Patent Publication Number: US-2015081337-A1

Title: System and method for facilitating extended care planning and management

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a Division of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/229,263, entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FACILITATING EXTENDED CARE PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT”, filed on Sep. 9, 2011, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     Certain embodiments of the present invention relate to healthcare. More particularly, certain embodiments of the present invention relate to on-line systems and methods to facilitate extended care planning and management. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Today, the U.S. healthcare delivery system consists of several interactive and interdependent processes that connect patients, families, doctors, nurses, technicians, specialized care and service providers, administrators, and insurance payors in a complex continuum of care. The primary goal of this continuum is to help ensure the best possible outcomes for all participants, especially the patient. 
     The army of people and resources that must be enlisted to care for a single patient requires a strong chain of command that can pass timely, accurate information from one process to the next and enable coherent, strategic and tactical care decisions that maintain and enhance the continuum. The increased voluntary and mandated use of information technology, such as billing automation and Electronic Medical Records (EMRs), has improved communication and streamlined logistics at many points along the decision-making chain. However, one of the weak links has always been the transition process between the hospital and what comes next on the continuum of care. 
     What comes next is usually a wide range of extended care options. The decision to select the precise option is absolutely critical to achieving optimal continuity of patient care, as well as the highest quality outcomes for all participants. The specific, even unique needs of the patient and the family drive the selection process. However, the sheer number of choices, each with different capability, suitability, and availability, can make this critical decision even more difficult. It often requires extensive research and consideration, as well as an educational dialogue between the hospital, the patient, and the family caregiver(s). 
     Further limitations and disadvantages of conventional, traditional, and proposed approaches will become apparent to one of skill in the art, through comparison of such systems and methods with embodiments of the present invention as set forth in the remainder of the present application with reference to the drawings. 
     SUMMARY 
     Embodiments of the present invention facilitate the on-line planning and management of extended care for patients. 
     An embodiment of the present invention comprises an internet-accessible system for facilitating extended care planning and management for patients. The system includes at least one server computer and an interactive website hosted on the server computer. The interactive website includes a shared or common section being accessible to customers, hospitals, and extended care providers. The interactive website also includes a hospital section being accessible to hospitals registered to the system. The interactive website further includes an extended care provider (ECP) section being accessible to extended care providers registered to the system. The system also includes at least one searchable database operatively connected to the at least one server computer and storing searchable listings of hospitals and extended care providers. The shared section may include computer-executable instructions configured to: facilitate the searching and comparing of ECPs via the internet; facilitate the searching and comparing of hospitals via the internet; facilitate the playing of digital media stored on the system via the internet; facilitate linking to other determined websites via the internet; facilitate the showcasing of comments of visitors to the interactive website via the internet; provide access to news stories stored on the system via the internet. The hospital section may include computer-executable instructions configured to: facilitate the creation of a hospital provider profile (using marketing tools), via the internet, which can be accessed by visitors to the interactive website; facilitate the searching and comparing of ECPs via the internet; facilitate the pre-certifying of patient medical conditions and insurance eligibility with one or more ECPs via the internet; facilitate the determining of the availability of services and facilities at one or more ECPs via the internet; facilitate the scheduling of services and the reserving of facilities at a selected ECP via the internet; facilitate the assembling and editing of patient electronic medical record (EMR) information; facilitate the secure, real-time transmission of the patient EMR information between a hospital computer and an ECP computer via the internet; facilitate the two-way communication of electronic notifications and information between a hospital computer and an ECP computer via the internet; facilitate the training of a hospital discharge planner via the internet. The ECP section may include computer-executable instructions configured to: facilitate the creation of an ECP provider profile (using marketing tools), via the internet, which can be accessed by visitors to the interactive website; facilitate the updating of available facility openings and care and service offerings of an ECP via the internet; facilitate the assembling and editing of patient electronic medical record (EMR) information; facilitate secure, real-time transmission of the patient EMR information between and ECP computer and a hospital computer via the internet; facilitate the two-way communication of electronic notifications and information between an ECP computer and a hospital computer via the internet; facilitate the training of ECP admissions coordinators and marketing personnel via the internet. 
