Blockchain Distributed Ledger for Insurance Claim Data Verification

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Solution Overview

Problem

The First-Notice-Of-Loss (FNOL) process in insurance claims is hindered by lengthy communication delays due to traditional methods like phone calls, emails, and mail, which are inefficient and costly compared to automated solutions.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a blockchain-based distributed ledger system for data input, collection, and verification, utilizing APIs and a data curation service to automate and secure the process, ensuring tamper-proof, resilient, and auditable storage and tracking of insurance claim data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional communication methods (phone calls, emails, mail) are used for data input, collection, and verification in insurance claims, then human interaction and flexibility are maintained, but processing time increases significantly and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclaim processing speedVSAvoidcommunication delay
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical communication systems (phone calls, emails, physical mail) with an automated electronic data exchange system based on blockchain technology. This substitution eliminates human intervention in routine communication tasks, reducing processing time from weeks to hours while maintaining data security and verification capabilities through cryptographic protocols and smart contracts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a blockchain-based intermediary layer that facilitates automated data exchange between insurance carriers, adjusters, and vendors. This intermediary system uses smart contracts to automatically verify and process claims data, eliminating the need for lengthy back-and-forth communications while ensuring data integrity and reducing processing delays.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Extent of automation

If traditional communication methods are used, then system simplicity is maintained, but automation level remains low and operational costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata exchange automationVSAvoidsystem architecture
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the insurance claims processing system into modular components: blockchain infrastructure for data storage, smart contracts for automated verification, APIs for data exchange, and user interfaces for interaction. This segmentation enables targeted automation of specific tasks while maintaining overall system manageability and reducing operational costs through efficient resource allocation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal blockchain-based platform that handles multiple functions including data input, collection, verification, and exchange across different insurance carriers and vendors. This multi-functional system reduces the need for separate communication channels and manual processes, increasing automation while managing complexity through standardized protocols and interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If manual data verification processes are used, then data accuracy can be ensured through human review, but processing time increases and fraud risks remain

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata verification accuracyVSAvoidverification speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements automated feedback loops where smart contracts continuously verify claims data against predefined criteria and previous transactions. The system automatically flags anomalies, requests additional information, and validates data integrity through cryptographic verification, maintaining high accuracy while processing claims at speeds impossible for manual review.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary data verification and validation before claims processing begins. Smart contracts automatically check data integrity, validate vendor credentials, and verify claim eligibility in advance, ensuring accurate verification while accelerating subsequent processing steps by eliminating the need for repeated manual checks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12086110B1Systems and methods for data input, collection, and verification using distributed ledger technologies
Publication Date: 2024.09.10 UNITED SERVICES AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION (USAA)
  • US12086110B1 patent drawing
  • US12086110B1 patent drawing
  • US12086110B1 patent drawing

AI summary

Embodiments are described herein for data input, collection, and verification using information stored on a distributed ledger, such as a blockchain. A distributed ledger may securely store data relating to an insurance claim, for example. Use of a distributed ledger may provide an immutable, readily auditable record of the history of the insurance claim.