System and method for health care service management

Abstract

Systems and methods for healthcare service management include a processor and a memory communicatively coupled with the processor. The memory stores instructions that, when executed by the processor, perform operations that include identifying, from a list of healthcare providers, a healthcare provider authorized to perform a healthcare service associated with at least one healthcare problem of the patient; receiving insurance information associated with the patient, receiving a bid for the healthcare service from the healthcare provider; based on the insurance information and the bid of the health care provider, determining the self-payment of the patient for the health care service; receiving an approval or rejection from the patient for at least one bid submitted by the healthcare provider; and if the patient approves the bid submitted by the healthcare provider, sending an appointment reservation to the patient and the corresponding healthcare service provider.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 319,019, filed on March 11, 2022, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The field of the present disclosure relates generally to systems and methods for healthcare services, and more particularly to a system and method that enables patients and healthcare providers to search, schedule, and pay for healthcare services. Background Art

[0004] Patients typically have one or more healthcare providers that they use for healthcare services. Typically, when a patient needs healthcare services, the patient or a patient representative contacts a healthcare provider and sets up an appointment. The patient then goes to the healthcare provider's location at the appointment time and waits at that location for the healthcare provider to provide services. However, sometimes healthcare providers are unable to provide the healthcare services that the patient needs. In addition, due to restrictions such as insurance requirements, costs, inability to travel to other locations, or lack of knowledge of other healthcare providers, patients may not be able to locate alternative healthcare providers. Therefore, at least some patients are unable to receive the healthcare services they need. In addition, patients typically do not receive information about the cost of healthcare services before making an appointment and may not be able to make an informed decision about the cost of their healthcare services. In addition, healthcare providers do not offer competitive pricing because patients do not have alternative options for healthcare services. Therefore, consumers' experience with healthcare services is not satisfactory, and the cost of healthcare services is increasing. Summary of the invention

[0005] In one aspect, a method for managing a healthcare service account includes receiving login information from a user and retrieving at least one characteristic of the user from a memory based on the login information. The at least one characteristic is associated with a user account designation. The method also includes determining the user account designation based on the at least one characteristic of the user. The at least one characteristic includes at least one of the following: age, intellectual ability, guardianship status, grade, dependency status, insurance coverage, and employment status. The user account designation includes one of a primary account and a secondary account. Each secondary account is associated with at least one primary account. The method further includes providing a list of healthcare services available to the user based on the user account designation; receiving a selection of at least one healthcare service from the user; and requesting approval from the primary account if the healthcare service requested by the associated secondary account requires approval by the primary account for the secondary account to select the healthcare service. The method also includes providing access to the selected healthcare service if the user is authorized to use the healthcare service based on the user account designation, or if the selection is approved for the secondary account by the associated primary account, and receiving at least one input related to the selected healthcare service from the user. Monitoring input from the secondary account for indicating a potential dangerous situation. The method further includes notifying the associated primary account if the input from the secondary account indicates a potential dangerous situation.

[0006] In another aspect, a method for allocating resources for healthcare services includes generating a map including a plurality of healthcare appointments. Each healthcare appointment includes a patient, a healthcare service, a time frame, a location, and a status. The status includes assigned, unassigned, or completed. The method also includes identifying a healthcare provider associated with the healthcare service included in at least one healthcare appointment, comparing a location of the healthcare provider to a location of the at least one healthcare appointment, and determining the availability of the healthcare provider during the time frame of the healthcare appointment. The method further includes allocating the healthcare appointment to the healthcare provider if the healthcare provider is available during the time frame of the healthcare appointment and is available within a location area of ​​the at least one healthcare appointment, and updating the map to indicate that the status of the at least one healthcare appointment is assigned.

[0007] In yet another aspect, a method includes receiving a search request for at least one healthcare question from a patient; retrieving a list of healthcare providers associated with the healthcare question from a healthcare provider database; providing the patient with a list of healthcare services provided by the healthcare providers and a comparison of costs associated with the healthcare services provided by the healthcare providers; and providing the patient with a list of available appointments for each healthcare provider. The method also includes receiving a selection from the patient, the selection including a selected healthcare provider, a selected healthcare service, and a selected appointment from the list of available appointments. The selected healthcare service is associated with a cost from the cost comparison. The method further includes generating an appointment reservation based on the selection. The appointment reservation includes the selected appointment, the selected healthcare service, the selected healthcare provider, and the cost associated with the healthcare service. The method also includes sending the appointment reservation to the healthcare provider; receiving a confirmation from the patient that the appointment has occurred; and accepting payment from the patient for the cost associated with the selected healthcare service after receiving the confirmation from the patient that the appointment has occurred.

[0008] In yet another aspect, a system includes a processor and a memory communicatively coupled to the processor. The memory stores instructions that, when executed by the processor, perform operations including the following steps: receiving a search request for at least one healthcare problem from a patient; retrieving a list of healthcare providers associated with the healthcare problem from a healthcare provider database; providing the patient with a list of healthcare services provided by the healthcare providers and a comparison of costs associated with the healthcare services provided by the healthcare providers. The operation also includes providing the patient with a list of available appointments for each healthcare provider, and receiving a selection from the patient, the selection including a selected healthcare provider, a selected healthcare service, and a selected appointment from the list of available appointments. The selected healthcare service is associated with a cost from the cost comparison. The operation further includes generating an appointment reservation based on the selection. The appointment reservation includes the selected appointment, the selected healthcare service, the selected healthcare provider, and the cost associated with the healthcare service. The operation also includes sending the appointment reservation to the healthcare provider; receiving a confirmation from the patient that the appointment has occurred; and accepting payment from the patient for the cost associated with the selected healthcare service after receiving the confirmation from the patient that the appointment has occurred.

[0009] In another aspect, a healthcare marketplace system includes a processor and a memory communicatively coupled to the processor. The memory stores instructions that, when executed by the processor, perform operations including the following steps: identifying a healthcare provider authorized to perform healthcare services associated with at least one healthcare problem of a patient from a list of healthcare providers; receiving insurance information associated with the patient; receiving bids for healthcare services from the healthcare providers; determining the out-of-pocket cost of the patient for the healthcare services based on the insurance information and the bids of the healthcare providers; receiving an approval or rejection of at least one bid submitted by the healthcare providers by the patient; and sending an appointment reservation to the patient and the corresponding healthcare provider if the patient approves the bid submitted by the healthcare provider. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figures 1A-1E An example system for managing healthcare services is shown that includes a healthcare management system communicatively coupled to at least one healthcare provider device and a user device.

[0011] Figure 2 Shown with Figures 1A-1E The system shown is used with a sample database.

[0012] Figure 3 A flow chart of an example method of operating a computer system, such as the system shown in FIG. 1 , for managing healthcare services is shown.

[0013] Figure 4 A flow chart of an example method of operating a computer system, such as the system shown in FIG. 1 , for providing remote healthcare services is shown.

[0014] Figure 5 Shown with Figures 1A-1E The system shown is used in conjunction with an example user account system.

[0015] Figure 6 Shows the operation of a user account system such as Figure 5 A flowchart of an example method of the system shown.

[0016] Figure 7 Shown with Figures 1A-1E The system shown is used in conjunction with an example healthcare provider management system.

[0017] Figure 8 Shown with Figure 7 An example map for use with a healthcare provider management system is shown.

[0018] Fig. 9 Operation of a healthcare provider management system such as Figure 7 A flowchart of an example method of the system shown.

[0019] Fig.10 An example computing device is shown.

[0020] Fig.11A and 11B An example of another system for managing healthcare services is shown.

[0021] Figures 12A-12C An example of yet another system for managing healthcare services is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] As used herein, an element or step recited in the singular and beginning with the word "a" or "an" should be understood as not excluding plural elements or steps, unless such exclusion is explicitly stated. In addition, the disclosure's reference to "an example" or "an implementation" is not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of other implementations that also include the described features.

[0023] As used herein, the term "non-transitory computer-readable medium" is intended to represent any tangible computer-based device implemented in any technical method for short-term and long-term storage of information, such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules and submodules, or other data in any device. Therefore, the methods described herein can be encoded as executable instructions embodied in tangible, non-transitory computer-readable media (including but not limited to storage devices and / or memory devices). When executed by a processor, such instructions cause the processor to perform at least a portion of the methods described herein. In addition, as used herein, the term "non-transitory computer-readable medium" includes all tangible computer-readable media, including but not limited to non-transitory computer storage devices, including but not limited to volatile and non-volatile media, as well as removable and non-removable media (such as firmware), physical and virtual storage, CD-ROM, DVD and any other digital source, such as a network or the Internet, and digital devices that have not yet been developed, with the only exception of temporary propagation signals.

[0024] The present disclosure provides systems and methods for managing healthcare services. Embodiments facilitate users to search for healthcare services based on healthcare issues. Users can compare costs and healthcare services from multiple healthcare providers to make informed decisions. Users can obtain healthcare services from healthcare providers located in remote locations. For example, the healthcare provider may be an expert in a field, a leading researcher on the user's healthcare issue, and / or may be in a location where healthcare issues are prevalent. Thus, patients can receive the best possible care in a cost-effective manner.

[0025] The system and method facilitates the allocation of resources by healthcare providers to provide healthcare services, such as home healthcare services, to patients in an efficient and timely manner. For example, the system may include a map with appointment information. The map helps to allocate available healthcare providers to appointments within a local area. In addition, the system and method provide access to healthcare services for minors or patients with inadequate or limited capabilities in a protected manner. For example, the system and method provide a platform with primary user accounts and secondary user accounts that facilitate users (such as minors or other patients) to research, arrange, and receive healthcare services that are otherwise difficult for patients to obtain.

[0026] Thus, the system and method facilitates patients to receive healthcare services in a timely manner in a manner that is beneficial to both the user and the healthcare provider. In addition, the cost of healthcare services may be reduced because 1) users can compare costs before selecting services, 2) healthcare providers are incentivized to offer competitive pricing, and 3) healthcare providers can better allocate their resources and reduce costs.

[0027] Figures 1A-1E An example system 100 for managing healthcare services is shown. The system 100 includes a healthcare management system 102, a user device 104, and at least one healthcare provider device 108. The healthcare management system 102 includes a communication system 110, a calendar system 112, a user interface (UI) generation system 114, a selection system 116, a request system 118, at least one database 120, a confirmation system 122, a provider management system 124, a payment system 126, an insurance system 128, a patient data system 130, an expense tracking system 132, a location system 134, and an account system 136. The healthcare management system 102 can be communicatively coupled to the user device 104 and / or the healthcare provider device 108 via a network 138. Although the network 138 is specifically shown and described, the healthcare management system 102 can be communicatively coupled to the user device and / or the healthcare provider device 108 via various communication protocols, including but not limited to Bluetooth, near field communication, or other wireless (or wired) communication protocols.

