Abstract: A system and methods for accessing patient medical records from national and non-national healthcare system records databases are disclosed. A patient's medical record identifier is used to match medical records in a national healthcare system records database and in a non-national healthcare system records database. The matched records are returned to the requesting healthcare provider so that the provider may review the patient's complete healthcare history.

Abstract: A method for limiting health care costs is provided. Patient data may be gathered to form a medical metric. The metric may be used to limit a patient's health care so that health care costs do not exceed an allowable threshold. The health care metric may contain limitations based on costs, availability of health care resources, or patient history. The method may also be used to limit anticipated health care costs by first predicting a patient's health care requirements, then controlling the amount or level of the health care used to meet those requirements.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for regulating the transmission of electronic mail messages are provided. The type of account or necessary permissions to transmit the electronic mail messages to their destination is determined and the sender's account is queried to ensure it is of the proper type or has the necessary permissions. If so, the electronic mail message is sent to its destination. If not, the electronic mail message is held and the user is allowed to obtain the proper type of account or an account with the necessary permissions for delivery of the electronic mail message. In determining the proper type of account or necessary permissions, variables can include the geographic location of the electronic mail message's destination or the size of the electronic mail message and its attachments.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for regulating the transmission of electronic mail message are provided. The amount of funds necessary to transmit the electronic mail message to its destination is calculated and the sender's account is queried to ensure sufficient funds exist. If so, the electronic mail message is sent to its destination and the amount of the funds are deducted from the sender's account. If not, the electronic mail message is held and the user is allowed to deposit sufficient funds to allow for delivery. In determining the necessary amount of funds, variables can include the geographic location of the destination and the size of the electronic mail message and its attachments.