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Civil Penalties to be Imposed on Herbal Products Company Daniel Chapter One

Posted on March 28, 2011 Written by Annalyn Frame

The U.S. Department of Justice, via a request by the FTC, has asked a federal district court to impose civil penalties upon an herbal products company named “Daniel Chapter One (DCO)” and its principal, James Feijo, for allegedly violating an FTC Order.

The civil penalty action also seeks a preliminary injunction to stop DCO and Feijo from continuing to make deceptive claims on the company’s daily radio show and website about the supposed cancer-fighting properties of its supplements, and to require DCO and Feijo to send a notice to purchasers explaining the FTC’s findings that the advertisements were unsubstantiated, as required by the FTC Order.

Daniel Chapter One and Feijo deceptively advertised that four dietary supplements – BioShark, 7 Herb Formula, GDU, and BioMixx – inhibit tumor formation or growth, eliminate tumors, treat or cure cancer, or heal the effects of radiation or chemotherapy. An administrative trial took place in April 2009, and the Administrative Law Judge found that the defendants were making deceptive claims. The Commission upheld the ALJ’s initial decision in December 2009.

As part of the FTC Order issued in December 2009, Daniel Chapter One and Feijo were required to stop making the deceptive claims, and to send a notice to purchasers explaining the FTC’s findings that advertising claims for the supplements were unsubstantiated, and that consumers should consult with health care providers before using any herbal product, to ensure that all aspects of their medical treatment work together.

Filed Under: Healthcare Plan News

CVS Caremark: Dispense as Written Prescriptions Will Add $7.7 Billion to Annual Health Care Costs

Posted on March 25, 2011 Written by Annalyn Frame

According to a new study by researchers at Harvard University, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and CVS Caremark, “Dispense as Written” Prescriptions costs the health care system up to $7.7 billion annually.

About 5 percent of prescriptions submitted by CVS Caremark Pharmacy Benefit Management (PBM) members in a 30-day period during 2009 included a “dispense as written” (DAW) designation. According to CVS Carmark, this “practice – whereby doctors or patients demand the dispensing of a specific brand-name drug and not a generic alternative – costs the health care system up to $7.7 billion annually, according to a new study by researchers at Harvard University, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and CVS Caremark. Moreover, these requests reduce the likelihood that patients actually fill new prescriptions for essential chronic conditions.”

The study reviewed 5.6 million prescriptions adjudicated by CVS Caremark for two million patients from January 1 to January 31, 2009. The review found that 2.7 percent of those prescriptions were designated DAW by doctors, while another two percent were requested DAW by patients.

If existing safe and effective generic alternatives had been provided in place of those brand-specific prescriptions, patients would have saved $1.7 million and health plans would have spent $10.6 million less for the medications. The researchers said that assuming a similar rate of DAW requests for the more than 3.6 billion prescriptions filled in the U.S. annually, patient costs could be reduced by $1.2 billion and overall health system costs could be reduced by $7.7 billion.

The study is a product of CVS Caremark’s previously announced three-year collaboration with Harvard University and Brigham and Women’s Hospital to research pharmacy claims data in order to better understand patient behavior, particularly around medication adherence. Annual excess health care costs due to medication non-adherence in the U.S. have been estimated to be as much as $290 billion annually.

Filed Under: Healthcare Plan News

Topamax Lawsuits on the Rise

Posted on March 24, 2011 Written by Annalyn Frame

Topamax (topiramate), when taken by pregnant women, greatly increases the risk that their babies will develop birth defects, like cleft lips and cleft palates, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warned recently. Alternative medications have lower risks of causing birth defects, and women treated with Topamax during pregnancy whose children were born with birth defects are increasingly filing suit to be compensated. Johnson Law Group is evaluating and accepting Topamax cases now.

“More than 4.3 million patients filled Topamax prescriptions in the U.S. in the last four years,” said Attorney Nick Johnson, founder of Johnson Law Group. “That includes a significant number of women who may never have known how dangerous Topamax could be for their developing infants. Those women and children deserve justice.”

The FDA has said, “…topiramate is being placed in Pregnancy Category D. Pregnancy Category D means there is positive evidence of human fetal risk … an increased risk for oral clefts … based on human data.” Previously the drug was listed as a Category C drug, which recognizes that animal studies “suggested potential fetal risk.”

Topamax (topiramate) is an anticonvulsant medication used, sometimes in conjunction with other medications, to treat epilepsy patients with certain types of seizures, and sometimes to prevent migraine headaches.

If you would like to file a complaint, or simply need more information about the birth defects caused by Topamax, call 1-800-217-9891 or visit: http://pharmaceuticals.johnsonlawgroup.com/topamax-and-birth-defects.

Johnson Law Group is comprised of experienced personal injury attorneys. The firm offers legal and medical professional investigative skills, expert witnesses, cutting-edge technology, and state-of-the-art techniques for maximum recovery. Nick Johnson leads the Johnson Law Group. He graduated from Duke University and the University of Houston Law Center. Mr. Johnson practices in all areas of personal injury law, with a primary focus on pharmaceutical and asbestos related lung cancer cases.

Filed Under: Healthcare Plan News

TeleHealth Services and Beloit Memorial Hospital Collaborate to Transform the Patient Care Experience

Posted on March 10, 2011 Written by Annalyn Frame

TeleHealth Services, the nation’s leading provider of healthcare grade televisions and interactive patient education solutions, today announced an extended partnership with Beloit Health System. Building upon a service relationship that TeleHealth acquired in their acquisition of SVI, Beloit has chosen TeleHealth Services as their interactive patient education and entertainment partner in the hospital’s “Experience the Difference” patient care initiative.

In an effort to enhance the Beloit’s patient-centered approach and provide the highest quality of clinical care, the hospital began their “Experience the Difference” campaign. Two primary focuses of this initiative are increasing patient satisfaction, and expanding the capabilities of their caregivers through the use of integrated healthcare technology. TeleHealth Services interactive education solution can help Beloit achieve these goals.

“The TIGR V7 interactive patient education system is a full turnkey solution that has already made a large impact on enhancing the patient experience, as well as streamlining our clinical workflows. With TIGR V7, patients can use the system to control the room environment, order food or gift shop items, utilize online applications, or learn about their disease and treatment options from information we have entered into the EMR. The on-demand education at the bedside makes the patient and their families active participants in the recovery process,” stated Judy Cramer, Director of Education at Beloit Health System. “The clinical technology integration into our ADT and EMR systems provides our staff the ability to completely automate several workflows. With this task removed from their daily workload, our clinicians can focus on the quality of care they are providing, resulting in increased staff satisfaction.” [Read more…]

Filed Under: Healthcare Plan News

Non-Profit Healthcare Company to Win $25,000 for Expert Marketing Services

Posted on February 4, 2011 Written by Annalyn Frame

The alluring prize of the $25,000 marketing program awaits a health care organization through a unique initiative provided by the Stevens & Tate Marketing agency. Via its “Lend-A-Hand Marketing Giveaway” contest, the agency will blend its marketing and media strategies, Internet strategies, creative, ad messaging, website development, social media, competitive advantages development, identity and branding skills in preparing a comprehensive, customized plan based on the winner’s advertising communications needs. The contest is open to any not-for-profit or for-profit organization that is involved in the delivery of well being care or well being information.

Dan Gartlan, president of Stevens & Tate, said, “The winning organization must demonstrate strong leadership skills in its industry and in the region it serves. Additionally, it should be able to significantly benefit from agency solutions and have the infrastructure to implement the final creative project.”

Applications can be obtained and completed online at the agency’s website, www.stevens-tate.com/LendAhand. The deadline for entries is March 15, 2011. The winning organization will receive $25,000 in solutions performed by advertising specialists with extensive experience in the health care field.

All applications will be reviewed and evaluated by a panel of Stevens & Tate directors. Finalists will be notified and interviewed the final week of March. The winner will be selected and notified by April 21. Company work will begin immediately and proceed through June 2011. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Healthcare Plan News

Nash Health Care Systems Partners with TeleHealth Services

Posted on February 2, 2011 Written by Annalyn Frame

TeleHealth Solutions, the nation’s leading provider of healthcare-grade televisions and interactive patient training solutions, lately told Well being Plan Information that it has partnered with Nash Well being Care Methods as part of the hospital’s strategy to increase patient satisfaction and advance their interactive healthcare initiatives. In an work to further balance their affected person engagement efforts with their EMR technique, Nash determined the require for securing a companion who could provide a complete turnkey answer and elevated interactivity with other hospital technologies.

Looking to enhance its facility operations, Nash started a complete technique to improve the hospital expertise by being progressive and consumer responsive. Nash sought to make a multi-sensory education plan to aid in meeting their “meaningful use” standards for affected person and family engagement, and began a thorough search for an interactive patient training and entertainment system provider. After evaluating providers, Nash chose TeleHealth due to their substantial track record in the healthcare business, their robust enjoyment and patient training offerings as well as their full service solutions mantra. TeleHealth Services’ integrated patient education options combined with leading support and flexible financing options had been forefront within the choice.

“Excellent healthcare these days is defined not just by clinical services, but by the high quality with the patient experience,” said Vandora Holt, Director of Patient Training for Nash Well being Care Systems. “We desired to provide the best expertise available, inside a way that flawlessly meets the desires and needs of our sufferers. TeleHealth Services understands the healthcare setting and it is the ideal companion to assist us utilize a patient-driven model to attain that objective. Although exceptional care is already a significant part with the Nash culture, we are committed to addressing the constantly altering needs of our sufferers. Healthcare is much more consumer-driven than ever before, and also the key to continued success is evaluating our business through the eyes of our patients and shifting our technique to meet their needs.” [Read more…]

Filed Under: Healthcare Plan News

Circadian Launches First Diagnostic for LAM Lung Disease With U.S. Partner

Posted on February 1, 2011 Written by Annalyn Frame

— Circadian and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center (“Cincinnati Children’s”) commences offering of first blood test diagnostic for LAM – a serious lung disease that is often undiagnosed.

— Number of tests expected to exceed 25,000 within the next few years.

TOORAK, Australia, Feb. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Circadian Technologies (ASX.CIR) has announced today that in conjunction with Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center it has begun offering its LAM diagnostic, which is offered as a laboratory test compliant with CAP (College of American Pathologists) /CLIA regulations.

This is the first blood based diagnostic available to test for the disease lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM). The blood sample based diagnostic was developed by Cincinnati Children’s, using Circadian’s VEGF-D technology, following the discovery that high levels of vascular endothelial growth factor-D, or VEGF-D – to which Circadian owns intellectual property rights – holds the key to detecting the disease.