[0028] Furthermore, although the healthcare management system 102, the user device 104, and the healthcare provider device 108 are shown as being separate from one another, one or more of the healthcare management system 102, the user device 104, and / or the healthcare provider device 108 may be part of the same device or otherwise integrated together. For example, any of the healthcare management system 102, the user device 104, and / or the healthcare provider device 108 may be incorporated into the computing device 500 (e.g., Fig.10 The system 100 may include any number of computing devices 500 .

[0029] Figure 2 An example database 120 for use with the system 100 is shown. The database 120 includes a plurality of healthcare provider files 144 and healthcare information files 146. For example, each healthcare provider file 144 includes a healthcare provider 148, characteristics 150 associated with the healthcare provider, healthcare services 152 provided by the healthcare provider, cost data 154 associated with the healthcare services 152, and availability data 156. For example, the characteristics 150 may include the name of the healthcare provider, full-time or part-time designation, experience level, performance rating, appointment number limits, priority rankings, and / or license or certification information. Each healthcare information file 146 includes, for example, a healthcare condition 158, location information 160, symptoms 162, and treatments 164.

[0030] The healthcare provider files 144 and healthcare information files 146 may be provided and / or maintained by an enterprise, a hiring service, a healthcare provider, a government agency, and / or other authoritative entity. The healthcare providers 148 may include employees of an enterprise, independent contractors, employees of a hiring service, freelancers, consultants, and / or any other workers. The confidential information of the healthcare providers 148 is protected because the information is maintained in the database 120, and access to the information in the database 120 by an administrator and / or other healthcare providers may be limited. For example, the healthcare management system 102 retrieves information (e.g., characteristics associated with the healthcare providers 148) from the database 120, and may automatically make determinations, such as whether the healthcare provider is qualified to provide the required healthcare services, without requiring input from an administrator.

[0031] refer to Figure 1A , the user device and the healthcare provider device 108 each include a display device 166 and an input device 168. In some embodiments, the input device 168 includes a keyboard, a computer pointing device, a touch screen, a microphone, a camera, and / or any other suitable input device. The input device 168 can be incorporated into a computing device (e.g., computing device 500) that includes a processor and / or a display device 166. In other embodiments, the input device 168 can be located remotely from the computing device 500 and / or incorporated into a computing device that communicates with the computing device 500 using a computer network. For example, in some embodiments, the input device 168 is included on a mobile computing device (e.g., a smartphone or a tablet computing device).

[0032] In some examples, user authentication is required for the user device 104 and / or the healthcare provider device 108. For example, the device 104, 108 requires login information, including but not limited to a personal identifier, an authentication code, a password, a fingerprint, a verbal prompt, answers to security questions, two-factor authentication, a security token, and / or any other suitable authentication method. The user device 104 and the healthcare provider device 108 can provide the login information to the user account system 136 and / or the provider management system 124 to log in to the corresponding account.

[0033] refer to Figure 1B The request system 118 is configured to receive a search request for healthcare services input from a user via an input device 168 of the user device 104. The request system 118 retrieves healthcare services and / or healthcare providers based on the search request. For example, the retrieved healthcare services and / or healthcare providers are filtered based on real-time updates of the characteristics of the healthcare services and / or healthcare providers (such as their availability). In some examples, the UI generation system 114 provides a user interface of the user device, such as Figure 1C As shown. For example, a user may submit a healthcare appointment request within a specified time frame. The request system 118 retrieves a list of healthcare providers available to provide healthcare services from the database 120. The UI generation system 114 provides a user interface to display the list of healthcare providers.

[0034] like Figure 1D As shown, the selection system 116 receives a selection of at least one healthcare service or at least one healthcare provider input by a user via an input device 168 of the user device 104. The selection system 116 then generates an appointment in real time based on the selection and provides the appointment to the calendar system 112 and the communication system 110. The calendar system 112 can track the availability and appointment time boxes of the healthcare providers.

[0035] refer to Figure 1E , the communication system 110 sends information related to the appointment to the healthcare provider device 108 and the user device 104 in real time. The patient data system 130 records the patient information related to the healthcare service in a memory and provides access to the information to authorized users before, during, or after the healthcare service appointment. For example, the patient data system 130 can provide the healthcare service provider with a patient record for a time frame that includes the healthcare appointment.

[0036] The location system 134 can monitor and record the location of the healthcare provider and / or the user. For example, the location system 134 can use a location service on the user device 104 and / or the healthcare provider device 108 to receive location information. The location system 134 can limit the activities of the healthcare provider and / or the user to when the healthcare provider or the user is within a specified geographic boundary. For example, the location system 134 can enable the user to confirm via the confirmation system 122 that the healthcare service appointment is started or completed only when the healthcare provider is at a specified location. When the healthcare provider is at the location, the healthcare provider can request the user to confirm the start or completion of the appointment via the confirmation system 122.

[0037] The confirmation system 122 can record the patient's attendance or no-show for a scheduled appointment in the patient data system 130, and if the patient has one or more scheduled appointments that the patient has not attended, the selection system 116 can limit the patient's access to select an appointment. For example, if the patient has a history of no-shows, the user can be prohibited from selecting a remote appointment. In some examples, a user who cancels or changes an appointment after it is scheduled will be charged a cancellation fee.

[0038] The user account system 136 facilitates users to access the healthcare management system with different levels of authorization. For example, the user account system 136 provides a primary user account and a secondary user account. The secondary user account is associated with the primary user account and requires authorization for at least some healthcare services. Figure 5 An example user account system 136 is described.

[0039] The provider management system 124 manages healthcare service providers, facilitates the healthcare service providers to provide appropriate healthcare services, and processes payment transfers for healthcare service providers. For example, the provider management system 124 verifies that the healthcare service provider is licensed to provide healthcare services. Figure 7 An example provider management system 124 is described.

[0040] The cost tracking system 132 determines the cost of the healthcare services selected via the selection system 116. The cost tracking system 132 determines any copay or deposit required prior to the healthcare service appointment. In addition, the cost tracking system 132 determines the amount owed by the patient, insurance provider, and / or responsible agency. The payment system 126 receives payment for any deposit from the user, insurance provider, and / or other responsible agency prior to the appointment. When the healthcare services are confirmed via the confirmation system 122, the cost tracking system 132 determines the final cost. After the user confirms the completion of the payment via the confirmation system, the payment system 126 collects the payment. For example, the cost tracking system 132 determines the cost of the healthcare services actually provided during the healthcare service appointment after receiving confirmation of the completion of the appointment in real time. The communication system 110 sends the cost bill to the appropriate party, and the payment system 126 receives the payment.

[0041] The insurance system 128 can receive and record the patient's insurance information. The insurance information may include the name of the insured, insurance provider information, co-payment, insurance coverage, exclusions, and network information. The insurance system 128 provides the insurance information to the expense tracking system 132 to determine the cost. In addition, the insurance system 128 provides the insurance information to the communication system 110 for contacting the insurance provider to obtain bills, healthcare service authorizations, and information requests. As a result, the insurance system 128 provides a centralized database of patient insurance information that can be provided to multiple healthcare service providers for different healthcare services. Therefore, the user only needs to update the insurance information in a single location by entering the insurance information into the insurance system 128 via the user device 104, and the user does not need to repeatedly provide the insurance information for each healthcare service provider and healthcare service. In addition, in some embodiments, when the user's identity is authenticated, the insurance system 128 automatically retrieves the insurance information from the insurance provider database.

[0042] Figure 3 is the system used to manage health care services (such as Figure 1A Flowchart of an example method 200 of the system 100 shown in FIG. Figure 1A-3, the method 200 includes receiving 202 a search request for at least one healthcare problem from a computing device associated with a user, and retrieving 204 a list of healthcare service providers associated with the healthcare problem from the healthcare provider database 120. For example, the request system 118 receives a search request input by the user via the input device 168 of the user device 104. In some embodiments, the user can be a patient and / or a person authorized to search on behalf of the patient. For example, the user can be an institution such as a patient's medical agent and / or an insurance company. The patient or a person acting on behalf of the patient can request the institution to conduct a search because the institution provides information that facilitates the search for suitable providers, such as insurance and / or service agreements. The institution can run the results and filter the results for the user and / or select one or more providers for the user.

[0043] The search request may include symptoms, requested healthcare services, medications, healthcare providers, and / or any other information related to the healthcare problem. The request system 118 determines relevant healthcare services and / or healthcare providers in real time based on the search request. For example, the request system 118 identifies key terms or phrases in the search request and compares the key terms to a database of terms related to healthcare services. The request system 118 identifies the healthcare service most closely related to the search request and retrieves a list of healthcare providers associated with the healthcare service. In some embodiments, the user selects a healthcare service from a menu, and the request system 118 retrieves healthcare providers for the selected healthcare service.

[0044] In some embodiments, the request system 118 receives a bid request for a healthcare service from a computing device associated with a user. Upon receiving the bid request, the request system 118 may determine the healthcare service selected by the user and then determine a healthcare provider associated with the healthcare service. The bid request may also include insurance information and payment information. The request system 118 sends a request to a healthcare provider and / or retrieves pre-recorded bid information from a healthcare provider. The request system 118 receives at least one bid for the healthcare service from the healthcare provider. For example, the bid from the healthcare provider may include at least appointment availability and cost. The user may select or reject the bid via the selection system 116.

[0045] The UI generation system 114 provides 206 a user interface to a computing device associated with the user, the user interface including a list of healthcare services provided by a healthcare provider and a comparison of the fees or bids associated with the healthcare services provided by the healthcare provider. The list of healthcare services can be sorted and / or filtered based on the fees. Therefore, before selecting a healthcare service or healthcare provider, the fees are presented to the user, and the user is able to make an informed decision about healthcare services. In addition, healthcare providers are motivated to provide competitive pricing because users are able to compare fees before selecting services. In addition, healthcare services and / or provider lists can be sorted or filtered based on insurance information or other parameters. Therefore, users can identify healthcare providers who accept or cooperate with a specified insurance provider. In some embodiments, the provider management system 124 determines the service history and license status of each healthcare provider in the database, and the healthcare provider list only includes healthcare providers with a valid license status and a positive service history.

