Automated Patient Repatriation System for Hospital Network Matching

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Solution Overview

Problem

The process of repatriating patients from out-of-network hospitals to in-network hospitals and managing patient discharges to appropriate care facilities is cumbersome and time-consuming, involving extensive communication and coordination between multiple entities, often relying on manual processes like phone calls and faxes.

Innovation Solution

A computerized system that automates patient matching and repatriation processes by accessing patient and hospital data to identify suitable in-network destinations, scheduling transport, and facilitating electronic communication between hospitals and transport providers, using QR or barcode scanners for patient-specific codes, and integrating with insurance networks for cost reimbursement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual communication methods (phone calls, faxes) are used for patient repatriation coordination, then flexibility in communication is maintained, but the process becomes time-consuming and administratively burdensome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication flexibilityVSAvoidrepatriation process time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual communication methods (phone calls, faxes) with an automated electronic communication system that electronically transmits patient data, repatriation requests, and coordination information between admitting hospitals, destination hospitals, and transport providers, thereby reducing administrative burden and process time while maintaining communication flexibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an automated case management system as an intermediary that coordinates communication between multiple entities (admitting hospitals, destination hospitals, transport providers, insurance companies), enabling efficient information exchange and reducing the time required for manual back-and-forth communications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If extensive manual coordination is performed between multiple entities, then communication completeness is ensured, but administrative complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication completenessVSAvoidadministrative process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple separate coordination functions (patient data exchange, repatriation request management, transport scheduling, insurance verification) into a single integrated automated case management system that handles all communications and coordinates all entities through one unified platform, reducing administrative complexity while ensuring complete communication

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The automated case management system performs multiple functions including electronic transmission of patient data, generation of repatriation requests, coordination with transport providers, and verification of insurance coverage, thereby reducing the need for separate manual processes and lowering administrative complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If automated matching is implemented, then repatriation efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverepatriation processing speedVSAvoidsystem automation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements automated algorithms that automatically match patients with appropriate destination hospitals based on insurance network information and medical needs, and automatically schedule transport without requiring manual intervention, thereby improving repatriation processing speed while the system handles its own complexity internally

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11361386B2Systems and methods for automated repatriation of a patient from an out-of-network admitting hospital to an in-network destination hospital

Publication Date: 2022.06.14 PHILLIPS RACHEL

AI summary

A system server stores and allows access to patient data, and can include a repatriation management system and/or a discharge management system. The repatriation management system provides for transfer of a patient from an admitting out-of-network hospital to a destination in-network hospital. The repatriation management system includes a computer program for analyzing the patient data, analyzing candidate destination hospital data, and calculating matches between the two. The discharge management system provides for transfer of a patient from an acute care hospital environment to a remote care facility. The discharge management system includes a computer program for analyzing the patient data, identifying and formulating resolutions to placement problems, and determining if the patient will be discharged. The system server is networked to allow remote access to the stored data and communication between the admitting hospital, destination hospitals, remote care facilities, and medical transport providers.