Abstract: A hydration level measurement system and method comprising a technology embedded scale that rewards individuals for drinking an appropriate amount of liquid throughout the day. In an example embodiment, a reusable water bottle is equipped with an RFID tag and assigned to an individual so that the user's hydration level may be tracked. The RFID tag logs the individual's access as well as “before-filling” and “after-filling” weights of the bottle when placed on the scale. A computer screen acknowledges the bottle's owner, and then indicates the increased weight and how many points will be awarded to the user using an ounces-to-points conversion. Data may be transferred from the scale computer to a web server and aggregated at the server from multiple scales for multiple “hydration challenges.” A web application receives and processes user requests to display data related to each hydration challenge such as the current scores of the participants.

Abstract: An automated method and system for transitioning a bottle from a horizontal belt conveyor to the entrance of an air conveyor, and vice versa, from an air conveyor to a horizontal belt conveyor. An indexer in a circular arrangement moves around 180 degrees clockwise until the bottle drops into the air conveyor (e.g., pneumatic tube). This motion controls the bottle's movement; otherwise, the bottle would free-fall off the conveyor. The indexer rotary device provides control of the vial transition, keeping it vertical so it goes into the tube in a controlled manner.

Abstract: An integrated conveyor line system for placing safety and non-safety caps onto bottles traveling on the same conveyor line. A network of sensors and RFID readers determine the location of bottles and ensure that the right cap is placed on each bottle. The processing system controlling the hardware components instructs the appropriate components to divert bottles to a reject holding queue when the system detects a bottle having the wrong type of cap.

Abstract: An automated prescription dispensing system and method for facilitating dispensing of medications from an automated prescription dispenser designed for in-home use. The dispenser may connect to a remote patient monitoring center for monitoring of the patient's dispenser use and adherence to a medication regime. The dispenser may further connect to a remote medication operations center for monitoring replenishment of the patient's medications and to a remote medical center for monitoring the patient's reaction to medications and clinical signs. A connection to a data analytics center and analytical engine facilitates communications among and between the users and/or caregivers at the remote centers. The dispenser may be loaded with a standardized cartridge that is replenished according to the patient's needs. The dispenser is further equipped with a camera that allows a caregiver at the remote patient monitoring center to view the patient while the patient uses the dispenser.

Abstract: A computerized system and method for measuring physical activity to advance play in a game. In example embodiments, a cell phone generates a screen display and the game is played through the mobile device. The measurement of physical activity progresses the player through the game by progressing the player through “game days,” by permitting the player to travel from a current location to another location on a map of the game, by earning rewards points for the player that may be utilized in game play, etc. A specified number of steps equates with a game day and a complete game is measured in game days. The device tracks physical activity, related game days, and completion of games. During a game day, a player advances in the game as well as encounters challenges and obstacles and may be prompted to make other decisions related to the game play.

Abstract: Interactive communication devices in communication with a central server support ambient communications between two or more remotely located users. Each device has embedded sensors, lights, and speakers. The sensors allow the device to sense ‘outgoing’ interaction (e.g., a squeeze or hug), and the lights and speakers allow the device to demonstrate ‘incoming’ interaction. A central device is activated when someone interacts with any of the other devices within the network. The other devices in the network—the peripheral devices—are activated both when the interaction originates from the central device as well as from the other peripheral devices. When the server determines that a user has interacted with one of the devices, messages are sent to other devices in the network to reflect the user interaction. The communication devices allow the users in the network to send messages to each other by simply squeezing their respective devices.

Abstract: A system and method for delivering a product such as a pharmacy bottle from a conveyor system to a delivery container via a delivery chute. A sensor is placed at a top opening of the chute to sense for product in the chute area and to provide instructions to complete the delivery order if the chute area is clear.

Abstract: An improved pharmaceutical vial processing system and method groups vials on an automated dispensing line according to diverting needs. The improved pharmaceutical vial processing system and method allows vials to travel in close groups. A diversion algorithm determines when gaps between vials are needed to reduce the likelihood that a mechanical diverting device engages the wrong vial to a new location on the dispensing line. The diversion algorithm identifies each vial that needs to be diverted to a target location and employs a “neighbor analysis” to determine whether a gap between neighboring vials is needed before a vial destined for the target station encounters a diverter. Vials that are destined for locations beyond the target station remain grouped. Vials that are behind a vial destined for the target station are held to introduce a gap between the vial destined for the target station and the remaining vials.

Abstract: A pneumatic bottle delivery system for transporting pharmaceutical bottles from a main shared storage “hopper” or storage bins to several individual locations as needed. A network of sensors and control gates detect and distribute the flow of bottles to individual locations dependent upon the bottle queue at each location.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an organization well-being “snapshot.” The snapshot comprises a comprehensive set of well-being metrics that have been collected and presented for review. In an example embodiment, metrics are determined for the overall well-being and its dimensions of purpose, belonging, health, and security. Each dimension is subdivided in categories and one or more metrics for each category is defined. Data is collected and metrics are calculated for the categories. Metrics are then aggregated to calculate an overall well-being score for an area within the organization as well the entire organization. Methodologies employed in calculating scores facilitate comparisons between areas within the organization and against an enterprise-wide score. The methodologies further support analysis of trends over time.

