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Carilion Clinic Selects Juniper Networks for Next-Generation Healthcare System

Posted on September 28, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: Juniper Networks

New Network Data Center Based on Juniper EX Series Switches and M Series Routers Ensures Electronic Health Records Availability and Advanced Patient Care

SUNNYVALE, CA–(Marketwire – September 28, 2010) –  Juniper Networks® (NYSE: JNPR) today announced that Carilion Clinic, a Roanoke, VA-based not-for-profit healthcare organization, has built a new network data center based on Juniper Networks switching and routing technologies to support the growing needs of its comprehensive clinic and new medical school.

Carilion Clinic deployed Juniper Networks EX Series Ethernet Switches and M Series Multiservice Routers powered by Junos® software across its new secondary data center and campus networks to ensure seamless, highly reliable delivery of mission-critical applications to more than 600 physicians spread across eight hospitals.

Carilion Clinic transformed from a traditional network of hospitals into a comprehensive clinic with leading patient-centered care, medical education and clinical research, with the goal of providing the best possible experience for each patient. The Clinic uses Juniper Networks M10i Multiservice Edge Routers, a compact and fully redundant routing platform, to connect its primary and secondary data centers and support 16 Gbps of throughput, enabling reliable and secure services within the network.

The Juniper Networks EX8200 line of modular Ethernet Switches delivers the port densities, scalability and high availability required for Carilion’s demanding data center and campus core environments. Additionally, Juniper Networks EX4200 Ethernet Switches with Virtual Chassis fabric technology enable up to 10 interconnected switches to operate as a single, logical device, allowing Carilion to incrementally increase capacity for varying loads of activity while reducing operational complexity.

“Juniper has a reputation for high-performance and carrier-class reliability, and now we have a solution that will enable us to scale to meet our business continuity objectives,” said Mike Smith, director of technical services at Carilion Clinic. “When evaluating switching and routing solutions for our secondary data center, Juniper’s functionality was unmatched. We especially like the manageability and flexibility of Juniper’s EX Series Switches and M Series Routers, as well as Junos software’s compatibility with our IT service management process. We were able to deploy this new infrastructure under an aggressive timetable, while also planning ahead for anticipated future support needs.”

Carilion Clinic also plans to use the advanced quality of service (QoS) capabilities of Junos in the near future when it enforces QoS policies for its electronic medical records, voice, video and other mission-critical applications across its MPLS network. The Clinic also plans to expand its use of video, increasing IP multicast streams on its routing infrastructure.

“The Carilion Clinic embodies today’s future-thinking and comprehensive healthcare organization model in terms of using a new network infrastructure that directly advances the quality of patient care,” said Andy Ingram, vice president of product marketing and business development, Fabric and Switching Technologies, Juniper Networks. “Leveraging the power of a single OS, Junos, Carilion has built a next-generation data center network that dramatically reduces cost and complexity while also improving application and business performance, which ultimately leads to higher value exchanges between its patients, doctors and employees.” 

About Juniper Networks
Juniper Networks is in the business of network innovation. From devices to data centers, from consumers to cloud providers, Juniper Networks delivers the software, silicon and systems that transform the experience and economics of networking. The company serves customers and partners worldwide, generating revenues exceeding $3 billion over the last year. Additional information can be found at www.juniper.net.

Juniper Networks and Junos are registered trademarks of Juniper Networks, Inc. in the United States and other countries. The Juniper Networks and Junos logos are trademarks of Juniper Networks, Inc. All other trademarks, service marks, registered trademarks, or registered service marks are the property of their respective owners.

Media Relations:
Cindy Ta
Juniper Networks
(408) 936-6131
[email protected]

Investor Relations:
Kathleen Bela
Juniper Networks
(408) 936-7804
[email protected]

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Filed Under: Medical And Healthcare

Pacific Quest Wilderness Therapy Program Welcomes New Staff Members

Posted on September 28, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: Pacific Quest

HILO, HI–(Marketwire – September 28, 2010) –  Pacific Quest is proud to announce that Jason Adams, Ph.D. and Lindsey Baldwin, MSW have joined their wilderness therapy clinical team and Rob Jarrett has joined their admissions team.

Jason is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with extensive experience treating adolescents and adults. He received a B.A. in Psychology from Arizona State University, and completed his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and Philosophy at Brigham Young University. He was the President of Adams Psychological Assessment & Consulting, Inc., and the founder of The Parent Mastery Group. Jason’s background includes psychological testing, as well as individual, family, and group therapy. 

Lindsey received a BA in Environmental Studies and Anthropology from Hamline University in Minnesota. Lindsey previously worked for an experiential rainforest preservation program in Australia, and served in the U.S. Peace Corps as an Environmental Education Volunteer. Realizing her dream of serving others, Lindsey completed her Masters of Social Work at Tulane University and received a Certificate in International Social Work.

Rob is fulfilling a longtime goal to work in wilderness therapy programs. Rob received his BA in Linguistics from UCSB, and previously worked for Stanford University and the U.S. Dept. of Energy. Rob also has hands-on experience marketing educational programs and advanced curriculum to administrative boards, schools, and parents for high-end arts-in-education programs. Rob is currently studying hand drumming in the traditional folklore style of Trinidad, accompanying dancers in performances to outreach programs for troubled youth. 

For more information regarding Pacific Quest, please visit www.pacificquest.org or contact Mark Agosto, Outreach Director, at 808-937-5806 or via email at [email protected].

Read more: http://www.pacificquest.org/news/2/196/Pacific-Quest-Wilderness-Therapy-Program-Welcomes-New-Staff-Members/

About Pacific Quest:

Pacific Quest is an outdoor behavioral healthcare (“wilderness therapy”) and sustainable treatment program for struggling teens and young adults, located on the Big Island of Hawaii. Their wilderness programs offer a clinical, yet holistic approach to treatment, going beyond traditional therapy and teaching sustainable life skills. Owned and operated by a veteran team of professionals with over 200 years of combined program experience, Pacific Quest offers a unique approach to treatment that is individualized for each student. Through experiential education, clinical services, a dedicated approach to health and wellness, and sustainable gardening, Pacific Quest provides a structured yet flexible outdoor therapy environment that serves the individual needs of each student, cultivating a therapy experience with personal meaning and importance.

Contact:
Pacific Quest
808-937-5806

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Filed Under: Medical And Healthcare

ORLive, the Surgical Broadcasting Company, Aggressively Broadens Focus to Broadcast Medical Programming to All Healthcare Professionals

Posted on September 27, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: BroadcastMed, Inc.

BroadcastMed Increases Online Medical Video Viewership to Never-Before-Seen Levels

WEST HARTFORD, CT–(Marketwire – September 27, 2010) –  ORLive, a leading provider of online video to the healthcare market, announces the formation of BroadcastMed, to address the growing demand for online video solutions. 

BroadcastMed is a response to the changes in the market that extend far beyond the traditional ORLive solutions of live programming from the Operating Room. “Our company long ago accomplished the mission implied by the name ORLive. We literally have taken physicians and other healthcare professionals ‘Live to the OR,'” says Ross Joel, CEO of BroadcastMed. “As a rapidly increasing number of healthcare professionals turn to online resources for education and research, we have a growing audience and clients who have interests that stretch well beyond surgery to all medical disciplines. BroadcastMed meets those diverse needs with strategic consulting, program development, and audience generation solutions.”

BroadcastMed communicates, demonstrates and educates through websites such as ORLive.com and The Virtual Brain Tumor Board. Where ORLive.com will continue to bring the most relevant surgically-focused content to an ever growing online audience, look for a soon to be launched site for CME focused video on BroadcastMedCME.com, a site dedicated to providing access to online accredited continuing medical education.

The formation of BroadcastMed marks a new milestone for the 16 year old company, enabling new growth opportunities. “While our increasing strength and diversity make BroadcastMed the cornerstone of our branding worldwide, given the significance of our flagship web brand, ORLive, its structure, focus and name will remain unchanged,” says Peter Gailey, President of BroadcastMed. Gailey also says, “This is a very exciting time in the market and we see this as a step towards providing doctors, nurses and other clinicians with high quality and relevant online content via a trusted source.”

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.

Contact:

Bonnie Gergely
Communications Manager
(860) 953-2900
Email Contact

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Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

CoverageForAll.org Launches Spanish-Language Edition With 50-State Online Directory of Public & Private Health Coverage Programs

Posted on September 27, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: Foundation for Health Coverage Education

Aetna Foundation Grant Makes New Service Possible

SAN JOSE, CA–(Marketwire – September 27, 2010) –  Efforts to educate uninsured Americans who are unaware of current government-funded and low-cost health insurance programs have been given a boost with the Foundation for Health Coverage Education’s (FHCE) launch today of a Spanish language edition of its pioneering website, www.CoverageForAll.org. 

The nonprofit was able to translate CoverageForAll.org and expand its outreach to the Hispanic community with the support of a $30,000 grant from the Aetna Foundation, the independent philanthropic arm of Aetna Inc. The Spanish version, http://espanol.coverageforall.org will provide Spanish-speaking visitors with the same content found in FHCE’s main public and private health coverage state-by-state directory of programs, which has been educating uninsured Americans about their coverage options since 2004.

“At a time when health care reform legislation is requiring people to have health insurance coverage, we need to move with even greater urgency to break down barriers, such as language, to information about government-funded or low-cost programs,” said Anne C. Beal, M.D., M.P.H., president of the Aetna Foundation. “We are heartened that the new Spanish-language version of CoverageForAll.org will enable a significant segment of the American population to have affordable access to our health care system. Establishing a level playing field for all racial and ethnic groups to obtain good health care is a priority program area for the Aetna Foundation.” 

With this new enhancement, CoverageForAll.org visitors can simply click on http://espanol.coverageforall.org and learn their health insurance options in Spanish through FHCE’s 5-question Eligibility Quiz or they can call the 24/7 multilingual U.S. Uninsured Help Line (1-800-234-1317) to talk with a Spanish-speaking health insurance specialist who will review the questions with them. This eligibility review is a starting point for the Fresno, California-based call center’s counselors who guide each caller through their options and direct them to the appropriate state-sponsored programs. Along with taking the Eligibility Quiz, visitors now also have the ability to learn about COBRA coverage via the Spanish-version of FHCE’s COBRA Booklet or may download FHCE’s Health Care Options Matrix, the consumer-friendly guide to all of the health coverage programs in their state.

The goal of FHCE for translating the site was to broaden its mission of lowering the ranks of the uninsured, specifically by targeting what the U.S. Census Bureau indicates is the 32% of Hispanic Americans who live without health coverage. The Aetna Foundation’s grant opened up an even larger opportunity to assist the FHCE’s current collaborative partners, the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association, the American Lung Association, the American Diabetes Association, and California’s Employee Development Department and Department of Insurance in aiding their Hispanic populations.