[0046] The calendar system 112 provides 208 a list of available appointments for each healthcare provider, which can be provided to and selected by the user. For example, the calendar system 112 provides the list of appointments to the UI generation system 114, and the UI generation system 113 generates a user interface including a calendar or an appointment chart. The selection system 116 receives 210 a selection from the user, the selection including a selected healthcare provider, a selected healthcare service, and a selected appointment from the list of available appointments. The expense tracking system 132 associates the selected healthcare service with the cost from the cost comparison and records the associated cost for the selected appointment. In some embodiments, the expense tracking system 132 determines a co-payment or deposit that the user needs to pay before the appointment. The co-payment can be determined based on insurance information from the insurance system 128. The deposit can be determined based on a history of medical visits. For example, if the user has a record of missing appointments, a deposit may be required. Alternatively, if the user has a history of rarely missing appointments or no missed appointments, the deposit may be waived.

[0047] In some embodiments, the expense tracking system 132 provides the expenses associated with the healthcare services to a third party (such as an insurance provider or a master account) via the communication system 110, and obtains authorization for the expenses from the third party before providing the patient with a list of healthcare services provided by the healthcare provider. Thus, the user can select healthcare services without checking or considering third-party authorization.

[0048] The calendar system 112 generates 212 an appointment schedule based on the selection. The appointment schedule includes the selected appointment, the selected healthcare service, the selected healthcare provider, and the cost associated with the healthcare service. The communication system 110 sends 214 the appointment schedule to the healthcare provider. In some embodiments, the calendar system 112 updates a list of available appointments for the healthcare provider in real time based on the selected appointment.

[0049] In some embodiments, the communication system 110 provides a communication link between a user or patient and a healthcare service provider for an appointment. For example, the communication system 110 facilitates the user or patient to exchange information with the healthcare service provider. In some embodiments, the communication system 110 provides a virtual meeting platform for the healthcare service provider to provide healthcare services at a location remote from the patient. The communication system 110 can send a notification to the user or patient that the healthcare provider has arrived at the healthcare service location. In addition, the communication system 110 can receive a confirmation from the patient that the healthcare provider has arrived at the location.

[0050] After or during the appointment, the confirmation system 122 receives 216 a confirmation from the user that the appointment has occurred. For example, in some embodiments, the confirmation system 122 receives a patient-specific identification code from the patient, and receives input from the patient confirming that the selected healthcare service was provided. In some embodiments, the confirmation system 122 receives a notification from the healthcare provider that the healthcare service has been completed. The confirmation system 122 provides the patient with a confirmation option (e.g., requesting a patient-specific authorization code), and receives a confirmation from the patient that the healthcare service has been completed. In addition, the confirmation system 122 can record the patient's visit or non-visit for the scheduled appointment in the patient data system 130. For example, if an appointment confirmation is not received from the patient or the healthcare service provider, the confirmation system 122 can receive a notification from the healthcare service provider and / or automatically record the non-visit. The patient data system 130 can provide the visit information to the selection system 116. If the patient has one or more scheduled appointments that have not been visited, the selection system 116 can limit the patient's authority and / or ability to select an appointment.

[0051] After receiving confirmation from the user that the appointment has occurred, the payment system 126 receives 218 payment of the fees associated with the selected healthcare services. Therefore, the user does not have to pay for the healthcare services before the healthcare services are provided. In addition, the user's out-of-pocket expenses may have been reduced because the healthcare providers are incentivized to provide competitive pricing and services, and deposits or other patient fees may be waived to the extent allowed by the insurance policy. In addition, the system promotes a payment system based on customer satisfaction, and the final fee can be determined at least in part based on the user's satisfaction with the healthcare services. For example, the cost tracking system 132 can adjust the fees associated with the healthcare services based on the results of a consumer survey completed by the user after the healthcare services. The consumer survey can be sent at the same time or after the confirmation request is sent to the user.

[0052] In some embodiments, the communication system 110 sends an order for healthcare products from the healthcare provider to the healthcare product supplier after the appointment. For example, the communication system 110 can send a medication prescription from the healthcare provider to the pharmacy. The payment system 126 can accept payment for the cost of the healthcare products.

[0053] Thus, the described systems and methods provide a centralized platform where users can manage different healthcare services from multiple healthcare providers and receive competitive pricing. In addition, if a previously used healthcare provider is unavailable, users can identify alternative healthcare providers and obtain healthcare services in a timely manner. Thus, users can more easily manage healthcare services and can reduce the cost of healthcare services.

[0054] Figure 4 1 is a flow chart of an example method 220 of operating a system for managing remote healthcare services, such as the system 100 shown in FIG. 1 . Figure 1A-2 At 4, method 220 includes receiving 222 a search request for at least one healthcare question from a computing device associated with a user. The request system 118 receives the search request. The location system 134 determines that the user is associated with a first location. For example, the location system 134 receives location information associated with the user from the user device 104 and / or location information input by the user, and then associates the first location with the user based on the received information. In further embodiments, the location system 134 determines the first location based on information stored in a user profile associated with the user.

[0055] The location system 134 identifies 224 a second location associated with the healthcare question. For example, the location system 134 identifies the second location associated with the healthcare question based on information provided by the request system 118. The information provided by the request system 118 may be a healthcare service, a health condition, and / or a healthcare provider associated with the search request. The location system 134 identifies a relationship between the second location and the healthcare question because, for example, but not limited to, a plurality of events related to the healthcare question occurred at the second location, research was generated at the second location and is related to the healthcare question, and / or an expert in the field of the healthcare question is located at the second location.

[0056] The request system 118 retrieves 226 a list of healthcare providers associated with the healthcare problem from the database 120. For example, the request system 118 receives the second location from the location system 134 and retrieves from the database healthcare providers that are located at the second location and provide healthcare services related to the healthcare problem.

[0057] The healthcare management system 102 provides 228 a list of healthcare providers, qualification information of the healthcare providers, and data indicating a relationship between the healthcare problem and the second location to a computing device associated with the user. For example, the relationship data may include a plurality of events related to the healthcare problem located at the second location, research generated at the second location and related to the healthcare problem, and / or healthcare field experts located at the second location. The qualification information may include license information of the healthcare provider at the second location and certification requirements for healthcare services. The qualification information may help the user understand whether the healthcare provider at the second location will provide an appropriate standard of care even if the user is not at the second location or is unfamiliar with the second location. The UI generation system 114 generates a user interface including information to be provided to the user.

[0058] The selection system 116 receives 230 a selection of a healthcare provider in the list from a computing device associated with the user. For example, the calendar system 112 may provide a list of available appointments for healthcare providers, and the user may select an available appointment using the selection system 116.

[0059] The communication system 110 establishes 232 a communication link between a user at a first location and a healthcare provider at a second location. For example, the communication system 110 may establish a channel for graphic or text messages, an audio connection, and / or a video platform including a user interface and a provider interface for real-time communication between the user and the healthcare provider. The user at the first location may communicate with the healthcare provider at the second location and receive healthcare services from the healthcare provider. In some embodiments, the provider management system 124 provides authentication information to the user so that the user verifies the identity of the selected healthcare provider when establishing the communication link. The authentication information may include at least one of a photo and a certificate associated with the healthcare provider. For example, the system may retrieve authentication information from an employee record, a government database (e.g., a DMV record), and / or any other suitable database. In some embodiments, the healthcare provider verifies the assigned equipment (e.g., a vehicle and / or healthcare equipment), and the assigned equipment is associated with the employee's authentication information so that when the assigned equipment and / or provider is at a certain location, the authentication information is sent to a central database and / or the patient.

[0060] Figure 5 1 is a block diagram illustrating components of the user account system 136. The user account system 136 includes an authentication system 170, a communication system 172, a request system 118, a UI generation system 176, a selection system 116, an account designation system 178, a healthcare provider database 180, a healthcare information database 182, an authorization system 184, and a monitoring system 186. In some embodiments, the healthcare provider database 180 and / or the healthcare information database 182 are included or incorporated into the user account system 136. Figure 1A In the database 120 shown. In some embodiments, the healthcare provider database 180 and / or the healthcare information database 182 are at least partially stored remotely. For example, the healthcare information database 182 may include information from a database of a research institution, a government agency, and / or a healthcare provider.

[0061] The authentication system 170 receives information from the user to authenticate the user's identity and authorize the user to access the user account. For example, the authentication information may include a login name and a password. In some embodiments, the authentication process of the authentication system 170 is based on the authentication process of the user device 104. For example, the user may enter the authentication information to access the user device 104, and the user device 104 may automatically enter the authentication information stored on the user device into the authentication system 170. In other embodiments, the login information that the user enters into the authentication system 170 is separate from the login information of the user device 104. The authentication system 170 may require two-factor authentication, a security code, or any other authentication protocol.

[0062] The account designation system 178 determines the state of the account (e.g., active or inactive) and the designation of the account. Example account designations include primary accounts, secondary accounts, adult accounts, child accounts, limited accounts, view-only accounts, etc. In this example, the user account is designated as a primary account and a secondary account. Each secondary account is associated with at least one primary account. When the authentication information for the authentication system 170 is received, the account designation system 178 determines the account designation, and in some embodiments, the content provided by the UI generation system 176 is limited based on the account designation. For example, when the account designation system 178 indicates a primary account, the UI generation system 176 can generate an unrestricted user interface, and when the account designation system indicates a secondary account, the user interface generation system 176 generates a restricted user interface. In the restricted user interface, some menus, options, or selections may be restricted or constrained. For example, the UI generation system 176 can provide a menu of healthcare services and appointments available to the user based on the account designation. The unrestricted user interface may have more options for the user to select than the restricted user interface. In some embodiments, the secondary account is able to view and request access to options that require authorization from the primary account. Authorization system 184 will send the authorization request for granting access to the secondary account. In other embodiments, the secondary account can only select or view a menu of options that have been pre-authorized by the primary account.

[0063] The request system 118 receives a user request for at least one healthcare service. For example, a user may input a request for information or a request for a healthcare service via the user device 104. The UI generation system 176 provides a user interface for displaying search results. The selection system 116 receives a user selection of healthcare services and / or appointments provided by healthcare providers. The communication system 172 sends and receives communications with other devices, such as the communication system 110 of the system 100, the communication system 190 of the provider management system 124, the user device 104, and / or the healthcare provider device 108.

[0064] The authorization system 184 determines whether authorization is required for the selected health care service and requests authorization when required. For example, the authorization system 184 receives the account designation from the account designation system 178, and if the account designation is a secondary account, the authorization system 184 determines whether authorization is required for the selected health care service. If the health care service requires authorization, the authorization system 184 sends a request to the primary account via the communication system 172 to authorize the health care service of the associated secondary account. Some health care services for secondary accounts may not require authorization from the primary account and can be kept confidential to the primary account. For example, children aged 14-17 may have the option of selecting and maintaining some services that are confidential to the primary account in order to provide confidentiality and autonomous care for some health care services. The account designation system 178 can determine special account designations for individuals in protected categories (e.g., children in a selected age group), and the user account system maintains protected information in a confidential manner and separates it from information accessible to the primary account.

