BOSTON, MA–(Marketwire – October 21, 2010) –  Virgin HealthMiles, a leading provider of employee health and productivity programs that reward individuals for getting healthy, today announced it will host a free webinar sharing how to keep employees engaged in workplace wellness programs and proven strategies employers can implement to drive higher participation in their employee health promotion efforts.

The webinar, “Promoting Participation: What Keeps Employees Engaged?” will be held Wednesday, October 27, 2010, from 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. ET.

Participation in traditional employee health programs averages less than 15 percent, while Virgin HealthMiles’ participation averages 40 percent. During this webinar, Virgin HealthMiles’ Senior Vice President of Marketing and Member Engagement, Tom Abshire, and Senior Director of Client Services, Ed Dougherty, will share survey results from employees and best practices from clients regarding effective strategies they’ve implemented to successfully impact employee participation in their corporate health programs, including:

• Financial incentives
• Goal setting and tracking
• Challenges and competitions
• Social engagement

Participants will discover how the combination of incentives, leading technology, and a positive employee experience provide the motivation and tools employees need to stick with workplace health programs and their new, healthy behaviors for the long term.

To register for the live webinar, please visit:
http://event.on24.com/r.htm?e=254014&s=1&k=ADB371478B811161097B6D540121D36B&partnerref=VHMPress

A free recording of the webinar will be available on the Virgin HealthMiles website at: www.virginhealthmiles.com. 

About Virgin HealthMiles
Virgin HealthMiles provides employee health programs that pay people to get active. The company’s Pay-for-Prevention™ approach, based on physical activity and healthy lifestyle change, attracts an average of 40 percent of employees who participate, which helps organizations reduce medical costs and improve employee productivity and satisfaction. The program is offered by employers, government entities, and insurers. Over 120 industry leaders representing more than 500,000 employees across the U.S., including American Diabetes Association, Intuit, OhioHealth, Ochsner Health System, MWV, Protective Life, SunGard, SunTrust, and Timberland have selected Virgin HealthMiles’ award-winning program for their employees. The company is a member of Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Group. For more information, visit www.virginhealthmiles.com

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EDMONTON, ALBERTA–(Marketwire – 21 oct. 2010) – Medtronic, Inc. (NYSE:MDT) a annoncé aujourd’hui le lancement au Canada d’une technologie inédite conçue pour assurer une protection accrue contre les risques associés à l’hypoglycémie. Ce nouveau dispositif, désormais offert au Canada ainsi que dans une cinquantaine de pays à l’extérieur des États-Unis, peut automatiquement interrompre l’administration de l’insuline lorsqu’il capte une chute ou des taux de glycémie inférieurs à un seuil présélectionné. La nouvelle fonction vise à réduire la gravité des crises d’hypoglycémie lorsque les patients oublient ou sont incapables d’y remédier. L’hypoglycémie, un composant dangereux et souvent fréquent du diabète, peut être l’un des aspects les plus effrayants du diabète de type 1. Non traitée, l’hypoglycémie peut causer la perte de conscience, une crise d’épilepsie, le coma ou même le décès.¹

Selon la recherche, une personne atteinte de diabète subit, en moyenne, plus d’une crise d’hypoglycémie aux deux semaines. En outre, environ un diabétique sur 14 traités par insuline vivra, chaque année, au moins une crise grave d’hypoglycémie nécessitant une intervention urgente de la part d’un professionnel de la santé.² Un tiers des diabétiques souffrent d’hypoglycémie pendant le sommeil et peuvent donc ne pas être en mesure de ressentir une crise grave ou de réagir pour la prévenir.³ On estime à 33 pour cent les cas de décès liés au diabète découlant de complications aiguës, comme l’hypoglycémie.⁴ Bien que la plupart des patients reconnaissent les «signes précoces» d’une hypoglycémie (dont la sensation de faiblesse, la sudation, le picotement des lèvres, la confusion et l’irritabilité), de nombreux autres peuvent ne rien ressentir du tout.

«La Paradigm Veo, grâce à son mécanisme automatique de rétroaction, représente un jalon important de notre engagement à améliorer le contrôle glycémique chez les diabétiques», a déclaré M^me Katie Szyman, présidente du groupe Diabète et vice-présidente principale de Medtronic. «Bien qu’il ne s’agisse pas d’une cure pour le diabète, nous croyons que cette fonction automatique rehausse la protection et la confiance et peut diminuer le risque de blessure associé aux crises d’hypoglycémie. Il importe tout autant de souligner la tranquillité d’esprit dont profiteront les patients et les membres de leur famille.»

Le système Paradigm Veo se compose d’une pompe à insuline et de la mesure du glucose en continu (MGC) (assurée par un capteur et un transmetteur distincts). Le patient se sert des lectures faites par le moniteur pour comprendre les tendances actuelles de sa glycémie. Après un prélèvement capillaire de confirmation, le patient programme la pompe à insuline pour qu’elle administre une quantité appropriée d’insuline. L’insuline combat l’hyperglycémie, l’une des principales causes des maladies cardiaques et d’autres complications à long terme du diabète de type 1.¹ Toutefois, si les données transmises par le capteur indiquent une chute de la glycémie sous un seuil déterminé à l’avance, l’instrument alerte le patient. Si ce dernier ignore ces signaux d’alarme, la pompe à insuline interrompt automatiquement l’administration d’insuline jusqu’à deux heures d’affilée. Cette fonction contribue ainsi à le protéger contre des périodes d’hypoglycémie potentiellement dangereuses. 

«Cette toute dernière technologie représente un jalon significatif. Elle aidera les diabétiques à optimiser le contrôle de leur glycémie de façon plus sécuritaire. Pour réduire le risque à long terme de complications liées au diabète, dont la cécité, l’insuffisance rénale et les crises cardiaques, les patients devraient maintenir leur glycémie à des taux les plus proches possibles de la normale. Malheureusement, un contrôle rigoureux de la glycémie accentue le risque d’hypoglycémie grave, ce qui peut rendre un patient inconscient et, en cas de crises répétées, peut avoir des conséquences très sérieuses», mentionne le docteur Bernard Zinman, directeur du Leadership Sinai Centre for Diabetes de l’Hôpital Mount Sinai de Toronto. «Pour la première fois, une pompe à insuline peut non seulement prévenir le patient de cette situation dangereuse, mais aussi y réagir pour ainsi corriger cette situation indésirable. Le système Paradigm Veo avertit les patients que leur glycémie est trop basse et arrête l’administration de plus ample quantité d’insuline s’ils ne réagissent pas à l’avertissement. Cette fonction de sécurité peut permettre aux patients de mieux contrôler leur hypoglycémie grave.»

Au sujet du groupe Diabète de Medtronic

Le groupe Diabète de Medtronic (www.medtronicdiabetes.com) est un chef de file mondial en solutions de pointe pour la gestion du diabète, notamment des systèmes intégrés de gestion du diabète, le traitement par pompe à insuline, des système de mesure du glucose en continu et un logiciel de gestion thérapeutique, ainsi que des services et un soutien hors pair à l’intention du grand public et des professionnels, 24 heures sur 24, 7 jours sur 7.

Au sujet de Medtronic

Medtronic, Inc. (www.medtronic.com), dont le siège social se trouve à Minneapolis, est le chef de file mondial de la technologie médicale visant à soulager la douleur, rétablir la santé et prolonger la vie de millions de gens, à l’échelle planétaire. De plus amples renseignements sont offerts sur : www.medtronic.com.

Toutes les déclarations sur les résultats financiers anticipés sont assujetties à des risques et à des incertitudes, tels qu’ils sont énoncés dans les rapports périodiques de Medtronic déposés auprès de la Securities and Exchange Commission (Commission des valeurs mobilières des États-Unis). Les résultats réels pourraient différer sensiblement des résultats anticipés.

Au sujet de Medtronic du Canada Ltée 

Medtronic du Canada Ltée, vend, entretient et distribue les produits de Medtronic au Canada : des instruments médicaux pour le traitement des maladies cardiaques et vasculaires et du diabète, pour la chirurgie de la colonne vertébrale, la neurochirurgie ainsi que pour la chirurgie oto-rhino-laryngologique. Medtronic du Canada, dont le siège social se trouve à Brampton, en Ontario, emploie plus de 420 Canadiens répartis dans son centre d’opérations de Mississauga et ses bureaux régionaux de Vancouver et Montréal. Elle exploite également une usine de mise au point et de fabrication de cathéters d’ablation pour la fibrillation auriculaire (FA) – Medtronic CryoCath – dans la région métropolitaine de Montréal.

Références

1. Diabetes UK: http://www.diabetes.org.uk/Guide-to-diabetes/Complications/Hypoglycaemia/ (Consulté le 23 avril 2009)

2. Leese GP, Wang J et al. Frequency of severe hypoglycemia requiring emergency treatment in type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Care 26:1176-1180, 2003.

3. Pramming S, Thorsteinsson B et al. Nocturnal hypoglycemia in patients receiving conventional treatment with insulin. British Medical Journal 291(1985):376-379

4. Orchard TJ. International evaluation of cause-specific mortality and IDDM. Diabetes Care 14:55-60, 1991

EDMONTON, ALBERTA–(Marketwire – Oct. 21, 2010) – Medtronic, Inc. (NYSE:MDT) announced today the Canadian launch of a novel technology designed to provide additional protection against the risks associated with hypoglycemia. This new device, currently available in more than 50 countries outside of the United States and now in Canada, can automatically suspend insulin delivery when the device senses that glucose levels have fallen to or below a pre-selected threshold. This feature is intended to reduce the severity of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) in situations where patients ignore or are unable to treat hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia, a dangerous and often frequent occurrence with diabetes, can be one of the most frightening aspects of living with type 1 diabetes. If left untreated, hypoglycemia can cause loss of consciousness, seizure, coma, or even death.¹

Research indicates that, on average, a person with diabetes will experience more than one low blood sugar event every two weeks. Additionally, each year, nearly one in 14 people with insulin-treated diabetes will experience one or more episodes of severe hypoglycemia, requiring urgent treatment by a healthcare professional.² A third of diabetes patients suffer from hypoglycemia while asleep, which may impair their ability to recognize or act to prevent a serious episode.³ An estimated 33 percent of diabetes-related deaths are a result of acute complications such as hypoglycemia.⁴ While most patients experience “warning signs” before a hypoglycemic event (such as feeling shaky, sweating, tingling in the lips, confusion and irritability), many others may not experience any warning signs at all.

“The Paradigm Veo, with its automatic feedback mechanism, is a major step forward in our commitment to improving glucose control in diabetics,” says Katie Szyman, president of the Diabetes business and senior vice president at Medtronic. “While not a cure for diabetes, we believe this automatic feature offers added protection, greater confidence and may lower the risk of injury associated with hypoglycemic events. Equally important, it will give patients and family members more peace of mind.”

The Paradigm Veo System includes an insulin pump with a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system (provided by means of a separate sensor and transmitter). The patient uses readings from the monitor to understand their current glucose level changes. Based on confirmatory fingerstick blood glucose measurements, the patient then programs the insulin pump to deliver an appropriate amount of insulin. Insulin combats high blood sugar, a key cause of heart disease and other long-term complications in type 1 diabetes.¹ However, if data transmitted from the sensor show the patient’s glucose levels have dropped below a defined threshold, the device alarms to alert the patient. If these alarms are ignored, the insulin pump automatically suspends insulin delivery for up to two hours. This helps to protect against potentially dangerous hypoglycemic events. 

“This latest technology is a significant advance that will help people with diabetes to more safely optimize glucose control. In order to reduce the long-term risk of diabetes-related complications, which can cause blindness, kidney failure and heart attacks, patients should manage their glucose levels to as near normal as possible. Unfortunately, aggressive glucose control can increase the risk of severe hypoglycemia, which can render a patient unconscious—and if recurrent—can have very serious consequences,” says Dr. Bernard Zinman, Director of the Leadership Sinai Centre for Diabetes at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto. “For the first time, an insulin pump can now not only warn the patient of this dangerous situation but can also respond and thus help correct this undesirable situation. The Paradigm Veo alerts patients if their glucose levels drop too low, and stops the delivery of more insulin if they don’t respond to the alert. Having this safety feature may allow patients greater control over severe hypoglycemia.”