LAM is a serious lung disease that causes shortness of breath and lung collapse. It affects mostly women, often striking in their 30s or child bearing years, and the only known treatment is a lung transplant.

Although only a small number of patients have been diagnosed with LAM to date, the recent discovery of a link between LAM and genetic abnormality, Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC), causing the disease, has led scientists to estimate that more than 250,000 women worldwide are unaware they have LAM.

The availability of the test, and subsequent increasing knowledge of the disease amongst the general medical community, is predicted to increase screening for LAM in patients, with the number of tests estimated to exceed 25,000 within the next few years.

Doctors in the U.S. can now order this test through the Translational Trials Development and Support Laboratory of Cincinnati Children’s.

Robert Klupacs, CEO of Circadian Technologies said he is very proud that the collaboration with Cincinnati Children’s has achieved its goal of making a test available that offers straightforward and accurate identification of LAM, which to date has been difficult and expensive to diagnose.

“LAM is a serious but often misunderstood or misdiagnosed disease, which has a huge impact on the quality of life for the women it affects. We are confident that with greater awareness and the availability of this test that more women who show symptoms or who have the TSC gene will be able to have LAM diagnosed early and better manage their condition.

“Circadian is very excited about the launch of this test. It is the first product to emerge from our extensive VEGF technology portfolio, and hopefully the first of many, to become available from the range of diagnostics in development by Circadian and our partners. Diagnostics are an important part of Circadian’s business that we are progressing in parallel to our drug discovery activity, as a source of early revenue and to complement our product portfolio.”

The findings of the diagnostic link between LAM and VEGF-D by the team of scientists at the University of Cincinnati (UC) and Cincinnati Children’s led by Dr. Lisa Young and Dr. Frank McCormack, Director of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine at UC were published in the August 2010 edition of CHEST(1).

Dr. McCormack said, “We are optimistic that serum VEGF-D will join the ranks of diagnostic tests for lung disease, reduce the need for surgical lung biopsy and allow for intervention and trial recruitment earlier in the disease course.”

Cincinnati Children’s have commenced offering the diagnostic test for LAM in the United States. Circadian retains the rights to the rest of the world and is working towards approval in other markets.

(1) Chest. 2010 Sep;138(3):674-81.

About Circadian Technologies Limited

Circadian (ASX:CIR) is a biologics drug developer focusing on cancer therapies. It controls exclusive worldwide rights to a significant intellectual property portfolio around Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) C and D. The applications for the VEGF technology, which functions in regulating blood and lymphatic vessel growth, are substantial and broad. Circadian’s internal product development programs are focussed on novel anti-cancer therapeutics for large unmet needs. Circadian has also licensed rights to some parts of its intellectual property portfolio for the development of other products to ImClone Systems (a wholly owned subsidiary of Eli Lilly & Company – NYSE: LLY). ImClone Systems is currently developing an antibody-based drug targeting VEGFR-3 for the treatment of solid tumours.

SOURCE Circadian Technologies

Filed Under: Healthcare Plan News

FDA Reminds Health Care Professionals About Safe Use of Non-Sterile Alcohol Prep Pads

Posted on February 1, 2011 Written by Annalyn Frame

SILVER SPRING, Md., Feb. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Following a recent recall of potentially contaminated non-sterile alcohol prep pads, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration today reminded health care professionals about the safe use of non-sterile alcohol prep pads to clean and disinfect the surface of the skin.

On Jan. 5, 2011, The Triad Group of Hartland, Wis., recalled all lots of its alcohol prep pads and swabs citing concerns about the product’s potential contamination with Bacillus cereus, a bacterium that can be harmful to humans.

“Health care professionals should always check the labeling on a prep pad to determine if it is sterile or non-sterile,” said Karen Weiss, M.D., director of the Safe Use Initiative in the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. “Non-sterile pads are not intended to prep patients prior to procedures requiring strict sterility measures and should not be used on patients with a depressed immune system, to prep patients for catheter insertion, or to prep patients prior to surgery.”

Weiss said many patients in hospitals are particularly susceptible to infections, and the FDA recommends sterile antiseptics (including chlorhexidine gluconate, alcohol or iodine applicators, pads, and swabs) in that setting.

Manufacturers often package a prep pad with an injectable drug, selling them as a kit. But not all marketed pads are sterile. Some are marketed as non-sterile alcohol pads. If a pad does not state “sterile” on the label, health care professionals should be aware that they are using a non-sterile pad.

Health care professionals and consumers should check the label to confirm that the product is sterile, and may also want to consider washing the area with soap and water prior to using the antiseptic for skin surface preparation.

For more information:

Triad Group Press Relea se on Recall of Alcohol Prep P a ds

CDC – Guideline for Prevention of Surgic a l Site Infect i on

WHO – Best Prac tices for Injectio n s and Related Procedures Toolkit

Media Inquiries: Christopher Kelly, 301 796 4676, [email protected]

Consumer Inquiries: 888 INFO FDA

SOURCE U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Filed Under: Healthcare Plan News

As Nurses, Patients and Consumer Advocates Arrive at Blue Shield Headquarters, Insurance Company Blinks

Posted on February 1, 2011 Written by Annalyn Frame

SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Just as Blue Shield policyholders, nurses and consumer advocates arrived at Blue Shield’s San Francisco headquarters today, the company announced it would delay its massive rate hikes by 60 days. Previously, the company had refused Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones’ request for a delay, even as several other insurers agreed to a temporary reprieve.

Hundreds of nurses and patients protested outside of Blue Shield holding signs declaring: “Shame On You” and chanting “Steal The Shield, Crush The Snake” as the company barricaded its headquarters. Joining the California Nurses Association and Consumer Watchdog were Blue Shield policyholders Patrick Killelea and Kerry Abukhalaf who provided personal perspectives on the impact of Blue Shield’s hikes. Killelea explained: “There is no market for health insurance. Your choices are: 1. Pay whatever they say. 2. Die.”

The groups applauded Commissioner Jones for securing the delay, pointing out the real savings from two additional months before the hikes take effect. The groups said, however, that the delay does not solve the problem of out of control rates and that they will continue to challenge Blue Shield until there are real reforms in California.

California Nurses Association Executive Director Rose Ann DeMoro said: “We can do more to crack down on these renegade and heartless insurers, but we’ll never have real health reform until we have guaranteed healthcare for all and a more cost efficient, humane system by expanding Medicare to cover everyone.”

Consumer Watchdog President Jamie Court said: “Blue Shield delayed the rate hikes today when protesters showed up at their doorsteps. But they can raise rates in 60 days or any day after until we have tough laws that let regulators stop them and give consumers a public option to the private market.” [Read more…]

Filed Under: Healthcare Plan News

Maternal Stroke History Tied to Heart Attack Risk

Posted on February 1, 2011 Written by Annalyn Frame

If you’re a lady along with your mother had a stroke, you might have a risk of heart attack in addition to a higher threat of stroke, in accordance to new research on family members history and heart disease published within the American Heart Association journal Circulation: Cardiovascular Genetics. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Healthcare Plan News

Company Nurse Expands Its Injury Hotline for Workers’ Compensation

Posted on December 13, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: Company Nurse

The Expanded Nurse Call Center Will Address Growing Number of Public and Private Employers Who Want to Make the “Right Call” for Their Injured Workers

SCOTTSDALE, AZ–(Marketwire – December 13, 2010) – In striving to help a growing number of public and private employers control workers’ compensation costs and foster occupational health and safety, Company Nurse, the premier nurse hotline for workplace injuries, today announced that it has expanded its Scottsdale-based nurse triage call center.

When a workplace injury occurs, client employees and supervisors call Company Nurse to report injuries and to speak with a triage nurse. Unlike nurse case managers, triage nurses get involved at the front end of the claims process, essentially on the day of injury — which is the earliest, most critical point at which to influence medical care, claims costs, return-to-work (RTW) outcomes, and employee satisfaction. Many organizations view nurse injury triage as a vital part of their corporate wellness, employee wellness, and employee health programs.

“Our nurses assess injuries over the phone and refer employees to the most appropriate level of care — whether it’s an urgent care facility, occupational clinic, or simple first aid,” said Paul Binsfeld, CEO of Company Nurse. “As a result, our Injury Hotline facilitates immediate, critical medical decisions that positively impact an employee’s medical care, as well as overall claims’ costs and outcomes.”

The expanded Scottsdale-based call center works in sync with Company Nurse’s second call center in Tennessee. Due to growing nationwide demand for nurse injury triage for workers’ compensation, Company Nurse has grown 200 percent over the last four years and has recently moved into office space double its previous size to accommodate growing call center operations.

“During today’s difficult economy, employers need to minimize the financial impact of rising medical and indemnity costs on their workers’ compensation programs and bottom lines,” said Binsfeld. “Our program provides an effective solution to today’s most pressing workers’ compensation challenges: injuries are often reported late, sometimes five to 10 days after an incident has occurred; supervisors frequently err on the side of caution, sending employees, even those with minor injuries, to the ER for care; and many organizations are not optimally leveraging cost-effective preferred provider networks.”

Company Nurse’s Injury Hotline offers employers a proactive and structured response to each and every workplace injuries — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Triage nurses are highly compassionate and listen closely to each employee’s unique medical needs. Recognizing that organizations have specific workers’ compensation requirements, Company Nurse can customize its injury response and workflow to meet the client’s occupational health and safety needs.

Carol S. Sterling is the Human Resources Manager of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Phoenix. As an early adopter of the Company Nurse program, her organization experienced several key benefits. “First, we receive instant notification of injuries, so we can immediately file our first report of injury forms,” said Sterling. “Second, Company Nurse is extremely flexible. We were able to include our local network of preferred providers in their referral process. Third, Company Nurse helps to control medical expenses, as triage nurses often refer injured workers to urgent care clinics, rather than the ER, which saves costs and still ensures quality care. Fourth, supervisors experience ‘peace of mind’ in knowing injured employees are immediately assessed and referred for appropriate treatment, and we also experience smooth processing of claims and medical bills among the provider, insurance company, and employer.”

Company Nurse’s Injury Hotline delivers proven value. By providing injured workers with first aid and self-care guidelines, 20 to 40 percent of incoming calls are “report only” incidents and do not result in compensable claims. With appropriate care and optimal injury management, employers reduce unnecessary ER visits by as much as 300 percent. By integrating RTW coordination, many employers have reduced lost time and temporary labor costs. And with prompt, open communication, injured employees have an overwhelmingly positive experience, resulting in reduced litigation. Due to these benefits, many clients have experienced as much as a 200 percent return on investment within the first year of program implementation. These benefits have driven Company Nurse’s continued success and growth in the workers’ compensation market.