[0065] In some embodiments, the authorization system 184 requests authorization for health care services based on the cost of the health care services for the secondary account. For example, the authorization system 184 may request authorization for health care services that are out of network for an insurance plan or have an associated cost above a threshold amount. Additionally, in some embodiments, the authorization system 184 receives pre-authorization for at least some health care services from the primary account before the secondary account makes a selection. For example, the primary account may select a certain number of services or a price range for the health care services that the secondary account is authorized to select. In some embodiments, the primary account receives information about the authorized cost of the health care services, but does not receive other confidential information about the health care services of the secondary account.

[0066] The monitoring system 186 monitors user input and activity based on the account designation provided by the account designation system 178. For example, the monitoring system 186 monitors input provided by the user on the primary account and the secondary account and determines whether the input indicates a potential dangerous situation for the user. For example, the user may enter information related to self-harm, abuse, suicidal thoughts, aggressive behavior toward others, or other potentially dangerous situations. The monitoring system 186 can provide alerts about potentially dangerous situations to the associated primary account, healthcare service provider, and / or responsible agency. In some embodiments, if the monitoring system detects a potentially dangerous situation, the monitoring system 186 can direct the user to useful information or healthcare services.

[0067] Figure 6 1 is a flow chart of an example method 300 of operating a system for managing healthcare services including user accounts. For example, the method 300 may use the system 100 and the system 100 shown in FIG. Figure 5 The user account system 136 shown is implemented as shown. Figure 1A , 5 At 6, method 300 includes receiving 302 login information from a user. The login information may be input via input device 168 of user device 104 and received by authentication system 170. Authentication system 170 confirms that the login information matches the login information of the account. For example, the login information may include a personal identifier and a password and / or an authentication code.

[0068] The account designation system 178 determines 304 a user account designation based on at least one characteristic of the user. For example, the account designation system 178 receives login information from the authentication system 170 and retrieves at least one characteristic of the user from the database 120 based on the login information. For example, the characteristic may include at least one of the following: age, intellectual ability, guardianship status, grade, dependency status, insurance coverage, and employment status. The account designation determines that the retrieved characteristic is associated with the account designation based on a predetermined criterion. For example, a first account designation may be associated with a user whose age is below a threshold age (e.g., 18 years old), and a second account designation may be associated with a user whose age is equal to or above the threshold age. In some embodiments, when a user account is first accessed or set up, the user account designation system 178 identifies the user account designation, and the user account designation system records an indicator of the user account designation for retrieval at a subsequent login. Thus, for subsequent access attempts, the user account designation system 178 determines 304 the user account designation by retrieving the stored indicator. In this example, the user account designation includes one of a primary account and a secondary account. Each secondary account is associated with at least one primary account. For example, a primary account may be provided for a parent or legal guardian and a secondary account may be provided for a child or individual with a legal guardian. The secondary account is linked to the primary account of the parent or legal guardian.

[0069] The user account system 136 provides 306 a list of healthcare services available to the user based on the user account designation. For example, the UI generation system 176 provides a user interface that includes a list of healthcare services displayed on the user device 104. The list of healthcare services can be sorted or filtered based on cost, healthcare provider, location, or any other suitable parameter. The list of healthcare services can be provided in a menu of the user interface. In some embodiments, the request system 118 receives a request from the user and generates a list of healthcare services in response to the request. In further embodiments, the request system 118 receives patient data associated with the user and automatically provides healthcare recommendations to the user based on the patient data. For example, when the authentication system 170 authenticates the login information and / or when the user account designation system 178 determines the account designation, the request system 118 can retrieve the patient data. In some embodiments, the patient data includes the patient's location, and the healthcare recommendation is based on a healthcare problem associated with the patient's location. The location information can be determined based on a global positioning system location, an IP address, or other location service information. In further embodiments, the patient data includes a medical condition, and the healthcare recommendation includes information or healthcare services related to the treatment of the medical condition. In some embodiments, the list of healthcare services is sorted based on the patient data. For example, the request system 118 can prominently locate healthcare services determined to be most relevant to the user based on the patient data.In some embodiments, for secondary accounts, the list of healthcare services is divided into healthcare services that require authorization and healthcare services that do not require authorization.

[0070] The selection system 116 receives 308 a selection of at least one healthcare service from a computing device associated with the user. For example, the selection system 116 receives input provided by the user using the input device 168 of the user device 104. If the associated secondary account selects a healthcare service that requires approval from the primary account, the authorization system 184 requests 310 approval from the primary account. For example, the authorization system 184 may request a legal guardian (e.g., the primary account) to allow the minor (e.g., the secondary account) to receive the specified healthcare service. In some embodiments, the authorization system 184 compares the healthcare selection to insurance information associated with the primary account or the secondary account, and requests approval from the primary account if the secondary account selects a healthcare service from a healthcare provider that is listed as out-of-network based on the insurance information. In some embodiments, the authorization system 184 receives a pre-approval from the primary account to allow the secondary account to select at least one healthcare service that requires authorization.

[0071] The monitoring system 186 monitors 312 at least one input from the secondary account related to the selected healthcare service. For example, the input may include a search request for healthcare services, healthcare providers, and / or information related to healthcare services, a selection of at least one healthcare service, and / or a communication related to healthcare services. The monitoring system 186 monitors the input for indications of a potentially dangerous condition. If the input from the secondary account indicates a potentially dangerous condition, the monitoring system 186 notifies 314 the associated primary account, or, if the output from the primary account or the secondary account indicates a potentially dangerous condition, notifies the healthcare service provider and / or responsible agency.

[0072] If the user is authorized to use the selected healthcare service based on the user account designation, or if the associated primary account approves the selection for the secondary account, the authorization system 184 provides 316 access to the selected healthcare service. For example, if the action is authorized, the authorization system 184 allows the user to schedule an appointment for a healthcare service from a healthcare provider included in the healthcare provider database. The authorization system 184 prevents the secondary account from scheduling a healthcare service that requires authorization without first receiving authorization from the primary account. In some embodiments, the request system 118 retrieves information related to the healthcare service from the healthcare information database 182 and provides the information to the user after the authorization system 184 indicates that the selected healthcare service is authorized. The appointment information and / or the retrieved information can be presented to the user in a user interface generated by the UI generation system 176.

[0073] The confirmation system 122 receives a confirmation from a computing device associated with the patient that the healthcare service has been completed. After receiving a confirmation from the patient that the appointment has occurred, the payment system 126 receives payment for the fees associated with the selected healthcare service from the computing device associated with the user. In some embodiments, the payment system 126 accepts payment from the user when the user logs into the user account via the user account system. For example, the payment system 126 accepts payments from a primary account for healthcare services provided to the primary account or a secondary account associated with the primary account. If the selected healthcare service is included in a list of healthcare services that can be paid by the secondary account, the payment system 126 receives payment from the secondary account. In addition, the payment system 126 can receive payment from a computing device associated with one of the insurance companies that share the medical expenses.

[0074] Figure 7is a block diagram illustrating components of the provider management system 124. The provider management system 124 includes an authentication system 188, a communication system 190, a payment system 192, a UI generation system 194, a screening system 196, and an appointment parameter system 198. The provider management system 124 is configured to, for example, manage and monitor the performance of healthcare services of healthcare providers and process payments to healthcare providers.

[0075] The authentication system 188 receives information from healthcare providers and verifies the accuracy and authenticity of the information. For example, the authentication system 188 receives input from each healthcare provider, including business name, employees, credentials, licenses, financial data, tax information, and any other suitable data. The authentication system 188 compares the input with a database that can be used to verify accuracy. For example, the authentication system 188 can compare the license information received from the healthcare provider with the license information provided by the regulatory agency to confirm that the entered information is accurate and the license is valid. The authentication system 188 determines whether all required information has been provided and requests additional information from the healthcare provider if necessary. In some embodiments, the authentication system 188 continuously monitors and updates the authentication information to ensure that the authentication information is up to date. For example, the authentication system 188 can periodically retrieve license information from the regulatory agency to ensure that the license is valid and no new events are reported. If the authentication system 188 receives all required information and the input information meets the predetermined qualifications, the authentication system 188 provides authorization for the healthcare provider to be included in the system and provide one or more healthcare services.

[0076] In some embodiments, the certification system 188 compares the input to predetermined qualifications to determine whether the healthcare provider is qualified to provide healthcare services. The qualification criteria can be based on the license or qualification criteria of an entity, such as an insurance provider and / or a government agency. For example, in some embodiments, the qualification criteria of the certification system 188 match the criteria of Medicaid. Thus, the certification system 188 facilitates the registration of healthcare providers to provide healthcare services for Medicaid because the certification system 188 performs pre-screening and collects the information required for Medicaid applications. In some embodiments, the system 188 provides information directly to insurance providers and / or government agencies or programs.

[0077] The communication system 190 sends and receives communications with, for example, the communication system 110 of the system 100, the communication system 172 of the user account system 136, the user device 104, and / or the healthcare provider device 108. For example, a healthcare provider may input information via the healthcare provider device 108, and the input information may be received by the communication system 190. In addition, the communication system 190 sends information related to the appointment and / or request to the healthcare provider device 108.

[0078] The payment system 192 receives and processes payments sent to healthcare providers. For example, a user and / or insurance company may submit a payment via the payment system 126 of the healthcare management system 102, and the payment system 192 of the healthcare provider management system 124 receives a portion of the payment that is allocated to the healthcare provider. The payment system 192 may calculate the portion of the payment attributed to the healthcare provider based on insurance information, standard billing practices, healthcare services provided by the healthcare provider, and / or in any other suitable manner.

[0079] The UI generation system 194 provides a user interface to a computing device associated with a healthcare provider. For example, the user interface provided by the UI generation system 194 is displayed on the healthcare provider device 108. The user interface may include images, text, menus, buttons, and any other suitable features. For example, the user interface may include fields for the healthcare provider to enter information related to the healthcare provider's authentication and information related to the services provided by the healthcare provider. In addition, the healthcare provider may select one or more healthcare appointments to be assigned to the healthcare provider via the user interface. The user interface may sort the healthcare appointments based on one or more parameters selected by the healthcare provider, such as time frame, cost, and / or healthcare services.

[0080] The appointment parameter system 198 includes parameters for assigning appointments, and in some embodiments, assigning appointments to healthcare providers based on predetermined parameters. For example, the parameters include eligibility requirements, time frames, healthcare services to be provided, priority rankings, payment information, insurance information, and location information. In addition, the appointment parameter system 198 includes goals or limits for appointments with healthcare providers. For example, a business entity can use the appointment parameter system 198 to set goals or limits for its employees. Independent contractors can use the appointment parameter system 198 to set their own goals or limits. In some embodiments, the appointment parameter system 198 provides the parameters to the UI generation system 194 for inclusion in the user interface.