“The FHCE has helped more than two million people find heath coverage through CoverageForAll.org and our U.S. Uninsured Help Line,” said Ankeny Minoux, President of the FHCE. “With funding from the Aetna Foundation for a Spanish version of CoverageForAll.org, we can continue to provide uninsured Americans an easy and efficient way to access information about their health coverage options in their native language.”

About the Aetna Foundation
The Aetna Foundation is the independent charitable and philanthropic arm of Aetna Inc. Since 1980, Aetna and the Aetna Foundation have contributed over $379 million in grants and sponsorships, including more than $20 million in 2009. As a national health foundation, we promote wellness, health, and access to high-quality health care for everyone. This work is enhanced by the time and commitment of Aetna employees, who have volunteered nearly two million hours since 2003. Our current giving is focused on addressing the rising rate of adult and childhood obesity in the U.S.; promoting racial and ethnic equity in health and health care; and advancing integrated health care. For more information, visit www.AetnaFoundation.org.

About the Foundation for Health Coverage Education:

The Foundation for Health Coverage Education (FHCE) is a non-profit 501 (c) 3 organization with a mission to help simplify public and private health insurance eligibility information in order for more people to access coverage. In addition to its U.S. Uninsured Help Line (800) 234-1317 and website www.CoverageForAll.org, FHCE offers free consumer guides, such as the Health Care Options Matrix™ that is available for all 50 states.

Editorial Contacts:
Foundation for Health Coverage Education
Marilyn Haese/Bobbi Rubinstein
(310) 556-9612
[email protected]

Aetna Foundation
Susan Millerick
860-273-0536
[email protected]

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Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

Leading Healthcare Organizations Honored for Excellence and Innovation by Intelligent InSites

Posted on September 27, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: Intelligent InSites

Intelligent InSites Recognizes Clients and Partners That Have Deployed the InSites Enterprise Visibility Platform to Deliver Transformational Outcomes

FARGO, ND–(Marketwire – September 27, 2010) –  Intelligent InSites Inc., the leading provider of real-time enterprise visibility and automation solutions, has announced recipients of its 2010 Excellent InSites Awards. The awards recognize organizations that are transforming healthcare through their use of the InSites Enterprise Visibility Platform™ (InSites Platform) to drive significant, measureable, and sustainable financial and quality of care improvements. Intelligent InSites honored clients and partners during its Second Annual Partner Summit, which was held in Fargo, ND on September 13-15, 2010.

Client Awards for 2010 were awarded in two categories:

Innovation Award, received by Butler Health System (www.butlerhealthsystem.org), recognizes the Intelligent InSites client who has leveraged the InSites Platform in groundbreaking ways, exhibiting creativeness in the application of technology to improve the level of care, patient/resident safety, operational efficiency, compliance and staff satisfaction, and creating the real-time enterprise.

Impact Award, received by Texas Health Resources (www.texashealth.org), recognizes an exceptional Intelligent InSites client using the InSites Platform to make a significant and quantifiable impact on patient/resident care, operational efficiency, and staff satisfaction.

“We are extremely proud to recognize Butler Health System and Texas Health Resources,” said Mark Rheault, President and CEO of Intelligent InSites. “Both organizations have demonstrated their commitment to finding new ways to improve their operations as well as ensure the best experience for their patients. It is very gratifying to know that our solution helps fulfill their vision and goals, and has done so with exceptional and sustainable outcomes.”

Partner Awards for 2010 were presented to the following organizations:

Alliance Partner of the Year Award – Crothall Services Group (www.crothall.com)
Integration Partner of the Year Award
– Awarepoint (www.awarepoint.com)
OEM Partner of the Year Award
– Touchtown (www.touchtown.us)
Reseller Partner of the Year Award – West-Com Nurse Call Systems (www.westcall.com) and Comm-Tronics (www.comm-tronics.net)

“The recipients of these annual partner awards have all demonstrated the actions in alignment with the mission of Intelligent InSites and therefore have profoundly improved the safety, satisfaction, and quality of life of our mutual clients and the people they serve,” said Jim Traynor, Director of Partnerships at Intelligent InSites.

The Intelligent InSites Partner Summit is focused on how software and technology providers, resellers, and consultants can strengthen their competitiveness and seize new business opportunities as the healthcare industry embraces the power of real-time locating systems (RTLS), condition sensing technologies, medical device connectivity, mobile communications, and enterprise-wide connectivity to provide the foundation of the “real-time enterprise.” By leveraging the platform approach, the Intelligent InSites’ partners can deliver meaningful and measurable positive outcomes resulting in lowered costs and increased revenues for healthcare providers.

The Third Annual Intelligent InSites Partner Summit will be held in October 2011 in Fargo, ND.

About Intelligent InSites

Intelligent InSites provides real-time enterprise visibility and automation solutions that transform the healthcare industry by dramatically driving down costs while improving the level of care and patient safety. By providing a single software platform capable of streamlining dozens of systems and processes using real-time location and sensory data continuously collected throughout the enterprise, Intelligent InSites helps healthcare organizations gain visibility into their operations and make profound improvements in the area of patient safety, workflow optimization, asset and inventory management, and regulatory compliance. For more information, visit www.IntelligentInSites.com.

Contact Information
Joanna Wyganowska
Intelligent InSites, Inc.
701-893-2000
Email Contact

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Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

SpeechSwitch, Inc. (USOTC: SSWC) SEC Filings Begin

Posted on September 27, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: SpeechSwitch, Inc.

FLEMINGTON, NJ–(Marketwire – September 27, 2010) –  Ken Glynn, President of SpeechSwitch, Inc. (PINKSHEETS: SSWC), reported today that the first of required SEC documents to bring the company current was submitted today for EDGAR review. The third quarter, 2008 Form 10-Q has been completed and submitted to Marketwire for conversion and filing with the U.S. Securities Exchange Commission. This filing will be completed by noon tomorrow. Additional filings will be made over the next two weeks. The annual report for 2008 (end of year10-K) will be submitted by the end of this week; First quarter, 2009 Form 10Q will be filed early next week. The company has made a stepped up effort to bring the company current as a pink sheet company as quickly as possible.

Information set forth in this press release contains various “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The Private Securities Litigation reform Act of 1995 (the “Act”) provides certain “safe harbor” provisions for forward-looking statements. The reader is cautioned that such forward-looking statements are based on information available at the time and/or management’s good faith belief with respect to future events, and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual performance or results to differ materially from those expressed statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date the statement was made. We assume no obligation to update forward-looking information to reflect actual results, changes in assumptions or changes in other factors affecting forward-looking information. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by the use of terms such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “will,” and similar words, although some forward-looking statements are expressed differently. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, we can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. 

Contact:
Ken Glynn
908 788 0077

Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

Riverside to Host the Annual Women’s Health Expo

Posted on September 27, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: Riverside Medical Center

KANKAKEE, IL–(Marketwire – September 27, 2010) –  Riverside Medical Center’s 5th annual Achieve Women’s Health Expo will take place on September 25th with the theme “Achieve health, wellness, fitness, your dreams. Achieve is a community-oriented women’s health expo through which one of the top hospitals in IL offers a variety of wellness information for women. Riverside’s women’s diagnostic center will provide free health screenings, a cooking demonstration, educational booths and healthy living presentations. 

If you live in Illinois and have the opportunity to utilize the many services of the hospitals in the Chicago area, you should definitely attend this expo. There will be several free screenings to take advantage of: EKG, glucose, pulse oximetry, blood pressure, carbon monoxide, hearing, osteoporosis, vision/glaucoma, functional balance, cholesterol and pre-diabetes. If you feel you may be at risk for any of these serious health factors, stop in and get a screening while it is on the house. Riverside Medical Center will also be offering free health risk assessments for stroke, sleep apnea, respiratory and smoking. 

In addition to these all important health screenings, a Zumba fitness exercise session will also be offered. This session will be lead by a certified Zumba instructor from the Riverside Health Fitness Center. During this high energy class you can dance your way to a healthy heart in a free-spirited, one-of-a-kind program. With easy to follow moves, you will find yourself quickly catching the beat of the Latin rhythms. A cooking demonstration will show you how to achieve heart health with delectable vegetarian entrees. An Osteoporosis lecture will focus on the novel treatment options for osteoporosis which are available at Riverside. There will also be a forum for you to learn how to balance work and life. You can learn how to create a better work-life balance with simple ideas and tips on managing and tracking time, learning to say no, nurturing yourself and more.

While this is primarily a women’s expo, men are also encouraged to attend. With mini manicures, educational booths, demonstrations, presentations, giveaways, prizes and more, you can’t afford not to attend. The Achieve Women’s Health Expo will take place on Saturday, September 25, 2010 at the Quality Inn & Suites in Bradley, IL from 8:30am to 12:30pm.

For more information about other quality services offered by Riverside Medical Center, visit www.RiversideMC.net or call (815) 933-1671.

Media Contact:
Carl Maronich
815-935-7256
Email Contact

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Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

Just Associates Launches Duplicate Patient Record Workflow Software

Posted on September 27, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: Just Associates

IDMaster® Streamlines and Accelerates the Duplicate Patient Record Review and Reconciliation Process, Reducing Costs and Freeing Valuable Resources

CENTENNIAL, CO–(Marketwire – September 27, 2010) –  Just Associates, Inc., a consulting firm specializing in patient data integrity solutions for the health information management (HIM), health informatics and health information technology (HIT) markets, today unveiled IDMaster®, an innovative software solution designed to optimize workflow when reviewing and validating potential duplicate patient records.

The announcement was made at the 82nd AHIMA Convention and Exhibit, taking place Sept. 25-30, 2010 in Orlando, Fla., where Just Associates is featuring IDMaster in Booth #1737.

IDMaster provides hospitals, health systems and other provider organizations, as well as regional health information organizations (RHIOs) and health information exchanges (HIEs), with an efficient and affordable means of reviewing and resolving duplicate patient records and preventing the occurrence of new data integrity issues. It reduces the time and resources required to reconcile potential duplicate pairs and overlap and overlay records. It also documents the validity of decisions made regarding duplicates, tracks productivity and generates comprehensive, user-friendly reports that provide a complete view of efforts and key insights into problem origination points.

“As more provider organizations migrate to electronic health record systems to take advantage of incentive funds available under the HITECH Act, many are realizing just how serious a problem duplicate patient records have become. Not only are they a significant cost drain, but the data integrity issues duplicate records cause have far-reaching implications, impacting patient safety, care and quality, and creating roadblocks to achieving meaningful use of HIT,” said Beth Just, MBA, RHIA, FAHIMA, CEO and President of Just Associates. “IDMaster delivers the features and functionality that drive more efficient duplicate reconciliation, resulting in more accurate patient records, cleaner data and a clear path toward meaningful use.”

IDMaster facilitates the review of up to eight possible duplicates in a single view and heightens user control over the merge process while lessening the time burden. It supports human review and quality assurance before records are merged and produces an export file of confirmed duplicates, non-duplicates and those records requiring additional research. The solution also supports merging records in downstream systems, reducing manual steps and associated costs.