About Company Nurse
The Company Nurse Injury Hotline enables organizations to make the “Right Call” for workplace injuries. As an independent facility, our triage nurses are compassionate and objective when assessing employee injuries and medical needs. Our injury-triage process is founded on three important elements for workers’ compensation success: 1) Right Time — we respond on the Day of Injury, the earliest point at which to influence costs, outcomes, and employee satisfaction; 2) Right Care — our nurses refer employees to an appropriate level of care, whether ER, clinic or first aid; 3) Right Results — clients reap optimal savings and a return on investment, while employees benefit from a prompt, compassionate response to their workplace injuries. For more information, go to www.companynurse.com or call (888) 817-9282.

Media Contact:
Tammy Delatorre
661-775-0550

Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

Metropolitan Anesthesia Consultants Appoint Amanda O’Neal, FACHE as Chief Operating Officer

Posted on December 13, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: Metropolitan Anesthesia Consultants

Healthcare Executive to Lead Operations and Business Development at Leading Physician-Only Anesthesia Group

DALLAS, TX–(Marketwire – December 13, 2010) – Metropolitan Anesthesia Consultants (www.metroanesthesia.com), one of the largest physician-only anesthesia groups in North Texas, today announced that is has appointed Amanda O’Neal, FACHE as its Chief Operating Officer.

O’Neal will oversee business development, operations, and process improvement at the group, which has nearly 60 member physicians. Metro Anesthesia services a variety of major hospitals and hospital systems in the area, including HCA, Tenet and Baylor.

“We are pleased to have Amanda join our management team,” said Norman Rice, MD, Chairman of Metro Anesthesia. “She is a distinguished healthcare executive and active member of the community. She will help us further our mission of providing the highest quality healthcare possible.” 

O’Neal has a wealth of experience spanning physician recruitment, physician sales, marketing, corporate wellness, business planning, strategic development and more. She was previously the president and founder of Coppell-based The Brummitt Group, a boutique healthcare consulting firm. Prior to that, she held positions at Trinity Healthcare Services and HCA, Inc. O’Neal has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Stephen F. Austin State University and a master’s degree in health administration from the University of Southern California.

O’Neal is also a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, the nation’s leading professional society for healthcare leaders. Only 7,500 healthcare executives hold this elite distinction nationwide. O’Neal is also active in her community, having recently been named chairperson of Irving Healthcare Foundation’s TexasFest gala, scheduled for next spring.

“Metro Anesthesia is one of the top physician-only anesthesia groups in the country in terms of recruiting the best doctors and providing the highest quality healthcare possible,” O’Neal said. “I’m thrilled to join their team.”

About Metropolitan Anesthesia Consultants
With nearly 60 physicians, Metropolitan Anesthesia Consultants is one of the largest physician-only anesthesia groups in North Texas. The organization prides itself on an unprecedented commitment to quality, excellence, and service. For more information, please visit http://www.metroanesthesia.com/.

Press Contact:
Erik Bratt
Defakto Group
858-737-3200
[email protected]

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Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

Radient Pharmaceuticals Signs Full Service Distribution Agreement With Naroo Ditech Inc. in Korea: Minimum Order Commitment of 3,352 Onko-Sure(R) Test…

Posted on December 13, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: Radient Pharmaceuticals Corporation

TUSTIN, CA–(Marketwire – December 13, 2010) – Through its subsidiary AMDL Diagnostics Inc., Radient Pharmaceuticals Corporation (NYSE Amex: RPC), a US-based company specializing in the research, development, and international commercialization of In Vitro Diagnostic (IVD) cancer tests, announced today it has entered into a five-year full-service distribution agreement with Naroo Ditech Inc. to expand the Company’s Onko-Sure® IVD cancer test throughout the Korean healthcare market.

Under the terms of the agreement, Naroo Ditech has committed to purchase a minimum of 3,352 Onko-Sure® test kits over the duration of the partnership. Naroo Ditech will represent RPC while obtaining regulatory clearances and providing marketing, sales, and distribution services for Onko-Sure® in diagnostic centers and clinical labs throughout the Korean market.  Marketing, sales and distribution services include developing product localization strategies; representing Radient Pharmaceuticals and its Onko-Sure® IVD cancer test at relevant healthcare conferences and events; incorporating relevant product information on the Naroo corporate website. Additionally, Naroo Ditech will provide a dedicated customer service team to respond to customer inquiries and technical questions.

RPC’s Chairman and CEO Douglas MacLellan commented on today’s news, stating, “We are extremely pleased to have finalized our sales, marketing and distribution partnership with Naroo and anticipate this agreement will significantly expand the commercialization of Onko-Sure® in the Korean market. One of Naroo’s key strategies is to market Onko-Sure® as a screening test for industrial workers at Korea’s largest manufacturers, such as Hyundai. This latest agreement adds to our expanding list of global distributors, through which RPC is working to grow product sales and revenues.”

Onko-Sure® is a simple, noninvasive, patent-pending and regulatory-approved in vitro diagnostic test that enables physicians and their patients to effectively monitor and/or detect certain types of cancers by measuring the accumulation of specific breakdown products in the blood called Fibrin and Fibrinogen Degradation Products (FDP). FDP levels rise dramatically with the progression of cancer. Onko-Sure® is approved by the US FDA for the monitoring of colorectal cancer and by Health Canada for lung cancer detection and treatment monitoring.

RPC Contact Information:
For additional information on Radient Pharmaceuticals, ADI and its portfolio of products visit the Company’s corporate website at www.radient-pharma.com. For Investor Relations information contact Kristine Szarkowitz at [email protected] or 1.206.310.5323.

About Radient Pharmaceuticals:
Headquartered in Tustin, California, Radient Pharmaceuticals is dedicated to saving lives and money for patients and global healthcare systems through the deployment of its FDA-cleared In Vitro Diagnostic Onko-Sure® Test Kits for colon-rectal cancer recurrence monitoring The company’s focus is on the discovery, development and commercialization of unique high-value diagnostic tests that help physicians answer important clinical questions related to early disease-state detection, treatment strategy and the monitoring of disease progression or recurrence. To learn more about our company, people and potentially life-saving cancer test, visit www.radient-pharma.com.

Forward Looking Statements:
Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: The statements contained in this document include certain predictions and projections that may be considered forward-looking statements under securities law. These statements involve a number of important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially including, but not limited to, the performance of joint venture partners, as well as other economic, competitive and technological factors involving the Company’s operations, markets, services, products, and prices. With respect to Radient Pharmaceuticals Corporation, except for the historical information contained herein, the matters discussed in this document are forward-looking statements involving risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements.

RPC Contact:
Kristine Szarkowitz
Director-Investor Relations
Email Contact
(Tel: ) 206.310.5323

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Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

MMRGlobal Names Sunil Singhal Executive Vice President and Adds Two Members to Board of Advisors

Posted on December 13, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: MMRGlobal, Inc.

LOS ANGELES, CA–(Marketwire – December 13, 2010) –  MMRGlobal, Inc. (OTCBB: MMRF) (“MMR”) today announced that Sunil Singhil has been named Executive Vice President and a member of the Executive Committee, succeeding Rich Teich, who will focus on the sales, marketing and installation support for MMRPro and MMRPatientView, the Company’s professional health IT products for physicians, small hospitals and healthcare professionals. Mr. Singhal was introduced to the Company by Nihilent Technologies, where he was Co-founder and served as Chief Operating Officer of North America. In addition, Michael J. Finley, Vice President, Worldwide Carrier Relations at Qualcomm, and John R. Seitz, CEO of Spalding Surgical Center of Beverly Hills, have agreed to join MMRGlobal’s Board of Advisors. 

Robert H. Lorsch, MMRGlobal Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, said, “Since September of this year, Sunil has been working alongside Rich and I overseeing the integration and development of MMRGlobal’s MyMedicalRecords.com Personal Health Record, the MyEsafeDepositBox.com online vault, and the MMRPro suite of professional products and services. In his new position as Executive Vice President, Sunil will also work with me and Ingrid Safranek, MMR’s Chief Financial Officer, on the day-to-day management of the Company.”

Mike Finley, who Lorsch has known for nearly 18 years since he was a President of Verizon Wireless, has been advising the Company since its initial meetings with Sprint Nextel in Kansas City, where he was President of the West Region and Senior Vice President of Sprint Corporation. A widely respected executive in the telecommunications and wireless industry, necessary to the MMR operating system and MMRGlobal’s future growth in wireless, Mr. Finley’s success in selling wireless technologies to consumers is a timely addition as the Company goes deeper into mobile health opportunities for MyMedicalRecords and MMRPro. With the addition of John Seitz to the Board of Advisors, management has the expertise of a recognized leader in the Ambulatory Surgical Center industry. Mr. Seitz heads one of the most advanced surgical centers in the U.S. and will advise on the Company’s strategy for sales of MMRPro into surgery centers and other healthcare specialty groups.

In addition to the new appointments, MMRGlobal has increased its presence at Associated Television International’s headquarter building in Los Angeles, adding an additional 3,000 sq. ft. for sales training, outbound telesales, and a videoconferencing center.

Management

Sunil Singhal: Mr. Singhal, 55, has over 25 years experience in the IT products and services industry where he is recognized for strategically implementing innovative technologies. He has expertise in all facets of the IT products and services business, including executive management, information strategy planning, cross-border operations, business development, sales and marketing, R&D, project management, and mergers and acquisitions. From 2005 until 2010, he was head of North American Sales in the Energy, Resources, and Utilities industry for Tata Consultancy Services (TCS). Prior to that, from 2001 to 2005, he was Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer, North America of Nihilent Technologies, which is MMRGlobal’s technology partner.

Mr. Singhal started his IT services career with Tata Consultancy Services in 1979 and was involved in products and tools development, project management, and business development until 1991. From 1991 to 2001, he held a series of senior technical, business development and executive management positions with entrepreneurial companies. These included International Informatics Solutions (now Xansa) as Technical Director and Member of the Board; IMRglobal Corp. (now CGI, Inc.) as Vice President of Southwest Region and Vice President of Northeast Region; and Hexaware Technologies, Inc. as Senior Vice President for Business Development. Throughout his career, Mr. Singhal has established long-term business relationships with clients in North America, the United Kingdom, Europe, India and Singapore.

Mr. Singhal holds a Bachelor’s degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering from the University of Roorkee (now IIT, Roorkee) and a Masters degree in Digital Electronics from NUFFIC/PII, Eindhoven in the Netherlands.

