Abstract: A method is provided for obtaining payment for services provided to a patient by a healthcare service provider. The method includes receiving a description (203) of the healthcare services to be provided to the patient by the healthcare service provider; obtaining a cost estimate (205) for the patient responsibility portion of the cost of the healthcare services; and receiving payment authorization (207) from the patient in the amount of the cost estimate along with the payment method information. The payment authorization includes authorization to withdraw funds in the estimated amount from an account associated with the patient. After the healthcare services have been provided to the patient or after all claims relating to the healthcare services have been adjudicated, funds are withdrawn (215) from the account in the authorized amount.

Abstract: A system for comparing parameters of the revenue cycle of a healthcare provider to benchmark values is provided. The system includes a revenue cycle management company which manages the revenue cycles of a plurality of healthcare providers, wherein each of said revenue cycles includes the submission of healthcare claims by one of said healthcare providers to a plurality of healthcare payers, and the receipt of healthcare claim payments and remittance advice from the plurality of healthcare payers in response to the submitted healthcare claims; a database associated with said revenue cycle management company, wherein said database contains data relating to a plurality of parameters of the revenue cycle of each of said plurality of healthcare providers; and a non-transitory, computer readable medium having recorded therein a software program that contains suitable programming instructions.

Abstract: A method is provided for exchanging healthcare information between a plurality of healthcare providers.

Abstract: A method for normalizing messages received in response to transaction submissions is provided. The method includes receiving a plurality of messages regarding the outcome of transaction submissions; normalizing each received message; linking the normalized message to an internal message that reflects the meaning of the received message; and retaining the transaction-specific elements of the received message in a separate, distinct location.

Abstract: A method is provided for obtaining payment for services provided to a patient by a healthcare service provider. The method includes receiving a description (203) of the healthcare services to be provided to the patient by the healthcare service provider; obtaining a cost estimate (205) for the patient responsibility portion of the cost of the healthcare services; and receiving payment authorization (207) from the patient in the amount of the cost estimate along with the payment method information. The payment authorization includes authorization to withdraw funds in the estimated amount from an account associated with the patient. After the healthcare services have been provided to the patient or after all claims relating to the healthcare services have been adjudicated, funds are withdrawn (215) from the account in the authorized amount.