Abstract: A method of administering the delivery of health care services comprises identifying a plurality of patient-centric tasks which form at least a portion of a health care delivery process, classifying the tasks as physical and/or virtual tasks, and mapping a patient-centric workflow which incorporates the tasks. In certain embodiments physician-performed and nonphysician-performed tasks are further identified, as are tasks which require the physical presence of both patient and physician or nonphysician at particular locations at particular times. Automated means for facilitating performance of the tasks may also be provided. The method may be applied to an existing health care delivery process, used in the modification of an existing process, or used in the design of a new process.

Abstract: A method managing knowledge to impart value comprises the steps of developing a domain model from knowledge in an unstructured domain, determining whether there is value in further developing the initial domain model to include a knowledge map and, if so, developing and implementing the knowledge map, and determining whether there is value in further developing the knowledge to include a knowledge clearinghouse and, if so, developing an implementing the knowledge clearinghouse. Certain embodiments may include the additional steps of developing and implementing a knowledge network. The step of developing the initial domain model may comprise the steps of defining organizational and content scopes relevant to the unstructured domain, and identifying entities and processes subject to benefit from structuring of the knowledge.

Abstract: An automated system for use in decision-making, comprises input, output processing and storage capabilities. The storage and processing portions of the system include a number of components which receive information and data specific to a selected topic of decision-making. The components perform data collection, screening and decision-making functions. The system compares received data to previously stored data and identifies received data which does and does not correspond to the previously stored data. If the data does correspond, the system implements a first decision operation. If the received data does not correspond, the system determines the nature and degree of such non-correspondence, and implements a decision operation which is reflective of the nature and degree of the non-correspondence. If the nature and degree of non-correspondence cannot be determined, additional data pertaining to the selected topic is requested and compared to the previously stored data in an iterative manner.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for evaluating the insurability of a potentially insurable risk has data bases for storing information, and the ability to correlate selected elements of information in respective data bases. Certain elements are assigned weights on the basis of predetermined relationships existing between elements of information in one data base and corresponding elements of information in another. Information is displayed from a data base for use by an underwriter in assigning a weight to a selected element, or an expert module corresponding to the selected element is identified and used for assigning the weight. A risk classification is determined for the potentially insurable risk from the weights assigned. The system can identify additional elements of information required for evaluating the potentially insurable risk, and can request entry of such information for subsequent storage.