Board of Advisors

Mike Finley: Prior to his current position as Vice President, Worldwide Carrier Relations for Qualcomm, Mr. Finley was President of the West Region for Sprint Nextel from 2006 to 2008 and a Senior Vice President of Sprint Corporation. He joined Nextel in 2002 as Area Vice President of Southern California and was promoted to Senior Vice President of General Business for the U.S. following the Sprint Nextel merger. Before joining Nextel, he was a Senior Vice President of Wingcast, a JV between Ford Motor Company and Qualcomm which developed telematic products for Ford vehicles. From 1993 to 2001, Mr. Finley served as President of Verizon Wireless in Southern California, Vice President and General Manager in Sacramento and was Vice President of Sales in Ohio for Airtouch Cellular. Prior to joining Airtouch, he held positions with Cellular One and McCaw Cellular. He began his career in communications in 1985 as a Co-founder of Celluland, a national franchise which created an alternative distribution approach in advance of consumer marketing of wireless products. 

John Seitz: Mr. Seitz is Chief Executive Officer of Ambulatory Surgical Group (ASG), an Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) development and management company headquartered in El Segundo, California. In his leadership role, he oversees business development and operational and financial management of all ASG surgery centers, and his financial management skills are widely sought throughout the industry. For over 25 years, Mr. Seitz has focused on healthcare, gaining an extensive network of contacts and earning the respect of physicians and industry executives as a developer and manager of ASC projects. Prior to Ambulatory Surgical Group, he has been a founder and either the CEO or president of three successful start-up companies in the healthcare industry. Most recently, he was one of the founders and President of Surgem, LLC, where he was responsible for building the ASC company from start-up to success in less than three years. During his time at Surgem, he recruited the management team, directed the development and operation of eight ASC projects and was responsible for the acquisition and turnaround of an underperforming center. Prior to Surgem, he was founder and CEO of Cornerstone Physicians, a nationally recognized medical practice management company.

About MMRGlobal, Inc.

MMRGlobal, Inc., through its wholly-owned operating subsidiary, MyMedicalRecords, Inc. (MMR), provides secure and easy-to-use online Personal Health Records (PHRs) and electronic safe deposit box storage solutions, serving consumers, healthcare professionals, employers, insurance companies, financial institutions, and professional organizations and affinity groups. MyMedicalRecords enables individuals and families to access their medical records and other important documents, such as birth certificates, passports, insurance policies and wills, anytime from anywhere using the Internet. The MyMedicalRecords Personal Health Record is built on proprietary, patented technologies to allow documents, images and voicemail messages to be transmitted and stored in the system using a variety of methods, including fax, phone, or file upload without relying on any specific electronic medical record platform to populate a user’s account. MMRGlobal’s professional offering, MMRPro, is designed to give physicians’ offices an easy and cost-effective solution to digitizing paper-based medical records and sharing them with patients in real time through an integrated patient portal. MMR is an Independent Software Vendor Partner with Kodak to deliver an integrated turnkey EMR solution for healthcare professionals. MMR is also an integrated service provider on Google Health. To learn more about MMRGlobal, Inc. and its products, visit www.mmrglobal.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Any statements contained in this press release that refer to future events or other non-historical matters are forward-looking statements, and some can be identified by the use of words (and their derivations) such as “need,” “possibility,” “offer,” “development,” “if,” “negotiate,” “when,” “begun,” “believe,” “achieve,” “will,” “estimate,” “expect,” “maintain,” “plan,” “help” and “continue,” or the negative of such terms and other comparable terminology. MMRGlobal, Inc. disclaims any intent or obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on MMRGlobal, Inc.’s reasonable expectations as of the date of this press release and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations. The information discussed in this release is subject to various risks and uncertainties related but not limited to changes in MMRGlobal, Inc.’s business prospects, its results of operations or financial condition, government regulation and changes in healthcare initiatives, and such other risks and uncertainties as detailed from time to time in MMRGlobal, Inc.’s public filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

CONTACT:
Bobbie Volman
MMRGlobal, Inc.
(310) 476-7002, Ext. 7015
[email protected]

Michael Selsman
Public Communications Co.
(310) 553-5732
[email protected]

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Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

Zweena(R) Revolutionizes Personal Health Records With New Internet Service for Individuals and Their Families

Posted on December 13, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: Zweena

Partnered With Microsoft HealthVault®, Zweena Eliminates the Complexity of Creating and Managing a PHR for Use in Self-Care, Family Care, and Protection Against Medical Errors

SKILLMAN, NJ–(Marketwire – December 13, 2010) – Zweena® today launched its revolutionary new Personal Health Record (PHR) web service, featuring a proven proprietary platform that eliminates the complexity of creating and managing an online health record. Partnered with Microsoft HealthVault®, Zweena enables consumers to create and maintain a personally controlled patient health record for meaningful use in self-care, care of family members, and to share medical records directly with healthcare providers, via the Internet. Zweena’s innovative platform collects medical records on behalf of individuals, creates a PHR based on the Continuous Care Record (CCR) guidelines outlined by the American Academy of Family Practice, then stores both scanned and discreet data within the individual’s own secure Personal Health Community (PHC) for sharing with family members, and directly with providers.

“Eighty-six percent of Americans or higher say that PHRs could help them avoid duplicated tests, keep doctors informed, check the accuracy of medical records, and track personal health expenses, yet only seven percent use PHRs today, due to the complexity in creating and maintaining a PHR with existing services,” said John Phelan, CEO of Zweena. “Recognizing the urgency and need for consumers to have accurate and current PHRs, Zweena developed a revolutionary electronic health record system that makes personal digital health records easy to set up, keep current, and share in a secure network for use in self-care and care of family members.”

About Zweena
Zweena®, taken from the Moroccan name meaning “beautiful,” connects individuals and their family members to the medical community of doctors and providers they rely on to manage and maintain their health. Zweena powers the leading Internet-based platform for creating and managing a Personal Health Record (PHR). Partnered with Microsoft HealthVault®, Zweena transforms paper medical records into scanned and organized discreet data files, eliminating the complexity of creating and managing a PHR on one’s own. The Zweena Personal Health Record is accurate, current, and can be used in self-care, the care of family members, and shared with healthcare providers via an individual’s secure Personal Health Community (PHC), anywhere in the world. For information on Zweena, visit: www.zweenahealth.com.

Media Contacts:
Mark Hall
EGOEAST Inc.
Email Contact
609-477-3475

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Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

DentalPlans.com Launches Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida FamilyBlue Discount Plan

Posted on December 13, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: DentalPlans.com

Leading Dental Plan and Healthcare Provider to Offer Savings on Dental Care and More

PLANTATION, FL–(Marketwire – December 13, 2010) – DentalPlans.com, the definitive source of discount dental plans in the United States, continues to grow as they announce the addition of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida FamilyBlue Discount Plan. The plan joins the already extensive list of 30+ affordable regional and national dental plans on DentalPlans.com. 

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida FamilyBlue Discount Plan grants members access to a network of providers across the state of Florida, each agreeing to offer their dental services at a discount of 10% to 50%. Plan members will find sizeable savings on everything from cleanings and checkups, to root canals, braces, crowns and some cosmetic procedures. For the first time, individuals and families can join the FamilyBlue Discount Plan for an entire year on DentalPlans.com and receive 3 additional months of membership for free. These turnkey plans start at $134.95 a year for individuals and $179.95 a year for adults.

“Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida is one of the most trusted and recognizable healthcare providers in the country,” says Buddy Johnson, CEO of DentalPlans.com. “We’re excited to announce this addition to our diverse offering of discount dental plans, so we can make dental care more affordable and accessible to people throughout the state of Florida.”

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida FamilyBlue Discount Plan does not have health restrictions or annual limits, and can be used as often as needed. In addition to dental care, the plan also provides discounts on other health services such as vision care, hearing care, diabetic supplies, chiropractic services and prescription drugs. A 24-Hour NurseLine and vitamins (including beauty, wellness and pet products) are also offered at a discount for the convenience of its members.

Interviews with DentalPlans.com representatives and network practitioners are available. For editorial inquiries, please contact Kelly Downey of Shamin Abas Public Relations at 561.366.1226 or [email protected].

About DentalPlans.com (www.DentalPlans.com)

DentalPlans.com is dedicated to improving oral health nationwide by making quality dental care affordable and accessible to everyone. DentalPlans.com proudly offers the freedom to choose from an extensive selection of discount dental plans designed to save members money on their dental care needs. With more than 40 years of experience in the dental industry, their devoted team quickly transformed DentalPlans.com into a trusted industry leader and the largest online provider of discount dental plans. Since 1999, DentalPlans.com has offered great value and convenience with an extensive choice of money-saving discount dental plans in one user-friendly website.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Kelly Downey
Shamin Abas Public Relations
561.366.1226

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Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

FONAR UPRIGHT MRI Customer Wins Jury Decision in Federal Court for Antitrust Lawsuit Versus CareCore National

Posted on December 13, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: FONAR Corporation

MELVILLE, NY–(Marketwire – December 13, 2010) – FONAR Corporation (NASDAQ: FONR), The Inventor of MR Scanning™, announced today that a provider of outpatient diagnostic services (a FONAR customer) and several Stand-Up MRI diagnostic imaging professional corporations (PCs) received a jury verdict in their favor in an anti-trust lawsuit against CareCore National, LLC, a radiology benefits management (RBM) company (www.carecorenational.com).

This antitrust lawsuit involved CareCore National’s exclusion of the plaintiffs, all of them providers of MRI services using Stand-Up MRI scanners (FONAR UPRIGHT® Multi-Position™ MRIs), from utilization by its member subscribers. CareCore Radiology, a division of CareCore National, covers more than 30 million member subscribers in all 50 states. The diagnostic service provider and the PCs were represented by Constantine Cannon LLP, New York, NY, (www.constantinecannon.com). 

After more than a two-week trial, the verdict was reached November 30, 2010 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York. The case is Stand-Up MRI v. CareCore National, E.D.N.Y. Case No: 08 Civ. 2954 (LDW) (ETB). The eight members of the jury were unanimous in their decision and awarded over $11 million in damages to the diagnostic service provider and the PCs in the case, which are to be trebled by law. The total judgment with costs and attorney fees is expected to be close to $40 million.

In a press release, (http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/constantine-cannon-attorneys-win-important-healthcare-antitrust-jury-trial-against-carecore-national-llc-111128319.html) lead Constantine Cannon trial attorney Matthew Cantor said: “This verdict is not just important for my clients, but for patients everywhere. The evidence in this case showed that even CareCore considered the Upright MRI to be medically necessary and that, nonetheless, CareCore and its owners denied patients the ability to benefit from these important diagnostic procedures. The actions of benefits managers (RBMs) that are owned and controlled by physicians, like CareCore, must be scrutinized to ensure that patient welfare is not compromised. Constantine Cannon expects that the defendants will attempt to overturn the jury award either in post-trial motion practice or on appeal. If that occurs, Constantine Cannon will vigorously defend the decision of the jury.”

