Abstract: A method for providing a mailer with detailed information regarding the mailer's preparation of mail entities and the post's processing of mail entities. The foregoing allows the mailer to improve subsequent preparation of mail entities to make it easier for the post to process and deliver mail in a timely manner. The invention also allows the post and the mailer to distinguish between mailer's processing defects and errors caused by faulty postal equipment.

Abstract: A system and method for determining charges for use of network service connections. The network includes nodes which facilitate the transfer of information between source and destination locations. When a connection is established with a node, a billing cell is transmitted to the node over the connection which contains billing and connection information. Data cells are transmitted over the same connection subsequent to the billing cell. A terminate billing cell or conventional means may be used to drop the connection when the connection is no longer needed. The node computes the cost of using the connection based on the billing and connection information copied from the billing cell, and may also consider the connection time and the amount of data transferred over the connection.

Abstract: A decision support system for the selection of a diagnostic or therapeutic test or intervention, herein called studies, is supported by identifying a relative number of cases in which significant results were obtained in studies having the same indications. In particular, an ordering physician requests a study for a patient and specifies indications for the study, such as symptoms and a potential diagnosis. The number of studies performed, including those on other patients, for which results were significant for the same indications out of the total number of studies performed for the same indications is provided as feedback to the ordering physician. This feedback relates actual patient results to the appropriateness of the study. A decision support system in a health care information management system receives, from an ordering physician, an order for a study to be performed on a specified patient and indications for the study.