     Another embodiment of the present invention comprises a non-transitory computer-readable medium having computer-executable instructions recorded thereon and capable of being executed by an internet-accessible server computer hosting an interactive website to facilitate extended care planning and management for patients. The instructions include instructions for the pre-certifying of patient medical conditions and insurance eligibility with one or more extended care providers (ECPs) via the internet. The instructions further include instructions for determining the availability of services and facilities at one or more ECPs via the internet, and instructions for scheduling services and reserving facilities at a selected ECP via the internet. The instructions may further include instructions for facilitating the searching and comparing of ECPs via the internet and instructions for facilitating the searching and comparing of hospitals via the internet. The instructions may also include instructions for facilitating the creation of a hospital provider profile, via the internet, which can be accessed by visitors to the interactive website. The instructions may also include instructions for facilitating the creation of an extended care provider profile, via the internet, which can be accessed by visitors to the interactive website. The instructions may further include instructions for facilitating the assembling and editing of patient electronic medical record (EMR) information and for facilitating secure, real-time transmission of the patient EMR information between a hospital computer and an ECP computer via the internet. The instructions may further include instructions for facilitating the training of a hospital discharge planner via the internet, and instructions for facilitating the training of ECP admissions coordinators and marketing personnel via the internet. 
     Another embodiment of the present invention comprises a method to facilitate finding an extended care provider (ECP) for a patient. The method includes receiving patient information via the internet at an interactive website hosted on a server computer, from a remote computer system, for a patient to be admitted to an ECP facility. The remote computer system may be a hospital computer system located at a hospital, or a patient computer system operated by, for example, a patient or a friend or family member of the patient. The method also includes, sending a request for approval, on behalf of the patient, from the server computer via the internet to one or more ECP computer systems of one or more ECP facilities. The method further includes receiving ECP approval information associated with the patient via the internet, at the interactive website, from at least one of the one or more ECP computer systems, wherein the ECP approval information indicates the acceptance of the patient by one or more of the ECP facilities based on a review of the patient information on the interactive website by the one or more ECP facilities. The method also includes sending at least one ECP acceptance communication from the server computer to the remote computer system via the internet, wherein the at least one ECP acceptance communication indicates the acceptance of the patient by one or more of the ECP facilities. The method may also include receiving patient acceptance information at the interactive website via the internet, corresponding to one of the ECP facilities, from the remote computer system, wherein the patient acceptance information indicates the acceptance of one of the ECP facilities by the patient. The method may further include sending a patient acceptance communication from the server computer to the one or more ECP systems via the internet, wherein the patient acceptance communication indicates the acceptance of an ECP facility by the patient. The patient information may include information extracted from an electronic medical record (EMR) of the patient. The patient information may include information identifying one or more ECP facilities selected by the patient. The method may further include receiving an ECP search request, having ECP search criteria, at the interactive website via the internet from the remote computer system. The method may also include performing a search of at least one searchable database operatively connected to the at least one server computer in response to the ECP search request, wherein the at least one searchable database stores searchable listings of ECP facilities. The method may further include sending search results from the server computer to the remote computer system via the internet, wherein the search results include information corresponding to ECP facilities that match the ECP search criteria. 
     A further embodiment of the present invention comprises a non-transitory computer-readable medium having computer-executable instructions recorded thereon and capable of being executed by an internet-accessible server computer hosting an interactive website to facilitate finding an extended care provider (ECP) for a patient. The instructions include instructions for receiving patient information via the internet at an interactive website hosted on a server computer, from a remote computer system, for a patient to be admitted to an ECP facility. The instructions further include instructions for sending a request for approval, on behalf of the patient, for the server computer via the internet to one or more ECP computer systems of one or more ECP facilities. The instructions also include instructions for receiving ECP approval information associated with the patient via the internet, at the interactive website, from at least one of the one or more ECP computer systems, wherein the ECP approval information indicates the acceptance of the patient by one or more of the ECP facilities based on a review of the patient information on the interactive website by the one or more ECP facilities. The instructions further include instructions for sending at least one ECP acceptance communication from the server computer to the remote computer system via the internet, wherein the at least one ECP acceptance communication indicates the acceptance of the patient by one or more of the ECP facilities. The instructions may also include instructions for receiving patient acceptance information at the interactive website via the internet, corresponding to one of the ECP facilities, from the remote computer system, wherein the patient acceptance information indicates the acceptance of one of the ECP facilities by the patient. The instructions may further include instructions for sending a patient acceptance communication from the server computer to the one or more ECP computer systems via the internet, wherein the patient acceptance communication indicates the acceptance of an ECP facility by the patient. The instructions may also include instructions for receiving an ECP search request, having ECP search criteria, at the interactive website via the internet from the remote computer system. The instructions may further include instructions for performing a search of at least one searchable database operatively connected to the server computer in response to the ECP search request, wherein the at least one searchable database stores searchable listings of ECP facilities. The instructions may also include instructions for sending search results from the server computer to the remote computer system via the internet, wherein the search results include information corresponding to ECP facilities that match the ECP search criteria. 
