 element), the cryptocurrency subsystem 320 (including the cryptocurrency tokens 322), the concierge subsystem 330, the questionnaire-style subsystem 340 (including the sought-after health and wellness services 342), and the administrative subsystem 350 (including the number of system users 352 and the details of any searches abandoned by the system users 354). It schematically depicts selected interworkings between some of these features.

[0201] The app 200 preferably provides accessible, convenient, customized services 120 from a holistic health approach.

[0202] Accessible - Preferably, the app 200 is accessible to all, not only the wealthy or those with access to primary care, and not only for people looking for free healthcare or paid healthcare, healthcare at home, or in the community. It is preferably for everyone.

[0203] Convenient - The app’s provider network preferably allows people to be seen by physicians in a timely manner regardless of whether the appointment is virtual or in person. Service provider teams are preferably available where and when people want them.

[0204] Customized - Preferably, the app 200 does not a “one size fits all” solution. Instead, it preferably delivers to each individual’s unique needs and demands and/or customizes a treatment plan that addresses each individual.

[0205] Holistic Health - The app 200 preferably helps users 110 set-up proactive health plans that help keep them healthy and strong, rather than treating issues only after they arise. This proactive approach preferably involves primary care physicians, nurses, dieticians, trainers, physiotherapists, chiropractors, massage therapists, and grocery and health product providers, available at home and in the community.

[0206] The app 200 helps readily connect people 110 to highly in demand services 120 and products. It offers a user experience that puts customers 110 first. The model offered by the app 200 can be readily replicable across multiple geographies. For example, the app 200 may find utility in markets in Canada and the United States.

[0207] The app 200 may preferably involve a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) model.

[0208] According to the invention, the devices, systems 200, methods, and/or computer readable media 400 preferably offer new, inventive, and advantageous utilities and functionalities, including the various services 120 they offer via a mobile device app and/or web platform 200 for delivery to end users 110 by community-based service providers 130.

[0209] Methods and/or workflows according to the invention may preferably, but need not necessarily, include one or more of the above steps (preferably, but not necessarily, performed in the above order and/or in the order depicted in the accompanying figures).

[0210] The invention is contemplated for use by or in association with healthcare and wellness applications. The invention, however, is not so limited. Other embodiments, which fall within the scope of the invention, may be provided. [0211] Preferably, devices, apps and systems 200, methods, and/or computer readable media 400 according to the invention may be used for, and afford advantageous utilities with, industries and/or environments other than those associated with healthcare and wellness.

[0212] The foregoing description has been presented for the purpose of illustration and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. For example, it is preferably within the scope of the invention for the app or platform 200 to additionally enable users 140 of the app or platform 200 to send service providers 130 to provide services to or for non-users 110.

[0213] Naturally, in view of the teachings and disclosures herein, persons having ordinary skill in the art may appreciate that alternate designs and/or embodiments of the invention may be possible (e.g., with substitution of one or more components for others, with alternate configurations of components, etc). Although some of the components, relations, configurations and/or steps according to the invention are not specifically referenced in the accompanying drawings or in association with one another, they may be used, and/or adapted for use, in association therewith. For example, features may be depicted or discussed herein in the context of the system 200, which clearly could be recast as the steps of a method, the features of a device, and/or recorded on computer readable media 400. (And, vice-versa.) All of the depicted and aforementioned and various other features, steps, inter-workings, structures, configurations, relationships, utilities, and/or the like (any of which may be depicted and/or based hereon) may be, but are not necessarily, incorporated into and/or achieved by the invention. Any one or more of the depicted and aforementioned features, steps, inter-workings, structures, configurations, relationships, utilities and the like may be implemented in and/or by the invention, on their own, and/or without reference, regard or likewise implementation of any of the other depicted or aforementioned features, steps, inter-workings, structures, configurations, relationships, utilities and the like, in various permutations and combinations, as will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, without departing from the pith, marrow, and spirit of the disclosed invention.

[0214] Other modifications and alterations may be used in the design, manufacture, and/or implementation of other embodiments according to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, which is limited only by the claims hereof.

