Medical Benefit Comparison System with Data Normalization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Consumers face difficulties in comparing medical insurance plans from different sources due to varying costs and benefits, which are scattered across different documents and databases, making it hard to select an appropriate plan.
Innovation Solution
A computing system that imports and normalizes plan information from various external sources into a standardized format, allowing for a side-by-side comparison of medical insurance plans through a user interface that dynamically adjusts based on user-selected categories.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If plan information is obtained from multiple external sources with different formats and structures, then the comprehensiveness of plan comparison is improved, but the complexity of data processing and normalization increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary normalization layer that sits between diverse external data sources and the comparison interface. This normalization layer standardizes different data formats, structures, and terminologies into a common framework, enabling comprehensive plan comparison while shielding users from the underlying data processing complexity. The intermediary translates varied external schemas into a unified internal representation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the complex data processing task into distinct modular components: data import modules for different sources, normalization modules for standardizing specific data types, and comparison modules for analyzing standardized data. This segmentation allows each component to handle specific aspects independently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive comparison capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If plan information is scattered across different documents and databases, then the variety of available plans increases, but the ease of accessing and comparing information decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges information from multiple scattered documents and databases into a single unified comparison interface. By consolidating diverse plan information into one standardized view, the system maintains access to a wide variety of plans while dramatically improving ease of comparison. Users can view and compare all plans in one location rather than navigating multiple separate documents.
Solution Approach 2:
The comparison interface is designed as a universal system that can handle multiple data sources, formats, and plan types through a single standardized interface. This multi-functional platform accommodates various external sources while presenting information in a consistent, easy-to-navigate format that simplifies user interaction regardless of the original data source.
3Measurement precision
If detailed plan information is provided from multiple sources, then the accuracy of comparison increases, but the time required to process and analyze the information increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary normalization and standardization of detailed plan information during the data import phase, before the actual comparison takes place. By pre-processing and organizing detailed information into standardized formats in advance, the system maintains high comparison accuracy while reducing the time required during the actual analysis phase, as the data is already prepared and structured.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and processes of comparing medical benefit options obtained from different, external sources are disclosed. The processes include a method of comparing plan benefits implemented in a computing system. The method includes: obtaining plan information associated with different plans from different external sources and which are related to pre-defined categories; normalizing the plan information into a common form for each of the pre-defined categories; and generating a visual display of a plurality of selectable and dynamically changeable areas each of which is associated with a pre-defined category of a different plan and which is populated with the normalized imported plan information in a standard format in a side-by-side manner.