In accordance with an embodiment, a logical interface for mining medical
data records comprises a data processor for receiving input of a
selection of criteria for a medical records query, a database of medical
records, responsive to a query, for outputting patient medical record
data responsive to the query, and a plurality of operations including a
means of combining a first and second query and a means of providing
medical data not meeting the first and second query. The query may
utilize a plurality of filters among the following: demographics, vitals,
laboratories, ICD codes, CPT codes, prescriptions, alerts, medical
history, immunizations and encounters/visits among other filters. In one
embodiment, the result of a series of queries may be output to a central
database for various purposes including the identification of an outbreak
of an epidemic in a geographic region. In reverse, an embodiment may
comprise a patient portal for posting personalized patient alerts
regarding, for example, medical risks associated with taking a given
medication or having received a bad vaccination lot.