About the Diabetes Business at Medtronic

The Diabetes business at Medtronic (www.medtronicdiabetes.ca) is the world leader in advanced diabetes solutions, including integrated diabetes management systems, insulin pump technology, continuous glucose monitoring systems and management software, as well as world-class, 24/7 expert consumer and professional service and support.

About Medtronic

Medtronic, Inc., headquartered in Minneapolis, is the global leader in medical technology – alleviating pain, restoring health and extending life for millions of people around the world. More information is available at: www.medtronic.com.

Any forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties such as those described in Medtronic’s periodic reports on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results may differ materially from anticipated results.

About Medtronic of Canada Ltd.

Medtronic of Canada sells, services and distributes Medtronic products in Canada: medical devices used in cardiovascular medicine, diabetes, spinal and neurosurgery, and ear, nose and throat surgery. Medtronic of Canada employs over 420 Canadians, it is headquartered in Brampton, Ontario, has an Operations Centre in Mississauga and regional offices in Vancouver and Montreal and an atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation catheter manufacturing facility – Medtronic CryoCath – in the Montreal metropolitan area.

References

1. Diabetes UK: http://www.diabetes.org.uk/Guide-to-diabetes/Complications/Hypoglycaemia/ (Accessed 23^rd April 2009)

2. Leese GP, Wang J et al. Frequency of severe hypoglycemia requiring emergency treatment in type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Care 26:1176-1180, 2003.

3. Pramming S, Thorsteinsson B et al. Nocturnal hypoglycemia in patients receiving conventional treatment with insulin. British Medical Journal 291(1985):376-379

4. Orchard TJ. International evaluation of cause-specific mortality and IDDM. Diabetes Care 14:55-60, 1991

AURORA, ON–(Marketwire – October 21, 2010) –  Helix BioPharma Corp. (TSX: HBP) (NYSE Amex: HBP) (FRANKFURT: HBP), a biopharmaceutical company developing drug candidates for the prevention and treatment of cancer, today announced positive efficacy and safety findings from its recently completed Phase II pharmacokinetic study of Topical Interferon Alpha-2b in patients with low-grade cervical lesions. These findings build upon the positive pharmacokinetic findings from this study announced in the Company’s press release of June 23, 2010.

Using colposcopic directed biopsy to determine the treatment’s effectiveness, 71.4% of the women in the study no longer had potentially pre-cancerous, low-grade lesions known as cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 1 or 2 (CIN 1 or CIN 2) following treatment. Colposcopic directed biopsy is generally considered the leading method for diagnosing potential cervical precancer today. In addition, Topical Interferon Alpha-2b demonstrated an excellent safety profile, with no significant local intolerance findings and no serious adverse events.

There are approximately 1.3 million women diagnosed with CIN 1 or CIN 2 lesions each year in the U.S. alone. Currently, there are no pharmaceutical (non-surgical) treatments for these women. Available invasive/surgical techniques to treat CIN 1 or CIN 2 lesions are sometimes associated with serious unwanted side effects for patients, including cervical complications with pregnancy and conception. Accordingly, available invasive/surgical techniques are generally utilized only in the case of many months of long-term persistence and/or progression of CIN 1 or CIN 2 lesions, leaving patients uncertain and anxious about their prognosis in the interim.

“We are pleased with these findings because they provide further evidence of the potential effectiveness of Topical Interferon Alpha-2b for treating women with potentially precancerous, low-grade cervical lesions,” said John Docherty, president of Helix BioPharma Corp. “These findings suggest that Topical Interferon Alpha-2b could offer women a safe and immediate therapeutic alternative to today’s protracted observational and potentially problematic surgical approach to managing this disease. We are now awaiting approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration of our application to conduct an expanded U.S. Phase II/III randomized, double-blind, controlled, pivotal efficacy trial in patients with low-grade cervical lesions.”

The study also examined Papanicolaou (“Pap”) smear response rate as a secondary efficacy parameter in the patients. The finding was less pronounced with 35.7% of the women demonstrating resolution of their abnormal Pap smears. However, this study was specifically designed with a relatively short post-treatment follow-up period as it was principally intended to provide pharmacokinetic results. The Company was, therefore, not surprised by this finding. By comparison, the Company has previously reported a more pronounced Pap response rate in patients treated with Topical Interferon Alpha-2b when it employed a longer post-treatment follow-up period.

About the Clinical Study

The clinical study employed an open-label, single-arm design and enrolled a total of 14 female patients with low-grade cervical lesions. Eligible women were between 18 and 45 years of age, presented with mild to moderate CIN (CIN1 or CIN2 respectively) confirmed by biopsy/histology, had a cytological diagnosis of Pap IIID not older than 12 months and were human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive confirmed by the Hybrid Capture^® 2 HPV-DNA test. The primary objective of the study was to determine the multiple-dose pharmacokinetic profile of Topical Interferon Alpha-2b following intravaginal application every other day of a total of 14 doses of the cream. Helix previously announced on June 23, 2010 that all 14 patients were found to have circulating interferon alpha-2b levels below the bioassay lower limit of detection (6.25 pg/mL) at all sampling time points. Following the pharmacokinetic portion of the trial, assessment of the secondary efficacy and safety parameters continued until 35 doses of the cream were applied. As such, the clinical study was designed to also mimic the dosing regimen intended to be applied in Helix’s planned U.S. Phase II/III and European Phase III pivotal efficacy trials for this indication. The clinical study was conducted under the direction of Prof. Dr. med. Achim Schneider, M.P.H., a world expert in the field of cervical cancer and Director of the Department of Gynecology at the Charité University Hospital in Berlin, Germany.

About CIN 1 and CIN 2

CIN 1 and CIN 2 are potentially precancerous, low-grade cervical lesions detectable upon colposcopic directed biopsy. There are approximately 1.3 million women diagnosed with CIN 1 or CIN 2 lesions each year in the U.S. alone, according to data from 2006 Consensus Guidelines in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 2007; 340-345 and Kaiser Permanente Northwest Health Plan in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology (2004) 191, 105-13. Currently there are no pharmaceutical (non-surgical) treatments for women with CIN 1 or CIN 2 lesions. Available invasive/surgical techniques to treat CIN 1 or CIN 2 lesions are sometimes associated with serious unwanted side effects for patients including cervical complications with pregnancy and conception. For patients with CIN 1 or CIN 2 lesions, clinical management usually consists of protracted watchful waiting with frequent Pap smears, HPV testing, colposcopy and/or colposcopic directed biopsies, with invasive/surgical techniques generally utilized only in the case of long-term persistence and/or progression after a period of many months. A diagnosis of CIN 1 or CIN 2 leads to frequent physician visits, procedures, and psychosocial stress for the patient. The goal of developing Topical Interferon Alpha-2b is to provide a safe and effective treatment for CIN 1 or CIN 2 at the time of diagnosis, as a proactive alternative to today’s often protracted observational management approach.

About Topical Interferon Alpha-2b

Interferon alpha-2b is a potent cytokine that possesses antiviral, immunomodulatory and antiproliferative activities with activity against HPV. Topical Interferon Alpha-2b is a semi-solid formulation of recombinant interferon alpha-2b based on Helix’s Biphasix™ platform drug formulation technology. This technology involves the formation of biphasic lipid vesicles for use as a vehicle for administration of a biologically active material encapsulated within the lipid bilayers. Topical Interferon Alpha-2b has been developed as a cosmetically appealing cream dosage form that can be easily and conveniently self-applied intravaginally for the treatment of low-grade cervical lesions using a common vaginal applicator.

About Helix BioPharma Corp.

Helix BioPharma Corp. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on cancer therapy. The Company is actively developing innovative products for the prevention and treatment of cancer based on its proprietary technologies. Helix’s product development initiatives include its Topical Interferon Alpha-2b and its novel L-DOS47 new drug candidate. Helix is listed on the TSX, NYSE Amex and FSE under the symbol “HBP”. For more information, please visit www.helixbiopharma.com.

Forward-Looking Statements and Risks and Uncertainties

This News Release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, “forward-looking statements”), within the meaning of applicable securities laws, regarding the Company’s plans for the development of Topical Interferon Alpha-2b in patients with low grade cervical lesions; the effectiveness of Topical Interferon Alpha-2b and its role as a therapeutic alternative; its planned designs for such proposed trial as well as its proposed European Phase III clinical trial; the development of Helix’s L-DOS47 and Topical Interferon Alpha-2b new drug candidates; and other information in future periods. Although Helix believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, such statements involve risks and uncertainties, and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. Certain material factors or assumptions which have been applied in making such forward-looking statements, include, but are not limited to, assumptions regarding the safety and efficacy of Helix’s drug candidates; the timely receipt of necessary regulatory approvals and appropriate financing and strategic partner support; the timely and successful completion of the proposed U.S. and European clinical trials; and that the Company’s drug candidates will ultimately be successfully developed and commercialized. Important risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements include, without limitation, that the Company’s assumptions may prove to be incorrect; the Company’s continuing need for additional capital and for substantial funding beyond its current resources, as well as strategic partner support, to conduct the proposed U.S. and European trials, which are not assured; regulatory approvals to conduct the planned U.S. and European trials may be delayed or denied; the fact that results in earlier clinical studies may not be repeated in later clinical trials, and one or both of the planned clinical trials could fail; the failure of the European trial could have a material adverse impact on the U.S. trial and FDA approval; the need for further regulatory approvals, which are not assured; the Company’s dependence on performance by its third party providers of intellectual property, services and supplies, including without limitation, clinical trial services and supplies of drug product; the risk that Helix’s supplier of interferon alpha-2b may not continue to provide necessary supplies or exercise its commercialization option; the risk that the design or duration, or both, of the planned clinical trials may be different than currently intended; the potential need for further clinical trials beyond those mentioned in this news release which may not occur as planned or achieve expected results; product liability and insurance risks; risks and uncertainties related to research and development, including clinical trial and manufacturing risks; intellectual property risks, including without limitation, the risk that three patents for Topical Interferon Alpha-2b will expire in 2013 and no additional patent may be issued, which may negatively impact the further development or commercialization of the drug candidate; the effect of competition and the fact that there are a number of other companies developing potentially competitive products; uncertainties related to economic conditions; uncertainty whether L-DOS47 or Topical Interferon Alpha-2b will be successfully developed and commercialized; exchange rate risk; and the risk of changes in business strategy or development plans. Investors should consult the Company’s quarterly and annual filings, including its latest Form 20-F, with the Canadian and U.S. securities commissions at www.sedar.com and at www.sec.gov for additional information on these and other risks and uncertainties which may affect the Company. Investors are cautioned against placing undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, assumptions, opinions and expectations of Helix’s management at the time they are made, and Helix does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statement should those beliefs, assumptions, opinions or expectations change, except as required by securities law.

PLYMOUTH, MN–(Marketwire – October 20, 2010) – November is American Diabetes Month® and Miracle-Ear is joining in a nationwide call to action to involve individuals and organizations in the movement to Stop Diabetes®. Over the next several months, Miracle-Ear will sponsor the American Diabetes Association‘s educational and fundraising events such as walks, bike tours and Association consumer EXPO events. This national strategic partnership will help emphasize the urgency of reducing the devastating impact — including hearing loss — of diabetes.

Today, nearly 24 million U.S. children and adults — nearly 8% of the population — have diabetes, and another 57 million individuals have prediabetes. If current trends continue, one out of every three American children born today will face a future with diabetes. For some high-risk populations, the risk is one in two. According to the American Diabetes Association, diabetes is a growing epidemic and is taking a devastating physical, emotional and financial toll on our country.

“Simple ‘awareness’ is not enough to change these statistics,” says Rebecca Younk, audiologist for Miracle-Ear. “What we need now is action. Individuals need to make the lifestyle, diet and exercise changes that can help prevent Type 2 diabetes; and we need increased education and outreach about symptoms that can help people seek early treatment before serious complications develop.”

Stop Diabetes is the movement to end the devastating toll that diabetes takes on the lives of millions of individuals and families across our nation. It will inspire and mobilize millions to take up the fight against diabetes.

Miracle-Ear is the first company in the hearing care industry to join the Association as a national strategic partner. Miracle-Ear will support the Stop Diabetes movement in order to shine a spotlight on the hearing-related risks of diabetes, as well as the Association’s education, prevention and treatment initiatives.

