Patent ID: 6144726
Filing Date: 2000-11-07
Classification: H04M

Abstract:
An apparatus for processing billed charges from at least one vendor, comprising:a processor, comprising:an upload module which automatically uploads the billed charges from the at least one vendor in a first format, wherein the billed charges include a plurality of entries with a billed rate component; anda database which includes reference billing rate information; andat least one graphical user interface in connection with the processor, wherein the graphical user interface is configured to received the billed charges, wherein the at least one graphical user interface includes:an automatic validation module which receives the billed charges and automatically compares the billed rate component of the plurality of entries with the reference billing rate information to identify discrepancies:a dispute tracking module which generates at least one dispute file which may be associated with a particular one of the billed chargers, where the graphical user interface provides for display of both the billed charges and the at least one distpute file which is storable in and retrievable from the database; anda bill review and approval module which is operational in conjunction with a visual display which provides for selective accessing of and review of the billed charges and the associated at least one dispute file, and status changes relating to pavement of the billed charges, where the graphical display is fiber configured to receive input with regard to the billed charges, wherein the input includes at least one of: approve the billed charge and reject the billed charge.