“The jury found that CareCore, in league with New York-area radiologists and radiology practices that owned and/or governed CareCore, conspired to unreasonably restrain trade in the market for commercially-insured outpatient radiology procedures. The jury also found that these restraints harmed the plaintiffs — several New York radiology practices and their medical management company — that offer unique and medically necessary Upright MRI services. The Upright MRI is the only MRI that can scan patients in the weight-bearing positions that patients actually feel their pain. By doing so, Upright MRIs diagnose patient ailments, including those related to the spine, that no other MRI can,” said Cantor.

Raymond Damadian, president and founder of FONAR said, “We are pleased that the Federal Court and Jury understands the medical necessity of the FONAR UPRIGHT® Multi-Position™ MRI aka STAND-UP® MRI. This is important for FONAR, its customers, future customers and particularly the patients who need the UPRIGHT® MRI so they can be correctly diagnosed and not be given the wrong treatment which often involves surgery. We expect this to help those patients across our nation who have been previously denied these critical examinations by the RBMs.”

“FONAR’s UPRIGHT® MR technology is vital to patient needs nationwide,” said Dr. Damadian. “Back pain is the second most common reason for visiting the doctor’s office after the common cold. Close to one million spine surgeries are performed each year, but the outcomes are not good with a failure rate that varies from 10% to 40% depending on the reported study (1). Alf Nachemson, MD refers to the saddest group of these patients, those who have undergone 4, 5, or 6 spine surgeries as “multiply operated surgical cripples” (2). The surgical failure is commonly the result of operating on the wrong spinal segment (i.e. not the one responsible for the patient’s pain). This occurs because the origin of the pain is often attributed to the wrong degenerative change in the spine when the patient is imaged on a recumbent-only MRI. Degenerative changes in the adult spine are frequently multiple in number. The suspected pain generating anatomy is conventionally identified from recumbent (conventional) MRI images while the patient’s pain often occurs only when the patient is upright and when the pathology generating it is visible only when the patient is upright and fully weight-loaded.”

Dr. Damadian continued, “The FONAR UPRIGHT® Multi-Position™ MRI enables the patient to place himself in the position that generates his pain so that an MRI picture can be taken in the same position that generated the patient’s pain. Correctly identifying the pain generating pathology markedly improves patient surgical outcomes. In addition, it enables the surgeon to see ALL the pathology he has to address, not just the single position non-weight-bearing image provided by the conventional MRI. This enables the surgeon to see the full extent to which the disk herniation of his patient increases when he/she flexes or extends, or the extent to which the patient’s vertebra is sliding back and forth with body position and generating pain. Approximately 1 million spine surgeries are performed in the U.S. each year and technology to improve the surgical outcomes for these patients is a serious need.”

“In addition, there are a wide range of other needs that patients have for FONAR’s UPRIGHT® Multi-Position™ MR imaging technology,” said Dr. Damadian. “Patients who have been hospitalized, for example, with congestive heart failure, cannot lie down. In the absence of UPRIGHT ® MRI these patients are unable to receive MRI examinations when they are needed.”

“Patients with scoliosis, which most commonly arises for the first time in young adolescent girls, have been reported by the National Cancer Institute (3) to experience a 70% higher incidence of breast cancer as adults than the non-scoliotic population. The increased incidence is attributed to the multiple annual chest x-rays (2-3 times per year) needed to monitor the child’s scoliosis until adulthood in order to assure satisfactory treatment.” Dr. Damadian added, “the FONAR UPRIGHT® MRI provides the same necessary vertebral angle (“Cobb angle”) measurements as the x-ray (plus the needed measurements of vertebra rotation not supplied by x-ray), thereby avoiding the annual radiations of the x-ray procedure and eliminating the danger of subsequent adult breast cancer.”

“Women patients, for example, as a result of the inherent trauma of childbirth to their pelvic floor anatomy, will commonly suffer the consequences of PFD (pelvic floor dystrophy) later in life. The symptoms of PFD are cystic prolapse (“falling urinary bladder”) and its chronic cystitis symptoms of urinary frequency, burning on urination, fever, and if unaddressed, chronic kidney inflammation (pyclonephritis). The patient must be upright to see it. It commonly returns to its normal position when the patient is recumbent and therefore is not diagnosed by the patient’s physician who examines her in the recumbent position. It affects 10 million women. The UPRIGHT® MRI readily visualizes the fallen bladder when these patients are upright, so that the surgeon has full image visualization of the anatomy that has to be repaired.

“Another serious present need for the FONAR UPRIGHT® Multi-Position™ MRI is the rising body of patients who are sustaining dislocations of the cervical spine from automobile collision whiplash injuries of the head and neck. The UPRIGHT® MRI is needed to assess the extent to which the brain has been dislocated [descent of the tonsils of the cerebellum] into the opening in the bottom of the skull (foramen magnum). This critical assessment of the extent of brain herniation into the opening at the base of the skull (cerebellar tonsil ectopia, or CTE) can only be determined with the patient in the upright position so that the surgical repair of this herniation and the patient’s “drop attacks” can be eliminated. (4)”

(1) The Failed Spine, M. Szpalski and R. Gunzburg, eds., Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2005, p. 123.
(2) Alf L. Nachemson, MD, “The Lumbar Spine An Orthopaedic Challenge”, Spine, Vol. 1, Number 1, March 1976, p. 65.
(3) National Cancer Institute, “Scientists Find Link Between Pre-1970’s Diagnostic X-rays for Scoliosis and Breast Cancer Mortality,” www.cancer.gov, 8/15/2000. “Breast Cancer Mortality  After Diagnostic Radiography: Findings from the U.S. Scoliosis Cohort Study”, Michele Morin Doody, et al., Spine, Aug. 15, 2000, Vol. 25, No. 16.
(4) Michael D. Freeman, et al., Brain Injury, July 2010:24(7-8):988-994.

About Constantine Cannon LLP

Constantine Cannon LLP represented the plaintiffs in the case. They have deep expertise in practice areas that include antitrust and complex commercial litigation, government relations, employment matters, securities and e-discovery. With offices in New York, NY and Washington, DC, the firm’s antitrust practice is among the largest in the nation, with more than 30 attorneys representing both plaintiffs and defendants in complex antitrust litigation.

For investor and other information visit: www.fonar.com.

UPRIGHT® and STAND-UP® are registered trademarks and The Inventor of MR Scanning™, Full Range of Motion™, pMRI™, Dynamic™, Multi-Position™, True Flow™, The Proof is in the Picture™, Spondylography™ Spondylometry™ and Upright Radiology™ are trademarks of FONAR Corporation.

This release may include forward-looking statements from the company that may or may not materialize. Additional information on factors that could potentially affect the company’s financial results may be found in the company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

Medistem Co-Authors Scientific Publication Detecting Neurodegeneration Before Symptoms Develop

Posted on December 13, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: Medistem Inc.

MRI Study in Sheep Shows Changes in Brain Structures Associated With Scrapie Infection

SAN DIEGO, CA–(Marketwire – December 13, 2010) – Medistem Inc. (PINKSHEETS: MEDS) reported today peer-reviewed publication of a research project using MRI to assess brain changes in sheep infected with scrapie (sheep form of Mad Cow Disease) before symptoms of the fatal brain disease appear. 

The study, whose senior author was Dr. Joel Stutman and funded by the Louis and Lena Minkoff Foundation, compared 37 sheep that were positive for the infectious protein associated with scrapie, called PrPSc, to 80 sheep that had no evidence of the disease-causing protein. It was found that all sheep possessing the protein, whether symptomatic or non-symptomatic, exhibited a unique change in the anatomy of the brain as detected by MRI. Specifically, a greater ventricle to cerebrum area ratio was found in MRI images of infected sheep compared to healthy sheep.

“We are extremely grateful to Dr. Stutman and his team for allowing us to collaborate on this important project which integrated computer-based image analysis techniques with molecular diagnostics to demonstrate a very important finding: that in sheep with scrapie specific MRI changes can be indicative of neurodegeneration before symptoms appear,” said Vladimir Bogin, MD, Chairman and President of Medistem. “One of the major findings in the published stem cell clinical trials has been that some patients respond extremely well, while others do not. Medistem believes that development of disease-assessing techniques such as the one reported, will allow for better selection of patients that would respond to stem cell-based interventions.”

Medistem has filed an IND with the FDA for human trials of its universal donor stem cell, the Endometrial Regenerative Cell (ERC). The first product in development is a treatment for critical limb ischemia, a condition that causes approximately 150,000 amputations per year in the US. Published research demonstrates that Endometrial Regenerative Cells can generate lung, liver, pancreas, bone, muscle, heart, fat, and brain tissue, thus the company is currently exploring other disease indications. 

“Medistem collaborators have already used Endometrial Regenerative Cells in the treatment of patients with multiple sclerosis, a neurodegenerative condition which creates similar brain alterations as seen in the current study,” said Thomas Ichim, CEO of Medistem and co-author of the publication. “The reason for our participation in the sheep scrapie project is to be at the cutting edge of imaging studies in the neurosciences. This, in our opinion, allows us to: a) Select better inclusion/exclusion criteria for our future multiple sclerosis studies; and b) Objectively analyze effects of our intervention in humans.”

Endometrial Regenerative Cells are currently available for sale as a research reagent through General Biotechnology LLC at http://www.gnrlbiotech.com/?page=catalog_endometrial_regenerative_cells.

The study, entitled “Generalized cerebral atrophy seen on MRI in a naturally exposed animal model for Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease” can be found online at http://www.translational-medicine.com/content/pdf/1479-5876-8-125.pdf.

About Medistem Inc.

Medistem Inc. is a biotechnology company developing technologies related to adult stem cell extraction, manipulation, and use for treating inflammatory and degenerative diseases. The company’s lead product, the endometrial regenerative cell (ERC), is a “universal donor” stem cell being developed for critical limb ischemia. A publication describing the support for use of ERC for this condition may be found at http://www.translational-medicine.com/content/pdf/1479-5876-6-45.pdf. ERC can be purchased for scientific use through Medistem’s collaborator, General Biotechnology http://www.gnrlbiotech.com/?page=catalog_endometrial_regenerative_cells.