“Diabetes doubles your risk of developing a hearing loss,” Younk states. “Early diagnosis and treatment are critical in helping to minimize complications, including hearing loss. Since people with Type 2 diabetes frequently do not display any symptoms, hearing loss may be the first indicator that there may be a problem.”

To focus attention on diabetes and its link to hearing loss, throughout the month of November, all 1,200+ Miracle-Ear locations nationwide will donate $5 toward the Stop Diabetes movement for each Free Hearing Test they conduct — up to a maximum of $50,000. The test measures speech recognition in noise along with loudness discomfort levels; its purpose is to measure the degree of any possible hearing impairment.

“We hope that our involvement with the Stop Diabetes movement will inspire individuals to take meaningful action to Stop Diabetes,” said Younk. The Stop Diabetes movement identifies four primary options that everyone can take: Share your story to inspire others; Act by volunteering and raising funds in your community; Learn the facts about diabetes management, nutrition, lifestyle and prevention; and Give your time and your talents, along with your financial support, to support education, outreach, advocacy and critical research for a cure.

For more information on Miracle-Ear, please visit http://www.miracle-ear.com/. 

About Miracle-Ear
A trusted resource for hearing solutions for over 60 years, Miracle-Ear uses state-of-the-art technology to remove the barriers of hearing loss. The Plymouth, Minn.-based company specializes in customizable hearing solutions that feature discreet, comfortable products designed to meet each individual’s hearing loss needs. Free hearing tests and consultations are available at all of the company’s 1,200 locations across the U.S., many of which are in Sears stores. Franchise opportunities are available for those interested in running their own Miracle-Ear business with the support of a nationwide industry leader. 
For more information, visit www.miracle-ear.com.

SLIDELL, LA–(Marketwire – October 20, 2010) –  Blue Cross and Blue Shield of LOUISIANA has designated SOUTHERN SURGICAL HOSPITAL as a Blue Distinction Center for Bariatric Surgery. To date, more than 230 facilities nationwide have received a Blue Distinction Center for Bariatric Surgery designation.

Obesity is widely recognized as a contributor to serious health risks. According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), the total number of bariatric surgeries increased 400 percent from 1998 to 2004. Bariatric surgery may help some individuals reduce extreme obesity and its associated health risks, and Blue Distinction provides objective information to help them make informed decisions when choosing a provider.

“SOUTHERN SURGICAL HOSPITAL is proud to receive this distinction from Blue Cross/Blue Shield. We look forward to providing our high level of surgical weight loss services to the Blue Cross/Blue Shield community,” said Michael J Thomas MD, Medical Director Bariatric Program, Southern Surgical Hospital.

SOUTHERN SURGICAL HOSPITAL provides a full range of bariatric surgery care services, including inpatient care, post-operative care, outpatient follow-up and patient education.

Blue Distinction puts a high value on research and evidence-based health and medical information,” says Allan Korn, MD, Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association Chief Medical Officer. “Blue Distinction Centers show our commitment to working with doctors and hospitals in communities across the country to identify leading institutions that meet clinically validated quality standards and deliver better overall outcomes in patient care.”

To be designated as a Blue Distinction Center for Bariatric Surgery, SOUTHERN SURGICAL HOSPITAL met the selection criteria posted at www.BCBS.com, which includes:

• an established bariatric surgery program, actively performing these procedures for the most recent 12-month period and performing a required minimum volume of 125 such surgeries annually
• appropriate experience of its bariatric surgery team
• an acute care inpatient facility, including intensive care and emergency services
• full accreditation by The Joint Commission, Healthcare Facilities Accreditation Program (HFAP) or national equivalent**
• a comprehensive quality management program

Blue Distinction is a designation awarded by Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies to medical facilities that have demonstrated expertise in delivering quality healthcare. The designation is based on rigorous, evidence-based selection criteria established in collaboration with expert physicians’ and medical organizations recommendations.

Today, more than 800 Blue Distinction Center designations have been awarded to facilities nationwide, providing consumers with a framework for making informed decisions on where to go for specialty care in the areas of bariatric surgery, cardiac care, complex and rare cancers, and transplants.

**Note: Designation as Blue Distinction Centers means these facilities’ overall experience and aggregate data met objective criteria established in collaboration with expert clinicians’ and leading professional organizations’ recommendations. Individual outcomes may vary. To find out which services are covered under your policy at any facilities, please call your local Blue Cross and/or Blue Shield Plan.

AUGUSTA, GA–(Marketwire – October 20, 2010) –  The International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) has awarded ESi^® its prestigious Authorized Provider status. IACET Authorized Providers are the only organizations approved to offer IACET continuing education units (CEUs). The recognition period extends for five years and includes all programs offered or created during that time.

“ESi education programs train thousands of emergency management professionals each year in the proper use and administration of our full suite of crisis information management products, including WebEOC^®, WebEOC Mapper, and ESiWebFUSION™,” said Jim Cook, President of ESi University. “Our new partnership with IACET is a demonstration of our commitment to lifelong learning and high standards for all of our programs, and we are very pleased to join such a prestigious organization.”

“We are pleased to welcome ESi as our newest Authorized Provider organization,” said Karen Brown, President of IACET and Senior HR Manager of Nuclear Power at Shaw Group in Massachusetts. “ESi joins nearly 650 organizations around the globe that have had their programs vetted by third-party experts in continuing education to ensure the highest possible standards are met.”

ESi University develops and delivers training courses to ESi customers throughout the world at its state-of-the-art training facility in Atlanta, through its e-learning portal, and via its virtual classroom which allows students and instructors to see and hear each other and share computer screens during courses.

In order to achieve Authorized Provider status, ESi completed a rigorous application process, including a review by an IACET site visitor and successfully demonstrated adherence to the ANSI/IACET 1-2007 Standard addressing the design, development, administration, and evaluation of its programs. ESi has pledged to continue its compliance with the Standard and is now authorized to use the IACET name and Authorized Provider logo on promotional course material. In addition, ESi is now linked to the IACET web site and is recognized as offering the highest quality continuing education and training programs.

About ESi
Augusta, Georgia-based ESi^®, the global leader in crisis information management technology, pioneered the market with WebEOC^®, the world’s first Web-enabled emergency management communications system. Recognized by Inc. Magazine as one of the fastest-growing private companies in America from 2007 through 2010, ESi connects crisis response teams and decision makers at national, state and local agencies, healthcare providers, airlines and corporations worldwide, providing access to real-time information for a common operating picture during a crisis or daily operations. By offering a solutions package from initial design and installation through training, implementation, and maintenance, ESi sets the standard for crisis information management. For more information, please visit www.ESi911.com.

About IACET
The International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) is a non-profit association dedicated to quality continuing education and training programs. IACET is the only standard-setting organization approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) for continuing education and training. The ANSI/IACET 1-2007 Standard is the core of thousands of educational programs worldwide. For more information, please visit www.iacet.org or call 703-506-3275.

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WINCHESTER, CA–(Marketwire – October 20, 2010) –  For many of the talented veterans participating in the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival this year in Tomah, Wisconsin, the interest in art as therapy came about during a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital stay. VA utilizes a unique rehabilitation treatment component which often includes exposing veteran patients to a variety of creative healing opportunities.

With humble beginnings in 1981 as two separate competitions: “Vet Arts” in Richmond, Virginia and “The National Music Competition for Veterans” in Waco, Texas, the annual Festival is now a popular national event showcasing the artistic achievements of veterans from across the nation. The roughly 130 veterans invited to the Festival this year are winners of fine arts and talent competitions in which thousands of veterans have entered. The event is a celebration of achievements in art, creative writing, dance, drama and original writing with a gala variety show featuring a professional orchestra.

“The National Veterans Creative Arts Festival is an exciting event. The intricate, original artwork and incredible performance talent displayed is outstanding,” said Mike Lynch, president and CEO of Help Hospitalized Veterans (HHV) an event co-sponsor. “The therapeutic benefits veterans receive from participating is highly evident. The stage show is first-class and features our nation’s top veteran performers and the craftwork displayed during the art exhibit is breathtaking,” said Lynch. The Festival takes place on Sunday, October 24, 2010 at the Viterbo University Fine Arts Center in La Crosse, Wisconsin. The art exhibit opens at 12:15 p.m. and the stage show begins at 2:00 p.m. Admission is free, but a ticket is required for the stage show.

Since 1971, HHV has donated over 28 million free arts & crafts and other products and services to VA and military hospitals worldwide. For more information visit www.hhv.org or call 1-888-567-VETS.

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PALO ALTO, CA–(Marketwire – October 20, 2010) –  

• Independent review board commends system’s design and performance
• Thirteen programs earn disease management certification status
• Company leads telehealth industry in certification 

Robert Bosch Healthcare, Inc., a leader in telehealth systems, announced today that it received recertification in Disease Management (DM) from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) for ten of its Health Buddy^® System Health Management programs, and new certification for three additional programs. All 13 Health Management programs are administered through the Health Buddy System, which serves as an interface between at-home chronically ill patients and their care providers, facilitating remote monitoring of patient health status and promoting patient education and self-care.

“NCQA DM certification demonstrates that an organization is well suited to deliver programs to manage care for the seriously or chronically ill. As it’s a difficult test, it says a lot that an organization is willing to step forward to be reviewed,” said NCQA Executive Vice President, Greg Pawlson, M.D.

NCQA certification is a comprehensive and transparent evaluation through which the quality of the systems, processes and results that define a health plan is assessed. After evaluations are conducted by physicians and/or experts in the product evaluated, an oversight committee analyzes the findings and assigns a score based on the applicant’s performance against NCQA’s standards. Robert Bosch Healthcare received a score of 100%, based on its overall submissions. Each certification is valid for two years.

Bosch leads the industry in its number of NCQA certifications. Ten Health Buddy System Health Management Programs recertified are: Asthma, Cancer, Cardiovascular Disease, Congestive Heart Failure, Chronic Pain, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Depression, Diabetes, Hypertension and Pediatric Asthma. New programs receiving certification for the first time are: Diabetes/Hypertension, Heart Failure/Diabetes and Renal Disease.

These programs scored high in each element of the DM certification for Program Design. Evaluation criteria includes the use of evidence-based guidelines or standards of care in program development, consistency of content with adopted guidelines, and development of patient information that assists with self-management. NCQA noted specific strengths of the Health Buddy System: the large array of disease programs offered; the branching logic applied to the patient question and answer “dialogues”; and Bosch Healthcare’s process for tracking and changing content as guidelines change. Also noted was the use of health dialogues to gather an extensive amount of patient data, in order to identify and address patient safety issues. The risk stratification of safety alerts allows immediate review of information by a clinician.

“The rigorous, independent review taken by NCQA underlines the high quality standards and demonstrated effectiveness of the Health Buddy System in improving care for patients with chronic conditions,” said Derek Newell, President Robert Bosch Healthcare. “Each day, around 30,000 patients connect to their care providers using the Health Buddy System. Customers can be assured that our Health Management Programs are based on sound clinical principles and standard guidelines, which ultimately enable care providers to better support chronically ill patients without increasing costs.”

About the Bosch Healthcare Health Buddy System
In use for more than ten years, the Health Buddy System includes a compact device that patients use at home to answer a series of questions about their health and symptoms, and receive information that helps them better manage their chronic conditions. Patient data gathered by the device is transmitted to a secure data center and quickly risk-stratified, giving proactive providers the opportunity to intervene before the patient’s condition becomes critical. 

About the National Committee for Quality Assurance
The National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving health care quality. Since its founding in 1990, NCQA has been a central figure in driving improvement throughout the health care system. Through its certification review process, NCQA certifies a wide range of health care organizations and programs. Its disease management certification standards are intended to reduce patient risk, help organizations achieve the highest level of performance possible, and create an environment of continuous improvement. For more information, visit www.ncqa.org.

About The Bosch Group:

Robert Bosch Healthcare Inc. is a leading provider of innovative telehealth systems. Bosch’s product spectrum ranges from patient terminals to comprehensive evaluation software allowing healthcare professionals to efficiently evaluate the data coming from the patient terminals and other connected devices. Bosch Telehealth strives to improve diagnosis and treatment through systematic patient monitoring and involvement. The result is that health professionals are able to provide a higher quality of care for patients with chronic conditions, patients lead happier and healthier lives, and the cost of healthcare is reduced for funders. Robert Bosch Healthcare, Inc. is a fully-owned subsidiary of the Bosch Group. For more information, go to www.bosch-telehealth.com.

The Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and services. In the areas of automotive and industrial technology, consumer goods, and building technology, some 275,000 associates generated sales of 38.2 billion euros (roughly $53 billion) in fiscal 2009. The Bosch group comprises Robert Bosch GmbH and its more than 300 subsidiaries and regional companies in over 60 countries. This worldwide development, manufacturing, and sales network are the foundation for growth. Each year, Bosch spends more than 3.5 billion euros ($5 billion) for research and development, and applies for some 3,800 patents worldwide. With all its products and services, Bosch works to enhance the quality of life by providing solutions which are both innovative and beneficial. For more information, visit www.bosch.com.

In the U.S., Canada and Mexico, the Bosch Group manufactures and markets automotive original equipment and aftermarket products, industrial drives and control technology, power tools, security and communication systems, packaging technology, thermotechnology, household appliances, solar energy and healthcare products. Having established a regional presence in 1906, Bosch employs over 20,000 associates in more than 70 locations, with reported sales of $7.3 billion in fiscal 2009. For more information, visit www.boschusa.com.

National Committee for Quality Assurance
Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2010, NCQA is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to improving health care quality. NCQA accredits and certifies a wide range of health care organizations. It also recognizes clinicians and practices in key areas of performance. NCQA’s Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS®) is the most widely used performance measurement tool in health care. NCQA is committed to providing health care quality information for consumers, purchasers, health care providers, and researchers. 

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WOOD DALE, IL–(Marketwire – October 20, 2010) –  SANYO North America Corporation (SANYO) announces that its Biomedical Solutions Division is moving to the forefront of the stem cell and cell therapy market with the introduction of the industry’s first integrated, stand-alone Cell Processing Work Station (CPWS), becoming a significant solutions provider in this high growth, high opportunity marketplace. Offering a turnkey and standalone solution, SANYO’s CPWS is an innovative, cost effective and space-saving solution for the GMP compliant processing and manufacture of regenerative stem cell and cell therapies. The CPWS lowers barriers to enter the cell therapeutics market, positively impacting both public and private institutions. The workstation provides the required class-100 aseptic environment, but in a compact and less expensive than a traditional costly and large footprint cleanroom.

The cell therapy market is increasingly playing an important role in the practice of medicine, and the number of companies and entities that are involved in cell therapy are on the rise, including academic institutions and public and private companies. The market is expected to expand over the next decade, with applications for the technology to include cancer, cardiac and genetic disorders as well as wounds of the skin and soft tissues.

“SANYO is prepared to expand into this rapidly growing market with its new Cell Processing Work Station, which will provide a practical solution for its biotech and pharmaceutical customers to develop and manufacture advanced cell therapies and hospitals to develop cell therapies for use in clinical trials,” stated Ron Dudek, New Business Development Manager.

The CPWS is a stand-alone, alternative to a traditional cleanroom, and the station is a self-contained system with a small footprint that is quick and easy to install. Offering a highly efficient operational capacity and featuring a contamination-free design, the workstation includes cGMP compliant equipment for aseptic processing and provides user-friendly operation. The SANYO CPWS also saves approximately 35% of the operating costs usually required for conventional cleanrooms (open systems).

The CPWS significantly lowers barriers to entry to the cell therapeutics market, which will impact both the private and public institutions within the life science, clinical, biotechnology and pharmaceutical markets. Current and future applications of the CPWS include regenerative organ development, and tissue regeneration such as skin, cartilage, alveolar bone, cornea, cardiac muscle, nerve, liver and pancreas.

Main Features of the CPWS
Self-Contained System, Small Footprint
The small footprint permits installation into existing or new lab spaces using conventional utilities and minimal site preparation. The CPWS individual docking incubators reduce product mix-up and cross-contamination errors. An optional built-in centrifuge and cell observation microscope/monitor further reduce laboratory space requirements as well as improve aseptic processing.

Higher Efficiency
By using a highly effective H₂ O₂ decontamination process, the CPWS can be completely sterilized without heat and prepared for the next protocol within two hours instead of the conventional cleanroom decontamination protocol that can take days or weeks.

Contamination-free Design
The four-port glove box delivers more than a conventional Class II, Type A2 biological safety cabinet typically installed within a cleanroom to achieve the same level of contamination or cross-contamination prevention. Centrifuge and incubator access from within the Class 100 work station environment enhances aseptic processing.

Other Key Features

• Approximately 35% less expensive to operate than a conventional cleanroom (open system).
• The barrier isolator creates a grade A or class 100 environment within the workstation (When installed in a class 100,000 cleanroom).
• Gowning is not required, allowing for a significant improvement in user comfort and productivity upon entrance and exit from the aseptic environment.

About SANYO
SANYO Electric Co., Ltd. is a global, leading provider of energy, environment, and lifestyle applications. Biomedical Solutions, a Division of SANYO North America Corporation (a subsidiary of SANYO Electric Co., Ltd.), is based in Wood Dale, IL, and provides laboratory equipment for pharmaceutical, life science and biotechnology applications. Product lines include space-efficient VIP^® ultra-low temperature freezers, cryogenic freezers, pharmaceutical and medical refrigerators, cell culture incubators, plant growth chambers, and portable autoclaves.
To learn more about SANYO, please visit http://us.sanyo.com

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WESTPORT, CT–(Marketwire – October 20, 2010) –  The Patient Channel, the largest U.S. hospital-based health and wellness TV channel, and dLife, the only multi-media network serving the diabetes community, have announced a strategic partnership that will significantly increase year-round diabetes education, wellness, and lifestyle programming for patients and caregivers in over 1,600 hospitals across the U.S. The partnership will help diabetes educators and patients by providing vital information at a critical time of need increase awareness and self-management, help decrease future hospital visits and encourage ongoing engagement at home.

As part of the agreement, 14 hours of dLifeTV‘s diabetes lifestyle programming will be added to The Patient Channel’s existing diabetes line-up. The partnership will begin in the fourth quarter of 2010 and advertisers will be offered special tie-in opportunities to commemorate American Diabetes Month in November. The Patient Channel’s existing topics of diabetes prevention, treatments, and avoiding complications will be supplemented with dLifeTV episodes profiling real people overcoming the challenges of living with diabetes, as well as interviews with celebrities living with diabetes such as The View co-host, Sherri Shepherd, and CBS newsman, Bob Schieffer. There will also be special programming on topics as varied as religion and diabetes, diabetes in the workplace, and the latest diabetes gadgets.

Patients will be encouraged to watch dLifeTV (Sundays at 7 p.m. ET, 4 p.m. PT on CNBC), as well as join dLife’s award-winning website, dLife.com, which has over one million visitors each month.

“Diabetes diagnosis often happens in the hospital, and inpatient stays are often caused by diabetes and its complications. For many of them it can be a time of profound fear, confusion and isolation. Not to mention a supreme teachable moment to improve their diabetes IQ going forward. We are delighted by our new partnership with The Patient Channel, which allows us to put dLifeTV in front of people with diabetes at such a critical time of need,” says Howard Steinberg, CEO and founder of dLife.

“The Patient Channel hospital footprint reaches 35 percent of hospitalized Americans with or at risk for diabetes,” says Dave Ross, COO of The Patient Channel. “This programming will help hospitals and diabetes educators to educate and improve the compliance of patients and families at the very time they are motivated and seeking information to manage their condition and lifestyle.” 

For a full list of the diabetes programming running on The Patient Channel, as well as other details about The Patient Channel’s educational offering and platform, visit www.thepatientchannel.com.

For additional resources on managing your or your patients’ diabetes lifestyle, please go to www.dLife.com.

About Interactivation Health Networks
The Patient Channel and the Newborn Channel are the most comprehensive in-hospital TV networks. Delivered directly to patient rooms and waiting areas, the Channels provide viewers with original, award-winning health programs and advertisers with the unique ability to integrate brand messaging with content that is compelling and endorsed by healthcare professionals. The Newborn Channel broadcasts baby care and postpartum programming for new parents, reaching 60% of new moms. The Patient Channel features both condition-specific and preventative health programming to empower and inform patients. The channels are currently available in over 2,700 hospitals nationwide. For more information, visit www.thenewbornchannel.com and www.thepatientchannel.com

About dLife – For Your Diabetes Life
dLife is the only multimedia network serving the diabetes community. Its award-winning media outlets include dLife.com, the leading online destination for diabetes information, inspiration, and connection, featuring more than 9,000 recipes, 400 videos, and 80,000 pages of content; dLifeTV, the only lifestyle TV series for people with diabetes, airing every Sunday on CNBC (7 p.m. ET, 4 p.m. PT); and other consumer and professional programs to inform, inspire and connect people with diabetes and those who care for them every day.

MCLEAN, VA–(Marketwire – October 20, 2010) – Patient payments are an increasing and critical part of the overall revenue stream for today’s healthcare providers. With approximately 50% of patient payments being written off as bad debt; point-of-care payments solutions help ensure payment is both received and approved. Sage Payment Solutions, the payments division for Sage North America, today announced the launch of Sage Patient Payments, a secure payment solution that enables collections from patients at the point of care, regardless of the patient’s third-party payer.

“With co-pays, deductibles, and the balance not covered by the patient’s insurance provider, healthcare payments have been historically challenging for patients to figure out,” said Greg Hammermaster, president of Sage Payment Solutions. “This confusion results in doctors’ offices focusing more on billing, payment, and collections, which drives up their costs. Sage Patient Payments streamlines the payment process facilitating accurate and timely payment to the doctors’ office while mitigating the patients’ confusion.”

By the end of this year, about 35% of a provider’s total revenue will derive directly from patient payments, according to the McKinsey & Co. report, “Overhauling the US Health Care Payment System.” Sage Patient Payments provides everything needed to handle patient payments at the point of care. The product’s calculator instantly determines the estimated service charges for a patient, taking into consideration relevant health plan discount arrangements.

Powered by mPay Gateway, a leading developer of Payment Card Industry (PCI) certified financial technology products and services for the healthcare industry, Sage Patient Payments provides patients with a simpler, easier-to-understand billing process. Physicians can dramatically reduce their receivables, bad debt, and patient statement costs in three easy steps.

After reviewing a summary of charges with a patient, healthcare providers can swipe the patient’s credit or debit card and obtain the patient’s commitment to pay up to that amount. These steps allow healthcare providers to directly collect the exact amount owed at a later date, after the patient’s insurance company or other third-party payer determines what the patient owes. The patient is never charged more than the estimate, and the provider never needs to send another bill.

Other features of Sage Patient Payments tailored to the unique healthcare environment include: payment plans, health benefit plan eligibility lookup, and a check and cash log to track all patient payments.

In addition to Sage Patient Payments, Sage offers numerous products and services used by the healthcare industry, including Sage Intergy for practice management, Sage Intergy EHR for electronic health records, and Sage Transaction Services for electronic data interchange (EDI). Approximately 80,000 physicians and thousands of ambulatory care practices throughout North America use Sage software and services to better manage their practices and improve profitability.

For more information on Sage Patient Payments or other products and services from Sage Payment Solutions, please visit www.sagepayments.com or call 800-261-0240.

About Sage Payment Solutions
Sage Payment Solutions, the payments division for Sage North America, has been providing businesses and organizations with electronic payment systems for more than 20 years. The company makes electronic payment processing easy for more than 155,000 merchants, allowing them to accept multiple forms of payment, including credit and debit cards, electronic checks, Check21, gift and loyalty cards, and automatic recurring payment. Sage Payment Solutions provides a wide range of secure standalone and integrated payment processing solutions. Sage Exchange, its PA-DSS certified payments platform, integrates with many Sage software products to maximize the value of customers’ business systems with automatically updated credit and debit card transaction information. Future Sage Exchange releases will offer additional integrated payment capabilities, including advanced point-of-sale (POS) device integration, payment origination solutions, and cash management applications. For more information about Sage Payment Solutions, please call 800-261-0240, or visit www.sagepayments.com.

About Sage North America
Sage North America is part of The Sage Group plc, a leading global supplier of business management software and services. Sage North America employs 4,000 people and supports 3.1 million small and midsized business customers. The Sage Group plc, formed in 1981, was floated on the London Stock Exchange in 1989 and now employs 13,100 people and supports 6.2 million customers worldwide. For more information, please visit the website at www.sagenorthamerica.com.

