Compliance system for reducing fraud in the provision of non-emergency medical transportation services

Abstract

A system for rendering delivery services is provided which includes a portable data collection device. The portable data collection device includes an integrated location determination system and also includes a processor, physical memory, an input device, and a wireless communication system. A trip schedule for an individual or item including a pickup location and a drop off location is provided to the portable data collection device. A respective location identifier is associated with the pickup and drop off locations. The trip schedule is displayed to an individual via the portable data collection device. The occurrence of a pickup is noted utilizing the portable data collection device. The location determination system of the portable data collection device provides a location of the portable data collection device at the occurrence of the pickup. The occurrence of a drop off is noted utilizing the portable data collection device. The location determination system of the portable data collection device provides a location of the portable data collection device at the occurrence of the drop off. The location identifiers associated with the pickup and drop off locations are compared with the location of the portable data collection device at the pickup and drop off locations.

We claim: 
     
         1 : A system for rendering delivery services comprising:
 providing a portable data collection device having an integrated location determination system, said portable data collection device also including a processor, an input device, and a wireless communication system;   providing a trip schedule for an individual or item including a pickup location and a drop off location;   associating a respective location identifier with said pickup and drop off location;   displaying said trip schedule to an individual via said portable data collection device;   inputting the occurrence of a pickup utilizing said portable data collection device;   utilizing the location determination system of said portable data collection device to provide a location of said portable data collection device at the occurrence of said pickup;   inputting the occurrence of a drop off utilizing said portable data collection device;   utilizing the location determination system of said portable data collection device to provide a location of said portable data collection device at the occurrence of said drop off; and   comparing the location identifiers associated with said pickup and drop off locations with said location of said portable data collection device at said pickup and drop off locations.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1  further including a trip record having a specific trip identifier for a person to be transported, said trip identifier being associated with a specific portable data collection device, and wherein said location system periodically provides location information of said portable data collection device such that a query regarding a particular person may identify the location of said particular person. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1  further including a unique member identifier, wherein the input of said unique member identifier via said portable data collection device is a condition precedent prior to the location of the device being determined. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1  further including an inquiry location signal which may be transmitted to said portable data collection device via a wireless signal requiring the location determination system to send a response location signal identifying the location of said portable data collection device. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1  further including a web portal providing remote access to a trip record for monitoring the status of a particular trip and for providing access to a trip record for updating the trip record to indicate if a particular pickup or drop off has been conducted. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1  further including a voice recognition system for receiving an inquiry regarding the location of a portable data collection device. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 6  wherein an individual may access said voice recognition system and utilize a trip identifier for inquiring on the location of a portable data collection device and said location is provided. 
     
     
         8 . A system for recording the delivery of transportation services including:
 a central host system for establishing transportation records which include the identification of individuals for pickup and delivery and the associated pickup and delivery locations;   affiliating geocodes with said associated pickup and delivery addresses;   providing a portable data collection device having an integrated location determination system, said portable date collection device also including a processor, an input device, and a wireless communication system;   downloading a respective transportation record to a portable data collection device;   associating said transportation record with said portable data collection device; and   periodically updating said transportation record at said central host system with the location of said portable data collection device utilizing said integrated location determination system.   
     
     
         9 . The system according to  claim 8  including accessing said updated transportation record at said central host system via a remote access system. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 9  wherein said remote access system includes access via the internet. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 9  wherein said remote access system includes access via an interactive voice response system.