Exempla Healthcare implemented IDMaster following an extensive MPI clean-up and transition to a new system-wide clinical information system. The Denver-based three-hospital system now relies on the software to maintain clean, high-quality patient records. 

“We recognized quickly that, without the proper tools to identify problem areas, the issue would continue to compound,” said Grant Landsbach, Exempla’s data integrity EMPI manager. “IDMaster was precisely the tool we needed. The software was easy to install, did not take up much server space and produced positive results almost immediately.”

Built with flexibility in mind, IDMaster is customizable to match the organization’s unique review processes, supporting the steps involved in identifying and validating possible duplicates and multiples. It enables the insertion of check points for quality assurance, tracks and documents each step in the workflow and features productivity tracking by individual and an audit log that records errors and corrections to drive improved performance.

IDMaster’s automated workflow technology lets provider organizations:

  • Reduce the time, effort and resources associated with duplicate review and reconciliation
  • Create a repeatable process tailored to individual team strengths
  • Evaluate validity decisions and monitor performance at the employee or team level
  • Access detailed reports based upon date, validity decision, work done by specific employees and record status

IDMaster requires little or no IT support. Its web-based deployment allows for quick implementation and features import functionality that supports most hospital information systems and/or third-party data analysis capability.

Since deploying IDMaster, Exempla has experienced a significant reduction in the resources required to manage the duplicate reconciliation process.

“You can’t play patient roulette and patient safety cannot be over-emphasized,” said Landsbach. “IDMaster has helped us improve the quality of information within our system and streamline our workflows, allowing our team to more efficiently identify and eliminate duplicates and freeing valuable resources to focus more closely on other more complex and core issues. Going forward, IDMaster will help our team continue to make strides in duplicate record management. I would definitely recommend it for most healthcare environments these days.” 

About Just Associates, Inc.
A recognized leader in health information data integrity and management, Just Associates (www.justassociates.com) is a healthcare data integration consulting firm that delivers superior value to its clients through improved data integrity. Just Associates has the process expertise and systems knowledge to deliver tailored, value-added solutions that improve financial outcomes and business processes, support delivery of quality patient care, and meet the expectations of diverse stakeholders.

Media Contact:
Liz Roop
NPC Creative Services
(813) 960-5092 ext. 302
Email Contact

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Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

Ziegler Announces New Head of Healthcare Finance Practice

Posted on September 27, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: Ziegler

John Hanley Promoted

CHICAGO, IL–(Marketwire – September 27, 2010) –   Ziegler (PINKSHEETS: ZGCO), a specialty investment banking firm serving hospital and healthcare systems clients since 1928, announced the promotion of John Hanley to the head of its healthcare investment banking practice. Hanley, most recently a managing director in Ziegler’s healthcare practice, will lead the healthcare team in its continued delivery of capital advisory and investment banking services to non-profit hospitals and healthcare systems throughout the country.

Tom Paprocki, CEO of Ziegler, comments about Hanley’s promotion, “John has been an integral part of our healthcare team at Ziegler for many years. He’s an excellent relationship banker and has consistently demonstrated the leadership and vision necessary to head-up our healthcare practice.”

Hanley offered, “Ziegler’s continuous commitment to the healthcare industry over the past 75+ years has resulted in many long-established relationships and new business opportunities. In addition, the expansion of our sales and trading business over the past two years has provided significantly enhanced bond distribution for our clients. I am very excited to have the opportunity to lead our team going forward.”

For more information about Ziegler, please visit us at www.Ziegler.com.

About Ziegler:
The Ziegler Companies, Inc. (PINKSHEETS: ZGCO) together with its affiliates (Ziegler) is a specialty investment bank with unique expertise in complex credit structures and advisory services. Nationally, Ziegler is ranked as one of the leading investment banking firms in its specialty sectors of healthcare, senior living, religion and education finance, as well as corporate finance and FHA/HUD. Headquartered in Chicago, IL with regional and branch offices throughout the U.S., Ziegler creates tailored financial solutions including bond financing, advisory, private placement, seed capital, M&A, risk and asset management. Ziegler serves institutional and individual investors through its wealth management and capital markets distribution channels.

Certain comments in this news release represent forward-looking statements made pursuant to the provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, in particular, the overall financial health of the securities industry, the strength of the healthcare sector of the U.S. economy and the municipal securities marketplace, the ability of the Company to underwrite and distribute securities, the market value of mutual fund portfolios and separate account portfolios advised by the Company, the volume of sales by its retail brokers, the outcome of pending litigation, and the ability to attract and retain qualified employees.

Leslie Lynch
312-596-1630
Email Contact

Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

WellTek Subsidiary Draws Celebrity Attention

Posted on September 27, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: WellTek Incorporated

WellCity Establishes WellCity Osmond Hearing Center

ORLANDO, FL–(Marketwire – September 27, 2010) –  WellTek, Inc. (OTCBB: WTKN), a global health, fitness and wellness company, announced today that its subsidiary WellCity, the premier online destination for those into health and wellness, garnered early attention from celebrity Justin Osmond as the perfect platform to share his grandmother’s mission with the world. The Olive Osmond Perpetual Hearing Fund is the first of many charity organizations to be introduced in WellCity.

Within the next three months, WellCity will launch its online audiology ward — the WellCity Osmond Hearing Center — in its virtual Medical Center, where consumers will be able to purchase and experience industry-leading products and services for hearing loss. The Company has agreed to donate a portion of the proceeds from the WellCity Osmond Hearing Center to the Olive Osmond Perpetual Hearing Fund. In addition to this ward, the WellCity Charity web page will have a ‘Donate Now’ feature where residents of WellCity can donate directly to the Olive Osmond Perpetual Hearing Fund. The Olive Osmond Perpetual Hearing Fund’s mission is to raise deaf awareness through research and education and bring the gift of hearing to underprivileged children all across the world. “It was my grandmother’s dream that the Osmond Foundation would dedicate all of its time and resources to help the deaf,” said Justin Osmond, Founder of the Olive Osmond Perpetual Hearing Fund. Continuing, he said, “I am dedicated to fulfilling her dream and especially thrilled to partner with WellCity as we carry out this mission together.”

David George, Founder and CEO of WellCity, stated, “WellCity will be a platform to reach countless people in many significant ways. The WellCity Osmond Hearing Center is one of them. Justin is a real genuine guy whose own legacy will impact many generations to come. We are blessed to have this opportunity to work with Justin and support the Olive Osmond Perpetual Hearing Fund. WellCity can’t change the world tomorrow, but we are making a difference today.”

About the Olive Osmond Perpetual Hearing Fund
The mother of the famous singing Osmonds, known affectionately world-wide as “Mother Osmond,” made a life-long commitment to supporting new research and innovation toward improving the quality of life for the hearing impaired. The journey began with the discovery that her two oldest sons Virl and Tom were severely hearing impaired. Merrill Osmond’s 2nd son, Justin, was born with the same severe and profound hearing sensorial-neural hearing loss from which his uncles suffered. The support and love of the original four singing Osmond Brothers was manifest when they began their career in order to raise money for the best hearing devices available for their brothers. Justin was very close to his grandmother Olive and loved hearing her stories about helping deaf children. Sensing her determination to aid the hearing impaired, Justin dedicated himself to continue her passion in building her dream to greater heights, thus the establishment of the ‘Olive Osmond Perpetual Hearing Fund.’ Justin continues to carry on Olive’s legacy in helping provide the Gift of Better Hearing to children worldwide.

About WellCity Incorporated
WellCity is a social utility where health- and wellness-minded ‘residents’ can closely commune with one another; receive support, information and encouragement from their ‘neighbors’ and from a league of leading professional experts; shop for health- and wellness-oriented products and services; compete in WellCity’s proprietary 90-Day Wellness Challenge; and even enjoy income opportunities by leveraging their personal network. For more information on the Company, please visit www.WellCity.com.

About WellTek Incorporated
WellTek is a global health, fitness and wellness company that provides proven solutions to help address some of the world’s most pressing and costly health and wellness challenges. The Company owns and operates WellCity, Inc., a premier wellness-related social utility that helps ‘residents’ live happier, healthier, longer lives. The Company’s subsidiary, MedX Limited, manufactures, markets and distributes the most advanced medical exercise equipment to the medical and fitness markets. Through its wholly owned subsidiary Pure HealthyBack, Inc., WellTek is redefining healthcare delivery by providing health plans, self-insured employer groups, and consumers with a viable non-surgical, lower cost treatment for patients who are seeking lasting relief from chronic neck and back pain. For more information on the Company, please visit www.WellTekinc.com or contact [email protected].

Certain statements contained in this press release, which are not based on historical facts, are forward-looking statements as the term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and are subject to substantial uncertainties and risks in part detailed in the respective Company’s Securities and Exchange Commission filings, that may cause actual results to materially differ from projections. Although the Company believes that its expectations are reasonable assumptions within the bounds of its knowledge of its businesses, expectations, representations and operations, there can be no assurance that actual results will not differ materially from their expectations. Important factors currently known to management that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include the Company’s ability to execute properly its business model, to raise additional capital to implement its continuing business model, the ability to attract and retain personnel — including highly qualified executives, management and operational personnel, ability to negotiate favorable future debt facilities and capital raises, and the inherent risk associated with a diversified business to achieve and maintain positive cash flow and net profitability. In light of these risks and uncertainties, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking information contained in this press release will, in fact, occur.

Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

Enclarity Presents Webinar for Provider Data Quality Index Score Improvement Using ProviderPoint Solution

Posted on September 27, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: Enclarity Inc.

Blue Cross Blue Shield Plans Could Improve PDQI Scores by 20 Percent or More

ALISO VIEJO, CA–(Marketwire – September 27, 2010) – Enclarity, Inc., a leading healthcare information solutions company, will present a webinar on Thursday, September 30, 2010 revealing a simple way Blue Cross Blue Shield plans could improve Provider Data Quality Index (PDQI) scores by 20 percent or more. Using Enclarity’s proven ProviderPoint® solution, Blue payers can make measurable gains to improve the depth, quality and accuracy of provider data residing in their systems.

“During the past few years, we have partnered with several of the top Blue payers to great success,” said Stephanie Rose-Belcher, vice president, payer solutions, Enclarity. “We feel that we can help more Blue payers to improve their PDQI scores using our expertise in cleansing large, multi-record provider databases.”

What: Enclarity PDQI Webinar

When: Thursday, September 30, 2010

Time:  10 a.m. PDT/1 p.m. EDT

Who:  Blue plan administrators are invited to learn more about the Enclarity process and hear a case study about implementation.

Register: Register online by visiting http://www2.enclarity.com/l/414/2010-09-22/IHYVL.

About Enclarity
Enclarity® solves healthcare’s provider information problem. The company delivers correct, current and comprehensive provider information solutions by blending thousands of data sources, advanced analytics and healthcare expertise. As a result, its clients improve results in many areas, including claims processing, provider directories, regulatory compliance and market analysis. Named one of the Top 100 private technology companies in North America by Red Herring magazine and awarded the Global Healthcare Information Technology Excellence Award by Frost & Sullivan, Enclarity is headquartered in Aliso Viejo, Calif. For more information, visit www.enclarity.com.