WEST PALM BEACH, FL–(Marketwire – October 20, 2010) –  HearUSA, Inc. (NYSE Amex: EAR), the recognized leader in hearing care for the nation’s top managed care providers, reported that several of its contracted health partners have expanded or reinstated hearing benefits for their members, effective January 1, 2011.

Several plans have enhanced their Medicare offerings for 2011, including Preferred Care Partners (Florida), BCBS Horizon Medicare Blue (New Jersey) and BCBS Medicare Blue HMO (Florida). In addition, Humana Inc. (NYSE: HUM), one of the nation’s largest health benefits companies, has reinstated hearing benefits in its 2011 senior HMO product in Florida.

The new agreements will provide hearing aid benefits to an additional 400,000 members who are located in HearUSA’s major markets, including Florida and New Jersey. These new agreements are expected to increase revenues by approximately $3 million in 2011 and will bring the total number of enrollees covered by HearUSA’s exclusive capitated and fee for service contracts to 2 million. The new and expanded managed care contracts are capitated contracts.

HearUSA has contracts with more than 400 payors in the health plan market, including agreements with the nation’s top five largest insurance companies and eight of the top 10. HearUSA also has national partnerships with several major health plans, including Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Humana Health Plans, and WellCare Health Plans, and has expanded its service agreements to keep pace with the growing managed care Medicare market. The company is also a hearing care provider for the Veterans Administration, providing hearing services to thousands of qualified veterans.

“Partnering with health plans that seek quality care and value for their membership continues to be a key strategy for HearUSA,” said Stephen J. Hansbrough, HearUSA’s president and CEO. “We have added several new plans for 2011 that will be serviced by our Hearing Care Network, as well as key accounts in our company owned territories. This represents an important segment of our business in an area where HearUSA is generally regarded as the industry leader. We estimate that these enhancements for 2011 will result in a $3 million increase in revenues from the increased directed business and related capitation payments.”

Independent studies, like those from the National Council on Aging, have demonstrated the negative impact of untreated hearing loss on quality of life and independence — factors very important to seniors and their families. Despite concerns over reimbursement levels related to national healthcare reform, many plans are continuing to offer important ancillary coverage, including hearing. Full or partial hearing aid coverage helps to defray out of pocket costs and is an important benefit for the Medicare population.

According to Dr. Cindy Beyer, audiologist and senior vice president of professional services at HearUSA: “These plans recognize the important role that hearing plays in our overall health and well-being. By making hearing aids more affordable, plans enable their members to benefit from today’s advanced digital technology.”

The Better Hearing Institute reports about 10% of Americans, or more than 36 million people, have some degree of hearing loss. Fifteen percent of adult baby boomers (age 45-64) and almost one third of those over age 65 have hearing loss. Increased exposure to noise is cited as a primary cause of hearing loss, which is most often found in males (60%) compared to females.

HearUSA is uniquely qualified to partner with managed care organizations because of its company-owned centers’ accreditation by URAC, a leader in promoting health care quality through its accreditation, education and measurement programs (www.urac.org). URAC offers a wide range of quality benchmarking programs and services that keep pace with the rapid changes in the health care system, and provide a symbol of excellence for organizations to validate their commitment to quality and accountability. By contracting with an accredited and qualified hearing care provider network, the health plan ensures that their membership receives quality care, consistent delivery of services and products, and added value features, including discounted rates.

About HearUSA
HearUSA (NYSE Amex: EAR) is the recognized leader in hearing care for the nation’s top managed care organizations through its network of more than 2,000 hearing care providers and 176 company-owned centers. HearUSA is the nation’s only hearing care network accredited by URAC, an independent, nonprofit health care accrediting organization dedicated to promoting health care quality through accreditation, certification and commendation. HearUSA is also the administrator of the AARP Hearing Care Program, designed to help millions of Americans aged 50+ who have untreated hearing loss.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 including those relating to the company’s expectations that the new agreements will increase revenues by approximately $3 million in 2011 and will bring the total number of enrollees covered by HearUSA’s exclusive capitated and fee for service contracts to 2 million. These statements involve certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Potential risks and uncertainties include effective marketing to the expanded covered members, changes in the pricing environment; general economic conditions in those geographic regions where the members are located; consumer confidence in the general economy; the impact of competitive products; and other risks and uncertainties described in the company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the company’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 26, 2009 and Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 26, 2010.

WINNIPEG, MANITOBA–(Marketwire – Oct. 20, 2010) – DiaMedica (TSX VENTURE:DMA) today announces the appointment of James Parsons, CA as Vice President of Finance. Mr. Parsons will be assuming the role previously held by Mr. Eric Johnstone. Mr. Parsons has an extensive background in the life sciences industry and over 20 years of finance management experience. He was previously the Chief Financial Officer for both private and public life science companies including Amorfix Life Sciences, Trillium Therapeutics and Lorus Therapeutics. He has also consulted for numerous firms including Astra Zeneca.

“The board of directors of DiaMedica welcomes Mr. Parsons to the DiaMedica team”, stated Rick Pauls, President and CEO of DiaMedica. “James brings to DiaMedica a wealth of expertise through his numerous years of experience as CFO with public and private biotech companies where his responsibilities included the negotiation of product licenses and strong links with the investment community. We would also like to express our gratitude to Mr. Eric Johnstone for his contributions.” continued Mr. Pauls. 

DiaMedica today issued 40,000 stock options that are exercisable at a price of $0.44 for 5 years and are subject to acceptance by the TSX Venture exchange.

Please also note DiaMedica’s new office address below.

About DiaMedica

DiaMedica is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing novel treatments for type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes and other disorders. DiaMedica has completed two successful proof-of-concept Phase II studies with DM-71 and DM-99, which demonstrated human efficacy in lowering blood glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes.

DiaMedica’s lead product DM-199 is a novel recombinant next generation form of DM-99, which has shown the potential to increase insulin sensitivity, reduce the autoimmune attack and trigger proliferation of pancreatic beta cells, neural stem cells and bone marrow cells. DiaMedica is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the trading symbol “DMA”. For further information please visit www.diamedica.com.

Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Information

Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian provincial securities legislation (collectively, the “forward-looking statements“). These forward-looking statements relate to, among other things, DiaMedica’s objectives, goals, targets, strategies, intentions, plans, beliefs, estimates and outlook, and can, in some cases, be identified by the use of words such as “believe,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “will,” “may” and other similar expressions. In addition, any statements that refer to expectations, projections or other characterizations of future events or circumstances are forward-looking statements. Specifically, this press release contains forward-looking statements regarding matters such as, but not limited to, the anticipated use of proceeds from the Offering, management’s assessment of DiaMedica’s future plans, information with respect to the advancement of DiaMedica’s research and development programs, and DiaMedica’s other estimates and expectations. These statements reflect management’s current beliefs and are based on information currently available to management. Certain material factors or assumptions are applied in making forward-looking statements, and actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from these expectations include, among other things: uncertainties and risks related to our research and development programs, the availability of additional financing, risks and uncertainties relating to the anticipated use of proceeds, changes in debt and equity markets, uncertainties related to clinical trials and product development, rapid technological change, uncertainties related to forecasts, competition, potential product liability, additional financing requirements and access to capital, unproven markets, the cost and supply of raw materials, management of growth, effects of insurers’ willingness to pay for products, risks related to regulatory matters and risks related to intellectual property matters. Additional information about these factors and about the material factors or assumptions underlying such forward-looking statements may be found in the body of this news release, as well as under the heading “Risk Factors” contained in DiaMedica’s 2009 annual information form. DiaMedica cautions that the foregoing list of important factors that may affect future results is not exhaustive. When relying on DiaMedica’s forward-looking statements to make decisions with respect to DiaMedica, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events. Such forward-looking statements are based on a number of estimates and assumptions, which may prove to be incorrect, including, but not limited to, assumptions regarding the availability of additional financing for research and development companies, and general business and economic conditions. These risks and uncertainties should be considered carefully and investors and others should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based upon what management believes to be reasonable assumptions, DiaMedica cannot provide assurance that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. DiaMedica undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement. 

BETHESDA, MD–(Marketwire – October 20, 2010) – GetWellNetwork, Inc. today announced that it ranked number 386 on Technology Fast 500™, Deloitte’s ranking of 500 of the fastest growing technology, media, telecommunications, life sciences and clean technology companies in North America. Rankings are based on percentage of fiscal year revenue growth during the period from 2005-2009. GetWellNetwork grew an impressive 220% during this period.

Along with achievements in revenue growth, GetWellNetwork has attributes its growth to new innovative health care solutions that are changing the way hospitals and clinicians interact and care for their patients. In 2009, the company launched the industry’s first pediatric solution — GetWell Town — to help children’s hospitals better engage and educate young patients about their health and recovery. This year, the company introduced a new product offering for elderly patients — GetWellNetwork for Seniors — to revolutionize how clinicians interact and provide critical education such as medication teaching, pain management and discharge readiness for elderly patients and their families.

“It’s exciting to see our work with hospitals grow in such a significant way over the past several years. This year’s ranking by Deloitte Fast 500™ is a wonderful recognition of the fast growing movement among hospitals that are leveraging our award-winning patient care platform to support the patient journey throughout the continuum of care,” said Michael O’Neil, CEO and founder of GetWellNetwork, Inc. “This is a critical time for the health care industry and we are proud to play a central role in improving the quality of patient care and engagement across the U.S.”

“GetWellNetwork has proved itself to be one of the fastest growing tech companies in North America, and we are proud to honor them as one of the 2010 Technology Fast 500™,” said Mark Jensen, managing partner, venture capital services, Deloitte & Touche LLP. 

For additional details on the Technology Fast 500 including selection and qualifying criteria, visit www.fast500.com.

About GetWellNetwork
GetWellNetwork, Inc. uses the bedside TV to entertain, educate and empower hospital patients and caregivers to be more actively engaged in their care. This patient-centered approach improves both satisfaction and outcomes for patients and hospitals. GetWellNetwork is the leader in interactive patient care solutions and exclusively endorsed by the American Hospital Association. More information about GetWellNetwork can be found at www.GetWellNetwork.com.

*As used in this document, “Deloitte” means Deloitte LLP. Please see www.deloitte.com/us/about for a detailed description of the legal structure of Deloitte LLP and its subsidiaries.

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BOTHELL, WA–(Marketwire – October 20, 2010) –  AVI BioPharma, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVII), a developer of RNA-based therapeutics, today announced the presentation of data from the Company’s Duchenne muscular dystrophy and influenza programs at the 6^th Annual Meeting of the Oligonucleotide Therapeutics Society in Dana Point, Calif.

Peter Sazani, Executive Director, Preclinical Development at AVI, will present during the poster session at noon PDT on Friday, Oct. 22. The presentation, 063, is titled “Preliminary toxicological evaluation of AVI-7100, a phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomer with selectively introduced positive charges (PMOplus™) targeted to a highly conserved region of Influenza A virus.” The presentation will feature preclinical data evaluating AVI-7100 for use in treating Influenza A.

Ryszard Kole, Ph.D., Senior Vice President of Discovery Research at AVI, will present during the oral abstract session, Splicing Applications, at 8 a.m. PDT on Saturday, Oct. 23. The presentation, 766, is titled “Oligonucleotide-Induced Skipping as Treatment for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: Development of AVI-4658.”

Both presentations will be posted on the AVI BioPharma Web site in the “Our Programs” section after their respective sessions are completed.

AVI-7100 is AVI’s lead therapeutic candidate for influenza virus infections. The investigational drug candidate employs AVI’s patented PMOplus™ technology that selectively introduces positive charges to its phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomer (PMO) backbone to improve interaction between the drug and its target.

AVI-4658 is AVI’s lead investigational drug candidate in development as a systemically administered treatment for a substantial subgroup of patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), a genetic muscle wasting disease caused by failure to produce dystrophin.

About AVI BioPharma

AVI BioPharma is focused on the discovery and development of novel RNA-based therapeutics for rare and infectious diseases, as well as other select disease targets. Applying pioneering technologies developed and optimized by AVI, the Company is able to target a broad range of diseases and disorders through distinct RNA-based mechanisms of action. Unlike other RNA-based approaches, AVI’s technologies can be used to directly target both messenger RNA (mRNA) and precursor messenger RNA (pre-mRNA) to either down-regulate (inhibit) or up-regulate (promote) the expression of targeted genes or proteins. By leveraging our highly differentiated RNA antisense-based technology platform, AVI has built a pipeline of potentially transformative therapeutic agents, including one in the clinical development stage for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. For more information, visit www.avibio.com. 