     A further embodiment of the present invention comprises a system to facilitate the generation of revenue via an interactive website. The system includes an interactive website hosted on at least one server computer and maintained by a service provider, wherein the interactive website is configured to link patients and hospital entities to extended care provider (ECP) entities. The system also includes means for facilitating the development and hosting of a multimedia ECP profile on the interactive website by a registered ECP entity in exchange for a fee to be paid by the registered ECP entity to the service provider in accordance with a determined fee arrangement. The system further includes means for facilitating the development and hosting of a multimedia hospital profile on the interactive website by a registered hospital entity in exchange for a fee to be paid by the registered hospital entity to the service provider in accordance with a determined fee arrangement. The system may also include means for registering an ECP entity as a member of the interactive website and configuring the interactive website to be accessed by the registered ECP entity in exchange for a fee to be paid by the ECP entity to the service provider in accordance with a determined fee arrangement. The system may further include means for registering a hospital entity as a member of the interactive website and configuring the interactive website to be accessed by the registered hospital entity in exchange for a fee to be paid by the hospital entity to the service provider in accordance with a determined fee arrangement. The system may also include means for facilitating the assembling and editing of patient electronic medical record (EMR) information by a third party using the interactive website, and means for facilitating the secure, real-time transmission of the patient EMR information to the third party, in exchange for a fee to be paid by the third party to the service provider in accordance with a determined fee arrangement. The system may further include means for performing a preventative analysis for a registered ECP entity in exchange for a fee to be paid by the ECP entity to the service provider in accordance with a determined fee arrangement, wherein the preventative analysis identifies at least one of improper charges to patients by the ECP entity, duplicate payments by patients to the ECP entity, mistakes by fiscal intermediaries on behalf of patients of the ECP entity, and medical necessity and coding errors of patients of the ECP entity. The system may also include means for performing a preventative analysis for a registered hospital entity in exchange for a fee to be paid by the hospital entity to the service provider in accordance with a determined fee arrangement, wherein the preventative analysis identifies at least one of improper charges to patients by the hospital entity, duplicate payments by patients to the hospital entity, mistakes by fiscal intermediaries on behalf of patients of the hospital entity, and medical necessity and coding errors of patients of the hospital entity. The system may further include means for posting an advertisement of an advertising entity to the interactive website in exchange for a fee to be paid by the advertising entity to the service provider in accordance with a determined fee arrangement. 
     Another embodiment of the present invention comprises a non-transitory computer-readable medium having computer-executable instructions recorded thereon and capable of being executed by an internet-accessible server computer hosting an interactive website to facilitate the generation of revenue via the interactive website. The instructions include instructions for facilitating the development and hosting of a multimedia ECP profile on the interactive website by a registered ECP entity of the interactive website in exchange for a fee to be paid by the registered ECP entity to a service provider of the website in accordance with a determined fee arrangement. The instructions also include instructions for facilitating the development and hosting of a multimedia hospital profile on the interactive website by a registered hospital entity of the interactive website in exchange for a fee to be paid by the registered hospital entity to the service provider of the website in accordance with a determined fee arrangement. The instructions may further include instructions for registering an ECP entity as a member of the interactive website and configuring the interactive website to be accessed by the registered ECP entity in exchange for a fee to be paid by the ECP entity to the service provider in accordance with a determined fee arrangement. The instructions may also include instructions for registering a hospital entity as a member of the interactive website and configuring the interactive website to be accessed by the registered hospital entity in exchange for a fee to be paid by the hospital entity to the service provider in accordance with a determined fee arrangement. The instructions may further include instructions for facilitating the assembling and editing of patient electronic medical record (EMR) information by a third party using the interactive website, and facilitating the secure, real-time transmission of the patient EMR information to the third party in exchange for a fee to be paid by the third party to the service provider in accordance with a determined fee arrangement. The instructions may also include instructions for performing a preventative analysis for a registered ECP entity in exchange for a fee to be paid by the ECP entity to the service provider in accordance with a determined fee arrangement, wherein the preventative analysis identifies at least one of improper charges to patients by the ECP entity, duplicate payments by patients to the ECP entity, mistakes by fiscal intermediaries on behalf of patients of the ECP entity, and medical necessity and coding errors of patients of the ECP entity. The instructions may further include instructions for performing a preventative analysis for a registered hospital entity in exchange for a fee to be paid by the hospital entity to the service provider in accordance with a determined fee arrangement, wherein the preventative analysis identifies at least one of improper charges to patients by the hospital entity, duplicate payments by patients to the hospital entity, mistakes by fiscal intermediaries on behalf of patients of the hospital entity, and medical necessity and coding errors of patients of the hospital entity. 