Contacts
Company:
Brian Teeter
Enclarity, Inc.
949-614-8115
Email Contact

Media:
Theresa Dreike
Remarx Media Inc.
714-706-0433 ext. 102
Email Contact

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Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

Micro Identification Technologies (MIT) Announces Business Update Webinar

Posted on September 27, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: Micro Imaging Technology, Inc.

SAN CLEMENTE, CA–(Marketwire – September 27, 2010) – Micro Identification Technologies, Inc. (OTCBB: MMTC), a California-based public company and creator of an advanced rapid microbial identification system, announced today that it will host a 30 minute Webinar on Wednesday, September 29, 2010 at 1:00 pm (PDT). The objective of the Webinar is to provide a general Business Update to current and prospective customers and investors. John Ricardi, MIT’s Executive Vice President, will give the presentation that will be followed by an open question and answer session with MIT’s staff including its Chairman and CEO, Michael Brennan.

Attendees may register for this Event at https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/427693966. The session will be recorded and placed on MIT’s website for those people who are unable to attend. If you are having trouble registering or would like more information, please contact the Company at [email protected].

About Micro Identification Technologies:

MIT has developed, patented and produces a rapid microbial identification (ID) System that revolutionizes the bacteria ID process and can annually save thousands of lives and tens of millions of healthcare dollars. The MIT 1000 System identifies bacteria in minutes, not days, and at significant cost per test savings when compared to any conventional method — it is not reliant on chemical or biological agents, conventional processing, fluorescent tags, gas chromatography or DNA analysis — requiring only clean water and a sample of the unknown bacteria. Revenues for all rapid testing methods exceed $5 billion annually — with food safety accounting for over $3 billion — having expanded at a rate of 9.2 percent annually since 1998. Current growth projections are at 10.2 percent annually reaching $6.2 billion by 2013 and driven by major health, safety and homeland security issues.

The MIT 1000 System can identify bacteria in less than five minutes after culturing at a cost of less than 10 cents per test and is a certified AOAC Research Institute (RI) test method of Listeria, one of three bacteria (the others are Salmonella and E.coli) that are responsible for most of the worldwide food contamination events. The Company is in the process of preparing the MIT 1000 System to become AOAC RI certified later this year for the presence of all “three” bacteria with a single mouse click. The AOAC RI Report and Certification are available from the Company. www.aoac.org 

Further, MIT has demonstrated the ability to detect and identify, within several minutes, the microbes Escherichia coli, Listeria, Salmonella, Staphylococcus aureus, MRSA and other pathogenic bacteria. MIT recently performed over 300 tests for the identification of these contaminants and scored 95 percent in accuracy. The System’s database currently enables the identification of over twenty species of bacteria and is easily expandable. This identification process has also been verified by North American Science Associates, Inc. (NAMSA), an independent, internationally recognized bioscience testing laboratory. The NAMSA Test Report is available from the Company and, in MIT’s opinion, documents the accuracy, speed and cost effectiveness of the MIT System over conventional processes. www.namsa.com

Please visit our website: www.micro-identification.com

This release contains statements that are forward-looking in nature. Statements that are predictive in nature, that depend upon or refer to future events or conditions or that include words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” and similar expressions are forward-looking statements. These statements are made based upon information available to the Company as of the date of this release, and we assume no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results could differ materially from our current expectations. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to dependence on suppliers; short product life cycles and reductions in unit selling prices; delays in development or shipment of new products; lack of market acceptance of our new products or services; inability to continue to develop competitive new products and services on a timely basis; introduction of new products or services by major competitors; our ability to attract and retain qualified employees; inability to expand our operations to support increased growth; and declining economic conditions, including a recession. These and other factors and risks associated with our business are discussed from time to time within our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, referencing: “MMTC”

CONTACT:
Michael Brennan
Chairman
Email: Email Contact
Telephone: (805) 557-0614

Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

CytoSorbents Corporation Achieves ISO 13485 Certification

Posted on September 27, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: CytoSorbents Corporation

MONMOUTH JUNCTION, NJ–(Marketwire – September 27, 2010) –  CytoSorbents Corporation (OTCBB: CTSO), a critical care focused company using blood purification to treat life-threatening illnesses, announced the achievement of ISO 13485:2003 Full Quality Systems certification, a major milestone. ISO 13485 is an internationally recognized quality standard designed to ensure that medical device manufacturers have the necessary comprehensive management systems in place to safely design, develop, manufacture and distribute medical devices in the European Union (E.U.). It is a regulatory requirement of the E.U.’s Medical Device Directive and an important step toward attaining European CE Mark approval. 

Dr. Phillip Chan, Chief Executive Officer, stated, “We are very pleased to have attained this key milestone. ISO 13485 certification confirms that our manufacturing and quality systems meet the same high standards required of other major US medical device companies selling into Europe. Of the possible options, Full Quality Systems certification is the most stringent and efficient route to CE Mark approval for CytoSorb™ and other future CytoSorbents products. When coupled with CE Mark approval, ISO 13485 certification will allow CytoSorbents to commercialize its products in the E.U. market and other countries that recognize the ISO 13485 and CE Mark standards.”

About CytoSorbents and CytoSorb™

CytoSorbents Corporation, and its operating subsidiary CytoSorbents, Inc., is a critical care focused therapeutic device company in clinical trials to treat severe sepsis, often called “overwhelming infection,” with a novel blood purification device called CytoSorb™. Severe sepsis afflicts more than 1 million people in the United States and an estimated 18 million people worldwide each year, killing one in every three patients despite the best treatment. In the United States, more die from severe sepsis than from either heart attacks, strokes or any single form of cancer. Severe sepsis is typically triggered by bacterial infections like pneumonia, or viral infections like influenza. However, it is the body’s abnormal immune response to the trigger that leads to severe inflammation and the unregulated, massive production of cytokines, often called “cytokine storm,” that then causes multi-organ failure and often death. CytoSorb™ is a cartridge containing highly porous polymer beads that are designed to filter cytokines and treat potentially fatal cytokine storm. As blood is pumped repeatedly through the CytoSorb™ cartridge using standard dialysis equipment, the beads bind and remove cytokines and other toxins from blood. The treated blood is then returned to the patient. The Company is currently conducting its European Sepsis Trial — a multi-center, randomized, controlled clinical trial using CytoSorb™ to treat up to 100 patients with severe sepsis in the setting of respiratory failure. Pending a successful trial, the Company will seek CE Mark approval and commercialization of CytoSorb™ in the European Union. Importantly, cytokine reduction via CytoSorb™ has broad applicability to a number of other critical care diseases where cytokine storm plays a detrimental role, including burn and smoke inhalation injury, trauma, acute respiratory distress syndrome, advanced influenza, acute pancreatitis and other. CytoSorb™ is one of a number of different resins designed for various medical applications, including improved dialysis, the potential treatment of inflammatory and autoimmune disorders, rhabdomyolysis in trauma, removal of chemotherapy during treatment of cancer with high dose regional chemotherapy, drug detoxification and others. Additional information is available for download on the Company’s website: www.cytosorbents.com

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release includes forward-looking statements intended to qualify for the safe harbor from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements in this press release are not promises or guarantees and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. These statements are based on management’s current expectations and assumptions and are naturally subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances. We caution you not to place undue reliance upon any such forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by the statements herein. CytoSorbents Corporation and CytoSorbents, Inc believe that its primary risk factors include, but are not limited to: obtaining government approvals including required FDA and CE Mark approvals; ability to successfully develop commercial operations; dependence on key personnel; acceptance of the Company’s medical devices in the marketplace; the outcome of pending and potential litigation; compliance with governmental regulations; reliance on research and testing facilities of various universities and institutions; the ability to obtain adequate financing in the future when needed; product liability risks; limited manufacturing experience; limited marketing, sales and distribution experience; market acceptance of the Company’s products; competition; unexpected changes in technologies and technological advances; and other factors detailed in the Company’s Form 10-K filed with the SEC on April 9, 2010, which is available at http://www.sec.gov.

Contact:
CytoSorbents Corporation
David Lamadrid
(732) 329-8885 ext. 816
[email protected]

Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

Kansas Governor and New CMS Deputy Administrator Keynote Medline’s Long-Term Care Summit

Posted on September 24, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: Medline Industries, Inc.

More Than 150 Long-Term Care Leaders Attending Meeting to Explore Changing Expectations for Quality Resident Care

MUNDELEIN, IL–(Marketwire – September 24, 2010) –  Kansas Governor Mark Parkinson and new CMS Deputy Administrator for the Center for Strategic Planning Tony Rodgers will be the keynote speakers at Medline Industries, Inc.’s second annual Long-Term Care Quality Summit, September 27-29 in New York City. More than 150 leaders from the nation’s long-term care community are attending the two-day forum which is focused on how nursing homes can meet the changing expectations for quality among their residents and families. 

Through panel discussions, the Summit will also address the changing regulatory expectations for the long-term care industry and how nursing homes can implement a system to continuously improve quality of care and life for their residents.

Governor Parkinson was recently named the next president of the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL), the nation’s largest long-term care association. Rogers is also starting in a new position with CMS, where he is responsible for enterprise-wide strategic planning, Medicare and Medicaid research and demonstrations, policy research and development and CMS enterprise decision support.

Other speakers include: Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.; Andy Kramer, MD, chief executive officer of Nursing Home Quality and professor of medicine, University of Colorado; Neil Pruitt, Jr., chairman and CEO, UHS Pruitt Corporation; Jim Foy, president and CEO, St. John’s Riverside Healthcare System, Yonkers, NY; Barbara Baylis, senior vice president of clinical operations, Kindred Healthcare, Inc.; Mary Ousley, president of Ousley & Associates; Elizabeth Ayello, president of Ayello, Harris and Associates; and Kevin Yankowsky, partner in the health law litigation group of Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P. 

About Medline
Medline, the nation’s largest privately held manufacturer and distributor of healthcare products, manufactures and distributes more than 100,000 products to hospitals, extended care facilities, surgery centers, home care dealers and agencies. Headquartered in Mundelein, IL, Medline has more than 900 dedicated sales representatives nationwide to support its broad product line and cost management services.

Medline has a growing network of 32 distribution centers around the country, as well as an expanding, dedicated transportation fleet with over 200 vehicles in a variety of sizes to fit customers’ specific delivery needs. The fleet is equipped with the latest navigation devices for enhanced order tracking and communication.