PHILADELPHIA, PA–(Marketwire – October 20, 2010) –  At Digital Pharma East, HCPlexus, publishers of The Little Blue Book™ (TLBB), a trusted resource for 300,000 doctors, announced a partnership with Healthline Networks, a leading provider of intelligent health information services reaching more than 100 million consumers each month, to provide pharmaceutical companies with a solution to inform physicians and patients on modes of treatment and care choices. As part of the strategic relationship, the companies will extend their current advertising networks, as well as the new point-of-care information platform, to provide contextual and direct marketing program offerings to Direct to Physician (DTP) and Direct to Consumer (DTC) pharmaceutical marketers.

The joint offering will support and deliver physician-mediated patient education at the point of care. Through the alliance, physicians will continue to receive high-quality, medically credible content delivered from a reliable resource, The Little Blue Book, augmented with patient education resources from Healthline. Sponsorship opportunities will be made available to pharmaceutical manufacturers, allowing them to benefit from increased consumer engagement and brand presence.

“As consumers embrace the HealthWeb, physicians need to play a central role in providing their patients with the highest quality, most contextually relevant health information,” said West Shell III, Chairman and CEO, Healthline Networks. “Our partnership with HCPlexus will enable physicians and patients to engage in shared decision-making around health care treatment options, thereby elevating health literacy and compliance.”

Adds HCPlexus CEO David L. Shrier, “Our pharmaceutical and payor clients have been demanding one stop shopping for marketing solutions aimed at both HCP and consumer audiences. Healthline is an innovative partner with scope and depth in the online consumer health market and the largest condition-specific DTC advertising network. We look forward to offering pharmaceutical companies more opportunities to help physicians and consumers make informed healthcare decisions.”

In a survey conducted by HCPlexus last December of more than five hundred physicians, 42% said they were looking for patient education from The Little Blue Book.

About HCPlexus
HCPlexus provides physicians with personalized, timesaving and multi-platform products so they can focus on healing patients. At the heart of the company’s physician-focused offerings is The Little Blue Book (TLBB), a referral directory, which for more than 20 years has been a trusted and high usage resource for healthcare providers. The Little Blue Book data is now available on-line and in a mobile phone application. Leveraging the deep insights gleaned from more than 400,000 TLBB physicians, HCPlexus delivers high ROI marketing programs to pharmaceutical companies, medical device manufacturers, pharmacies, hospitals, health plans and independent practice associations. For more information, visit http://www.hcplexus.com.

About Healthline
Healthline Networks is a leading provider of intelligent health information services, enabling 100 million consumers a month to make more confident, informed healthcare decisions. The company’s proprietary consumer healthcare taxonomy, the largest of its kind, powers a suite of intelligent health search, content and advertising services. Combining advanced search technology with deep medical expertise, Healthline partners with a network of over 40 trusted destination sites that include publishers, portals, search engines, employers and health plans. Headquartered in San Francisco, Healthline is backed by Aetna, GE/NBC Peacock Fund, Investor Growth Capital, Kaiser Permanente, Reed Elsevier, U.S. News & World Report, and VantagePoint Venture Partners. For more information, visit http://www.healthline.com.

MADISON, WI–(Marketwire – October 20, 2010) –  A group of health care leaders from across the country convened at Madison’s Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center on October 16, 2010 to hold the founding meeting for the American Academy for Oral Systemic Health (AAOSH, www.aaosh.com). The new organization has 50 founding members and anticipates rapid growth as more and more professionals absorb the data that demonstrates the close relationship of mouth health to body health and vice versa.

“When dentists and physicians work together, medical outcomes will be improved and lives will be lengthened,” states AAOSH President Dr. Chris Kammer, the nation’s most active advocate for an oral systemic approach to disease prevention. “Many people still don’t understand that good dental health can add years to your life, so one of our missions is to educate the public about the facts.”

The newly-inaugurated AAOSH will bring together medical professionals from all fields and try to eliminate the “tunnel vision” that can exist between medical specialties. Members will commit themselves to working and learning together in the ultimate spirit of cooperation so that patients everywhere can enjoy the resulting benefits of improved general health, healing, longevity and wellness.

“We’re excited about finally working closely with cardiologists, diabetic specialists, obstetricians and many more medical specialties,” explains Kammer. “AAOSH is all about opening those doors of communication and offering to help, so that we can contribute to the improved health for the patients we share.”

Several nationally-known clinicians who attended the meeting gave presentations on the latest findings related to the seriousness of oral disease in America. One speaker revealed how a couple was not able to conceive a child until the mother’s rampant gum infection was put under control. Another speaker discussed how diabetes can make gum disease worsen, but that gum disease can also make diabetes worse — a vicious “circle of death” unless dentists and physicians unite and intervene.

In addition, advanced dental techniques and systems for treating periodontal disease and tooth decay were shared, as well as an extended program on the importance of nutrition.

“The formation of this organization could not have come at a better time,” adds Kammer. “More and more research just keeps pouring in that confirms the connections between the health of the mouth and the resulting health of the body.”

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MIAMI, FL–(Marketwire – October 20, 2010) –  Simulated Environment Concepts (PINKSHEETS: SMEV), the manufacturer and developer of medical, aesthetic and wellness equipment, increases its global medical appeal with a successful tradeshow hosted by Salon Rééducca — a show dedicated to Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Practices. There, more than 200 physiotherapists tested the company’s flagship product, SpaCapsule, receiving increased interest and sales as a result.

Dr. Ella Frenkel, Chairman and CEO of Simulated Environment Concepts (SE Concepts), Inc. said, “With all of the excitement swirling around our corporate orders, installations in hotels and fitness centers as well as the major distribution contracts, it could be forgotten that the Spa Capsule is a medical grade product. So while our capsules can certainly be used for relaxation, as medical equipment, the Spa Capsule’s foremost purpose is to assist physical therapists and doctors in delivering therapeutic treatments to patients.” 

Zen & O, a French distribution company with which SE Concepts has a multi-million dollar four year manufacturing deal, supported SE Concepts by displaying the H2O Body System – SpaCapsule at Salon Rééducca’s tradeshow last week. Roughly 225 physiotherapists tested the Spa Capsule units giving higher than expected approval ratings — with Zen & O capturing significant interest of nearly two dozen physical therapists resulting in multiple units sold at the show. 

Sales within the global medical community expected to continue as medical equipment providers and PT (Physical Therapy) centers look to distribute and own the Spa Capsule. SE Concepts has plans for an upcoming November tradeshow where the company anticipates further growing its international distribution base and medical appeal worldwide.

About Simulated Environment Concepts, Inc.

Simulated Environment Concepts, Inc. (SE Concepts) is an industry leading manufacturer and developer of cutting edge medical, health and wellness equipment.    

Its flagship product, SpaCapsule®, is a high pressurized dry water massage therapy system used for rehabilitation, relaxation, weight loss, cellulite management and general wellness.  Using its patented dual “dry-barrier” environment, users can remain fully clothed — a matter of gender and cultural significance within the markets the SpaCapsule is offered.  The product can be found in over 37 countries, offered by medical clinics, gyms and fitness centers, spas, retail locations, corporate offices, luxury hotels, and other venues.  Incorporating self contained oxygen, aromatherapy and iPod compatible audio/video features, users receive an enjoyable, rehabilitating and de-stressing therapeutic experience. 

The SpaCapsule has been featured on numerous Network and cable television programming including Good Morning America and The Doctors, and continues to receive global publicity.

For more information on SE Concepts, SpaCapsule®, PTjetCapsule™ and Celude Laboratories™ products you can visit the company’s product website at www.spacapsule.com, the corporate website at www.seccorporation.com, the corporate blog at http://www.spacapsule.wordpress.com or request more information via email at [email protected], or call at (888) 757-0797 or (305) 651-9200.

Safe Harbor

Statements in this news release that are not historical facts, including statements about plans and expectations regarding products and opportunities, demand and acceptance of new or existing products, capital resources and future financial results are forward-looking. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties which may cause the Company’s actual results in future periods to differ materially from those expressed. These uncertainties and risks include changing consumer preferences, lack of success of new products, loss of the Company’s customers, competition and other factors discussed from time to time in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

SpaCapsule is registered trademark of Simulated Environment Concepts, Inc.

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NEW YORK, NY–(Marketwire – October 20, 2010) –  Allied Healthcare International Inc. (NASDAQ: AHCI), a leading provider of flexible healthcare staffing services in the United Kingdom, announced today that Sandy Young, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, will be presenting at the Oppenheimer 21st Annual Healthcare Conference to be held on November 2-3, 2010 at the Waldorf=Astoria in New York City.

Allied’s presentation is scheduled for Wednesday, November 3, at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time.

The presentation will be webcast live and will be available on the Investors section of Allied’s website at www.alliedhealthcare.com. For those who are not available to listen to the live broadcast, the presentation will be archived.

About Allied Healthcare International Inc.
Allied Healthcare International Inc. is a leading provider of flexible healthcare staffing services in the United Kingdom. Allied operates a community-based network of approximately 115 branches with the capacity to provide carers (known as home health aides in the U.S.), nurses, and specialized medical personnel to locations covering approximately 90% of the U.K. population. Allied meets the needs of private patients, community care, nursing and care homes, and hospitals. For more news and information please visit: www.alliedhealthcare.com.

POMONA, CA–(Marketwire – October 19, 2010) – Western University of Health Sciences programs received more than $1.3 million in federal funding to enhance learning and bring critically-needed care to vulnerable populations.

The Department of Physician Assistant Education, part of the College of Allied Health Professions, received about $100,000 in Health Resources and Services Administration grant funding to buy 10 Student Auscultation Manikins.

The College of Dental Medicine (CDM) received about $180,000 in HRSA grant funding for Project TEACH (Training Equipment for Access and Community Health). The money will be used to provide mobile dental care to rural and underserved populations.

The College of Graduate Nursing (CGN) received about $1.05 million for students in the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) master’s program. The money will cover full tuition and educational expenses, as much as $22,000 per year, for six full-time students per year who, upon graduation, are planning to work with vulnerable populations in the delivery of Primary Care to patients in medically underserved areas. These underserved areas include those with “financial, racial, linguistic and cultural barriers to health care services and (to varying extents) need for services,” according to the National Health Policy Forum.

This grant expands access to primary care by allowing part-time FNP students to become full-time students so they can finish the program quicker and begin making a difference in the community.

The scholarships will also benefit new incoming FNP students who were accepted as part of CGN’s expansion. The FNP program averages 25 to 35 students per class. This year the program accepted 47 new students.

CDM is partnering with the Victor Valley Dental Center in Victorville to furnish the center’s mobile dental van with two fully-equipped dental chairs, said Timothy Martinez, DMD, CDM Associate Dean for Community Partnerships and Access to Care. CDM students will travel with the mobile van to schools in the Victorville area to treat students.

The grant funding also paid for three portable digital radiographic units, three portable sterilization units and two complete hand piece set ups. These portable units will help the college address multiple needs, such as providing dental care to students in the El Monte and Pomona unified school districts.

CDM will also provide perinatal dental education and prevention services for the California Department of Health’s Black Infant Health (BIH) program, which provides health education, health promotion, social support and service coordination to pregnant women and their children.

The Department of Physician Assistant Education will use about $100,000 in federal funding to improve student education and testing by purchasing 10 torso mannequins that simulate heart, lung and abdomen sounds.

Students could listen to each other’s heartbeat and breathing, but they would typically not be exposed to the broad range of abnormal sounds that they need to learn, said Tina Boykin-Mowrey, MPH, MS, PA-C, PA Department Clinical Education Coordinator.

“This will expand our training capabilities,” she said.

COLUMBUS, OH–(Marketwire – October 19, 2010) –  Twenty First Century Communications (TFCC) is pleased to announce that its TFCC Alert emergency notification system has been selected by Public Safety Communications as a winner of the 2010 Hot Product review.

66 products were submitted for consideration in the Hot Products review. An anonymous team examined the products during the APCO Conference in Houston. Based on the reviewers’ experience and comments, TFCC Alert was selected for the award.