     These and other advantages and novel features of the present invention, as well as details of illustrated embodiments thereof, will be more fully understood from the following description and drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a functional block diagram of an embodiment of a computer network environment including the internet and an extended-care planning and management system; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of the extended-care planning and management system (PMS) of the computer network of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a functional block diagram of an embodiment of an interactive website hosted on at least one server computer of the extended-care planning and management system of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a functional block diagram of an embodiment of the shared or common section  400  of the interactive website of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a functional block diagram of an embodiment of the hospital-specific section of the interactive website of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a functional block diagram of an embodiment of the ECP-specific section of the interactive website of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a flowchart of a first embodiment of a method to facilitate finding an extended care provider (ECP) for a patient, using the extended-care planning and management system of  FIG. 1 , from the point of view of the extended-care planning and management system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a flowchart of a second embodiment of a method to facilitate finding an extended care provider (ECP) for a patient, using the extended-care planning and management system of  FIG. 1 , from the point of view of a hospital; and 
         FIG. 9  is a flowchart of a third embodiment of a method to facilitate finding an extended care provider (ECP) for a patient, using the extended-care planning and management system of  FIG. 1 , from the point of view of a patient. 
         FIG. 10  is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method to facilitate the exchange of patient information between a hospital and an extended care provider (ECP). 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The term “computer”, as used herein, refers to a hardware platform having at least one processor, and which is programmed to execute software instructions (e.g., a personal computer or a workstation). The term “server computer”, as used herein, refers to a combination of hardware and software configured to run as a service on a network, to serve the needs or requests of other programs (i.e., clients) which may or may not be running on the same computer hardware. The term “section”, as used herein with respect to a website hosted on a server computer, refers to service-related elements of the website including but not limited to text, graphics, menus, interfaces, links, and computer-executable instructions. The term “software module” as used herein refers to a collection of functionally-related computer-executable instructions. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a functional block diagram of an embodiment of a computer network  100  environment including the internet and an extended-care planning and management system. 
     In general, computer network  100  services the healthcare industry by providing access to information from extended care providers (ECP), hospitals facilities, and patients or interested parties (customers) and integrating it into a searchable database. In one embodiment, the computer network  100  includes an extended care planning and management system (PMS)  200 , and at least one remote computer. The remote computer, as showing in  FIG. 1 , may include at least one Hospital computer  120 , at least one Patient computer  130 , and at least one ECP computer  110 . The ECP computer  110 , hospital computer, patient computer  130  each communicate with the PMS  200  via a communications network, for example, the internet  140 . Additional examples of communications networks could include a mobile broadband network, for example, Third or Fourth Generation ( 3 G/ 4 G) technology, a dedicated communication network, e.g., local area network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN) or transceivers capable of transmitting data to and from the PMS  200 . 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of the extended-care planning and management system (PMS)  200  of the computer network  100  of  FIG. 1 . 
     The PMS  200  allows hospital and ECP administrative end-users to upload, modify and update text, images and other multimedia content. The PMS  200  also enables users to manage data within their dedicated sections via a dedicated or remote location. The PMS  200  may further include security measures for accessing information thereon by requiring password-protected logins or other secured connections known to persons of ordinary skill in the art. In one embodiment, the PMS  200  may includes at least a first server computer  210 . The first server computer  210  may operatively communicate with at least a first database system  220 . The database system  220  may reside on the first server  210 , or may reside on a separate stand-alone computer. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 , two server computers  210  are in communication with two database systems  220  residing on two stand-alone computers, for facilitating the transfer of information within the PMS  200 . In a further embodiment, databases and server controls may reside on a single computer/server. The database  220  stores health system and hospital target prospects, ECP target prospects, along with a wide variety of information about the users of the PMS  200 . To maintain security within the PMS  200 , all hospital and ECP users may be required to register with the PMS  200 , thereby establishing and using a secured login for accessing the PMS  200  servers. Users who do not register with the PMS  200  may also have access to the PMS  200 , but such access may be limited, and restrict access to certain content within the PMS  200 . 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a functional block diagram of an embodiment of an interactive website  300  hosted on at least one server computer  210  of the PMS  200  of  FIG. 2 . 