Media Contacts:
Jerreau Beaudoin
(847) 643-3011

John Marks
(847) 643-3309

Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

New Study: Dysport(TM) Data Shows Superiority Versus Botox(R) Cosmetic at the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 2010…

Posted on September 24, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

Clinical Results Show Efficacy Benefit With DysportTM for Treatment of Crow’s Feet

ALEXANDRIA, VA–(Marketwire – September 24, 2010) – The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) today announced positive clinical results demonstrating a significant efficacy advantage with Dysport™ (abobotulinumtoxinA) over Botox® Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA) for the treatment of Crow’s feet. The data were presented Friday, September 24 at a scientific session at the AAFPRS 2010 Annual Fall Meeting, taking place September 23-26 in Boston.

Downloadable photos, fact sheets and other supporting materials available here: http://www.multimedianewscenter.com/aafprs/dysport-data-shows-superiority-versus-botox-cosmetic

The 90-subject study, titled “Internally Controlled Double-Blind Comparison of Onabotulinum and Abobotulinum Toxin Type A (Nettar, Kartik D., M.D., et. al),” met its primary endpoint (p=0.01) of greater efficacy of action with Dysport™ as defined by investigator assessment of maximum contraction at Day 30 post injection compared to Day 0. Additionally, a secondary endpoint — subject assessment at maximum contraction at Day 30 compared to Day 0 — also demonstrated statistical significance with Dysport™ (p=0.027).

“Botox has long been considered the gold standard of injectables, so this data showing Dysport’s stronger efficacy is compelling,” said Corey S. Maas, M.D., F.A.C.S., AAFPRS Group Vice President for Public and Regulatory Affairs. “Since injectables are the non-surgical cosmetic procedure rising fastest in popularity, it is important to continue honing new applications for existing treatments. Dysport’s potential here is exciting as Crow’s feet are a common concern for many men and women.”

The study concluded that Dysport™ offers a quantifiable and demonstrable advantage in wrinkle effacement (shortening) and hyperfunctional frown lines compared to Botox® Cosmetic in the treatment of Crow’s feet. Study investigators recommend further studies in additional facial regions to confirm the data.

Both Botox® Cosmetic and Dysport™ are FDA approved for treatment of moderate-to-severe glabellar lines (vertical lines between the eyebrows); neither product is presently indicated for treatment of Crow’s feet. The study was funded by an educational grant from Medicis Aesthetics.

Additional Study Information: The randomized, double-blind, internally-controlled (split face) study was conducted at the Maas Clinic in California. Ninety subjects (75 females, 15 males) with moderate-to-severe lateral orbital rhytids (Crow’s feet) were enrolled in the study. Participants received equivalent doses of both treatments: 10 units of Botox® Cosmetic on one side of the face and 30 units of Dysport™ on the other side. Investigator and subject gradings of Crow’s feet at relaxation and maximal contraction were obtained using the published validated dynamic and static Merz Crow’s feet grading scale before injection (Day 0) and then two, four, six, and 30 days post injection. All patients were photographed in standard five-view series at rest and at maximal contraction in a dedicated photo lane recorded by Mirror software. Additional secondary endpoints not met in the study include investigator assessment at rest at Day 30 (p=0.41) and subject assessment at rest at Day 30 (p=0.28).

About The AAFPRS: The AAFPRS is the world’s largest association of facial plastic and reconstructive surgeons with more than 2,700 members — whose cosmetic reconstructive surgery focuses on the face, head and neck. Academy fellows and members are board-certified and subscribe to a code of ethics. In addition, the AAFPRS provides consumers with free information and brochures and a list of qualified facial plastic surgeons in their area by visiting the AAFPRS website, www.facemd.org.

Contact:
Deborah Sittig
Green Room Public Relations
973-263-8585 ext. 22
Email Contact

Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

American Diabetes Association Announces Second Annual John Pipe Voices For Change Award Winners

Posted on September 24, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: American Diabetes Association

Recipients Celebrated for Their Achievements in Diabetes Treatment and Prevention

SIOUX FALLS, SD–(Marketwire – September 24, 2010) –  The American Diabetes Association, the nation’s leading voluntary health organization in the fight against diabetes, announces several leading Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI) grantees presented with the John Pipe Voices For Change Award in recognition of their effective diabetes treatment and prevention services in American Indian and Alaskan Native communities. The awards were presented at the National Indian Health Board’s 27th Annual Consumer Conference on Wednesday, September 22nd in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. 

“At nearly 17%, Alaska Natives have the highest age-adjusted prevalence of diabetes among all U.S. racial and ethnic groups,” said Gale Marshall, Chair of the American Diabetes Association’s Awakening the Spirit Native American initiative. “The John Pipe Voices For Change awards give us the opportunity to honor selected programs for their outstanding achievements in the delivery of diabetes prevention and treatment services in tribal communities. By showcasing these programs we are also acknowledging over 450 SDPI programs and their valuable efforts to stop diabetes.”

The name of these awards was changed to honor long-time diabetes supporter John Pipe of Wolf Point, Montana, who passed away earlier this year. Pipe was a dedicated diabetes advocate and served as a member of the Awakening the Spirit Subcommittee. His longstanding advocacy efforts reached from his local community to Washington, DC and impacted countless tribal communities. 

The 2010 John Pipe Voices For Change Award recognizes SDPI programs that have excelled in the following categories: Advocacy, Outcomes, and Innovation.

Advocacy Award:
Hualapai Healthy Heart Program
Peach Springs, Arizona
The Hualapai Healthy Heart Program is an SDPI funded demonstration project designed to reduce cardiovascular disease, the most compelling complication of diabetes among their participants. They have engaged their greater community in a variety of successful advocacy efforts having a local, regional and national impact.

Outcomes Award:
Bristol Bay Area Health Corporation (BBAHC)
Dillingham, Arkansas
BBAHC Diabetes Prevention/Lifestyle Change Program provides a comprehensive array of programs in effort to prevent diabetes or diabetes related complications spanning 34 villages within the Bristol Bay region. Programs work on improving individuals’ rates of diabetes, nutrition and exercise education, as well as lowering blood pressure.

Innovation Award:
Tuba City Diabetes Treatment and Prevention
Tuba City, Arizona
The Department of Diabetes Treatment and Prevention Services at the Tuba City Regional Health Care Corporation (TCRHCC) has employed innovative approaches that have resulted in community wide collaborations to effectively provide diabetes prevention and treatment services.

Honorable Mentions:

Advocacy Honorable Mention:

  • Native American Rehabilitation Association of the Northwest (NARA) Diabetes Treatment & Prevention Program (Portland, Oregon)
  • Cow Creek Health & Wellness Center (Roseburg, Oregon)

Outcomes Honorable Mentions:

  • SDPI Diabetes Prevention Program Warm Springs Health and Wellness Center Indian Health Services (Warm Springs, Oregon)
  • American Indian Health and Family Services (AIHFS) Diabetes Program (Detroit, Michigan) 

Innovation Honorable Mention:

  • Chickasaw Nation Division of Health (Ada, Oklahoma)

The SDPI continues to give Indian health programs and tribal communities the resources and tools they need to both prevent and treat diabetes. It funds more than 450 community directed programs, offering local tribes and health programs the opportunity to set priorities that meet the needs of the community, whether it be prevention activities or treatment. For over a decade Congress has provided funding for the SDPI and the American Diabetes Association has played an integral part in promoting this important program. The Association will continue to work for strong support of SDPI.

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

Contact:
Colleen Fogarty
[email protected]

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Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

MMRGlobal Prevails in Biotech Assets Case With Lymphoma Research Foundation

Posted on September 24, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: MMRGlobal, Inc.

LOS ANGELES, CA–(Marketwire – September 24, 2010) –  MMRGlobal, Inc. (OTCBB: MMRF) (MMR) announced today that it has successfully opposed a Summary Judgment Motion brought by the Lymphoma Research Foundation (LRF) as part of its efforts to protect a portion of the Company’s intellectual property, which it previously disclosed on May 3, 2010.

The Company acquired the biotech assets from its reverse merger with Favrille, Inc., a San Diego biotech company, in January 2009. Over the past year, MMR identified a collection of these biotech assets, which include biotech samples that were in the possession of the Lymphoma Research Foundation. They do not include other pre-merger biotech assets, including the Company’s anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies, results of clinical trials data, patents and other intellectual property.

According to declarations filed on behalf of MMR, the Company understands that the biotech samples could have a value as high as $1.376 million. However, based on other information currently maintained by the Company, the samples could have a far greater value, depending on the extent and depth of the clinical data collected at trial initiation, the extent and depth of the clinical data collected during patient follow-up, whether follow-up tissue samples are available, and whether accompanying whole blood or serum is available from patients from trial enrollment or during trial progression.

Robert H. Lorsch, Chairman and CEO of MMRGlobal, said, “We are pleased by this early ruling. When combined with clinical data from the Company’s vaccine research into the causes and potential treatment of B-Cell Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, including data from patient follow-ups which the Company has, the value could be significant.”

The Company understands its intellectual properties may also be of value in a possible reinterpretation of the pre-merger Favrille vaccine trials and that the IP may also unlock ways to create other “custom-made” cancer vaccines and be valuable in discovering additional opportunities in cancer research. The Company hopes to enter into licensing agreements with biopharmaceutical companies, academic institutions, research organizations and others regarding the use of its assets.

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

Forward-Looking Statements
Statements in this press release that are not strictly historical in nature constitute “forward-looking statements.” Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding MMRGlobal, Inc.’s assets including but not limited to its primary Health IT businesses, samples and data from vaccine and clinical trials, and anti-CD20 antibody assets. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to be materially different from historical results or from any results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties related to the development and approval of biotechnology/biopharmaceutical product candidates and Health IT products and additional risks discussed in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to the Company (or any person acting on the Company’s behalf) are qualified by the cautionary statements in this notice. MMRGlobal, Inc. is providing this information as of the date of this release and, except as required by law, does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this release as a result of new information.

CONTACT:

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

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Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

New Randomized Controlled Trial Supports Efficacy and Safety of Spiracur SNaP Wound Care System

Posted on September 24, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: Spiracur, Inc.

Interim Analysis Shows Non-Inferiority of SNaP Wound Care System Compared to Kinetic Concepts, Inc. Wound V.A.C. Therapy System

SUNNYVALE, CA–(Marketwire – September 24, 2010) – Spiracur, Inc. today announced important results from a clinical study highlighting the safety and efficacy of its SNaP Wound Care System for the treatment of chronic lower extremity wounds. The data was presented this week at the Fall 2010 Symposium on Advanced Wound Care (SAWC) in Anaheim, Calif.

The 12-center, 65-patient randomized controlled trial (RCT) compared negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) between the KCI Wound V.A.C. Therapy System and the SNaP Wound Care System for the treatment of chronic lower extremity wounds. The Poster was presented by David G. Armstrong, DPM, M.D., Ph.D., William A. Marston, M.D., Alexander M. Reyzelman, DPM and Robert S. Kirsner, M.D., Ph.D. The subjects were randomly assigned to treatment with either the SNaP System or the V.A.C. System, and the trial evaluated treatment for up to 16 weeks, or until there was complete closure of the ulcer.

