System and method for electronically managing medical data files

1. A network server arrangement, comprising:

a. a processor;

b. a machine readable storage encoded with software for execution by the processor to service a request by a client that is physically remote from the network server and communicates with the network server via a data network; and

c. the network server arrangement being responsive to a request by the client to access a medical record of an individual, for:

i. generating a response to the client, the response including summary medical record data which contains:

1. a summary information component, the summary information component including a plurality of data elements associated with the individual, at least one of the data elements conveying medical information about the individual;

2. a pointers component including at least one pointer that points to a network location containing importable medical information in connection with the individual that is not contained in the summary information component, the pointer including:

a. a machine readable address part for processing by the client, to allow the client to import the medical information from the network location;

b. a label part for displaying to a user at the client the nature of the medical information residing at the network location; and

ii. transmitting the response to the client via the data network.

2. A network server arrangement as defined in claim 1 , wherein the label part conveys to the user that the medical information includes medical imaging information.

3. A network server arrangement as defined in claim 2 , wherein the label part conveys to the user that the medical information is an x-ray of the individual.

4. A network server arrangement as defined in claim 2 , wherein the label part conveys to the user that the medical information is a CT scan of the individual.

5. A network server arrangement as defined in claim 1 , wherein the label part conveys to the user that the medical information is an electrocardiogram of the individual.

6. A network server arrangement as defined in claim 1 , wherein the label part conveys to the user that the medical information is a coronarography of the individual.

7. A network server arrangement as defined in claim 1 , wherein the label part conveys results of an allergy test performed on the individual.

8. A network server arrangement as defined in claim 1 , wherein the label part conveys to the user that the medical information is an electrocardiogram and that it is the most recent electrocardiogram.

9. A network server arrangement as defined in claim 1 , wherein the label part conveys to the user that the medical information is an electrocardiogram and that it is not the most recent electrocardiogram.

10. A network server arrangement as defined in claim 1 , wherein the label part conveys to the user that the medical information is not the most recent medical information.

11. A network server arrangement as defined in claim 1 , wherein the label part contains text.

12. A network server arrangement as defined in claim 11 , wherein the label part textually describes the nature of the medical information.

13. A network server arrangement as defined in claim 1 , wherein the label part conveys to the user a code describing a treatment administered to the individual.

14. A network server arrangement as defined in claim 1 , wherein the label part conveys to the user a result of a test administered to the individual.

15. A network server arrangement as defined in claim 1 , wherein the label part conveys to the user time or date information in connection with the medical information residing at the network location.

16. A network server arrangement as defined in claim 1 , wherein the label part conveys graphically the nature of the medical information residing at the network location.

17. A network server arrangement as defined in claim 1 , wherein the at least one pointer includes a hyperlink.

18. A network location as defined in claim 1 , wherein the pointers component includes a plurality of pointers pointing to different locations in the network.

19. A network server arrangement as defined in claim 1 , wherein the at least one data element conveys medical information about the individual that does not change in the course of the life of the individual.

20. A network server arrangement as defined in claim 19 , wherein the at least one data element conveys a blood type of the individual.

21. A network server arrangement as defined in claim 19 , wherein the at least one data element conveys a genetic marking associated with the individual.

22. A network server arrangement as defined in claim 19 , wherein the at least one data element conveys a genetic defect of the individual.

23. A network server arrangement as defined in claim 19 , wherein the at least one data element conveys tissue antigen information associated with the individual.

24. A network server arrangement as defined in claim 1 , wherein the summary information component includes a data element conveying information about medication prescribed to the individual.

25. A network server arrangement as defined in claim 1 , wherein the summary information component includes a data element conveying information about a medical history of the individual.

26. A network server arrangement as defined in claim 1 , wherein the summary information component includes a data element conveying information about a family history of the individual.

27. A network server arrangement as defined in claim 1 , wherein the summary information component includes a data element identifying a current medical condition of the individual.