     The interactive website  300  hosted on the server computer  210  may include at least one section for accessing specific information within the PMS  200 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 , the interactive website  300  includes a shared common section  400  generally accessible to all users (e.g., customers, hospitals and ECPs), a hospital-specific section  500  generally accessible to registered hospital end users, and an ECP-specific section  600  generally accessible to registered ECP end users. Additionally, the interactive website  300  may include a login command for allowing visitors to the interactive website  300  to register, or for providing registered users access to secured information specific to the user&#39;s profile created during the registration process, which will be discussed in further detail below. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a functional block diagram of an embodiment of the common section  400  of the interactive website of  FIG. 3 . The common section  400  is the shared section of the interactive website  300 , and may include a set of common features and functionalities for all users. The common section  400  may include computer-executable instructions configured to facilitate the exchange of information between the end user and the PMS  200 . An example of the computer-execuable instructions facilitating the exchange of information will now be discussed. In one embodiment, the common section  400  includes general and specific information about hospital facilities and ECPs. This information may include education information about all aspects of extend care treatment, e.g., medical conditions that may require extended care treatment, factors to considers when choosing an ECP, and how to compare and select among similar ECPs. Additionally, reviews, ratings or other information provided by persons familiar with specific ECPs or hospital facilities may be provided as part of the information in the common section  400  or other sections as will be discussed herein. The end user, wanting to retrieve information about ECPs, will then enter their search criteria specific to their needs, e.g., five (5) star rated ECPs. The computer-executable instructions will then process this search criteria by operatively communicating with the database system  220 , and returning a listing of ECPs that have a five (5) star rating to the requester. 
     Additionally, in one embodiment, the common section  400  includes a plurality (two or more) of software modules for providing information related to ECPs and Hospitals. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 4 , the common section  400  includes seven (7) software modules. In this embodiment, the common section  400  includes two search and compare modules, an ECP search and compare module  402 , and a hospital search and compare software module  404 . The ECP search and compare module  402  and the hospital search and compare module  404  may each include an interface or form for receiving at least one search criteria for filtering through extended care provider or hospital facility information. In another embodiment, a single interface or form may be used for both the ECP search and compare module  402  and hospital search software module  404 . In this embodiment, a check box or similar selective option may be used to assist the user in determining which searchable database the user chooses to access. The search criteria may include names, geographic location (address, city, state, country), medical care required (general or specific), services and amenities provided, service and/or facilities currently available, types of insurance and other payment methods accepted, or other search criteria commonly useful for the filtering of information. The information returned by the database may differ between registered ECPs and hospital facilities, and dependent upon whether the ECP or hospital facility is a registered user of the PMS  200 . Upon querying the database system  220  via the search criteria, the information queried by the user may be returned and displayed to the user within PMS  200  environment. Meaning, the information displayed will be returned to the user without the need to redirect the user to a source outside of the PMS  200  environment. However, if information is only accessible outside of the PMS  200  environment, the PMS  200  may prompt the user that they are leaving the PMS  200  secured system and visiting an external website having containing the queried information. 
     As further illustrated in the embodiment of  FIG. 4 , the common section  400  includes a media software module  406 . The media software module  406  may include a digital media player for providing (audibly or visually) information about extended care providers and hospitals. This information may consist of streamed or stored audio, video, animated, or other content. The content may be educational or promotional in nature. The media player software module  406  may include advertisements, news information, or any other useful media highlighting information on extended care providers or hospital facilities. This information may be specific to only paid registered users of the PMS  200 . The common section  400  may further include a website linking software module  408  for providing additional access to information about extended care providers, hospital facilities, or the PMS  200  itself. For example, links to social network sites may be provided for marketing and updating the public on the benefits or using the PMS  200  for their extended care needs or for their general knowledge. This additional access may be provided within the PMS  200  environment, or in the alternative the link may direct or redirect users to the extended care provider&#39;s or hospital facility&#39;s website, or the social networking site itself. Also shown in the embodiment of  FIG. 4 , the common section  400  includes a comment showcase software module  410  for highlight comments directed to extended care providers or hospital facilities. The comments may include reviews and ratings, or other information related to customer experiences with the extended care providers or hospital facilities. The comment showcase software module  410  may also include visitor comments, useful observations and recommendation pertaining to the PMS  200 , in addition to a response section for allowing the reviewed party to respond to the comments. The source of these comments may be collected via an real-time automated system linking the social network sites to the comment showcase software module  410 , or via other means known to persons of ordinary skill in the art. The common section  400  may also include a news software module  412 . The news software module  412  may include news stories about the PMS  200 , the extended care providers and the hospital facilities. The news software module  412  may further include a current news section having recent or real-time news about the providers or facilities, and an archive news section having older news stories which may be useful for determining whether a patient would select an extended care provider or hospital facility for their healthcare needs. EBooks may also be provided via the news software module  412 , for providing users additional information about extended care, the PMS  200 , ECPs or hospitals. The common section  400  may further include a registration software module  414  for registering customers, ECPs and hospital facilities, thus providing the users access to additional information base on the information provided during registration. Customers that register in the PMS may be able to save their ECP or hospital searches for further comparison or future reference. During registration a unique identifier specific to each registrant may be created. After registering and logging into the PMS  200 , additional information may be made available to the registrants within the common section  400 , or through a custom user page or profile (not shown) based upon information received by during registration. For example, registered ECPs and hospitals may be directed to the ECP-specific section  500  and hospital-specific section  600  upon logging into the PMS  200 . Login options may be available throughout the PMS  200 . For example, in one embodiment, the common section  400  may include a login command for the ECP or hospital. In another embodiment, the ECP or hospital may login via a splash login form or a different section on the interactive website  300 . 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a functional block diagram of an embodiment of the hospital-specific section  500  of the interactive website of  FIG. 3 . Similar to the common section  400 , the hospital-specific section  500  may also include computer-executable instructions configured to facilitate the exchange of information between the end user and the PMS  200 . 