Claims

1 . A secure healthcare system for use in offering, scheduling, and delivering health and wellness services from offering providers to a client, and for use with a communications device that is local to the client, wherein the system comprises: a) a matching subsystem that matches the client with one or more matching providers among the offering providers based, in dependent relation, on: (i) the health and wellness services that are sought by the client; (ii) the health and wellness services that are offered by the offering providers; (iii) any mutual availability of the client and the offering providers; and (iv) a weighted geographical proximity of each of the offering providers relative to a service delivery location for the client; wherein the matching subsystem uses the communications device to present the client with provider data regarding the matching providers and regarding the health and wellness services that are available from the matching providers for delivery to the service delivery location; b) a booking subsystem that enables the client to selectively schedule an appointment when the client and a scheduled provider among the matching providers are mutually available to attend at the service delivery location for the delivery; c) a tracking subsystem that uses the communications device to present the client with one or more updates, substantially in real-time, on a current location of the scheduled provider and an estimated arrival time of the scheduled provider at the service delivery location; d) a transaction management subsystem that manages a transaction, and processes any payment, required for the delivery of the health and wellness services to the client by the scheduled provider; and e) an encryption subsystem that enables the client and the scheduled provider to securely store client data associated with the delivery of the health and wellness services to the client; wherein the client data is securely encrypted, when stored and during access, with an auditable end-to-end encryption that is HIPAA compliant; and wherein the encryption subsystem enables the client to securely access the client data on demand;

- 42 - whereby, the system enables the client to securely interact with the scheduled provider.

2. The secure healthcare system according to claim 1 , wherein the auditable end-to-end encryption comprises AES-256 encryption.

3. The secure healthcare system according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the auditable end-to-end encryption comprises a secure blockchain element for auditably storing and accessing the client data.

4. The secure healthcare system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the client data comprises provider interaction information, appointment history information, demographic information, and health history information regarding the client.

5. The secure healthcare system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, adapted for further use by a selected party; wherein the encryption subsystem enables the client to securely provide the selected party with access to a subset of the client data.

6. The secure healthcare system according to claim 5, adapted for use by one or more of the following as the selected party: another provider of health and wellness services; a health insurance provider; one or more family members of the client; and/or a substitute decision-maker.

7. The secure healthcare system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a service access subsystem for delivery of the health and wellness services by the scheduled provider, via the communications device, to the client.

8. The secure healthcare system according to claim 7, wherein the service access subsystem comprises a video conferencing element that enables the appointment to be conducted as a virtual visit, substantially in real-time, via the communications device.

9. The secure healthcare system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a loyalty I rewards subsystem that provides the client with a predetermined percentage of any said payment processed by the transaction management subsystem

- 43 - in the form of loyalty points which are for selective exchange by the client, at an exchange rate of substantially about 1 :1 , in making any subsequent said payment, via the transaction management subsystem, that is required for the delivery of subsequent said health and wellness services to the client.

10. The secure healthcare system according to claim 9, wherein the predetermined percentage is substantially between about one and ten percent.

11. The secure healthcare system according to any one of claims 9 to 10, further comprising a cryptocurrency subsystem that enables the client to selectively buy one or more cryptocurrency tokens with the loyalty points; wherein the cryptocurrency subsystem determines a floating value of the cryptocurrency tokens, in dependent relation, based on one or more free-trading currencies; and wherein the cryptocurrency subsystem enables the cryptocurrency tokens to be selective exchanged by the client, at an exchange rate based on the floating value of the cryptocurrency tokens, in making any said payment, via the transaction management subsystem, that is required for the delivery of the health and wellness services to the client.

12. The secure healthcare system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising a cryptocurrency subsystem that enables the client to selectively buy one or more cryptocurrency tokens; wherein the cryptocurrency subsystem determines a floating value of the cryptocurrency tokens, in dependent relation, based on one or more free-trading currencies; and wherein the cryptocurrency subsystem enables the cryptocurrency tokens to be selective exchanged by the client, at an exchange rate based on the floating value of the cryptocurrency tokens, in making any said payment, via the transaction management subsystem, that is required for the delivery of the health and wellness services to the client.

13. The secure healthcare system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, adapted for use with one or more of the following as the communications device: a smartphone,

- 44 - a mobile communications device, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, and/or a web browser software application.

14. The secure healthcare system according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the health and wellness services comprise one or more of the following: primary healthcare services; para-healthcare services; prescription filling services; health insurance services; preventative healthcare services; health and wellness testing and diagnostic services; mental health services; holistic healthcare services; wellness services; lifestyle services; massage services; physiotherapy services; ready-made meal services; and delivery of retail health and wellness products and services.

