Abstract: A data-collection and -processing system is integrated with an existing Private Branch Exchange (PBX) telephone system to provide a highly automated telephone-usage accounting and billing tool for use in hospitals and other similar institutions having a large and transient clientele base. The system consists of four separate computer systems connected together (and the required applications software which enables them to function as an integrated system) and miscellaneous peripheral hardware.Working together, the system components provide a detailed accounting of long-distance calls placed by guests and staff personnel. A very high degree of reliability is achieved by the use of redundant and self-checking components. This reliability is further enhanced by the provision for remote software maintenance and hardware diagnosis.