     In one embodiment, the hospital-specific section  500  includes a dashboard with plurality of modular components for managing and communicating information with the ECPs. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 5 , the hospital-specific section  500  includes a hospital marketing tool software module  502 . The hospital marketing tool software module  502  may include multimedia controls for assisting the hospital facility in developing and managing all aspects of its account. In one example, the hospital marketing tool software module  502  may be use by the registered user for creating or uploading information to promote their facility to potential patients or ECPs. In a further embodiment, this information may be highlighted in the common section&#39;s  400  media player software module  406 , or a similar splash page upon accessing the PMS  200 . The hospital-specific section  500  may further include an ECP search and compare module  504 . This ECP search and compare software module  504  functions in generally the same fashion as the ECP search and compare software module  402 , in that it may include an interface for hospital personnel to input at least one search criteria for filtering through extended care provider information. Additionally, the hospital-specific section  500  includes an ECP/insurance pre-certification and eligibility (PCE) software module  506 . The PCE software module  506  may include a patient&#39;s medical condition, in addition to insurance information on the patient for identifying which ECPs will be able to accept and service the patients needs. The PCE software module  506  may also be used by the hospital facility to reserve the facility on behalf of a patient to be discharged. As further shown in the embodiment of  FIG. 5 , the hospital-specific section  500  further includes an electronic medical record (EMR) software module  508 . The EMR software module  508  may include input commands for receiving and updating patient information specific to their current treatment or medical history. Examples of various types of patient information that may be provided via the EMR software module  508  include doctors&#39; and nurses&#39; notes, medication information, and a wealth of additional patient medical and treatment information. The EMR software module  508  may also include information to assist the hospital facility in filtering through various ECPs that services a patients particular needs, i.e., provide supplemental search criteria that may not have been queried using the ECP search and compare module  504 . For example, ECPs that are able to provide extended monitoring services, based on staffing information provided by the ECP, may be highlighted as a preferred ECP for a patient who requires  24 / 7  monitoring based on the information provided in the patients EMR. Additionally, the hospital-specific section  500  may include a communication software module  510  for providing two-way communication between the extended care provider and hospital facility. In one embodiment, the communication software module  510  may include a form pre-filled with specific information from the patients EMR. This form may be transmitted through a secured email or to the ECP-specific section  600 , as will be discussed below, using the PMS  200 . The communication software module  510  may also be used to check availability at a specific ECP. Additionally, the communication software module  510  may also be used to transmit information from the hospital-specific section  500  to other sections of the PMS  200 . For example, the uploading and transmitting of any marketing materials or a patient&#39;s EMR may be communicated using the communications software module  510 . The communication software module  510  may be a platform based closed panel communication system, which may enable the hospital end user to send messages or other indicators to an ECP about a potential patient interest. The communication software module  510  may also facilitate the communication between the hospital and ECP users in real-time via an instant messenger channel or the like. 
     The hospital-specific section  500  may also include a hospital training module  512 . The hospital training software module  512  may include forms, media, as well as an FAQ section to assist hospital personnel in learning about the functionality of the PMS  200 , and for providing assistance in navigating through the PMS  200 . The hospital training software module  512  may also include recertification information for hospital personnel previously trained for utilizing the PMS  200 . Use of the hospital training software module  512  may further be used for updating the user on recent changes and new features to the PMS  200 . In yet a further embodiment, the hospital-specific section  500  may include a preventative analysis software module  514 . The preventative analysis software module  514  is available to assist the hospital facility in analyzing financial transactions for accuracy. For example, the preventative analysis software module  514  may process information pertaining to the patient services provided and the associated costs to manage generate billing statements or other financial statements. The preventative analysis software module  514  may also serves as a final Quality Assurant (QA) tool, to verify the accuracy of the financial information entered by the user into the preventative analysis software module  514 . 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a functional block diagram of an embodiment of the ECP-specific section  600  of the interactive website of  FIG. 3 . Similar to the common section  400  and the hospital-specific section  500 , the ECP-specific section  600  may also include computer-executable instructions configured to facilitate the exchange of information between the end user and the PMS  200 . 