Planned interim analysis of the first 65 patients from 12 centers found no significant differences in the proportion of subjects healed between the two devices evaluated or in percent wound size reduction. Non-inferiority was demonstrated between the two therapies in percent wound size reduction to the *p < 0.05 significance level. The study also found no significant differences in wound related complications such as wound infections.

According to David G. Armstrong, DPM, M.D., Ph.D., professor of surgery at the University of Arizona and principal investigator on this study, “We have been using the technology for over a year now and our patients have responded well to this new portable therapy. For those of us dedicated to healing wounds and preventing amputations, this device provides an important tool for treating these chronic conditions. This novel technology may prove to hold substantial potential for patients requiring smaller NPWT treatment options.”

“We are thrilled to have such positive clinical data presented at SAWC, as they clearly demonstrate the unique opportunity the SNaP Wound Care System offers to patients and clinicians for the treatment of chronic wounds,” said Gary Restani, president and chief executive officer, Spiracur, Inc. “The response to our proprietary system has been extremely positive by both patients and clinicians, and we are confident that this new data will help increase awareness for and broaden adoption of the SNaP Wound Care System.”

About the SNaP Wound Care System:
The SNaP Wound Care System is an ultraportable negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) device that was approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) in August 2009 in a new therapy category the FDA has defined as “non-powered” NPWT devices. The SNaP System provides the same level of negative pressure as competitive technologies; however, it requires no electric or battery power. In addition, the SNaP System, unlike powered NPWT, is silent, small and lightweight (weighing less than 3 oz.), which enables patients to wear the device under clothing and resume daily activity without exposing their wound care treatment to the world.

The FDA determined that the SNaP System is indicated for patients who would benefit from a suction device particularly as the device may promote wound healing. The SNaP System is used for the removal of small amounts of exudate from chronic, traumatic, dehisced, acute, subacute and ulcer (diabetic or pressure) wounds. Additional information can be found by visiting http://www.spiracur.com/snapproduct.html.

About Spiracur, Inc.
Spiracur, Inc. is a privately held medical device company focused on the development of innovative wound healing technologies. Spiracur was founded out of the Stanford Biodesign Innovation Program in 2007. Its first product, The SNaP Wound Care System, grew out of the notion that current negative pressure wound therapies were too cumbersome for patients and clinicians. Spiracur strives to develop products that are truly patient-centric. For more information, please visit http://www.spiracur.com.
SNaP, Spiracur and the Spiracur Design are registered trademarks of Spiracur Inc.

Media Contact:
Amy Cook
925.552.7893
Email Contact

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Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

UK Is One of the Most Obese Nations in the World

Posted on September 24, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

BIRMINGHAM, UNITED KINGDOM–(Marketwire – Sept. 24, 2010) – Shocking research has revealed that the UK is a nation of overweight people, with many classed as dangerously overweight or morbidly obese.

Figures from the Office for National Statistics show that 24.5 per cent of adults in England were classed as obese in 2008, amounting to an 8.8 per cent increase since 1994 when only 15.7 per cent of adults were classed as dangerously overweight.

As concerns for the state of people’s health in the UK grow, so too does the amount of people who are dangerously overweight sparking fears that the UK is stuck in the middle of an obesity crisis that shows no signs of slowing down.

According to the World Health Organisation, also known as WHO, the UK has featured far more frequently in the their top 10 most obese nations list in the last few years and according to Nation Master.com the UK is ranked as the third most overweight nation only to be beaten by Mexico and the United States.

With 46 per cent of men in England and 32 per cent of women in England classes as overweight and an additional 17 per cent of men and 21 per cent of women classed as obsess it is hardly surprising that the NHS has seen an increase in the number of surgical procedures performed on obese patients in the last five years.

Those who are worried about being overweight should book a consultation with an expert bariatric surgeon at The Hospital Group.

The Hospital Group is the UK’s biggest provider of weight loss surgery, including gastric bands, gastric bypasses and gastric balloons.

David Ross, Chief Executive of The Hospital Group said: “Being overweight can affect every aspect of your life. Not only does it have a huge impact on your health, putting you at risk of diabetes, heart disease, strokes and depression but it can also cause low self esteem and confidence.

“Those who are overweight often find themselves in a vicious circle, they want to lose weight and become more healthy but are locked in a battle with overeating and don’t know how to change their bad and harmful eating habits.

“Our consultants ensure that, as well as having an absolute need for a gastric procedure, the patient understands that weight loss surgery isn’t a miracle cure and they would need to work with the band to achieve the healthier lifestyle they desire.”

Since The Hospital Group was established in 1992, it has risen to become the UK’s biggest weight loss surgery providers, performing more gastric procedures last year than the NHS.

The Hospital Group is committed to providing the very highest standards and all procedures are performed by an expert medical team in state-of-the-art facilities that are second to none.

For further information of The Hospital Group’s range of weight-loss procedures, surgery-seekers should visit the website www.thehospitalgroup.org or call our patient care coordinators on 0845 762 6727.

Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

Sun Healthcare Group, Inc. Announces Proposed Refinancing

Posted on September 23, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: Sun Healthcare Group, Inc.

IRVINE, CA–(Marketwire – September 23, 2010) –  Sun Healthcare Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: SUNH) (“Sun”) announced today that it intends to refinance its existing senior secured credit facilities with borrowings under a new senior secured credit facility to be entered into by SHG Services, Inc., a subsidiary of Sun (“SHG”). The new senior secured facility is expected to include a $60 million revolving credit facility, a $150 million term loan and a $75 million funded letter of credit facility. The refinancing, which is being undertaken in connection with Sun’s previously announced restructuring, is subject to market and other conditions, and there can be no assurances that these transactions will be consummated.

About Sun Healthcare Group, Inc.

Sun’s subsidiaries provide nursing, rehabilitative and related specialty healthcare services principally to the senior population in the United States. Sun’s core business is providing, through its subsidiaries, inpatient services, primarily through 166 skilled nursing centers, 16 combined skilled nursing, assisted and independent living centers, 10 assisted living centers, two independent living centers and eight mental health centers. On a consolidated basis, Sun has annual revenues of $1.9 billion and approximately 30,000 employees in 46 states. At June 30, 2010, SunBridge centers had 23,209 licensed beds located in 25 states, of which 22,427 were available for occupancy. Sun also provides rehabilitation therapy services to affiliated and non-affiliated centers through its SunDance subsidiary, medical staffing services through its CareerStaff Unlimited subsidiary and hospice services through its SolAmor subsidiary.

In May 2010, Sun announced a plan to restructure its business by separating its real estate assets and its operating assets into two separate publicly traded companies through a series of internal restructurings (the “Restructuring”), subject to the approval of stockholders and other conditions. In connection with the Restructuring, SHG will own and continue to operate all of Sun’s operating subsidiaries, with stockholders of Sun receiving a pro rata distribution of the stock of SHG (the “Separation”). Substantially all of Sun’s currently-owned real estate assets will be owned by Sabra Health Care REIT, Inc., a subsidiary of Sun (“Sabra”) and, immediately after the Separation, Sun will merge into Sabra. Following this merger, SHG will change its name to Sun Healthcare Group, Inc. The common stock of both companies is expected to trade on the NASDAQ Global Select Market. The Restructuring (including the Separation) is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2010.

Forward-Looking Statement

Statements made in this release that are not historical facts are “forward-looking” statements (as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) that involve risks and uncertainties and are subject to change at any time. These forward-looking statements may include, but are not limited to, statements containing words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “plan,” “estimate,” “expect,” “hope,” “intend,” “may” and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements in this release include all statements regarding our expected future financial position and results of operations, business strategy, the impact of reductions in reimbursements and other changes in government reimbursement programs, the timing and impact of the Separation and transactions related thereto, growth opportunities and plans and objectives of management for future operations. Factors that could cause actual results to differ are identified in the public filings made by Sun with the Securities and Exchange Commission and include changes in Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements; the impact that any healthcare reform legislation will have on our business; our ability to maintain the occupancy rates and payor mix at our healthcare centers; potential liability for losses not covered by, or in excess of, our insurance; the effects of government regulations and investigations; the significant amount of our indebtedness, covenants in our debt agreements that may restrict our activities and our ability to make acquisitions, to incur more indebtedness and to refinance indebtedness on favorable terms; our ability to accomplish the Separation and the transactions related thereto, the impact of the current economic downturn on our business; increasing labor costs and the shortage of qualified healthcare personnel; and our ability to receive increases in reimbursement rates from government payors to cover increased costs. More information on factors that could affect our business and financial results are included in our public filings made with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Annual Report on Forms 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, copies of which are available on Sun’s web site, www.sunh.com. There may be additional risks of which we are presently unaware or that we currently deem immaterial.

The forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that are, in some cases, beyond our control. We caution investors that any forward-looking statements made by Sun are not guarantees of future performance and are only made as of the date of this release. We disclaim any obligation to update any such factors or to announce publicly the results of any revisions to any of the forward-looking statements to reflect future events or developments.

Additional Information

In connection with the Separation, SHG has filed with the SEC a Registration Statement on Form S-1 and Sabra has filed with the SEC a Registration Statement on Form S-4, each containing an identical proxy statement/prospectus. The definitive proxy statement/prospectus will be mailed to Sun stockholders. Before making any voting or investment decision, Sun stockholders and investors are urged to read the proxy statement/prospectus and other documents filed with the SEC carefully and in their entirety when they become available because they will contain important information about the proposed transactions. Stockholders will be able to obtain these documents free of charge at the SEC’s web site at www.sec.gov. In addition, investors and stockholders of Sun may obtain free copies of the documents filed with the SEC by contacting Sun’s investor relations department at (505) 468-2341 (TDD users, please call (505) 468-4458) or by sending a written request to Investor Relations, Sun Healthcare Group, Inc. 101 Sun Avenue N.E., Albuquerque, N.M. 87109.

Sun and its directors and executive officers and other members of its management and employees may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the stockholders of Sun in connection with the transactions described in this release. Information about the directors and executive officers of Sun and their ownership of shares of Sun common stock are set forth in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, filed with the SEC on March 5, 2010, and in the definitive proxy statement relating to Sun’s 2010 Annual Meeting of Stockholders filed with the SEC on April 30, 2010. These documents can be obtained free of charge from the sources indicated above. Additional information regarding the interests of these participants will also be included in the definitive proxy statement/prospectus when it becomes available.

Contact:
Investor Inquiries
(505) 468-2341

Media Inquiries
(505) 468-4582

Filed Under: Medical And Healthcare

Dirty Hospitals Causing Alarm Among Infectious Disease Experts; Zimek Technologies Provides Solutions

Posted on September 23, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: Zimek Technologies

TAMPA, FL–(Marketwire – September 23, 2010) –  Bacteria breakouts that are surviving the best antibiotics available are spreading across the U.S. at an alarming rate, according to infectious disease experts. 