[0081] Additionally, the screening system 196 of the provider management system 124 may screen the appointments 402 based on priority, appointment length, travel time, distance, payment terms, healthcare services, specialty service requirements, or any other parameter.

[0082] Figure 8 An example map 400 including a plurality of healthcare appointments 402 is shown. The healthcare appointments 402 in the map 400 can be booked using the system 100. Each healthcare appointment 402 can include a patient, a healthcare service, a time frame, location information, an assignment status, payment information, contract information, and / or a priority. In some embodiments, the status includes assigned, unassigned, or completed. The time frame information includes an appointment window for each healthcare appointment and / or an estimated duration of the appointment. In addition, the time frame information can include travel time for the healthcare provider to and from the appointment and / or a deadline for an assigned or unassigned appointment. For example, the time frame can indicate the number of hours or minutes until the appointment needs to be completed. The payment information can include the payment amount that the healthcare provider will receive for the appointment. The contract conditions can include appointment requirements and / or booking information. For example, some appointments are classified as company appointments that need to be assigned to a healthcare provider who is an independent contractor (i.e., a worker with a 1099 tax classification).

[0083] The healthcare appointments may be color coded on the map based on at least one of a healthcare service, a time frame, a location, or a status. In further embodiments, the healthcare appointments may be sorted or filtered based on at least one of a healthcare service, a time frame, a location, or a status. For example, a healthcare provider may choose to view unassigned appointments, and the UI generation system 194 generates a map including the unassigned appointments. The system 100 may categorize or subcategorize the user's appointments. For example, a user may choose to sort or filter appointments with the same time frame by priority and / or expected appointment length.

[0084] In this example, the filter system 196 of the provider management system 124 can filter the appointments 402 displayed on the map based on characteristics such as priority, appointment length, travel time, distance, payment terms, healthcare services, specialty service requirements, or any other parameters. For example, in some embodiments, the filter system 196 determines the appointments 402 displayed in the map 400 based on a time frame selected by the user. For example, the filter system 196 can provide appointments 402 that are scheduled to occur within a two-hour time period. In addition, the filter system 196 can filter the appointments 402 based on status, priority, or any other suitable parameter.

[0085] In the illustrated example, appointments 402 in map 400 are highlighted or color-coded based on status, contractual conditions, and / or timeframes. For example, map 400 includes company appointments 404 that are to be assigned to independent contractors. Map 400 includes assigned appointments 405, unassigned appointments 406 that are scheduled to occur within 2 hours, and unassigned appointments 408 that are scheduled to occur within 2-6 hours. The highlighting or color coding can be selected and adjusted by the user.

[0086] In some embodiments, the user can draw or edit the map 400. For example, the user can draw a route to the appointments 402. In addition, the user can highlight or select one or more appointments 402 in the map 400.

[0087] The appointments 402 displayed on the map 400 can be assigned by the appointment parameter system 198 based on predetermined parameters, including but not limited to qualification requirements, time frame, healthcare services to be provided, priority ranking, payment information, insurance information, and location information. In addition, the appointment parameter system 198 includes goals or limits for appointments with healthcare providers. For example, a business entity can use the appointment parameter system 198 to set goals or limits for its employees. Independent contractors can use the appointment parameter system 198 to set their own goals or limits.

[0088] In some embodiments, the appointment parameter system 198 provides parameters to the UI generation system 194, and the parameters are displayed on the map 400. For example, the map 400 includes messages or visual indicators 410 for the healthcare provider based on the parameters. The visual indicators 410 include work hour compliance warnings (e.g., the healthcare provider is below or above the hour limit), time box information, geographic directions, payment information. And upcoming appointments and priorities. The appointment parameter system 198 can provide the healthcare provider with a countdown of the number of hours or appointments remaining in the shift, and can request the supervisor to authorize the healthcare provider to proceed with appointments that exceed the specified limit. Before receiving authorization, the healthcare provider management system 124 can provide the healthcare provider with limited access.

[0089] An appointment 402 may be requested by a user using the user account system 136 of the system 100. For example, the user enters an appointment request using the request system 118, and the request system 118 provides the request to the calendar system 112. The calendar system 112 provides the appointment to the UI generation system 194 of the healthcare provider management system 124, and the UI generation system 194 generates a map 400 including the appointment 402. The healthcare provider is assigned or selects the appointment using the provider management system 124. The healthcare provider receives information related to the appointment. For example, the healthcare provider is provided with a user interface containing a map 400 showing directions and time boxes 402 for the appointment.

[0090] The communication system 190 sends updates to the patient and the healthcare provider based on the information in the map 400. For example, the location system 134 determines an estimated arrival time of the healthcare provider based on the healthcare provider's location and the appointment location, and the communication system 190 provides notifications to the healthcare provider and the patient based on the estimated arrival time. For example, if the healthcare provider cannot arrive as planned or is expected to arrive late based on the location and / or previous appointments, the communication system 190 sends a notification to the patient. In response to the notification, if the healthcare provider is expected to be late, the patient can choose to wait, reschedule, or cancel the appointment. The default setting is that the patient waits for the healthcare provider unless the patient responds otherwise. When the healthcare provider should leave to go to the next scheduled appointment, and / or when the healthcare provider is expected to be late for the next scheduled appointment, the communication system 190 can cause the UI generation system 194 to display an alert, or provide an alert to the healthcare provider.

[0091] The location system 134 determines the location based on any location service. For example, in some embodiments, the location of the user and / or healthcare provider is determined based on a global positioning system (GPS), an IP address, a cellular network signal, or any other suitable location service. The location system 134 receives the location information and associates the location with the user and / or healthcare provider based on the location information. The location system 134 can store and compare multiple locations. For example, the location system 134 can compare a first location of a patient with a second location of a healthcare provider and determine the distance between the locations. The location system 134 can determine the travel time between the locations and estimate the arrival time to check whether the appointment will be on time.

[0092] Map 400 may indicate when an appointment is complete and payment is pending or has been received. Payment system 192 may provide confirmation of payment, including phone verification, pin verification, signature verification and comparison, visual verification, photo recognition verification, and / or pattern verification. Payment system 192 provides updates to map 400 when payment has been received and / or confirmed.

[0093] Fig. 9 1 is a flow chart of an example method 412 of operating a provider management system for allocating resources for healthcare services. For example, the method 412 may use the system 100 and Figure 7 The healthcare provider management system 124 shown is implemented as shown. Figure 1A and 7 -9, method 412 includes generating 414 a map 400 including a plurality of healthcare appointments 402. For example, the UI generation system 194 can generate a user interface including the map 400. The map 400 can be a geographic map representing a geographic area and including locations. The healthcare appointments 402 can be associated with locations on the map 400. The map 400 can display any information related to the healthcare appointments, including but not limited to the patient, healthcare service, time frame, location information, assignment status, payment information, contract information, and / or priority.

[0094] The method 412 includes identifying 416 a healthcare provider of healthcare services included in at least one healthcare appointment. The location system 134 compares 418a the location of the healthcare provider to the location of the at least one healthcare appointment, and the calendar system 112 determines 420 the availability of the healthcare provider within a time frame of the healthcare appointment.

[0095] If the healthcare service provider is available within the time frame of the healthcare appointment and within the location area of ​​at least one healthcare appointment, the provider management system 124 assigns 422 the healthcare appointment to the healthcare service provider. In some embodiments, the provider management system 124 automatically assigns the healthcare appointment to the qualified healthcare service provider. In other embodiments, the healthcare provider selects or confirms the assignment using the provider management system 123. In some embodiments, the healthcare service provider is a third-party contractor that agrees to provide healthcare services based on the contract information included in the healthcare appointment.

[0096] The provider management system 124 records the assignment of the appointment and provides the assignment information to the UI generation system 194 and the calendar system 112. The UI generation system 194 updates 424 the map to indicate that the status of at least one healthcare appointment is assigned. In addition, the calendar system 112 updates the availability of the healthcare provider based on the assigned appointment.

[0097] In some embodiments, the provider management system 124 directs the healthcare service provider to the location of the healthcare appointment within the time frame of the healthcare appointment. For example, the location system 134 can provide the location of the appointment, and the UI generation system 194 can generate a user interface with directions to the location, as well as estimated departure and arrival times. The provider management system 124 can take into account traffic, weather, and other travel influencing factors. In some embodiments, the communication system 190 establishes a communication link between the healthcare service provider and the patient for the time frame of the healthcare appointment.

[0098] The payment system 192 may receive at least a portion of the payment for the healthcare appointment before, during, or after the time frame of the healthcare appointment. For example, the payment system 192 may receive payment of a co-payment or deposit before the healthcare appointment and receive payment of the balance of the healthcare services after the appointment. In some embodiments, the payment system 192 accepts payment for the healthcare services according to the contractual conditions and payment terms included in the healthcare appointment.

[0099] Fig.10 5 is a block diagram illustrating the physical components (eg, hardware) of a computing device 500 that may practice various aspects of the present disclosure. The computing device 500 may be similar to the computing device 500 described above with respect to Figures 1A-1E , 7 and 10. For example, the computing device 500 can be integrated or otherwise associated with any of the various systems described in , 7 and 10. For example, the computing device 500 can be integrated or otherwise associated with the healthcare management system 102, the user device and / or the healthcare provider device 108.

[0100] In a basic configuration, the computing device 500 may include at least one processing unit or processor 502, and a system memory 504. Depending on the configuration and type of the computing device, the system memory 504 may include, but is not limited to, volatile storage (e.g., random access memory), non-volatile storage (e.g., read-only memory), flash memory, or any combination of such memories. The system memory 504 may include an operating system 514 and one or more program modules 524 or components suitable for performing the various operations described above. The operating system 514 may be suitable for controlling the operation of the computing device 500. The system memory 504 may include a healthcare management system 534, such as the healthcare management system 102 and / or one or more subsystems of the healthcare management system 102.

[0101] The computing device 500 may have additional features or functionality. For example, the computing device 500 may also include additional data storage devices (removable and / or non-removable), such as, for example, magnetic disks, optical disks, or tapes. Such additional storage devices may be used to store data or other data. Fig.10 , illustrated by removable storage device 544 and non-removable storage device 554.

[0102] As described above, a number of program modules 524 and data files may be stored in system memory 504. When executed on processing unit 502, program modules 524 may perform various processes including, but not limited to, those described herein.