     In one embodiment, the ECP-specific section  600  includes a dashboard with plurality of modular components for managing and communicating information with interests parties, i.e., customers and hospitals. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 6 , the ECP-specific section  600  includes a ECP marketing tool software module  602 . The ECP marketing tool software module  602  is similar to the hospital marketing tool software module  502  in that it may include multimedia controls for assisting the ECP in developing and managing all aspects of its account, for example, creating or uploading information to promote their facility to potential patients or hospital facilities. Additionally, the ECP marketing tool software module  602  may include specific functionality to track visitor traffic e.g., profile hits or requests, for assisting the ECP in evaluating its marketing strategies. In yet a further embodiment, this information may be highlighted in the common section&#39;s  400  media player software module  406 , or a similar splash page upon accessing the PMS  200 . The ECP-specific section  602  may further include an ECP service updating software module  604 . This ECP service updating software module  604  functions to provide the types of services the ECP provides along with facility service availability. For example, once a room becomes available at the ECP, the ECP service updating software module  604  may display the room and date availability information to interested persons and hospitals. In one embodiment, the availability information is provided in real-time. Other information that may be provided using the ECP service updating software module  604  includes anticipated availability information. This anticipated availability information may be provided using a calendar system showing the current occupancy schedule for a specific room or a wing of the ECP. In another embodiment, the ECP-specific section  600  may further include an electronic medical record (EMR) software module  606 . The EMR software module  606  operates in a manner similar to the EMR software module  508  of the hospital-specific section  500  in that it communicates patient information with the hospital facility. The EMR software module  606  may also include input commands for receiving and updating patient information specific to their current treatment or medical history. In a further embodiment, the ECP-specific section  600  may include a communication software module  608  for providing two-way communication between the extended care provider and hospital facility. Additionally, the communication software module  608  may provide a channel of communication between potential patients and any inquiries they may have for the ECP. The communication software module  608  may function in a similar manner as the communication software module  510  of the hospital-specific section  500 , in that it facilitates the communication between the interested parties (i.e., hospitals or customers), in addition to facilitating of the transfer of information between other sections of the PMS  200 . 
     As further shown in the embodiment of  FIG. 6 , the ECP-specific section  600  may also include an ECP training module  610 . The ECP training software module  610  functions in a similar manner to the hospital training software module  512  in that it may include forms, media, as well as an FAQ section to assist ECP personnel with ECP specific operations, in addition to learning about the functionality of the PMS  200 , and for providing assistance in navigating through the PMS  200 . The ECP training software module  610  may also include recertification information for ECP personnel previously trained on the PMS  200 . Use of the ECP training software module  610  may further be used for updating the user on recent changes and new features to the PMS  200  for ECPs. In yet another embodiment, the ECP-specific section  600  may include a preventative analysis software module  612 . The preventative analysis software module  612  may also function in a similar manner to the preventative analysis software module  514  in that it is available to assist the ECP in analyzing its financial transactions for accuracy. The preventative analysis software module  612  may also serves as a final Quality Assurant (QA) tool, to verify the accuracy of the financial information entered by the user into the preventative analysis software module  612 . 
       FIG. 7  is a flowchart of a first embodiment of a method  700  to facilitate finding an extended care provider (ECP) for a patient, using the extended-care planning and management system of  FIG. 1 , from the point of view of the extended-care planning and management system of  FIG. 1 . 
     In step  702 , the PMS  200  receives patient information via the internet at an interactive website hosted on a server computer, from a remote computer system, for a patient to be admitted to an ECP facility. In step  704 , the PMS  200  sends a request for approval, on behalf of the patient, from the server computer via the internet to one or more ECP computer systems of one or more ECP facilities. In step  706 , the PMS  200  receives ECP approval information indicating the acceptance of the patient by one or more ECP facilities based on a review of the patient information on the interactive website by one or more ECP facilities. In step  708 , the PMS  200  sends at least one ECP acceptance indicating the acceptance of the patient by one or more ECP facilities from the server computer to the remote computer system via the internet. 
       FIG. 8  is a flowchart of a second embodiment of a method  800  to facilitate finding an extended care provider (ECP) for a patient, using the extended-care planning and management system of  FIG. 1 , from the point of view of a hospital. 
     The method  800  may begin with the step of receiving an ECP search request, based on ECP search criteria, using the interactive website via the internet from a remote computer system. The method  800  also includes the step of performing a search of at least one searchable database system with searchable listings of ECP facilities, and operatively connected to at least one server computer in response to the ECP search request. The method  800  further includes the step of sending search results, with information corresponding to ECP facilities that match the ECP search criteria, from the server computer to the remote computer system via the internet. 