Abstract: A health care plan system and method designed to reduce future claims costs through financial incentives with member engagement metrics. Targets are pre-set for member engagement metrics. Claims cost targets for the sponsor are set based on the sponsor meeting member engagement targets. A percentage of health care plan base administrative fees are at risk based on the sponsor's claims cost performance in relation to the claims cost target. If the claims cost target is missed, the health plan administrator repays or reduces administrative fees charged to the sponsor. If the claims cost target is met, the sponsor pays additional fees to the health plan administrator. Base administrative fees are also repaid or reduced if the health care plan administrator fails to meet service performance targets. The sponsor is appraised on progress of member engagement and service performance metrics through scorecards that are sent during the plan year.

Abstract: A computerized system and method for measuring and analyzing provider utilization is disclosed. In an example embodiment, a Provider Utilization Management Software Application comprises a data selection component and a presentation model that illustrates how a provider's claim data submitted to a health benefits company compares to providers in the same network, geographic region, or other provider grouping (e.g., by state, zip code, MSA, provider specialty type, or in-plan status). This utilization data may be used to identify problem providers that have high, low, or unusual utilization patterns. Various measures may be calculated and analyzed. Results of the analysis may be presented in various reports. Once problem providers are identified, they may be monitored. In some instances, one or more corrective actions may be taken.

Abstract: An integrated quote system and method for generating quotes for multiple insurance products is disclosed. Quotes for multiple insurance products are integrated into a single, easy-to-read document. In an example embodiment, an agent enters a client's personal data into a quoting tool of an agent's workbench application. The client's data is automatically applied to every insurance product or plan the agent quotes for the client or client's family. Each quoted product is assigned a quote reference number and quotes for multiple products are linked using a quote identifier. A “recalculate” option updates any relevant calculations allowing the agent to review relevant financial details before generating a final quote. Products categories may be expanded or minimized as the agent navigates through insurance offerings so that only relevant information is displayed. Additional features and functionality support an online application process for each quoted product.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an in-home care application and system that facilitates continuous health and wellness monitoring, in-home care, and family remote monitoring for seniors, disabled adults, and other clients in need of assistance. Through the use of a computerized device such as a tablet computer, in-home care providers can input case management information; monitor movement, pulse, blood pressure, and other biometrics; ensure medication compliance and safety; track meals, mood, and appointments; and provide updated status summaries and comments for family members and care providers to review. Family members may be able to check the health status of their senior or disabled loved-one through a web-based interface. A central portal provides administrative functions such as reporting, trend tracking and reporting, caregiver/client matching, private messaging, timekeeping, and real-time activity feeds.

Abstract: A computerized system and method for estimating levels of obesity in an insured population using claims data. The model uses health risk assessment data comprising age, height, and weight information as well as information about health conditions and health behaviors for a member population. Claims data is used to train a two-stage model on the member population. The first stage comprises a support vector machine, a rule-based module, and a generalized linear model that estimates the probability of obesity. The second stage comprises a regression neural network that operates on the output of the first stage and a subset of the input feature vector. Cost and utilizations in these areas, along with overall health measures as well as demographics and social factors, are inputs to a set of pattern recognition engines that perform regression. The output is the estimated body mass index of the member.

Abstract: Interactive communication devices in communication with a central server support ambient communications between two or more remotely located users. Each device has embedded sensors, lights, and speakers. The sensors allow the device to sense ‘outgoing’ interaction (e.g., a squeeze or hug), and the lights and speakers allow the device to demonstrate ‘incoming’ interaction. A central device is activated when someone interacts with any of the other devices within the network. The other devices in the network—the peripheral devices—are activated both when the interaction originates from the central device as well as from the other peripheral devices. When the server determines that a user has interacted with one of the devices, messages are sent to other devices in the network to reflect the user interaction. The communication devices allow the users in the network to send messages to each other by simply squeezing their respective devices.

Abstract: The present invention is an system and method for communicating updated patient data from a first health care provider's electronic medical records system to a second health care provider's electronic medical records system. Such a system also is configured to present data in a standardized manner and communicate changes in such data to a health analytics engine in substantially real-time.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for communicating a patient referral from a first patient care provider to a second patient care provider. Such an apparatus is also configured to communicate patient heath record data from first care provider's electronic health records system to a second care provider's electronic health records system in response to an electronic request from the second care provider.

Abstract: A mail order prescription system and method for a mail order pharmacy program is disclosed. The mail order prescription system and method supports enrollment and management of health benefit plan members in a mail order pharmacy program. The system and method support switching previously filled prescriptions to a mail order pharmacy program. The system and method also allow users to enter data for new, previously unfilled prescriptions. The system and method further facilitate contacting prescribing physicians and obtaining authorization for fulfillment of prescriptions by mail. In an example embodiment, users access a web portal to view prescription data for a member and to switch current prescriptions to mail order and/or to enter data for new prescriptions. Additional cost savings may be realized by allowing users to select a generic equivalent or a generic alternative instead of an original prescription.

Abstract: The present invention is a gap in care alert system for alerting someone associated with a patient (including in one embodiment the patient himself) that a gap in heath care will soon occur or in another embodiment that a gap in care has occurred for the patient based on the occurrence of a triggering event and the absence of a follow-up event occurring. Health insurance claims data may be used in the process to determine gaps in care.