[0103] In addition, examples of the present disclosure may be practiced in electrical circuits including discrete electronic components, packaged or integrated electronic chips containing logic gates, circuits utilizing microprocessors, or on a single chip containing electronic components or microprocessors. For example, examples of the present disclosure may be practiced via a system on a chip (SOC), wherein: Figure 8 Each or many of the components shown may be integrated onto a single integrated circuit. Such a SOC device may include one or more processing units, a graphics unit, a communication unit, a system virtualization unit, and various application functions, all of which are integrated (or "burned") onto a chip substrate as a single integrated circuit.

[0104] When operating via a SOC, the functionality described herein regarding the ability of a client to switch protocols may be operated via dedicated logic integrated with other components of the computing device 500 on a single integrated circuit (chip). Examples of the present disclosure may also be implemented using other technologies capable of performing logical operations (such as, for example, AND, OR, and NOT), including but not limited to mechanical, optical, fluidic, and quantum technologies. Furthermore, examples of the present disclosure may be implemented in a general purpose computer or any other circuit or system.

[0105] The computing device 500 may also have one or more input / output devices 574. These include, but are not limited to, a keyboard; a trackpad; a mouse; a pen; a sound or voice input device; a touch, pressure and / or swipe input device; a display; a speaker; a printer, etc. The above devices are examples, and other devices may also be used. The computing device 500 may include one or more communication systems 564 that allow or otherwise enable the computing device 500 to communicate with a remote computing device 594. Examples of suitable communication connections include, but are not limited to, radio frequency (RF) transmitters, receivers, and / or transceiver circuits; universal serial bus (USB), parallel and / or serial ports.

[0106] The computing device may include one or more sensors 584. The sensors may include position sensors, accelerometers, positioning sensors, capacitive touch sensors, and the like.

[0107] As used herein, the term computer readable media may include computer storage media. Computer storage media may include volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information, such as computer readable instructions, data structures or program modules.

[0108] System memory 504, removable storage 544, and non-removable storage 554 are all examples of computer storage media (e.g., memory storage). Computer storage media may include RAM, ROM, electrically erasable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical storage devices, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage devices or other magnetic storage devices, or any other article of manufacture that can be used to store information and can be accessed by computing device 500. Any such computer storage media may be part of computing device 500. Computer storage media does not include carrier waves or other propagated or modulated data signals.

[0109] Communication media may be embodied by computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in a modulated data signal such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism, and includes any information delivery media. The term "modulated data signal" may describe a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode information in the signal. By way of example and not limitation, communication media may include wired media, such as a wired network or a direct wired connection, and wireless media, such as acoustic, radio frequency (RF), infrared, and other wireless media.

[0110] Fig.11A and 11B An example of a system 600 for managing healthcare services is shown. The system 600 receives input 602 from a computing device associated with an input entity 604 and provides output 606 to a computer device associated with a receiving entity 608. Some parties are both input entity 604 and receiving entity 608.

[0111] Input entities 604 include, for example, but are not limited to, healthcare professionals that qualify as 1099 tax entities, healthcare provider organizations or networks, employees of healthcare entities, consumers associated with an insurance network, consumers who have insurance but are allowed to make decisions outside of the insurance network, uninsured consumers, consumers receiving assistance from the navigation system, and insurance entities.

[0112] Receiving entities 608 include, for example, but are not limited to, consumers or clients, insurance entities, healthcare professionals (e.g., professionals who qualify for federal tax form 1099), employees, healthcare organizations, government agencies such as Medicare and Medicaid carriers, authorized family members of the consumer, healthcare professionals bidding for services, platform navigation assistants, and representatives of insurance organizations.

[0113] Input 602 includes, for example, but is not limited to, medical specialties advertised by the specialist, insurance companies or policies accepted or preferred by the specialist, forms of payment accepted, co-payment waivers, in-network and out-of-network information, authorization information, insurance policies regarding referrals, bids for services provided by the facility, bids for services requested by patients, work hours or appointment information for facility staff, locations of staff, bid invitations from insurance companies, bid invitations from consumers, bid invitations with requirements or terms set by the consumer, bid invitations from consumers requiring a self-pay option (e.g., uninsured or underinsured consumers), billing for services that require determination with the aid of the platform navigator, bid invitations from the platform navigator on behalf of patients, and bid invitations from insurance entities for healthcare services on the terms required by the insurance entity.

[0114] Output 606 includes, for example, but not limited to, appointment information, accepted insurance information, agreement terms and payment options, notifications regarding co-payments, service charges and acceptable fee waivers, determinations regarding whether proxy services are covered, acceptance or rejection of unregistered healthcare providers, invitation notifications, scheduled appointment information, acceptance or rejection of insurance bids, acceptance or rejection of consumer bids, receipt of payment, platform-assisted acceptance or rejection of bids, and acceptance or rejection of bids with insurance selected terms.

[0115] Output 606 may be provided to a computing device associated with receiving entity 608. For example, output 606 may be included in a user interface and / or an electronic message. Output 606 may be provided in an accessible manner to facilitate understanding of the output by the receiving entity. For example, output 606 may include a readable message, a Braille interpretation, and / or an audio message.

[0116] The system 600 receives input 602 and performs one or more processes 610 based on the input 602 to generate output 606. For example, consumer input can be received from a computing device associated with the following consumers: consumers associated with insurance networks, insured consumers directing their own healthcare, uninsured or underinsured consumers, and consumers who use assistance by navigating the system 600. The system 600 generates a bid invitation request based on the consumer input, and determines bids from healthcare professionals based on the bid invitation request and the terms from the consumer. The consumer can select or reject the bid, and the system 600 notifies the healthcare professional, insurance provider, and consumer of the bid invitation status. When the bid is approved, the consumer selects the generated appointment. For example, the system 600 provides a list of services provided by healthcare providers and bid information to a computing device associated with a customer, and the customer can enter a selection based on the bid information of the specialty advertised by the selected healthcare provider. The system 600 compares the bid information with information about the healthcare provider and outputs matching appointment information to the consumer and the insurance entity. The consumer and / or the insurance entity can accept or reject the matching appointment. The healthcare provider may approve or accept the appointment before outputting it to the consumer and insurance entity.

[0117] The system 600 receives the following inputs from a computing device associated with a healthcare professional: medical specialties advertised by the professional, insurance policies or companies accepted or preferred by the professional, accepted forms of payment, co-payment waivers, in-network and out-of-network information, authorization information, and insurance policies regarding referrals. For example, based on input 602 from a healthcare institution or network, the system 600 generates a list of services provided by the healthcare institution and credentials required for the healthcare institution to remit payment to the healthcare professional. The system 600 compares the list of services provided with a list of requested services generated based on a consumer request. The system 600 provides the list of requested services to a computing device associated with the following healthcare professional: that is, a healthcare professional with credentials matching the required credentials and / or a healthcare professional providing the requested healthcare service. The system 600 can sort, highlight, or otherwise filter the list of requested services to indicate healthcare services that require immediate attention. The healthcare professional is automatically scheduled for a matching appointment. An employee of the healthcare institution can select an assignment from a list of matching appointments at their respective institution.

[0118] Based on input 602 from a healthcare facility employee, the system 600 determines a selection of work assignments and associates the selection with a location and time period. The system 600 provides notifications to a computing device associated with a consumer. The notifications may include the assigned healthcare professional, the vehicle associated with the appointment, the location, the time period of the expected healthcare professional, and any modifications or changes made to the appointment. When the employee signs in via the phone system, the system 600 determines the location of the appointment. The geo-fence will be able to tell if the employee is in the vicinity of the specified location. If the appointment area is adjusted from the initially assigned location, the geo-fence can be adjusted. When the employee clocks in and out for the appointment, the system 600 provides notifications to the employer and / or client. The notifications may include information related to the employee's location, a comparison of the employee's location with the specified area, whether any slack occurs, work hour compliance, and appointment completion time.

[0119] In addition, the system 600 generates a list of insurance providers or policies accepted by the healthcare professional and provides the insurance information to the consumer. The consumer can select a healthcare professional based on the accepted insurance information. The system 600 can provide the consumer with the option of entering their insurance information or authorizing the transfer of insurance information from a centralized database. In addition, the system 600 processes the copayment exemption by receiving authorization information (such as a personalized pin code) from a computing device associated with the healthcare professional. After the copayment exemption is authorized, the system 600 covers the copayment of the designated consumer requesting healthcare services. The system 600 provides a notification of the copayment exemption to consumers, healthcare professionals, and insurance providers. Insurance providers and / or consumers can track the copayment exemption to determine the out-of-pocket expenses and deductibles actually paid by the consumer and ensure accurate tracking towards the policy limits and requirements. Some insurance providers may include partially exempted copayments in the policy limits. The system 600 compares the medical network and medical network out-of-network costs and applicable fee exemptions for the services provided by the healthcare professional and generates a list of costs for insurance providers and consumers. The system 600 can process a universal exemption for using an out-of-network or unregistered healthcare professional by receiving authorization information (such as a personalized pin code) from a computing device associated with an insurance entity and authorizing payment to the healthcare professional for healthcare services. The system 600 provides notification of approval or denial to the healthcare professional.

[0120] The consumer may need help navigating the system 600. An insurance representative may have expertise in navigating the system and may provide assistance to the consumer. The navigation assistant may enter an offer invitation and desired terms for the consumer. The navigation assistant may enter or generate a bill based on the services desired by the consumer.

[0121] The insurance entity may request bids for healthcare services based on terms that the insurance entity is willing to accept. The system 600 determines bids by healthcare professionals for healthcare services and generates a report for review by an insurance representative of the insurance entity. The insurance entity rejects or accepts the bid, and the system 600 notifies the insurance entity, the consumer, and the healthcare professional.

[0122] Fig. 12A , 12B 12C shows an example of a system 700 for managing healthcare services. In particular, the system 700 provides customer on-boarding or registration services ( Fig. 12A ), credential verification( Fig. 12B ) and property management ( Fig. 12C For example, system 700 may be combined with system 600 (eg Fig.11A and 11B The system 700 receives input 702 from a computing device associated with an input entity 704 and provides output 706 to a computing device associated with a receiving entity 708. Some parties are both input entities 704 and receiving entities 708.

[0123] Input entities 704 include, for example, but are not limited to, a healthcare provider, a designated official, a designated manager, a healthcare office manager, a healthcare professional, a government agency such as the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), a background check agency (state or national), an Office of Inspector General, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulatory Agency (FMCSR), E-Verify, a Medical License Verification Certification Agency, the Federation of State Medical Boards, Docinfo, a state plan and provider enumeration service, a Medicare administrator, a Medicaid administrator, a patient or consumer, a real estate or property party, a virtual office, a lab work provider, an imaging location, an insurance provider, and an electronic data interchange (EDI).