Cautionary Statement

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of our securities. This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which cannot be predicted or quantified. Future events and actual results could differ materially from those set forth in, contemplated by, or underlying the forward-looking information. Factors which may cause actual results to differ from our forward-looking statements are discussed in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Contact:
Vladimir Bogin, MD
Chairman of the Board
Medistem Inc.
9255 Towne Centre Drive
Suite 450
San Diego
CA 92122
858 349 3617
858 642 0027
www.medisteminc.com

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Filed Under: Medical And Healthcare

Assisted Living Concepts, Inc. Reports the Completion of Restructuring at Scotia Investments Limited

Posted on December 10, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: Assisted Living Concepts, Inc.

MENOMONEE FALLS, WI–(Marketwire – December 10, 2010) – Assisted Living Concepts, Inc. (NYSE: ALC) reported that the previously announced reorganization of its largest shareholder, Scotia Investments Limited, has been completed and that the shares of Class A and Class B Common Stock of Assisted Living Concepts, Inc. previously held by Scotia Investments Limited and its subsidiaries have been transferred to a former affiliate of Scotia Investments, Thornridge Holdings Limited. Thornridge, a privately-held limited company existing under the laws of Nova Scotia with its head office in Bedford, Nova Scotia, is wholly owned by private holding companies owned by members of the extended family of Jean Hennigar, a daughter of the late R.A. Jodrey, including her son David J. Hennigar, who is chairman of Assisted Living Concepts, Inc.’s Board of Directors. Prior to the reorganization, Scotia Investments Limited was also owned by members of the R.A. Jodrey family.

On December 6, 2010, Thornridge filed a statement on Schedule 13D with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission reporting that on November 5, 2010 Blomidon Investments Limited, the ultimate parent of Scotia Investments Limited, and three holding companies of Blomidon that owned all of the common shares of Blomidon, including Thornridge, completed a reorganization pursuant to which, among other things, Thornridge acquired all of the shares of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock of Assisted Living Concepts, Inc. previously owned directly or indirectly by Scotia Investments Limited.

“We are pleased that the restructuring of Scotia Investments has resulted in the continued ownership commitment by the Hennigar family,” commented Laurie Bebo, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Based upon their past commitment and their recent Schedule 13D filing, we believe this restructuring of Scotia will have no material impact on ALC and reinforces the support for ALC’s strategic direction.”

About Us

Assisted Living Concepts, Inc. and its subsidiaries operate 211 senior living residences comprising 9,305 units in 20 states. ALC’s senior living residences typically consist of 40 to 60 units and offer residents a supportive, home-like setting and assistance with the activities of daily living. ALC employs approximately 4,100 people.

Forward-looking Statements

Statements contained in this release other than statements of historical fact, including statements regarding anticipated financial performance, business strategy and management’s plans and objectives for future operations, including management’s expectations about improving occupancy and private pay mix, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements generally include words such as “expect,” “project,” “point toward,” “intend,” “will,” “indicate,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “plan,” “strategy” or “objective.” Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied. In addition to the risks and uncertainties referred to in the release, other risks and uncertainties are contained in ALC’s filings with United States Securities and Exchange Commission and include, but are not limited to, the following: changes in the health care industry in general and the senior housing industry in particular because of governmental and economic influences; changes in general economic conditions, including changes in housing markets, unemployment rates and the availability of credit at reasonable rates; changes in regulations governing the industry and ALC’s compliance with such regulations; changes in government funding levels for health care services; resident care litigation, including exposure for punitive damage claims and increased insurance costs, and other claims asserted against ALC; ALC’s ability to maintain and increase census levels; ALC’s ability to attract and retain qualified personnel; the availability and terms of capital to fund acquisitions and ALC’s capital expenditures; changes in competition; and demographic changes. Given these risks and uncertainties, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on ALC’s forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements contained in this report are necessarily estimates reflecting the best judgment of the party making such statements based upon current information. ALC assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement.

Filed Under: Medical And Healthcare

American Diabetes Association Applauds Two-Year Re-Authorization of Special Diabetes Program

Posted on December 9, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: American Diabetes Association

ALEXANDRIA, VA–(Marketwire – December 9, 2010) – The American Diabetes Association®, the nation’s leading voluntary health organization in the fight to Stop Diabetes®, praises Congress for reauthorizing the Special Diabetes Program. The renewal, which was part of the Medicare and Medicaid Extenders Act of 2010, will ensure the Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI) and the Special Diabetes Programs for Type 1 Diabetes (SDP-Type1) continue through September 2013. The measure will provide $150 million in funding per year to each program. Nearly 24 million Americans are living with diabetes and another 57 million have prediabetes. Recently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a report stating that if current trends continue, one in three Americans will have diabetes by the year 2050. Diabetes is among the leading causes of death by disease in the United States. It is a leading cause of heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney disease, and amputation.

SDPI provides prevention, education and treatment programs in Native American communities. American Indians and Alaska Natives have the highest age-adjusted prevalence of diabetes among all U.S. racial and ethnic groups, where diabetes is four to eight times more common than in the general population. Studies have demonstrated that SDPI’s prevention and treatment efforts have contributed to significant reductions in diabetes complications in these targeted populations.

“We applaud the extension of the Special Diabetes Programs,” said Gale Marshall, Chair, American Diabetes Association’s Awakening the Spirit Native American initiative. “The Special Diabetes Program for Indians provides for more than 450 community-directed programs, allowing local tribes and health programs to set priorities that meet their needs, including prevention activities or treatment. Because of these education and treatment programs, the American Indian and Alaskan Native communities have stories of hope and progress in facing the battle against diabetes.” 

The Special Diabetes Programs for Type 1 Diabetes provides funding for groundbreaking type 1 diabetes research. Clinical research supported by this program has demonstrated tangible results — from delaying the full onset of type 1 diabetes in newly diagnosed patients to gaining insight on the underlying causes of diabetes and halting or reversing costly complications such as diabetic eye disease.

“The Special Diabetes Programs for Type 1 Diabetes is a vital federal effort that is bringing us closer to a cure for this epidemic,” said Janel Wright, National Chair, Advocacy Committee, American Diabetes Association. “This cost-effective program provides crucial funding for research and results in real advances for people living with type 1 diabetes.”

About The American Diabetes Association
The American Diabetes Association is leading the fight to stop diabetes and its deadly consequences and fighting for those affected by diabetes. The Association funds research to prevent, cure and manage diabetes; delivers services to hundreds of communities; provides objective and credible information; and gives voice to those denied their rights because of diabetes. Founded in 1940, our mission is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. For more information please call the American Diabetes Association at 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383) or visit www.diabetes.org. Information from both these sources is available in English and Spanish.

Contact:
Lauren Gleason
(703) 549-1500 Ext. 2622
[email protected]

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Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

Fresh Start Private Naltrexone Implant Procedure Shows Excellent Potential for Reduction in Alcoholism

Posted on December 9, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: Fresh Start Private Management Inc.

Naltrexone Reduces the Number of Occasions During Which a Person Is Likely to Drink

LOS ANGELES, CA–(Marketwire – December 9, 2010) – Fresh Start Private (OTCQX: CEYY) (PINKSHEETS: CEYY), a leader in the alcohol treatment and rehabilitation industry, provided data today showing that Naltrexone is effective in the treatment of alcoholism.

According to published results in the Oxford Journals, research indicated that “Naltrexone is superior to placebo. Subjects treated with Naltrexone experience significantly fewer episodes of relapse, and significantly more remain abstinent when compared to placebo-treated subjects {risk difference of relapse rates = -14% [95% confidence interval (CI): -23%, -5%]; and risk difference of abstinence rates = 10% (95% CI: 4%, 16%)} after 12 weeks of treatment. The Naltrexone-treated subjects also consume significantly less alcohol over the study period than do placebo-treated subjects.” See http://alcalc.oxfordjournals.org/content/36/6/544.full for the complete results of the study.

A study by Joseph R. Volpicelli, MD, PhD; Arthur I. Alterman, PhD; Motoi Hayashida, MD, ScD; Charles P. O’Brien, MD, PhD, yielded other significant findings as follows:

“Seventy male alcohol-dependent patients participated in a 12-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of Naltrexone hydrochloride (50 mg/d) as an adjunct to treatment following alcohol detoxification. Subjects taking Naltrexone reported significantly less alcohol craving and days in which any alcohol was consumed. During the 12-week study, only 23% of the Naltrexone-treated subjects met the criteria for a relapse, whereas 54.3% of the placebo-treated subjects relapsed. The primary effect of Naltrexone was seen in patients who drank any alcohol while attending outpatient treatment. Nineteen (95%) of the 20 placebo-treated patients relapsed after they sampled alcohol, while only eight (50%) of 16 Naltrexone-treated patients exposed to alcohol met relapse criteria. These results suggest that Naltrexone may be a safe and effective adjunct to treatment in alcohol-dependent subjects, particularly in preventing alcohol relapse.”

Fresh Start Private (FSP) is the only alcohol treatment program to offer a single-administration, licensed long-acting, Naltrexone implant procedure. Naltrexone has been approved for use by the FDA within the United States for the treatment of alcohol.

Trained medical doctors insert a specially formulated, biodegradable Naltrexone implant just beneath the skin below the patient’s lower abdominal area. The procedure is rapid and requires only local anaesthetic.

FSPs revolutionary procedure works instantly to block the receptors in the brain that crave alcohol. This one-time treatment is affordable and so fast a patient can be back to work the very next day, free from the physical cravings for alcohol.

About Fresh Start Private

Fresh Start Private is an alcohol addiction, alcohol withdrawal, alcohol abuse treatment and alcohol detox rehabilitation company on the leading edge of the alcohol addiction treatment. The Company has licensed a highly effective treatment delivers target therapeutic levels of Naltrexone that significantly reduce patients’ cravings for alcohol. Please visit www.freshstartprivate.com

Statements in this press release may be “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about the company’s business based, in part, on assumptions made by management. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Actual outcomes and results may, and probably will, differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in such forward-looking statements due to numerous factors, including those described above and those risks discussed from time to time in Fresh Start filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Contact
Tom Kennedy
Phone: 949.209.8964
Email Contact

Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

The Children’s Medical Center of Dayton Partners With Medicity for Health Information Exchange in Ohio’s Miami Valley

Posted on December 9, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: Medicity

Bidirectional Exchange Will Connect Hospital Systems, Physician EHRs and Allied Care Providers to Improve Care Delivery

SALT LAKE CITY, UT–(Marketwire – December 9, 2010) –  The Children’s Medical Center of Dayton (Dayton Children’s), a not-for-profit, freestanding children’s hospital serving 20 counties in Ohio and Eastern Indiana, has selected Medicity to power bidirectional health information exchange (HIE) between the medical center, affiliated physicians and other partners in its healthcare community.