“Public Safety Communications is one of the leading publications in the industry, therefore it’s a real honor to be recognized for our work,” said Bently Collier, TFCC vice president of sales and marketing. “We’re fortunate to work with great public safety, 9-1-1 dispatch centers and first responder customers.”

TFCC announced the release of its newest notification system, TFCC Alert, in early June. An easier to use system includes weather alerts, new user interface, advanced security controls, social media integration, and an enhanced public sign-up page, which are just a few of the new features of TFCC Alert. 

Full details of the Hot Products review will be featured in the November issue of Public Safety Communications magazine. To learn more about TFCC Alert visit us online. 

Public Safety Communications is a monthly publication published by Elsevier Public Safety on behalf of the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO) International. For more information about APCO, please visit www.APCOintl.org. For more information about Public Safety Communications, please visit www.apcointl.org/digitaledition.

About Twenty First Century Communications
By using technology to connect people to information, TFCC provides time-sensitive communication solutions that help clients quickly receive and send high volumes of information to the right people at the right time, using most any communication device.

For more than 20 years their suite of web-based, high-speed, high-volume notification solutions have been the industry standard. Backed by the largest and most reliable telecommunications network in North America, TFCC’s reliable inbound and outbound communication solutions are in place at hundreds of government, corporate, utility, education and healthcare organizations all across the country. For more information visit: www.tfcci.com.

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WEST HARTFORD, CT–(Marketwire – October 19, 2010) –  BroadcastMed, the leader in online medical video, starts the week with a live broadcast intended for European audiences focused on Adhesion Prevention in Gynaecological Surgery. Later in the week the focus turns to low back pain in a live broadcast of a minimally invasive spine surgery. Rounding out new content this week are new on-demand CME features available on our BroadcastMedCME channel.

Additional on-demand features this month include our library of procedures and educational programming focused on breast cancer surgeries and BroadcastMed invites you to take part in the latest installment of the Virtual Brain Tumor Board.

NEW ON ORLIVE

LIVE SURGERY VIDEO – Contemporary Adhesion Prevention In Gynaecological Surgery

Premieres Tuesday, October 19, 2010 at 2:30PM EDT/19:30 GMT

Participate in this live interactive webcast as gynaecological surgeons Prof. Jeremy Wright and Mr. Andrew Kent review surgical footage and discuss the inherent challenges with conventional adhesion prevention techniques. The faculty will share case reports and will contrast the pros and cons of available options, including the SprayShield™ adhesion barrier system.

This program features the SprayShield™ adhesion barrier system. It is intended for audiences outside the United States where the SprayShield™ system has CE Mark approval, and is indicated for use in patients undergoing laparotomy or laparoscopic abdominopelvic surgery as an adjunct to good surgical technique intended to reduce the incidence, severity, and extent of postsurgical adhesions.

This surgery video is available exclusively to members of the ORLive community, and members can interact and ask questions via the ORLive website. Learn more about this broadcast or get a reminder at ORLive.com, and be ready to view this exciting procedure by activating your free membership to ORLive today.

LIVE SUGERY VIDEO – Treating Chronic Back Pain with Minimally Invasive Surgery

Premieres Thursday, October 21, 2010 at 4PM EDT

Surgery for chronic back pain doesn’t have to mean a long stay in the hospital and a slow recovery. On Thursday, October 21, Baptist Hospital neurosurgeon Sergio Gonzalez-Arias, MD, will perform a minimally invasive spine surgery during a live webcast. The minimally invasive approach is used to relieve various types of pain. The advantages over a traditional surgical procedure are less blood loss, less pain, smaller incisions and a quicker recovery. Many patients go home the same day of the surgery. Watch the live webcast and see this fascinating procedure as it happens. 

Viewers are invited to send e-mail questions to Dr. Gonzalez-Arias during the webcast.

Viewers can also choose to watch the webcast in Spanish.

Learn more about this broadcast or get a reminder at ORLive.com, and be ready to view this exciting procedure by activating your free membership to ORLive today.

NEW CME ON BROADCASTMED

NEW CME VIDEO — Antiplatelet Therapy: Difficult Situations in Everyday Practice

Premiers Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Join Doctors from multiple specialties discuss common solutions for the management of patients requiring antiplatelet therapy. Presenters include cardiologist Oscar C. Marroquin, MD, internists Robert E. Schoen, MD MPH and Catalin Toma, MD, and surgical oncologist A. James Moser, MD, FACS.

Educational Objectives

• Draw informed clinical decisions in cardiovascular medicine.
• Cite responsible and balanced debate on conventional and controversial issues in the area of cardiovascular medicine.
• Discuss the management of patients with asymptomatic aortic stenosis.
• Forecast and discuss important issues and trends in cardiovascular medicine.

You can find more CME on the BroadcastMed CME Channel on ORLive.com, and a complete multispecialty library of CME offerings at the UPMC Physician Resources website.

ORLIVE REFERRALS — Week of October 18, 2010
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and each week ORLive highlights related on-demand videos for our membership and visitors. 

Breast Cancer Surgery Referral: Surgical Advances in Axillary and Sentinel Lymph Node Dissection, from Ethicon Endo-Surgery

CME Referral: New Perspectives in Sepsis for the Critical Care Nurse, from CMEducation Resources

Viewer’s Referral: Cancer and Thrombosis Management: DVT and Prophylaxis and Disease Modification in Cancer Patients, from CMEducation Resources

HIGHLIGHTS

NOW ON-DEMAND – LEGION™ Total Knee System with VISIONAIRE™ Patient Matched Insturmentation

Now Available On-Demand

Kenneth Cherry, MD will demonstrate his approach to address efficiency in the OR by utilizing the LEGION Total Knee System in conjunction with VISIONAIRE Patient Matched Instrumentation while Dr. Steven Haas, from the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City, moderates the procedure. Combining the two technologies, will reduce OR time and eliminate up to 23 surgical steps from the TKA procedure thereby making efficiency more accessible.

Learn more about this broadcast or get a reminder at ORLive.com, and be ready to view this exciting procedure by activating your free membership to ORLive today.

NOW ON-DEMAND — Acute Onocologic Emergencies

Now Available ON-Demand

Join Ahmad Tarhini, MD as he reviews onocologic emergencies in this presentation from a recent UPMC Medical Grand Rounds.

Educational Objectives

Upon completion of this activity, participants will be able to:

• Better manage epidural spinal cord compression in patients.
• Better management of hypercalcemia of malignancy in cancer patients.
• Increase the management of superior vena cava syndrome in cancer patients.

You can find more CME on the BroadcastMed CME Channel on ORLive.com, and a complete multispecialty library of CME offerings at the UPMC Physician Resources website.

About BroadcastMed
BroadcastMed is the leading provider of video communication channels and solutions to the healthcare community. Working collaboratively with hospitals, device manufacturers, and pharmaceutical companies, BroadcastMed produces and distributes customized, interactive, video programs that demonstrate the latest advances in medicine, surgical techniques and product innovations, and promotes them to a verified audience of more than 700,000 healthcare professionals. The BroadcastMed network of sites provides an intimate look at over 650 live and on-demand surgeries, medical education, and symposia to global audiences that watch and learn from more than 40 million video views annually. The BroadcastMed network can be found on-line at www.BroadcastMed.com. 

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MONTRÉAL, QUÉBEC–(Marketwire – 19 oct. 2010) –

Note aux éditeurs : Une photo accompagnera ce communiqué de presse sur le site de Marketwire.

Quelques semaines à peine après la mise en service de sa solution à l’Hôpital juif de réadaptation de Laval au Québec, Solutions Extenway inc. (TSX CROISSANCE:EY) est heureuse d’annoncer que c’est maintenant au tour des patients du centre de traitement de chimiothérapie du Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center situé à Brooklyn, à New York, de profiter des avantages offerts par ses terminaux. Cette annonce marque la première phase du déploiement de la solution technologique Extenway en sol américain.

Une solution pour améliorer la qualité de vie des patients en milieu hospitalier

Les terminaux de chevet Extenway permettent aux patients de profiter à la fois d’un moyen de communication avec le personnel et leurs proches (vidéoconférence et service d’assistance), d’une plateforme de divertissement numérique (télé, jeux, lecteur MP3, radio et livres audio) et éducatif (capsules d’enseignement aux patients), ainsi que d’un environnement de bureautique (Internet, courriel, Microsoft Office, etc.).

« Notre solution permet aux patients de vivre une expérience plus positive durant leur traitement, a déclaré John McAllister, président et chef de la direction d’Extenway, une entreprise de Baie d’Urfé, dans la région de Montréal. Certains d’entre eux passent parfois de longues semaines en milieu hospitalier et les témoignages que nous avons reçus confirment que notre technologie améliore leur qualité de vie durant cette période. »

Les patients peuvent consulter les contenus proposés en utilisant l’écran tactile ou le clavier sans fil des terminaux. Dans le cas du Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, il était très important d’offrir un environnement agréable et le moins « hospitalier » possible à ses patients. Le panneau d’installation mural des terminaux Extenway a été adapté afin que ces derniers puissent être fixés directement sur les chaises de traitement de chimiothérapie.

Une solution pour améliorer l’efficacité des services hospitaliers

La solution Extenway permet aussi de maximiser la communication entre le patient, les cliniciens et le personnel.

Les patients peuvent notamment consulter les menus et transmettre leurs sélections en ligne, ou encore contrôler la lumière et la température de leur chambre sans se déplacer. En étant plus autonomes, les patients permettent ainsi au personnel de se concentrer davantage sur les besoins médicaux.

Extenway tiendra sa prochaine assemblée annuelle et spéciale de ses actionnaires le 21 octobre à 11 h, au salon Musset du Centre Sheraton Montréal situé au 1201, boulevard René-Lévesque Ouest.

À propos de Solutions Extenway inc.

Solutions Extenway (TSX CROISSANCE:EY) (www.extenway.com) est un fournisseur de solutions technologiques d’information, de communication, de divertissement et d’éducation dans le domaine de la santé. Les terminaux Extenway offrent une vaste gamme de contenus et services intégrés dont la télévision, Internet, Microsoft Office, la vidéoconférence, la gestion de l’environnement des chambres des patients et la gestion des rendez-vous des patients. Basée à Baie d’Urfé, dans la région de Montréal au Canada, Extenway permet aux organisations d’optimiser la gestion et la coordination des interactions entre les partients et le personnel médical et administratif.

Clause libératoire et d’exonération

À l’exception des informations concernant les antécédents de l’entreprise ci-haut mentionnées, ce communiqué contient des déclarations futures qui impliquent des risques et des incertitudes. Les résultats réels peuvent être différents au niveau matériel. Les facteurs qui peuvent causer une différence incluent, mais ne sont pas limités à, l’acceptation des produits au niveau du marché, l’impact des produits compétitifs et technologies, la possibilité que certains produits portent atteinte aux brevets et autres propriétés intellectuelles de tierces parties, et aux coûts associés aux développements de produits. Solutions Extenway inc. ne procédera pas à la mise à jour de ces déclarations futures afin de refléter les événements ou circonstances après la date ci-haut mentionnée. Des informations plus détaillées sur les facteurs potentiels qui pourraient avoir une influence sur les résultats financiers sont incluses dans les documents fournies aux autorités canadiennes en valeurs mobilières.

MONTREAL, QUEBEC–(Marketwire – Oct. 19, 2010) –

Editors note: A photo will be included with this press release on Marketwire’s website.

Just weeks after its solution was put into service at the Jewish Rehabilitation Hospital of Laval in Quebec, Extenway Solutions Inc. (TSX VENTURE:EY) is delighted to announce that its terminals will now be used by patients at an outpatient chemotherapy center of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in Brooklyn, New York. This announcement marks the first time Extenway’s technology solution has been deployed on American soil.

Improving the quality of life for hospital patients

Extenway’s bedside terminals allow patients to benefit from a means of communication with staff and family (via video conference and assistance request service), a digital entertainment platform (TV, games, MP3 player, radio, and audio books), educational tools (patient teaching capsules), and a desktop work environment (Internet, email, Microsoft Office, etc.).

“Our solution allows patients to have a more positive experience during their cancer treatment“, said John McAllister, President and CEO of Extenway, a company based in Baie d’Urfé in the Montreal region. “Patients sometimes have to spend weeks at a time in hospital, and feedback confirms that our technology improves their quality of life during this period.”

