Can software design be copyrighted?

I have an idea that I've prototyped for medical software... it's a simple, elegant way of viewing old exams and entering in new ones electronically. It uses off-the-shelf technology - but as far as I know, no one has used this design yet to review old exams. (I stress design - it has no code that is "new", just the design is new to medical software) Do you think this design is copyrightable? I am about to show a person who is actively creating and marketing some new software, but I don't want him to take it without some compensation or credit of some sort given to me .

Actual software is copyrighted with form TX available at copyright.gov

An original idea (in the form of a thoroughly designed process or procedure) itself should be patented. This is not as simple as filing a copyright form. You need the Patent and Trademark Office and it would behoove you to have a patent attorney prepare your filing.

So I'd need a patent and not a copyright? Damn, sounds costly... what kind of process is it to do this? Sounds like it would take a while.

Last time I read about it, you could expedite your patent application, and it might only take 12 months.

Meanwhile, though, your patent is pending, and if it's approved, then you will be retroactively afforded patent protection.

I am not an attorney. Always consult an attorney for legal advice.

Colin