“Bugs, superbugs, MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) and KPC (Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenamase) have cropped up in germ-infested health clubs, gyms and even dirty hospitals,” says Dr. Brad Spellberg, infectious disease specialist, scientist, author and researcher at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and Harbor/UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles. “Our industry is not developing any new antibiotics to combat this medical urgency.”

Spellberg, a recognized expert on the topic of antibiotic-resistant germs, and other physicians expressed alarm at the lack of antibiotics currently in development while testifying this past June during a U.S. House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee special hearing.

Dr. Spellberg, and other physicians who testified, raised concern for the spread of antibiotic-resistant microbes, including out of the hospital and into the community — with lethal results. 

“Everyone is at risk of these infections,” warned Dr. Spellberg, who spoke on behalf of the Infectious Diseases Society of America. Dr. Spellberg is also a member of the Advisory Board of Zimek Technologies, a worldwide leader in infection control and biohazard remediation which has been developing and marketing its proven patented automatic Micro-Mist® decontamination technologies for more than five years.

Zimek’s industry-leading technologies are used by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Department of Defense, Fire and EMS departments, healthcare facilities, public health agencies, transit systems, correctional facilities, and local law enforcement agencies across America. Zimek’s special products “micronize” disinfectants that can quickly and automatically decontaminate facilities, equipment and vehicles. Zimek’s germ-killing, revolutionary “micro-mist” can permeate crevasses and hidden surfaces where super-germs are untouched by standard sanitizing methods.

A dangerous new “superbug” gene created more attention last week. Labeled New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase, better known as NDM-1, it is a resistant gene proliferating in particular “superbugs” which have the potential of spreading around the world, and scientists say there are almost no drugs in the pipeline to treat it.

Antibiotic-resistant infections “are extremely difficult to treat and frequently recur,” Spellberg said. “These infections result in tremendous pain, suffering and disfigurement in adults, children and infants, and have caused millions of deaths worldwide.”

Nearly 100,000 Americans die annually from infections acquired in hospitals, and treatment-resistant strains are spreading into our health clubs and gyms, Spellberg added.

“Zimek’s proven rapid infection control application is a meaningful 21st century best practices infection prevention technology which will add another weapon to our arsenal to combat the spread of infectious diseases,” said Kurt Grosman, CEO of Zimek Technologies. 

Spellberg, who is on the frontlines of the infectious disease battle, will discuss these concerns in a special investigative news story on the “CBS Evening News with Katie Couric” scheduled for broadcast on September 27th and 28th. (Please visit www.zimek.com for exact airdate/time.)

Spellberg will also be interviewed on an upcoming episode of “The Doctors,” the award-winning syndicated talk show airing daily in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Ireland, Sweden and Finland. “The Doctors” is distributed domestically and worldwide by CBS Television Distribution. (Please visit www.zimek.com for exact airdate/time.)

Media Contact:
Bob Mazza
Email Contact
(310) 994-4847

Filed Under: Medical And Healthcare

Lance Armstrong Applauds Efforts to Ensure Affordable Health Care for Children

Posted on September 23, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: LIVESTRONG

Armstrong Joined by American Cancer Society CEO John Seffrin at Special Visit to Children’s National Medical Center

WASHINGTON, DC–(Marketwire – September 23, 2010) –  Today, Lance Armstrong, LIVESTRONG(R) founder and chairman, cancer survivor and champion cyclist, made a surprise visit to the pediatric oncology unit at Children’s National Medical Center. He was joined by John R. Seffrin, PhD, chief executive officer of the American Cancer Society, to meet with hospital administrators, doctors and young patients and their families.

Today marks the six month anniversary of the Affordable Care Act. Starting today, several critical provisions of the law begin to take effect. Under the new law, healthcare plan providers cannot discriminate against children with pre-existing conditions. More than nine million children in the United States are currently living without health insurance. Up to 72,000 uninsured children with pre-existing conditions could gain coverage as a result of the new reform.

“Parents already feel the weight of the world on their shoulders when a child is diagnosed with cancer,” said Armstrong. “Insurance and health costs shouldn’t serve as a barrier to receiving quality, timely treatment. I’m hopeful that this reform will save lives and improve the quality of life for the more than 270,000 childhood cancer survivors currently living in the United States.”

“The Affordable Care Act is providing critical protections that are expanding access to lifesaving health care to children and adults with cancer or at risk of cancer,” said Seffrin. “Important provisions taking effect today prohibit health plans from denying coverage to children up to age 19 with pre-existing conditions such as cancer, and enable dependent children to remain on their parent’s insurance policy up to age 26.”

“With advances and breakthroughs in therapy, approximately 75% of children with cancer are cured of their disease. Nevertheless, cancer remains the leading cause of non-accidental death in children in the United States and many survivors suffer from chronic conditions that result from their treatment. Children’s National Medical Center is proud to be a leader in the search for novel treatments that will increase cure rates while decreasing adverse effects,” said Jeffrey S. Dome, MD, PhD; Chief, Division of Oncology; Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders; Children’s National Medical Center.

Armstrong’s visit also falls during National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, a time to increase awareness and encourage support for the children and families affected by the disease. Cancer is currently the leading cause of death by disease among U.S. children between infancy and age 15, and it is estimated that 10,730 new cases of pediatric cancer were diagnosed in children 0-14 years of age in 2009. Two-thirds of childhood cancer survivors face at least one chronic health condition later in life and one quarter of survivors face a late effect from treatment that is severe or life threatening.

LIVESTRONG, the organization Armstrong established to support fellow cancer survivors and their families, offers a multitude of resources to help pediatric cancer survivors and their families manage the long-term effects of childhood cancers. The organization recently helped establish the LIVESTRONG Childhood Cancer Survivorship Center at Dell Children’s Medical Center in Austin, Texas. The Center aims to improve the health and well-being of childhood cancer survivors by promoting adherence to a schedule of follow-up appointments; providing referrals to specialists; offering psychosocial support groups; transitioning patients to adult care when they are ready; and educating patients, parents and healthcare professionals about the long-term effects of cancer treatment.

LIVESTRONG SurvivorCare also offers specialized resources that focus on the needs of cancer survivors, including children. The free resource, available in English and Spanish, provides survivors and their families with emotional support; individual counseling; financial and legal advice, including finding assistance for the uninsured or underinsured; and matching to clinical trials.

About LIVESTRONG
Founded in 1997 by cancer survivor and champion cyclist Lance Armstrong and based in Austin, Texas, LIVESTRONG fights for the 28 million people around the world living with cancer today. LIVESTRONG connects individuals to the support they need, leverages funding and resources to spur innovation and engages communities and leaders to drive social change. Known for the iconic yellow wristband, LIVESTRONG‘s mission is to inspire and empower anyone affected by cancer. For more information, visit www.LIVESTRONG.org.

About Children’s National Medical Center
Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, DC, has been serving the nation’s children since 1870. Home to Children’s Research Institute and the Sheikh Zayed Institute for Pediatric Surgical Innovation, Children’s National is consistently ranked among the top pediatric hospitals by U.S. News & World Report and the Leapfrog Group. With 283 beds, more than 1,330 nurses, 550 physicians, and seven regional outpatient centers, Children’s National is the only exclusive provider of pediatric care in the Washington metropolitan area. Children’s National has been recognized by the American Nurses Credentialing Center as a Magnet® designated hospital, the highest level of recognition for nursing excellence that a medical center can achieve. For more information, visit www.ChildrensNational.org.

Contact:
Rae Bazzarre
(512) 279-8367
[email protected]

Filed Under: Medical And Healthcare

This Week on ORLive: Live Hip Replacement Surgery and Atrial Fibrillation Awareness

Posted on September 23, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: OR-Live, Inc.

New On-Demand and Live Surgery Video for the Week of September 20, 2010

WEST HARTFORD, CT–(Marketwire – September 23, 2010) –  ORLive, the leader in online medical video, presents a live interactive broadcast of a hip replacement surgery featuring technology from Zimmer. On-demand features this month include our library of procedures and educational programming focused on atrial fibrillation. Additionally, ORLive invites you to take part in the latest installment of the Virtual Brain Tumor Board.

NEW ON ORLIVE

LIVE SURGERY VIDEO – Continuum® Acetabular System and Zimmer® M/L Taper with Kinectiv® Technology
Premieres Thursday, September 23, 2010 at 7PM EDT

On Thursday, September 23rd at 7 PM EDT Zimmer Medical Education will broadcast an ORLive Total Hip Arthroplasty featuring the Continuum Acetabular System and the Kinectiv Modular Neck Technology. The surgery will be performed by Dr. Mark Hartzband, Hartzband Center for Hip and Knee Replacement, L.L.C., Paramus, NJ and will be moderated by Dr. Paul Duwelius, St. Vincent Hospital, Portland, OR. The broadcast will last one hour and will show the entire surgical procedure. Following the live broadcast the surgery will be archived for future playback.

This opportunity allows for firsthand insight of the safe and effective implantation and surgical procedure involved with the Continuum® Acetabular System and the Zimmer® M/L Taper with Kinectiv® Technology.

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.

NOW ON-DEMAND – Artificial Disc Treatments for Cervical Disease
Now Available On-Demand

Until recently, spinal fusion was the surgical solution to cervical disc disease. ORLive invites you to watch footage of an Artificial Discectomy performed by William Kuhn, MD of Halifax Hospital, and join in on a live online discussion with the doctor and patient, Ali Rabatsky. 

Viewers of this video are invited to interact with the team via the ORLive website, where you can also request a reminder to alert you when this video is going live.

ORLIVE REFERRALS – Week of September 20, 2010
September is National Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Month, and each week ORLive highlights on-demand videos for our membership and visitors. 

Medical Education Referral: Paracardioscopic Ex-Maze, from FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital

CME Referral: Reality EP: Tackling Left Atrial Tachycardias after Catheter Ablation for AF from the Heart Rhythm Society

Viewer’s Referral: Convergent Procedure for Atrial Fibrillation, from FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital

HIGHLIGHTS

NOW ON-DEMAND – Surgical and Medical Treatments for Type 2 Diabetes
Now Available On-Demand

Type 2 diabetes can lead to potentially deadly complications for many patients, but the team at NewYork-Presbyterian remains on the forefront of research and treatment innovations. Join Dr. Francesco Rubino, Chief, Gastrointestinal Metabolic Surgery at the Weill Cornell Medical Center, Dr. Judith Korner, from Columbia University Medical Center, and Dr. Louis Aronne, from the Weill Cornell Medical Center as they review the advancements that are being made and see what happens when gastric bypass surgery results in a possible remission of diabetes.

Viewers of this video can still interact with the team via the ORLive website, where you can also request updates as they become available.

PREVIEW – Zimmer Patient Specific Instruments and the Gender Solutions™ Natural-Knee® Flex System
Premieres Tuesday, September 28, 2010 at 7PM EDT

On Tuesday, September 28th at 7 PM EST Zimmer Medical Education will broadcast an ORLive Zimmer Patient Specific Instrument surgery featuring Zimmer Patient Specific Instruments and Natural Knee. The surgery will be performed by Dr. Michael Bolognesi, Duke University Medical Center and will be moderated by Dr. Shawn Hocker from Atlantic Orthopedics, PA in Wilmington, NC. The broadcast will last one hour and will show the entire surgical procedure.