15. The secure healthcare system according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the transaction managed by the transaction management subsystem comprises one or more of the following: a public health transaction; a private healthcare transaction; an insurance transaction; and/or a for-pay transaction.

16. The secure healthcare system according to any one of claims 1 to 15, adapted for further use by one or more coordinated care administrators; wherein the secure healthcare system further comprises a concierge subsystem that connects the client with the coordinated care administrators to help the client identify, assess, and/or address one or more health and wellness issues and needs of the client.

17. The secure healthcare system according to any one of claims 1 to 16, further comprising a questionnaire-style subsystem that uses the communications device for input of said health and wellness services that are sought by the client; and wherein the questionnaire-style subsystem uses the communications device to present the client with said health and wellness services that are offered by the offering providers based, in dependent relation, on said health and wellness services that are sought by the client.

18. The secure healthcare system according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the transaction management subsystem remits said payment to the scheduled provider after the delivery of the health and wellness services to the client.

19. The secure healthcare system according to any one of claims 1 to 18, adapted for further use by a system administrator; wherein the secure healthcare system further comprises an administrative subsystem that presents the system administrator with one or more of the following: a location for each said client; the health and wellness services sought by each said client; a number of system users; and details of any searches abandoned by the system users.

20. A secure healthcare method for use in offering, scheduling, and delivering health and wellness services from offering providers to a client, and for use with a communications device that is local to the client, wherein the method comprises: a) a matching step of matching the client with one or more matching providers among the offering providers based, in dependent relation, on: (i) the health and wellness services that are sought by the client; (ii) the health and wellness services that are offered by the offering providers; (iii) any mutual availability of the client and the offering providers; and (iv) a weighted geographical proximity of each of the offering providers relative to a service delivery location for the client; wherein, in the matching step, the communications device presents the client with provider data regarding the matching providers and regarding the health and wellness services that are available from the matching providers for delivery to the service delivery location; b) a booking step that enables the client to selectively schedule an appointment when the client and a scheduled provider among the matching providers are mutually available to attend at the service delivery location for the delivery; c) a tracking step, wherein the communications device presents the client with one or more updates, substantially in real-time, on a current location of the scheduled provider and an estimated arrival time of the scheduled provider at the service delivery location; d) a transaction management step of managing a transaction, and processing any payment, required for the delivery of the health and wellness services to the client by the scheduled provider; and e) an encryption step that enables the client and the scheduled provider to securely store client data associated with the delivery of the health and wellness services to the client; wherein the client data is securely encrypted, when stored and during access, with an auditable end-to-end encryption that is HIPAA compliant; and wherein the encryption step enables the client to securely access the client data on demand; whereby the method enables the client to securely interact with the scheduled provider.

21. The secure healthcare method according to claim 20, further comprising a service access step, wherein the health and wellness services are delivered by the scheduled provider, via the communications device, to the client.

22. The secure healthcare method according to any one of claims 20 to 21 , further comprising a loyalty I rewards step of providing the client with a predetermined percentage of any said payment processed by the transaction management subsystem in the form of loyalty points which are for selective exchange by the client, at an exchange rate of substantially about 1 :1 , in making any subsequent said payment, via the transaction management subsystem, that is required for the delivery of subsequent said health and wellness services to the client.

23. The secure healthcare method according to any one of claims 20 to 22, further comprising a cryptocurrency step, wherein the client selectively buys one or more cryptocurrency tokens; wherein, in the cryptocurrency step, a floating value of the cryptocurrency tokens is determined, in dependent relation, based on one or more free-trading currencies; and wherein, in the cryptocurrency step, the cryptocurrency tokens are selectively exchanged by the client, at an exchange rate based on the floating value of the cryptocurrency tokens, in making any said payment, via the transaction management subsystem, that is required for the delivery of the health and wellness services to the client.

- 47 -

24. The secure healthcare method according to any one of claims 20 to 23, adapted for further use by one or more coordinated care administrators, and further comprising a concierge step of connecting the client with the coordinated care administrators to help the client identify, assess, and/or address one or more health and wellness issues and needs of the client

25. A secure healthcare computer readable medium encoded with executable computer processing instructions to, when operatively executed by one or more computer processors, perform the method of claim 20.

- 48 -