[0124] Input 702 includes, for example, but is not limited to, specialty area, healthcare network, healthcare professional list, service location, specialty-based access method (e.g., virtual office, residence, satellite office), license information, image or photograph, identification information (e.g., information used for Form I9 identification), location-based medical clearance, vehicle information, healthcare professional information, user preferences, available locations, lease agreement with terms, receipt confirmation, payment method, laboratory location information, proof of authorization to perform laboratory work, patient orders, and insurance network.

[0125] The system 700 processes input 702 to set up or register a user in the system 700, verify credentials, and / or determine itinerary or accommodation. For example, the system receives a specialty area and determines an access location and method appropriate for the specialty. The system 700 receives a healthcare network and determines location and access information. The system 700 receives a list of healthcare professionals, associates specialties with healthcare professionals, and grants authority to certified specialties. The system 700 receives location information from the healthcare professionals and determines a list of access locations and methods associated with specialties and healthcare professionals. The system 700 can determine whether the healthcare professional has any issues with background checks, verify photo requirements, record work authorization, and store driver's license and driving information. In addition, based on the input information, the system 700 approves or disapproves the healthcare professional to provide corresponding services.

[0126] The patient can select a preferred method of receiving services, and the system 700 determines whether the preferred method is available for healthcare services by analyzing the healthcare professional information and specialty-related data. The system 700 approves or disapproves the request.

[0127] System 700 facilitates real estate parties (e.g., real estate agents, landlords, or tenants) to reach an agreement on a real estate transaction related to medical services. For example, system 700 identifies the attributes of an office (virtual or real) or service (such as imaging and laboratory) based on the required terms of service, facility qualifications, posted advertisements, and location. System 700 determines the terms of the property agreement and sends notifications of acceptance or rejection to the parties. System 700 also facilitates payment for services and / or property transactions.

[0128] Receiving entities 708 include, for example, but not limited to, healthcare platform representatives (eg, quality control representatives), patients, healthcare provider networks, healthcare professionals, real estate professionals, landlords, and tenants.

[0129] The systems described herein (e.g., systems 100, 600, 700) can be used to provide education to consumers, healthcare professionals, and / or insurance providers. For example, a consumer can be a veteran and can receive information on topics or specialties selected for veterans based on information provided by the Veterans Affairs Bureau. The system can track consumers identified as veterans and send them notifications about selected topics of interest. In addition, the system can send notifications about selected topics of interest to healthcare professionals. The system can provide education to consumers, insurance providers, and healthcare professionals based on information provided by any agency, such as healthcare software agencies, healthcare service agencies, and entrepreneurial agencies. Education can be provided to consumers based on the characteristics of the consumer or to all consumers using the system.

[0130] In addition, the system (e.g., system 100, 600, 700) can be used to provide transportation services related to healthcare services. For example, transportation to and from an appointment arranged by the system (e.g., non-emergency medical transportation) can be provided, or transportation can be provided during the recovery process. The system receives a list of experts who register a fleet into the platform for the purpose of renting a healthcare expert, business information of a healthcare expert who needs transportation services, and / or a list of experts or medical networks. If verification is required, the system determines whether the provider has a state-approved arbitration agreement, identifies a list of telephone providers, and / or determines the location associated with the transportation service. The system approves or disapproves the provider of the transportation service. Notifications of approval / disapproval will be provided to the telephone company and healthcare expert who registered the vehicle. The system can then connect the telephone service to the healthcare expert and / or the appointment, and notify the patient of available transportation services for the appointment. Examples of possible transportation-related services include Turo for healthcare, carpooling for healthcare, scooters for rent (e.g., SEGWAY brand electric scooters), golf carts, all-terrain vehicles, horses, and bicycles. When a type of transportation service is selected, the system determines the vehicle type, cost, and duration of the transportation service.

[0131] In one example, the system facilitates a customer to schedule a health care retreat or other medical-related services that may be covered by insurance. For example, the system receives a list of customers, a list of retreats, and insurance companies willing to pay for the retreat. The system determines the retreat location and which retreats accept insurance. Based on the stored insurance information, the system can identify an insurance policy that pays for a portion of the retreat. The system then calculates the cost for the customer to attend the retreat and, optionally, compares the cost to the customer's budget. If the retreat is covered by the insurance policy or is within the customer's budget, the system can book the retreat using the platform.

[0132] Therefore, the present disclosure describes a system and method for managing healthcare services. Examples include a user account system that facilitates users to search and select healthcare providers based on availability and pricing information. Users are able to view prices before selecting services and can obtain competitive pricing from healthcare providers. In addition, the user account system includes a primary account and a secondary account that facilitates people with secondary accounts to have the authority to receive some healthcare services while the secondary account input is monitored, and to request authorization for selected services from the primary account. In addition, a healthcare provider management system facilitates healthcare service providers to effectively allocate and assign work. The described system and method provide a healthcare market or bazaar that facilitates making financially wise decisions, as well as healthcare experts and insurance companies bidding for healthcare services and costs. Therefore, the quality and timeliness of healthcare services can be improved while reducing the cost of healthcare services.

[0133] A method for managing a healthcare service account includes receiving login information from a user and retrieving at least one characteristic of the user from a memory based on the login information, wherein the at least one characteristic is associated with a user account designation; determining the user account designation based on the at least one characteristic of the user, wherein the at least one characteristic includes at least one of the following: age, mental ability, guardianship status, grade, dependency status, insurance coverage, and employment status, wherein the user account designation includes one of a primary account and a secondary account, each secondary account being associated with at least one primary account; providing a list of healthcare services available to the user based on the user account designation; receiving a selection of at least one healthcare service from the user; requesting approval of the primary account if the healthcare service requested by the associated secondary account requires approval of the secondary account for the healthcare service to be selected; providing access to the selected healthcare service if the user is authorized to use the healthcare service based on the user account designation, or if the selection is approved for the secondary account by the associated primary account, and receiving at least one input related to the selected healthcare service from the user, wherein the input from the secondary account is monitored for indications of a potential dangerous condition; and notifying the associated primary account if the input from the secondary account indicates a potential dangerous condition.

[0134] The method according to any other paragraph, further comprising accepting payment of the charges associated with the selected healthcare service for the secondary account by receiving payment from the secondary account, or receiving payment from a primary account associated with the secondary account, if the selected healthcare service is included in a list of healthcare services for which the secondary account can submit payment.

[0135] The method of any of the other paragraphs, further comprising receiving confirmation from the patient that the appointment occurred, and accepting payment from the user for fees associated with the selected healthcare service after receiving confirmation from the patient that the appointment occurred.

[0136] The method of any other paragraph, further comprising retrieving information from a medical information database related to the healthcare service selected by the user, and providing the information to the user.

[0137] The method of any of the other paragraphs, wherein the login information includes a login identifier and a password.

[0138] The method according to any other paragraph, further comprising comparing the health care selection to insurance information associated with the primary account or the secondary account, and requesting approval from the primary account if the secondary account selects health care services from a health care provider listed as out-of-network based on the insurance information.

[0139] A method for providing remote healthcare services includes receiving a search request for at least one healthcare problem from a patient, wherein the patient is associated with a first location; identifying a second location associated with the healthcare problem; retrieving a list of healthcare providers associated with the healthcare problem from a healthcare provider database, wherein the healthcare providers are located at the second location; providing the patient with the list of healthcare providers, qualification information for the healthcare providers, and data indicating a relationship between the healthcare problem and the second location; receiving a selection of a healthcare provider from the list from the patient; and establishing a communication link between the patient at the first location and the healthcare provider at the second location.

[0140] The method of any other paragraph, further comprising providing the patient with identity verification information of the selected healthcare provider, wherein the identity verification information includes at least one of a photograph and a personal credential.

[0141] A method according to any other paragraph, wherein the association between the second location and the healthcare issue includes at least one of the following: multiple events related to the healthcare issue occurred at the second location; research occurred at the second location and related the research to the healthcare issue; an expert in the field of the healthcare issue is located at the second location.

[0142] A method for allocating resources for healthcare services, comprising generating a map including a plurality of healthcare appointments, each healthcare appointment including a patient, a healthcare service, a time frame, a location, and a status, wherein the status includes assigned, unassigned, or completed; identifying a healthcare provider associated with the healthcare service included in at least one healthcare appointment; comparing the location of the healthcare provider to the location of the at least one healthcare appointment; determining the availability of the healthcare provider during the time frame of the healthcare appointment; allocating the healthcare appointment to the healthcare provider if the healthcare provider is available during the time frame of the healthcare appointment and is available within the location area of ​​the at least one healthcare appointment; and updating the map to indicate that the status of the at least one healthcare appointment is assigned.

[0143] The method of any of the other paragraphs, wherein the healthcare appointments are color coded on the map based on at least one of healthcare service, time frame, location, or status.

[0144] The method of any of the other paragraphs, wherein the time box includes an appointment window for each healthcare appointment.

[0145] The method of any other paragraph, wherein each healthcare appointment includes payment information.

[0146] The method of any of the other paragraphs, wherein each healthcare appointment includes a priority, and further comprising sorting the healthcare appointments based on the priority.

[0147] The method of any of the other paragraphs, wherein each healthcare appointment includes contract information including fee and payment information.

[0148] A method as described in any other paragraph, wherein the healthcare service provider is a third party contractor that agrees to provide healthcare services based on contract information contained in the healthcare.

[0149] The method of any of the other paragraphs, wherein the map is a geographic map and further comprising directing the healthcare provider to the location of the healthcare appointment within a time frame of the healthcare appointment.

[0150] The method of any other paragraph, further comprising establishing a communication link between the healthcare provider and the patient within a time frame of the healthcare appointment.

[0151] A method includes receiving a search request for at least one healthcare question from a patient; retrieving a list of healthcare providers associated with the healthcare question from a healthcare provider database; providing the patient with a list of healthcare services provided by the healthcare providers and a comparison of costs associated with the healthcare services provided by the healthcare providers; providing the patient with a list of available appointments for each healthcare provider; receiving a selection from the patient, the selection including a selected healthcare provider, a selected healthcare service, and a selected appointment from the list of available appointments, wherein the selected healthcare service is associated with a cost from the cost comparison; generating an appointment reservation based on the selection, wherein the appointment reservation includes the selected appointment, the selected healthcare service, the selected healthcare provider, and the cost associated with the healthcare service; sending the appointment reservation to the healthcare provider; receiving a confirmation from the patient that the appointment has occurred; and accepting payment from the patient for the cost associated with the selected healthcare service after receiving the confirmation from the patient that the appointment has occurred.

