Abstract: The present invention provides methods and taste-modifying kits for facilitating cleansing of the gastrointestinal tract of a patient prior to a diagnostic, surgical or therapeutic procedure. The methods and taste-modifying kits can improve patient compliance, and thus, efficacy of the preparation. Specifically, the present methods make the gastrointestinal tract preparation composition palatable for the patient to consume. For example, for a patient preparing to undergo colonoscopy, the present methods make the bowel preparation solution taste significantly less salty.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided by embodiments of the invention for automatically determining and collecting a monetary contribution from an instrument associated with a donor. An embodiment of a method according to the invention includes receiving an instrument, determining a currency amount of the instrument, and determining a monetary contribution. To determine the monetary contribution, the method determines whether the instrument is a billing instrument or financial instrument. If the instrument is a financial instrument, the method determines whether authorization exists for a monetary contribution. If authorization exists, the method rounds the currency amount of the financial instrument downward to a lower currency amount; and determines the difference (a positive value) between the currency amount of the financial instrument and the lower currency amount, wherein the difference is the monetary contribution.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided by embodiments of the invention for automatically determining and collecting a monetary contribution from an instrument associated with a donor. An embodiment of a method according to the invention includes receiving an instrument, determining a currency amount of the instrument, and determining a monetary contribution. To determine the monetary contribution, the method determines whether the instrument is a billing instrument or financial instrument. If the instrument is a financial instrument, the method determines whether authorization exists for a monetary contribution. If authorization exists, the method rounds the currency amount of the financial instrument downward to a lower currency amount; and determines the difference (a positive value) between the currency amount of the financial instrument and the lower currency amount, wherein the difference is the monetary contribution.