Dayton Children’s will implement Medicity’s Novo Grid infrastructure — patented technology for connecting care teams and integrating with electronic health records (EHRs) — to distribute results, reports, and face sheets from the hospital’s Epic clinical systems and McKesson registration systems to community providers. The same Grid infrastructure will power laboratory and radiology orders back to the hospital.

“Our partnership with Medicity enables us to meet the HIE needs of Dayton providers while addressing our hospital’s unique business objectives,” said Beth Fredette, Dayton Children’s CIO. “By sponsoring the secure flow of health information in our community, we aim to improve clinical workflow, enhance patient care and improve affinity with our affiliated physicians by supporting their efforts to achieve meaningful use requirements.”

“The Grid enables secure electronic exchange regardless of which EHR a physician practice has adopted or whether the practice is paper-based,” said Kipp Lassetter, MD, Medicity CEO, “which means that Dayton Children’s now has a single solution that adapts to a wide variety of practice needs. Significantly, the Grid also provides the flexibility and control for the hospital to connect with state and regional HIE initiatives as they come along.”

About The Children’s Medical Center of Dayton
The Children’s Medical Center of Dayton is the region’s only medical facility dedicated to children. Consistently recognized as one of the country’s best pediatric hospitals, Dayton Children’s provides medical treatment, advice and information for children and families from 20 Ohio counties and eastern Indiana. Dayton Children’s accreditation by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations ensures the regions’ infants, children and teens receive excellent pediatric care. For more children’s health and safety information, visit our web site at www.childrensdayton.org.

About Medicity
Medicity, the industry standard for health information exchange (HIE), is the leading innovator and largest provider of HIE technology — with more than 700 hospitals and 250,000 physicians in its connected ecosystem. Medicity’s solutions empower hospitals, physicians and HIEs with secure access to and exchange of health information — improving the quality and efficiency of patient care locally, regionally and nationally. For more information, please visit us or follow us on Twitter.

Contact:
Amendola Communications for Medicity
Janet Cabibbo
480-664-8412 ext. 15
[email protected]

Moira Alter
Marketing Manager, Dayton Children’s
937-641-3618
[email protected]

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Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

Marathon Health Engagement Rates Exceed Prediction for Health Improvement

Posted on December 9, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: Marathon Health

BURLINGTON, VT–(Marketwire – December 9, 2010) – Marathon Health today announced that health program engagement rates achieved for Accellent, Inc exceeded prediction by 27%. Marathon Health achieved a 97% engagement rate of the target population identified in March 2009 as being at high risk for a chronic condition or who had an existing chronic condition. The Marathon Health definition of engagement is any person who has met with the nurse health coach and selected a risk- or condition-related goal to work on with health coaching as appropriate.

Accellent, a leading supplier of supply chain solutions to the medical device industry, offers its employees face-to-face health assessments and health risk reduction coaching at their 15 US locations. Marathon Health provides these services with traveling nurses who visit Accellent sites at regularly scheduled intervals. Marathon Health also provides onsite health services at three of Accellent’s sites.

“Achieving this rate of engagement with a distributed workforce can be attributed to several factors,” said Tricia McCall, Accellent Vice President of Human Resources. “We have strong program champions at the local level to coordinate the activities. We offer an incentive program to get people involved with the screenings and assessments. And through Marathon Health, we provide high-quality coaching and outreach programs. Together, these factors combine to create the level of involvement we are seeing. This effort is one more way we are staying true to our company vision of ‘Helping People Live Better Lives’.”

The focus on engaging individuals with health risk factors has played an important role in the -3% medical trend experience at Accellent.

“It is well documented that individuals with high risk factors, such as hypertension, smoking, and obesity, will consume healthcare resources at two — five times the rate of a healthy person,” said David Demers, MPH, director of strategic planning at Marathon Health. “And while the numbers speak volumes, the real success is found in the hundreds of individual stories of employees who have improved their health. That is what we are most proud of at Marathon Health.”

About Accellent
Accellent provides fully integrated outsourced manufacturing and engineering services to the medical device industry in the cardiology, endoscopy and orthopaedic markets. Accellent has broad capabilities in design and engineering services, precision component fabrication, finished device assembly and complete supply chain management solutions. These capabilities enhance our customers’ speed to market and their return on investment by allowing them to focus their internal resources more efficiently. For more information, please visit www.accellent.com .

About Marathon Health
Marathon Health of Colchester, VT, offers a proven solution for helping employers reduce the total cost of healthcare. The Marathon Health approach integrates the best practices of onsite primary care, health assessment with risk identification, coaching and advocacy, and disease management for high cost chronic conditions. Marathon Health supports its unique model with an eHealth Portal delivering medical content, interactive diet and fitness tools, a personal health record, and an electronic medical record to manage care. For more information, please visit www.marathon-health.com.

Contact:
Tracey Moran
802-857-0459
Email Contact

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Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

InoLife Technologies, Inc. Retains John O’Maley and Associates to Launch Aggressive Retail Sales & Marketing Program for Company’s DNA-Based…

Posted on December 9, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: InoLife Technologies Inc.

30 Years of Experience and 40-Plus Successful Product Launchings Greatly Contributed to the Decision

RALEIGH, NC–(Marketwire – December 9, 2010) – InoLife Technologies, Inc. (OTCBB: INOL), a service based healthcare products development, integration and marketing Company, announced today that it has retained John O’Maley and Associates to manage its retail sales & marketing program and aggressively place the Company’s current and future DNA-based products into the consumer market.

John O’Maley and Associates (JOA) provide over 30 years of experience in successfully launching over 40 consumer products into nearly every trade channel of the market. This company has a long-standing and trusted reputation in the retail industry in providing world-class sales presentations on products that result in significant sales and brand awareness.

John O’Maley, President of JOA, contributes his success from his training in sales and marketing, advertising and business development at Proctor & Gamble. That experience has proven to be instrumental in generating outstanding results for his clients. JOA also uses a proven national broker network that consists of over 30 key senior account sales executives who were trained in fortune 500 companies. This ensures continuity and excellent national coverage. For more information on JOA visit www.omaley.com

InoLife has considered many companies to use for this important aspect for the success in placing its current and future DNA-Based products into the consumer market. Management feels that John O’Maley and Associates has the experience and proven success record to get the job done. We look forward to working with John’s company.

About InoLife Technologies, Inc.
InoLife is poised to become one of the premier U.S. marketers of state-of-the-art DNA-based test products. Positioned for growth and success in a burgeoning market, InoLife Technologies, www.inolifetech.com, is primarily focused on products, services and solutions that will enable state-of-the-art healthcare for today and the future for a diverse base of customers and end users. The Company’s mission is to identify, develop, integrate and bring to market innovative healthcare-based products and services that provide timely and practical solutions. The primary products and services that InoLife is currently addressing focuses upon those specific products and services that provide key solutions through the innovative use of specific DNA testing and Genetic analysis systems.

The principal customers of InoLife’s products and services are healthcare providers, physicians, practitioners, hospitals and outpatient facilities. InoLife will be marketing and distributing its products through traditional distribution channels. Additionally InoLife has developed certain products that can be sold directly to consumers and has created specific programs to reach those customers including e-commerce, direct sales, healthcare providers, pharmacies, distributors, retail sellers and specialty retailers.

Forward-Looking Statements
Safe Harbor Statement under the Private securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: The statements contained herein, which are not historical, are forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements including, but not limited to, certain delays beyond the Company’s control with respect to market acceptance of new technologies, products and services, delays in testing and evaluation of products and services, and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

Manchester Manor Health Care Center Distinguished With Highest Level National Award

Posted on December 9, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: Manchester Manor Health Care Center

Achievement in Excellence Awarded for Exemplary Delivery of Quality Long Term Care

MANCHESTER, CT–(Marketwire – December 9, 2010) – Manchester Manor Health Care Center has been recognized as a 2010 recipient of the National Quality Award at the level of Gold – Excellence in Quality presented by the American Health Care Association/National Centers for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL), a Washington D.C. based trade organization with approximately 11,000 nursing facility members nationwide. Manchester Manor is the only 2010 recipient of this distinguished national award. Over the 15 years of the Quality Award program, only 4 companies, owning 10 facilities, have ever received an award at this level. The award was formally presented to Manchester Manor during AHCA’s 61st Annual Convention and Exposition, October 10-13, 2010 in Long Beach, CA.

“The staff and leadership of Manchester Manor Health Care Center have demonstrated that they can sustain a high level of performance across a broad spectrum of services, and have set themselves apart as a health care organization of the highest distinction,” stated Bruce Yarwood, President and CEO of AHCA. “We applaud this outstanding achievement that honors their commitment to a rigorous journey of continuous improvement.”

Implemented by AHCA/NCAL in 1996, the National Quality Award Program is based on the core values and criteria of the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award Program. It provides a pathway for providers of long term and post-acute care services to journey towards performance excellence. Applicants for the prestigious Gold – Excellence in Quality award demonstrate by approach, deployment and consistency of results that they are achieving high levels of performance in health care, customer satisfaction, market, workforce, process and leadership outcomes over time. At the Gold level, applicants must successfully address the Malcolm Baldrige Program’s Health Care Criteria for Performance Excellence. Gold applications are reviewed by teams of Master Examiners with extensive qualifications and special training to qualify as judges. A ten member Board of Overseers provides oversight of the award program.

“No one knows better than the staff at Manchester Manor that their quality journey never ends, but this award level is a significant achievement,” stated Bernie Dana, Chair, AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Board of Overseers. “Clearly Manchester Manor is one of the very best long term care providers in the entire nation.”

Manchester Manor Health Care Center previously received the Silver – Achievement in Quality Award (2008) and the Bronze – Commitment to Quality Award (2007).

Contact:
Mary Ellen Gaudette
Administrator
Email Contact
385 West Center St.
Manchester, CT
Tel. 860-533-2532
Fax. 860-645-0841

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Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

What 2010 Planning Will Mean for Pharma and Biotech in 2011

Posted on December 9, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: Cutting Edge Information

Top Research Topics in 2010 Point Spotlight on Where Companies Will Be Taking Action Next Year and Beyond, Says Management Consulting Firm Cutting Edge Information

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC–(Marketwire – December 9, 2010) – As many companies put the finishing touches on their 2011 Action Plans, the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors are looking to create opportunities from the challenges of recent years.

Cutting Edge Information, Inc. analyzed what issues its clients have studied most closely in 2010 and the resulting decisions and strategies they are likely to implement in 2011. “The popularity of each topic shows the areas that companies consider most important as they enter 2011,” said Jason Richardson, president of Cutting Edge Information.

“These are the areas executives believe offer both challenges and opportunities that can provide competitive advantage if managed well in the next year.”

The lists below include both the subject areas identified by industry executives and the top project conducted by Cutting Edge Information (http://www.cuttingedgeinfo.com/) for that functional group.