[0152] The method of any of the other paragraphs, wherein receiving confirmation from the patient that the appointment occurred includes receiving a patient-specific authorization code from the patient and receiving input from the patient confirming that the selected healthcare service was provided.

[0153] A method as in any other paragraph, further comprising updating the list of available appointments based on the selected appointment.

[0154] The method of any other paragraph, further comprising screening the list of healthcare providers based on the health insurance data.

[0155] The method of any of the other paragraphs, further comprising providing a communication system for a virtual conference between the patient and the selected healthcare provider at a selected appointment time.

[0156] A method according to any other paragraph, wherein the patient is under 18 years of age, the method further comprising receiving permission for healthcare services from the patient's legal guardian; receiving communications from the patient; monitoring the communications; generating a recommendation for healthcare services for the patient based on the communications; and sending an alert to a third party if the communications indicate potential harm to the patient.

[0157] The method of any other paragraph, further comprising receiving patient data and automatically providing healthcare recommendations to the patient based on the patient data.

[0158] The method of any of the other paragraphs, wherein the patient data includes a patient location, and wherein the healthcare recommendation is based on a healthcare problem associated with the patient location.

[0159] The method of any of the other paragraphs, further comprising sorting the list of healthcare providers based at least in part on the patient data.

[0160] The method of any other paragraph, further comprising sending an order for the healthcare product from the healthcare provider to a healthcare product supplier after the appointment, and accepting payment from the patient for the cost of the healthcare product.

[0161] The method of any other paragraph, further comprising recording attendance or non-attendance of a patient for a scheduled appointment, and limiting the patient's ability to select an appointment if the patient has one or more scheduled appointments that were not attended.

[0162] The method of any other paragraph, further comprising determining a service history and a license status for each healthcare provider in the database, wherein the healthcare provider list includes only healthcare providers with a valid license status and a positive service history.

[0163] The method of any other paragraph, further comprising providing the costs associated with the healthcare services to a third party and obtaining authorization for the costs from the third party before providing the patient with a list of healthcare services provided by the healthcare provider and a comparison of the costs associated with the healthcare services provided by the healthcare provider.

[0164] The method of any other paragraph, further comprising sending a notification to the patient that the healthcare provider has arrived at the healthcare service location, and receiving verification from the patient that the healthcare provider has arrived at the location.

[0165] The method of any other paragraph, further comprising receiving notification from the healthcare provider that the healthcare service has been completed, providing the patient with a verification option, and receiving verification from the patient that the healthcare service has been completed.

[0166] The method of any other paragraph, further comprising sending payment to the healthcare provider after receiving confirmation from the patient that the appointment occurred.

[0167] The method of any other paragraph, further comprising receiving a bid request for a healthcare service from a patient and receiving at least one bid for the healthcare service from a healthcare provider, wherein the bid request includes insurance information and payment information, and wherein the bid from the healthcare provider includes at least appointment availability and cost.

[0168] A system includes a processor; a memory that is communicatively coupled to the processor and stores instructions that, when executed by the processor, perform operations including: receiving a search request for at least one healthcare problem from a patient; retrieving a list of healthcare providers associated with the healthcare problem from a healthcare service provider database; providing the patient with a list of healthcare services provided by the healthcare providers and a comparison of costs associated with the healthcare services provided by the healthcare providers; providing the patient with a list of available appointments for each healthcare provider; receiving a selection from the patient, the selection including a selected healthcare provider, a selected healthcare service, and a selected appointment from the list of available appointments, wherein the selected healthcare service is associated with a cost from the cost comparison; generating an appointment reservation based on the selection, wherein the appointment reservation includes the selected appointment, the selected healthcare service, the selected healthcare provider, and the cost associated with the healthcare service; sending the appointment reservation to the healthcare provider; receiving a confirmation from the patient that the appointment has occurred; and accepting payment from the patient for the cost associated with the selected healthcare service after receiving the confirmation from the patient that the appointment has occurred.

[0169] A healthcare marketplace system includes a processor; a memory communicatively coupled to the processor and storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, perform operations including identifying a healthcare provider from a list of healthcare providers that is authorized to perform healthcare services associated with at least one healthcare problem of a patient; receiving insurance information associated with the patient; receiving bids for healthcare services from the healthcare providers; determining the patient's out-of-pocket expenses for the healthcare services based on the insurance information and the bids from the healthcare service providers; receiving an approval or rejection from the patient for at least one bid submitted by the healthcare providers; and sending an appointment reservation to the patient and the corresponding healthcare provider if the patient approves the bid submitted by the healthcare provider.

[0170] When introducing elements of the present disclosure or the preferred embodiments thereof, the articles "a", "an", "the" and "said" are intended to mean that there are one or more elements. The terms "comprising", "including" and "having" are intended to be inclusive, meaning that there may be additional elements besides the listed elements.

[0171] Since various changes may be made to the above configuration without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, all content contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings should be interpreted as illustrative rather than restrictive. Although specific features of various embodiments of the present disclosure are shown in some drawings and not in other drawings, this is only for convenience. In accordance with the principles of the present disclosure, any feature of a drawing may be referenced and / or claimed in conjunction with any feature of any other drawing.

[0172] This written description uses examples to disclose the present disclosure, including the best mode, and also enables those skilled in the art to practice the present disclosure, including making and using any device or system and performing any incorporated method. The scope of the patentability of the present disclosure is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. If such other examples have structural elements that are not different from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements that are not substantially different from the literal language of the claims, these other examples should be within the scope of the claims. Whether combined or shown and described separately, various features (structural and methodological) are intended to be selectively included or omitted to produce an embodiment with a specific feature set. In addition, each of the above operations can be performed in any order. For example, one operation can be performed before another operation. In addition, one or more of the disclosed operations can be performed simultaneously or substantially simultaneously.

Claims

1. A healthcare market system comprising: processor; as well as a memory communicatively coupled to the processor and storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, perform operations comprising: receiving a bid request for healthcare services from a patient, wherein the bid request includes a healthcare problem of the patient and at least one of insurance information or payment information; identifying, from a list of health care providers, a health care provider that is authorized to perform health care services associated with the health care problem of the patient; receiving a bid for the healthcare service from the healthcare provider; determining the patient's out-of-pocket cost for the health care services based on the bid of the health care provider and the insurance information or the payment information; receiving an approval or a rejection by the patient of at least one bid submitted by the healthcare provider; and If the patient approves the bid submitted by the healthcare provider, an appointment reservation is sent to the patient and the corresponding healthcare provider.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The bid from the healthcare provider includes at least appointment availability and cost.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The operations include: receiving confirmation from the patient that the appointment occurred; and After receiving confirmation from the patient that the appointment has occurred, accepting payment from the patient for the out-of-pocket expenses associated with the approved bid.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The operations include updating a list of available appointments for the healthcare provider based on the appointment reservation.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The operations include filtering the list of healthcare providers based on the insurance information.

6. The system of claim 1, further comprising a communication system configured to provide a virtual conference between the patient and the selected healthcare provider for the appointment reservation.

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The operations include receiving patient data and automatically providing healthcare recommendations to the patient based on the patient data.

8. The system according to claim 7, wherein: The patient data includes a patient location, and wherein the healthcare recommendation is based on a healthcare problem associated with the patient location.

9. The system according to claim 7, wherein: The operations include sorting the healthcare provider list based at least in part on the patient data.

10. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The operations include recording visits or misses by the patient for scheduled appointments and, if the patient has one or more missed scheduled appointments, limiting the patient's authority to select an appointment.

11. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The operations include determining a service history and a license status for each healthcare provider in a database, wherein the healthcare provider list includes only healthcare providers with a valid license status and a positive service history.

12. A system comprising: processor; as well as a memory communicatively coupled to the processor and storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, perform operations comprising: receiving a search request for at least one healthcare question from a patient; retrieving a list of health care providers associated with the health care problem from a health care provider database; providing said patient with a list of health care services provided by said health care provider and a comparison of costs associated with said health care services provided by said health care provider; providing said patient with a list of available appointments for each health care provider; receiving a selection from the patient, the selection comprising a selected health care provider, a selected health care service, and a selected appointment from the list of available appointments, wherein the selected health care service is associated with a cost from the cost comparison; generating an appointment reservation based on the selection, wherein the appointment reservation includes the selected appointment, the selected health care service, the selected health care provider, and a fee associated with the health care service; sending the appointment reservation to the healthcare provider; receiving confirmation from the patient that the appointment occurred; and After receiving confirmation from the patient that the appointment has occurred, payment by the patient for the fees associated with the selected healthcare services is accepted.

13. The system of claim 12, further comprising a communication system configured to provide a virtual conference between the patient and the selected healthcare provider for the appointment reservation.

14. The system according to claim 12, wherein: The operations include receiving patient data and automatically providing healthcare recommendations to the patient based on the patient data.

15. The system of claim 12, wherein: The operations include determining a service history and a license status for each healthcare provider in a database, wherein the healthcare provider list includes only healthcare providers with a valid license status and a positive service history.

16. A method comprising: receiving a bid request for healthcare services from a patient, wherein the bid request includes a healthcare problem of the patient and at least one of insurance information or payment information; identifying, from a list of health care providers, a health care provider that is authorized to perform health care services associated with the health care problem of the patient; receiving a bid for the healthcare service from the healthcare provider; determining the patient's out-of-pocket cost for the health care services based on the bid of the health care provider and the insurance information or the payment information; providing said patient with a list of health care services provided by said health care provider and a comparison of costs associated with said health care services provided by said health care provider; providing the patient with a list of available appointments for each health care provider; receiving a selection from the patient, the selection comprising a selected health care provider, a selected health care service, and a selected appointment from the list of available appointments, wherein the selected health care service is associated with a cost from the cost comparison; generating an appointment reservation based on the selection, wherein the appointment reservation includes the selected appointment, the selected healthcare service, the selected healthcare provider, and a fee associated with the healthcare service; and The appointment reservation is sent to the healthcare provider and the patient.

17. The method according to claim 16, further comprising: receiving a confirmation from the patient that the appointment occurred; as well as After receiving confirmation from the patient that the appointment has occurred, payment from the patient for charges associated with the selected healthcare services is accepted.

18. The method of claim 16, further comprising receiving patient data and automatically providing healthcare recommendations to the patient based on the patient data.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein: The patient data includes a patient location, and wherein the healthcare recommendation is based on a healthcare problem associated with the patient location.

20. The method of claim 16, further comprising determining the service history and license status of each healthcare provider in the database, wherein The healthcare provider list includes only healthcare providers with valid license status and positive service history.

Images