Patients can consult the different contents by using the terminal’s tactile screen or a wireless keyboard. For Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, it was very important to provide a positive and not “hospital-like” environment for patients. Extenway typical wall installation was adapted for direct mounting of the terminal onto the chairs used for chemotherapy treatment, thus creating a better patient experience.

Improving the efficiency of hospital services

The Extenway solution also helps optimize communication between the patient, clinicians and hospital staff.

Patients can also consult online menu and send their orders online. They can even adjust the light and temperature in their room – without having to move. Patients are therefore more autonomous, allowing staff extra time to concentrate on their medical needs.

Extenway will hold its next general meeting for shareholders on October 21 at 11am in the Musset room of Le Centre Sheraton Montreal, located at 1201 boulevard René-Lévesque West.

About Extenway Solution Inc.

Extenway Solutions (TSX VENTURE:EY) (www.extenway.com) provides IT, communications, entertainment and education solutions to the healthcare sector. Extenway terminals offer a wide range of integrated content and services, including television, Internet, Microsoft Office, and video conferencing. The terminals also offer the possibility of managing patient appointments and regulating a patient’s bedroom environment. Extenway allows healthcare organizations to optimize the way they manage and coordinate interactions between patients, medical staff and those working in administration. The company is based in Baie d’Urfé in the Montreal region of Canada.

Disclaimer – Safe Harbour Forward–Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements relate to the future financial conditions, results of operations or business of the Company. These statements may be current expectations and estimates about the markets in which Extenway Solutions Inc. operates and management’s beliefs and assumptions regarding these markets. These statements are subject to important risks and uncertainties which are difficult to predict and assumptions which may prove to be inaccurate. The results or events predicted in forward-looking statements may differ materially from actual results or events. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. In particular, forward-looking statements do not reflect the potential impact of any merger, acquisitions or other business combinations or divestitures that may be announced or completed after such statements are made.

WASHINGTON, DC–(Marketwire – October 19, 2010) –  She is a ray of hope, arriving Oct. 18 in one of the world’s poorest, most volatile regions. She is Aisha — the 50,000^th baby born at Holy Family Hospital of Bethlehem.

“This is a very special moment for the hospital, for us, for our future and especially for the mother,” said Dr. Jadallah Najjar, who delivered the baby and is head of Holy Family Hospital’s Gynecology and Obstetrics Department. “I hope there will be peace in this land, and that this birth is a symbol of that peace.”

At 9:30 a.m. local time on Oct. 18, 2010, Dr. Najjar delivered Aisha to Hafsah Omar Radaydiah, 19, and her husband Isam, 24. She weighed 7.5 pounds and was 19.7 inches long. Mother and baby are doing well!

 “I am so happy,” Hafsah Radaydiah said. “I have been waiting to become a mother. This will change my whole life. I’m happy because she is so beautiful.”

“We’ve just heard the exciting news,” said Colleen Marotta, executive director of the Washington, D.C.-based Holy Family Hospital Foundation. “We are thrilled to welcome the 50,000^th life at our hospital.”

“This birth is very exciting and symbolic,” said Dr. Jacques M. Keutgen, general director of the hospital. “A young lady, 19 years old, giving birth to her first baby. This is the future of this hospital.”

The Sovereign Military Order of Malta has operated Holy Family Hospital of Bethlehem since 1990 at the request of Pope John Paul II who declared the Hospital one of the top 100 global priorities for the new millennium. Over the past 20 years, it has provided a variety of maternity, gynecological and pediatric services to families in the region without regard to race, religion or ability to pay. Located only 500 yards from the traditionally recognized birthplace of Jesus, no family has ever arrived at its doors to hear that “there is no room.”

In addition to Colleen Marotta of the U.S.-based Foundation, hospital staff are available for limited interviews. Please contact Christine Schicker of The Maximus Group at 404-610-8871 or by email at [email protected]. To learn more about the hospital, or download press materials and photos, please visit www.BirthplaceofHope.org.

WALNUT CREEK, CA–(Marketwire – October 19, 2010) –  On Thursday, October 28^th from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m., recently opened Skye Wellness of Walnut Creek, CA will host a free seminar providing an in-depth look at why detoxification is vital to maintaining health and well being.

The seminar, limited to 10 guests, will be presented by Laura Hollabaugh, a Certified Colon Hydrotherapist and Managing Member of Skye Wellness, and Sarah Carlson, a Certified Nutrition Coach of Be Wellness Nutrition. Those interested in attending the “Dump the Junk” seminar may call (925) 939-7069 or send an email request to [email protected], receiving a confirmation if space remains available.

“Clearing out the inner ‘junk’ is the key to returning your digestive and immune system back to optimum functioning. Detoxification or cleansing is the process of eliminating the buildup of waste and toxins from your cells, organs and blood,” Laura Hollabaugh explained, summarizing, “It’s the foundation of getting your health back.”

The class will provide an in-depth look at why detoxification is vital to improving and maintaining health and the necessary components of a Total Body Cleanse Protocol (TBCP).

The practice of colon cleansing, long recognized and practiced among European cultures, has undergone resurgence in U.S. holistic and complementary health care. Colon hydrotherapy is also known as colonics or colon therapy.

Skye Wellness, with its new eco-friendly facility located at 2123 Ygnacio Valley Road, Suite 210 in Walnut Creek, CA 94598, provides colon cleansing and wellness services. Its mission is providing colon cleansing with nutritional guidance to assist health-conscious individuals in achieving their optimal life and body balance, uniquely offering clients in the San Francisco Bay area both gravity-fed Angel of Water and closed Dotolo state-of-the-art cleansing systems to satisfy client preference and comfort.

Laura Hollabaugh is certified by and a member of the International Association for Colon Hydrotherapy (I-ACT) and trained at the Internal Environment Institute. She holds a BS degree from Kean University, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude and she attended Fairleigh Dickinson University, where she obtained a masters degree.

Sarah Carlson holds a BA degree from San Francisco State University where she graduated Cum Laude and holds a Nutrition Educator certification from Bauman College in Berkeley, CA. Sarah also sits on the Board of Directors of the Health Medicine Forum.

Visit the Skye Wellness web site at http://www.skye-wellness.com.

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MADISON, WI–(Marketwire – October 19, 2010) –  TomoTherapy Incorporated (NASDAQ: TOMO), maker of advanced radiation therapy solutions for cancer care, announced today that its 2010 third quarter earnings conference call, originally scheduled for Thursday, October 28, 2010 at 4:00 p.m. CDT, has been rescheduled for one day earlier, to Wednesday, October 27, 2010 at 4:00 p.m. CDT. The call has been rescheduled to avoid conflicts with other industry earnings calls. TomoTherapy will release its 2010 third quarter results on October 27, 2010 at 3:00 p.m. CDT.

During the investment community conference call, Fred Robertson, M.D., CEO, and Thomas Powell, CFO, will review third quarter performance and discuss the company’s strategies. To join the conference call, dial 1-800-638-4817 (international 1-617-614-3943) and enter passcode 19539609. A replay of the conference call will be available one hour after the call ends through 10:59 p.m. CDT on November 3, 2010. To access the replay, dial 1-888-286-8010 (international 1-617-801-6888) and enter passcode 40905886.

For individual investors, a live Webcast of the conference call will be available on the Investor Relations page of TomoTherapy.com. Institutional investors can access the Webcast through a password-protected site www.streetevents.com. An archived Webcast of TomoTherapy’s conference call will be available for two weeks.

About TomoTherapy Incorporated 
TomoTherapy Incorporated develops, markets and sells advanced radiation therapy solutions that can be used to treat a wide variety of cancers, from the most common to the most complex. The ring gantry-based TomoTherapy^® platform combines integrated CT imaging with conformal radiation therapy to deliver sophisticated radiation treatments with speed and precision while reducing radiation exposure to surrounding healthy tissue. TomoTherapy’s suite of solutions include its flagship Hi·Art^® treatment system, which has been used to deliver more than three million CT-guided, helical intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) treatment fractions; the TomoHD^™ treatment system, designed to enable cancer centers to treat a broader patient population with a single device; and the TomoMobile™ relocatable radiation therapy solution, designed to improve access and availability of state-of-the-art cancer care. TomoTherapy’s stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol TOMO. To learn more about TomoTherapy, please visit TomoTherapy.com.

©2010 TomoTherapy Incorporated. All rights reserved. TomoTherapy, Tomo, TomoDirect, TQA, the TomoTherapy logo and Hi·Art are among trademarks, service marks or registered trademarks of TomoTherapy Incorporated in the United States and other countries.

IRVINE, CA–(Marketwire – October 19, 2010) –  SK&A, A Cegedim Company, a leading provider of healthcare Information solutions and research, today announced the addition of longtime information-industry sales professional David Simon to its management team as Senior Director of Sales.

“David brings to SK&A a very accomplished and very successful performance record selling information solutions to companies throughout his career,” said SK&A’s Dave Escalante, Vice President, Data and Information Solutions. “As we expand our high-quality, innovative healthcare data products and services into new markets, we are fortunate and honored to have such a skilled manager and leader join our organization.”

Simon has held positions in sales management, sales, and marketing management with companies such as Experian, D&B, and McGraw Hill. As Vice President of Data Sales at Experian, Simon led a large nationwide team of account executives to record product-line growth over an eight-year period. In his 15-plus years of sales leadership experience, Simon has managed field, inside, broker / reseller, and agency sales teams with a strong focus on new business development.

Simon will manage SK&A’s staff of 21 sales representatives and one sales manager, which includes inbound, outbound, reseller, and solution sales teams. Simon will be based from SK&A’s parent company office, Cegedim Relationship Management, in Bedminster, N.J.

About SK&A, A Cegedim Company:
SK&A is a leading provider of healthcare information solutions and research. SK&A, as part of Cegedim’s global OneKey® offering, researches and maintains contact and profiling information for over two million healthcare practitioners, including 800,000-plus U.S. prescribers. SK&A also offers the only 100-percent telephone-verified database of email addresses of prescribers and professionals working at active healthcare sites. SK&A’s customers include many of America’s most recognized healthcare, life sciences and pharmaceutical companies. Please visit www.skainfo.com for more information or www.skalivecounts.com for counts and ordering.

About Cegedim: 
Founded in 1969, Cegedim is a global technology and services company specializing in the healthcare field. Cegedim supplies services, technological tools, specialized software, data flow management services and databases. Its offerings are targeted notably at healthcare industries, life sciences companies, healthcare professionals and insurance companies. The world leader in life sciences CRM, Cegedim is also one of the leading suppliers of strategic healthcare industry data. Cegedim employs 8,600 people in more than 80 countries and generated revenue of EUR 874 million in 2009.
Cegedim SA is listed in Paris (EURONEXT: CGM).
To learn more, please visit www.cegedim.com.

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BETHESDA, MD–(Marketwire – October 19, 2010) –  GetWellNetwork, Inc. today announced that the company’s Chief Outcomes Officer, David Wright, and Chad Mulvany, Healthcare Financial Management Association, will share how new health care provisions such as Value-Based Purchasing(1) will impact U.S. hospitals’ reimbursements by CMS. 

Mr. Wright and Mr. Mulvany will provide attendees with a thorough overview of the new health care law and “Pay for Performance” provisions, as well as to demonstrate how interactive patient care technologies are raising performance measurements used by CMS to measure hospitals’ effectiveness in treating patients — in areas of quality, safety, cost and satisfaction. 

Attendees will also hear how leading hospitals and health systems are using interactive patient care solutions to achieve evidence-based outcomes and improve hospital performance in the areas that directly impact the “Pay for Performance” provisions.

Date: October 20, 2010
Time: 1:00-2:00 PM EST
To Register Click: Using Patient Engagement to Prepare for the Pay for Performance

About GetWellNetwork
GetWellNetwork, Inc. uses the bedside TV to entertain, educate and empower hospital patients and caregivers to be more actively engaged in their care. This patient-centered approach improves both satisfaction and outcomes for patients and hospitals. GetWellNetwork is the leader in interactive patient care solutions and exclusively endorsed by the American Hospital Association. More information about GetWellNetwork can be found at www.GetWellNetwork.com.

(1) More information about CMS’ Value-Based Purchasing Program is available at http://www.cms.gov/AcuteInpatientPPS/downloads/HospitalVBPPlanRTCFINALSUBMITTED2007.pdf and http://www.cms.gov/QualityInitiativesGenInfo/downloads/VBPRoadmap_OEA_1-16_508.pdf