Top 3 Medical Affairs Reports
#1 Thought Leader Fair-Market Value: Compensation Benchmarks and Procedures
#2 Medical Science Liaison Programs — The New MSL Profile: Internal Thought Leader, External Voice and Clinical Catalyst
#3 Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Regulatory Affairs

Top 3 Clinical Development Reports
#1 Benchmarking Drug Safety and Pharmacovigilance
#2 Streamlining Clinical Trials
#3 Clinical Trial Patient Recruitment

Top 3 Decision Support and Forecasting Reports
#1 Oncology Market Forecast to 2015
#2 Strategic Pharmaceutical Competitive Intelligence
#3 Diabetes Market Forecast to 2015

Top 3 Market Access Reports
#1 Health Economics and Outcomes Research
#2 Securing Market Access: Reimbursement, Payer Relationships and Healthcare Reform
#3 Outcomes-Based Pharmaceutical Pricing: Meeting Stakeholder Needs

Top 3 Portfolio Planning and Business Development Challenges
#1 Lifecycle Management: Strategy, Selection and Execution
#2 Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Business Development: Accelerating the Deal
#3 Pharmaceutical Alliance Management

Top 3 Marketing and Commercialization Reports
#1 Countering Generics and Biosimilar Threats
#2 Pharmaceutical Speaker Programs
#3 Driving Successful Pharmaceutical Brands

Cutting Edge Information will continue to analyze key trends emerging from 2010 and impacting 2011 and beyond. More detail and background about Cutting Edge Information is available through the pharmaceutical Twitter feed, the life sciences research and consulting LinkedIn page, and a set of complimentary newsletters providing new management analysis monthly.

For media inquiries, please contact
Stephanie Swanson
919-403-6583
Email Contact

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Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

Surrex Announces Strategic Partnership With gloStream

Posted on December 9, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: Surrex EHR Solutions

EL SEGUNDO, CA–(Marketwire – December 9, 2010) –  Surrex EHR Solutions (www.surrex-ehr.com), a rapidly growing US based Healthcare IT Consulting firm, and gloStream (www.glostream.com), the world’s only provider of a Meaningful Use ready Electronic Health Records system (EHR) with MS Office built directly in, today announced the formation of a strategic partnership through which Surrex will perform sales, implementation and system integration of the gloStream platform for physician offices around the United States. 

Recognizing the need for a powerful, effective, and highly efficient EHR and Practice Management solution in small and medium sized medical offices, Surrex selected gloStream for their easy-to-use MS Office based technology, state of the art integration with Voice Recognition software, and top tier customer support. gloSuite, an integrated EHR and PM platform, allows Physicians to dictate directly into a patient’s Electronic Medical Record, ePrescribe, and perform other critical day to day tasks. Medical office staff can rapidly customize templates and documents, file insurance claims, interface with 3rd billing services, and much more.

“Our team evaluated dozens of meaningful use certified EHR platforms as we sought to identify viable Partners,” said Tristan Carey, President of Surrex EHR Solutions. “gloStream was one of a very small number of organizations that met our criteria for product quality, process management, solutions integration, pricing, and ongoing customer support. We’re very pleased to be one of the newest members of the gloStream Partner community.”

“We are proud and excited to welcome Surrex to the gloStream community,” said Brenda Hodge, gloStream’s Executive Vice President for Partners and Practices. “Their level of commitment to the gloStream Partner Program ensures that physicians all over the U.S. will have access to not only the best EMR and PM software, but also to an IT advisor that can implement and support entire networks and essential data.”

Both companies anticipate a highly successful partnership and look forward to serving the physician marketplace across the United States. 

Surrex EHR Solutions specializes in the selection, implementation, integration, and support of Electronic Medical Records (EMR / EHR) and Practice Management (PM) solutions. Contact Surrex at www.surrex-ehr.com, or by calling 1-877-4SURREX (877-478-7739).

gloStream provides doctors with certified, voice-enabled electronic medical record and practice management solutions delivered and supported through a nationwide community of local technology Partners. gloStream products are secure, easy-to-use applications and the only solutions on the market with Microsoft Office built right in. 

Contact:
Michael Junge
949-202-5839

Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

ALDA Pharmaceuticals Corp.: Private Placement

Posted on December 8, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA–(Marketwire – Dec. 8, 2010) – ALDA Pharmaceuticals Corp. (TSX VENTURE:APH)(OTCQB:APCSF) (the “Company” or “ALDA”) announces that it is undertaking a non-brokered private placement of up 2,000,000 units of the Company (the “Units”) at a price of $0.10 per Unit for proceeds to the Company of up to $200,000. Each Unit will consist of one common share of ALDA and one non-transferable share purchase warrant entitling the holder to acquire one additional common share of ALDA at a price of $0.20 per common share for a period of 24 months from the date of the issuance of the purchase warrant with a forced exercise provision attached to each warrant commencing on the day following the expiry of any applicable hold period on the underlying Common Share, stating that if, for ten consecutive trading days, the closing price of the listed shares of the Company exceeds $0.40 then the exercise period of the warrants will be reduced to a period of 10 days following such trading days.

Certain insiders of the Company have been selling common shares of ALDA through the facilities of the TSX Venture Exchange in connection with this private placement and will reinvest up to $175,000 of the proceeds in the private placement. Accordingly, insiders of ALDA will be subscribing for over 25% of the offering, constituting a related party transaction pursuant to Multilateral Instrument 61-101 and TSX Venture Exchange Policy 5.9 which is exempt from the requirement to obtain an independent valuation pursuant to Section 5.5(b) of MI 61-101 and the requirement to obtain minority shareholder approval pursuant to Section 5.7(1)(b) of MI 61-101.

The offering is being made on a private placement basis pursuant to registration and prospectus exemptions of applicable securities laws and is subject to acceptance by the TSX Venture Exchange. All securities issued will be subject to a four month restricted period and will bear a restrictive legend accordingly. Net proceeds from the offering will be used for working capital purposes.

About ALDA Pharmaceuticals Corp.

ALDA is focused on the development of infection-control therapeutics derived from its patented T36® technology. The company trades on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol APH and on the OTCQB under the symbol APCSF. The Company was the Official Supplier to the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games and the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games and is the Official Supplier to the Canadian Olympic Committee, the 2010 Canadian Olympic Team and the 2012 Canadian Olympic Team for antiseptic hand sanitizer, disinfectant and disinfectant cleaning products. The Company was also selected as one of the TSX Venture 50 companies in the Technology and Life Sciences sector for 2010.

Terrance G. Owen, Ph.D., MBA, President & CEO

ALDA Pharmaceuticals Corp.

The Units, common shares, warrants and the common shares issuable upon exercise of the warrants have not been registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933 (the “Act”) and may not be offered or sold absent registration under the Act or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements thereof. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction or an exemption therefrom.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Statements: Information in this press release that involves ALDA’s expectations, plans, intentions or strategies regarding the future are forward-looking statements that are not facts and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. ALDA generally uses words such as “outlook”, “will”, “could”, “would”, “might”, “remains”, “to be”, “plans”, “believes”, “may”, “expects”, “intends”, “anticipates”, “estimate”, “future”, “plan”, “positioned”, “potential”, “project”, “remain”, “scheduled”, “set to”, “subject to”, “upcoming”, and similar expressions to help identify forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements in this release are based upon information available to ALDA as of the date of this release, and ALDA assumes no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements believed to be true when made may ultimately prove to be incorrect. These statements are not guarantees of the future performance of ALDA and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond its control and may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations.

Filed Under: Medical And Healthcare

Marketwire Health/Fitness/Wellness Features Package Summary

Posted on December 8, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: Marketwire – Media Relations

CHICAGO, IL–(Marketwire – December 8, 2010) – Marketwire announces that the following releases were included in the Health/Fitness/Wellness Features Package. Below is the list of headlines included in the package.

EmpowHER Offers Resources to Help Women Manage Holiday Stress
http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/EmpowHER-1365614.html

Marketwire’s Media Relations Department serves the information needs of the media. As a liaison between the media and Marketwire clients, our Media Relations team utilizes a variety of means to ensure that journalists, analysts and online communities receive news and information on companies, industries and topics of interest in the formats and via the distribution mechanisms they desire. To that end, our Media Relations staff, located throughout North America, the UK and Asia, manages relationships with media around the world, specializing efforts across 140 vertical industries, traditional and specialty markets, and various media.

Filed Under: Medical And Healthcare

Global Health Care Market Is $5.5 Trillion and Growing Quickly, Says Plunkett Research

Posted on December 8, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: Plunkett Research, Ltd.

HOUSTON, TX–(Marketwire – December 8, 2010) –  Plunkett Research, Ltd. has released its newest market research and competitive analysis report, Plunkett’s Health Care Industry Almanac, 2011 edition, which identifies and analyzes major trends shaping the health care industry.

According to Jack W. Plunkett, CEO of Plunkett Research, Ltd., “While total health expenditures continue to grow in the U.S., health care is spreading rapidly in emerging nations like India and China.”

Major trends affecting the Health Care Industry analyzed in Plunkett’s report include:

  • Continued rise in health care costs.
  • Employers push health care costs onto employees.
  • Medicare and Medicaid spending continue to surge.
  • Health Care Reform Act of 2010 set to bring big changes.
  • Major drug patents expire while generic growth continues.
  • Quality of care and health care outcomes data become available online.
  • Obesity sparks government action.
  • Health care thrives offshore, medical tourism grows.
  • Disease management programs take root.
  • Health care industry to grow rapidly in China and India.

“Eventually, innovative health practices and technologies developed for lower-income nations will migrate to the U.S., helping to contain costs,” said Jack Plunkett.

A complete report with detailed industry trends and statistics analysis is provided in Plunkett’s Health Care Industry Almanac, 2011 edition. This informative reference book gives you the competitive intelligence you need, with a detailed industry overview, industry analysis and market research. Plus, thousands of contacts for business and industry leaders, industry associations and industry sites, as well as statistical tables, an industry glossary and thorough indexes — everything you need all in one value-priced, easy-to-use package.

A complimentary video of Plunkett discussing these trends is now available on the Plunkett Research website, as well as YouTube, and an Introduction to the Health Care Industry can be viewed at Plunkett’s website. 

About Plunkett Research, Ltd.
Plunkett Research is a leading provider of industry trends analysis and market research. Our reports and data services are used by the world’s top corporations, consultants, universities, libraries and government agencies. Plunkett’s products save time and effort when you need competitive intelligence, market research or marketing data. For more from Plunkett Research, become a Fan on Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

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Filed Under: Medical And Healthcare

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