METHOD, APPARATUS, AND DATA STRUCTURE FOR CAPTURING AND REPRESENTING DIAGNOSTIC, TREATMENT, COSTS, AND OUTCOMES INFORMATION IN A FORM SUITABLE FOR EFFECTIVE ANALYSIS AND HEALTH CARE GUIDANCE

A diagnostic and treatment information data structure encapsulates, with or without identifying a specific patient, information regarding a particular diagnosis-treatment cycle for an individual patient. The diagnostic and treatment information data structures for a number of diagnosis-treatment cycle may be combined within a database for analysis in outcomes or cost effectiveness studies. A relational database which assists the health care provider in formulating the diagnostic and treatment information data structure for a specific diagnosis-treatment cycle can, within a user interface, display information determined during the outcomes or cost effectiveness studies to influence the health care provider at the point of decision. Effective analyses of diagnostic, treatment, and outcomes information and guidance for health care professionals based on such analyses is thus facilitated. An Internet/intranet database program employing the diagnostic and treatment information data structure contains both clinical and financial information permitting effective filtering and analysis of CPT codes as to accuracy and appropriateness.