     The steps of the method  800  generally allows for the hospital end user to enter patient information, e.g., information from the patient&#39;s EMR or pre-admission information, for transmitting the information to possible ECPs. The PMS  200  processes this information, and compares the information to ECPs store in the database system(s)  220 . The ECPs review the information and transmits its acceptance or denial of the patient based on this information. The PMS  200  then processes the ECP(s) indicating acceptance of the patient and displays the results to the hospital end user. The hospital end user then reviews the information, possibly with the patient, to determine the patients options. Thereafter, the patient/family member or hospital make a selection as to which ECP will service the patient. The chosen ECP may then be flagged and provided exclusive access to additional information regarding the patient. The PMS  200  may then notify all ECPs of their pending status (selected or not selected to provide service), and transmit the patients additional information to the selected ECP. The ECP will then utilize the PMS  200  for accessing the patient EMR for the admission process. 
       FIG. 9  is a flowchart of a third embodiment of a method  900  to facilitate finding an extended care provider (ECP) for a patient, using the extended-care planning and management system of  FIG. 1 , from the point of view of a patient. 
     The steps of method  900  generally allows for interested customers (e.g., patients or their family members/friends) to search for ECP information using the PMS  200 . The patient may begin by first entering select criteria specific to their needs or desires of a specific ECP. The information is received by the PMS  200 , and displays one or more facilities meeting the select criteria. The patient may then pre-approve, or approve one more ECPs by selecting an acceptance command on a form displayed to the patient, or by other means of receiving acceptance known to persons of ordinary skill in the art, e.g., a check box, or voice input etc. The patient may also request to visit the accepted facility. The PMS  200  then processes the patients acceptance, and transmits the acceptance to the selected ECPs. The information transmitted to the ECPs may include patient contact information e.g., cell phone, address etc., in addition to select information on the patients needs. The ECP will then review the information and if the ECP approves and wishes to admit this patient, the ECP transmits, and the PMS  200  receives this approval and processes the results to the patient, or the hospital facility. In the instance where there are multiple ECPs which accept, the patient may then make a final selection, at which time the final (selected) ECP may then be flagged and provided exclusive access to additional information regarding the patient. The PMS  200  may then notify all ECPs of their pending status (selected or not selected to provide service), and transmit the patients additional information to the selected ECP. The ECP will then utilize the PMS  200  for accessing the patient EMR for the admission process. Thereafter, a record of this transaction will then be archived by the PMS  200  for possible subsequent access. 
       FIG. 10  is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method  1000  to facilitate the exchange of patient information between a hospital and an extended care provider (ECP). 
     The steps of method  1000  generally allows for the hospitals and ECPs to securely exchange electronic medical records (EMRs) through a secure communication path using a computer or other device capable of transmitting EMRs. This exchange may be initiated (i.e., sent or requested) by either the hospital or the ECP in real-time, thereby reflecting the most up-to-date EMR information for a particular patient. In step  1002 , the initiating party selects a particular patient from a listing which may be reflective of patient information gathered from a searchable database. After selecting the patient, in step  1004 , the patient&#39;s EMR is populated on a first device. At this time, the initiating person may update the EMR with information related to the patient&#39;s current condition, treatment or needs, or in the alternative correct any errors found in the EMR. After confirming that the EMR is reflective of the selected patient, and that the information is correct, in step  1006 , the EMR is transmitted from the first device to a second device through a secure communication pathway or portal. The secure communication pathway may be representative of a secured infrared connection, Bluetooth, a local or wide area network, or any other means known or accepted by person of skill in the art. In step  1008 , the successful transmission of the EMR is confirmed. In one embodiment, the first device generates a confirmation that the EMR was successfully transmitted and may close the secured connection with the second device. In another embodiment, the confirmation may be generated from the second device, or a third monitoring device operatively communicating with either the first device, the second device, or the communication pathway. 
     In summary, systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable media for facilitating extended care planning and management for patients are disclosed. An interactive website is hosted on a server computer, where the interactive website provides a shared or common section being accessible to customers (e.g., patients or other interested parties), hospitals, and extended care providers, a hospital-specific section being accessible to hospitals registered to the system, and an extended care provider (ECP)-specific section being accessible to registered ECP providers. A searchable database is operatively connected to the server computer. The database stores searchable listings of hospitals and ECPs which may be searched via the interactive website by users. The various sections of the website provide interactive capabilities, allowing various types of users of the website to become informed and to subsequently plan and manage the care they need or provide. 
     It should be appreciated that the steps of the method embodiments described herein are for exemplary purposes, and are not required to be performed in a particular sequence. 
     While the claimed subject matter of the present application has been described with reference to certain embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the claimed subject matter. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the claimed subject matter without departing from its scope. Therefore, it is intended that the claimed subject matter not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but that the claimed subject matter will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.