Abstract: An Internet-based competitive pricing and bidding transaction system includes one or more transaction processing servers that interface and communicate over the Internet with client computer systems of prospective online consumers, medical and professional/licensed services providers and a plurality of related information databases. The transaction processing system handles online communications and procedures for conducting auctions for delivery of proffered medical and professional/licensed services and maintains a registration database of service providers and online prospective consumers/bidders. Medical and professional/licensed services providers may include licensed doctors/nurses, licensed veterinary doctors/technicians as well as conventional homecare/hospice providers, physical therapy providers, babysitting and other professional caretaker services that can provided to/for man or animal.

Abstract: An Internet-based competitive pricing and bidding transaction system includes one or more transaction processing servers that interface and communicate over the Internet with client computer systems of prospective online consumers, medical and professional/licensed services providers and a plurality of related information databases. The transaction processing system handles online communications and procedures for conducting auctions for delivery of proffered medical and professional/licensed services and maintains a registration database of service providers and online prospective consumers/bidders. Medical and professional/licensed services providers may include licensed doctors/nurses, licensed veterinary doctors/technicians as well as conventional homecare/hospice providers, physical therapy providers, babysitting and other professional caretaker services that can provided to/for man or animal.

Abstract: Transactional costs associated with providing professional services are reduced by allowing prospective patients/clients (bidders) and professional service providers to negotiate competitively for desired fees for proffered services through an interactive on-line communications network such as the Internet. A transaction system server handles online communications and procedures for conducting auctions for delivery of proffered services and maintains a registration database of service providers and bidders. An authentication/qualifier engine automatically researches and verifies service provider credentials and background information upon registration of a service provider with the system. A service feedback interface and database are provided for handling online feedback information and comments from patients/clients and providers regarding the complexity and quality of services received or provided.