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.

About ORLive
ORLive is the leading provider of video communication channels to the healthcare community. Working collaboratively with hospitals and device manufacturers, ORLive produces and distributes customized, interactive, video programs that demonstrate the latest advances in medicine, surgical techniques and product innovations. The ORLive broadcasting network provides an intimate look at over 650 live and on-demand surgeries to a global audience, streaming over 50,000 hours of programming each month. The ORLive network can be found on-line at www.ORLive.com.

Contact:
Bonnie Gergely
Communications Manager
(860) 953-2900
Email Contact

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Filed Under: Medical And Healthcare

FDA Announces It Will Significantly Restrict Access to the Diabetes Drug Avandia

Posted on September 23, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: American Diabetes Association

The American Diabetes Association, the Endocrine Society and the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists Joint Statement in Response to the FDA Decision to Restrict the Use of Avandia (rosiglitazone) in the U.S.

ALEXANDRIA, VA–(Marketwire – September 23, 2010) –   Today, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that it will significantly restrict the use of the diabetes drug Avandia and other drugs containing rosiglitazone to patients with Type 2 diabetes who cannot control their diabetes on other medications. These new restrictions are in response to data that suggest an elevated risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attack and stroke, in patients treated with Avandia.

The FDA, in its announcement, noted that it will require GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) to develop a restricted access program for Avandia under a risk evaluation and mitigation strategy (REMS). Under the REMS, Avandia will be available to new patients only if they are unable to achieve glucose control on other medications and are unable to take Actos (pioglitazone), the only other drug in this class. Current users of Avandia who are benefiting from the drug will be able to continue using the medication if they choose to do so. Doctors will have to attest to and document their patients’ eligibility; patients will have to review statements describing the cardiovascular safety concerns associated with this drug and acknowledge they understand the risks. The agency anticipates that the REMS will limit use of Avandia significantly.

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has suspended the marketing authorization for all rosiglitazone-containing medicines (Avandia, Avandamet® and Avaglim®). These medicines will no longer be available in Europe within the next few months.

The American Diabetes Association, The Endocrine Society and the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists urge patients who are currently taking Avandia or any combination pill that includes Avandia to contact their diabetes care provider’s office for instructions about treatment options. Patients should be aware that stopping a diabetes medication without consulting a doctor can result in higher levels of blood glucose that may cause serious short term health problems and could increase the risk of long term diabetes-related complications.

Patients and health care professionals should also be aware that multiple classes of drugs, often with more than one agent per class, are available to achieve and maintain glucose control in type 2 diabetes. In order to limit the risk of long-term complications, optimal glucose control, along with control of other risk factors, such as high blood pressure and cholesterol, is critically important for patients with type 2 diabetes. A number of other medications can be used to control diabetes and should be discussed with a patient’s health care team. For more information on the different classes of available medications drugs: http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/treatment-and-care/medication/oral-medications/what-are-my-options.html.

The American Diabetes Association, The Endocrine Society, and American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists continue to support the FDA in its role as the regulatory agency that makes decisions regarding drug safety and efficacy.

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

Founded in 1916, The Endocrine Society is the world’s oldest, largest and most active organization devoted to research on hormones and the clinical practice of endocrinology. Today, The Endocrine Society’s membership consists of over 14,000 scientists, physicians, educators, nurses and students in more than 100 countries. Society members represent all basic, applied, and clinical interests in endocrinology. The Endocrine Society is based in Chevy Chase, Maryland. To learn more about the Society and the field of endocrinology, visit our site at www.endo-society.org.

AACE is the world’s largest professional medical organization of clinical endocrinologists with more than 6,500 members in the United States and 91 other countries. AACE members are physicians who specialize in endocrinology, diabetes, and metabolism. For more information about AACE, visit our Web site at www.aace.com, become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/theaace or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/theaace. 

Contacts:
American Diabetes Association
Colleen Fogarty
(703) 549-1500, ext. 2146

The Endocrine Society
Aaron Lohr
(240) 482-1380

American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists
Bryan Campbell
(904) 353-7878, ext.122

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Filed Under: Medical And Healthcare

CEGEDIM : H1 Results

Posted on September 23, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: CEGEDIM

PARIS–(Marketwire – September 23, 2010) – First half-year Financial Information as of June30, 2010

IFRS – Regulated information – Audited

Cegedim: Half-year net profit up 15.6% to ?19.9 million

First half 2010 marked by a strong dynamic commercial performance

Paris, September 23, 2010 – Cegedim, a global technology and services company specializing in the healthcare field, announces consolidated net profit of ?19.9 million for the first half of 2010, up 15.6% over the year-earlier period.

The first half was marked by numerous commercial successes, proving that Cegedim’s range of products and services is well suited to market demand, and that its recent acquisitions hold great promise.

– Simplified income statement

+-------------------------+---------+-------+-------+---------+---------+
|                         |  H1 2010|       |       |  H1 2009|         |
+-------------------------+---------+-------+-------+---------+---------+
|?M                       |        %|       |     ?M|        %|         |
+-------------------------+---------+-------+-------+---------+---------+
|Revenues                 |    448.8|       |  433.9|         |    +3.4%|
+-------------------------+---------+-------+-------+---------+---------+
|EBITDA from ordinary     |     84.1|       |   88.3|         |    -4.7%|
|activities               |         |       |       |         |         |
+-------------------------+---------+-------+-------+---------+---------+
|Depreciation             |    -33.5|       |  -34.2|         |    -2.0%|
+-------------------------+---------+-------+-------+---------+---------+
|Operating profit from    |     50.6|  11.3%|   54.1|    12.5%|    -6.4%|
|ordinary activities      |         |       |       |         |         |
+-------------------------+---------+-------+-------+---------+---------+
|Other exceptional        |     -5.4|       |   -4.7|         |   +17.0%|
|operating revenues /     |         |       |       |         |         |
|expenses                 |         |       |       |         |         |
+-------------------------+---------+-------+-------+---------+---------+
|Operating profit         |     45.2|  10.1%|   49.4|    11.4%|    -8.6%|
+-------------------------+---------+-------+-------+---------+---------+
|Net cost of financial    |    -21.6|       |  -29.8|         |   -27.6%|
|debt                     |         |       |       |         |         |
+-------------------------+---------+-------+-------+---------+---------+
|Tax expenses             |     -4.1|       |   -2.7|         |  +49.1% |
+-------------------------+---------+-------+-------+---------+---------+
|Share of earnings of     |      0.4|       |    0.4|         |     n s |
|equity-accounted         |         |       |       |         |         |
|affiliates               |         |       |       |         |         |
+-------------------------+---------+-------+-------+---------+---------+
|Consolidated net profit  |     19.9|       |   17.2|         |   +15.6%|
+-------------------------+---------+-------+-------+---------+---------+
|Group share of net profit|     19.8|       |   17.2|         |   +15.2%|
+-------------------------+---------+-------+-------+---------+---------+

Consolidated H1 2010 revenues amounted to ?448.8 million, up 0.4% like for like* and 3.4% on a reported basis. As expected, second-quarter growth of 3.8% like for like* and 8.0% on a reported basis offset the first-quarter decline.

The fact that every Group sector made a positive contribution to revenue growth in the second quarter, both like for like* and on a reported basis, is proof of Cegedim’s dynamic sales performance.

Operating profit from ordinary activities came to ?50.6 million, down 6.4% compared with the first half of 2009. This dip is attributable to an increase in personnel costs, which rose 6.2% due to delays implementing certain large-scale CRM projects.

Thus, margin decreased from 12.5% to 11.3%, despite a fine improvement in Healthcare Professionals and Insurance and services sector margins.

Consolidated net profit rose 15.6% compared with a year earlier to ?19.9 million. The biggest contribution to the increase came from lower interest charges on debt, which fell from ?21.4 million to ?10.6 million due to a drop in the average level of outstanding financial debt.

Consolidated net profit attributable to the Group amounted to ?19.8 million, a 15.2% increase over the first half of 2009. Earnings per share amounted to ?1.4, against ?1.8 last year. The increase of the number of shares following the ?180.5 million capital issue of December 2009 explains the drop in EPS.

Sector business trends

– CRM and strategic data

In the first half of 2010, sector revenues rose 3.5% on a reported basis to ?249.1 million. Currency effects and acquisitions helped boost revenues by 1.9% and 2.9% respectively over the first half. Like-for-like revenues fell slightly, by 1.4%. As expected, the 4.8% rise in Q2 revenues helped offset the drop in Q1 caused by delays in executing certain large-scale projects.

One impact of these delays was an increase in personnel costs, which hurt the sector’s operating margin. The sector’s operating profit from ordinary activities was ?18.3 million, down ?6.0 million compared with H1 2009. As a result, operating margin from ordinary activities was 7.3%, versus 10.1% a year earlier.

Second-quarter revenues testify to the sector’s substantial sales momentum, successful geographic expansion of new services, and the beneficial impact of launching new Mobile Intelligence offerings – particularly the SaaS version – with both current and new clients.

Able to integrate SK&A both operationally and commercially in just six months, Cegedim is now fully profiting from the successful strengthening of its OneKey offering in the USA.

These performances lend credence to the Group’s strategic choices: a global presence as a result of the Dendrite acquisition, particularly in rapidly growing markets such as emerging countries; expanding platforms (iPad® and iPhone®, BlackBerry®, etc.); a richer compliance offering in Europe; bringing Dendrite’s business model in line with that of Cegedim (services vs. licenses); and continuing to make substantial investments in R&D to support new products.

The strategic data activity posted a clear rebound in its revenues and profitability in the second quarter. The Group expects this trend to continue in the months ahead.

– Healthcare professionals

Sector first-half 2010 revenues were ?138.7 million, up 0.8% on a reported basis and stable on a like-for-like* basis. Growth of 1.3% in the second quarter offset the slight first-quarter decline, as expected.

Currency effects and acquisitions boosted first-half revenues by 0.5% and 0.4% respectively.

Operating profit from ordinary activities rose 4.2% to ?23.8 million, reflecting a sizeable 60bp increase in the margin to 17.2%. This result is especially remarkable considering that the sector margin was hurt by the wait-and-see attitude of UK physicians and the expected drop in Cegelease’s margin.

The Group continues to generate impressive performances in France, Spain and Italy. In the UK, Cegedim is convinced that it is in a position to profit from new opportunities arising from a reorganization of the UK healthcare system over the coming years.

Lastly, we note that the RMI (paramedic software) and RNP activities (promotional information for pharmacists) continue to turn in very fine performances in terms of revenues and profitability.

After the close of the first-half financial statements, Cegedim’s acquired Pulse, a US company specializing in electronic healthcare records (EHR) management. In the second half, this move will propel the Cegedim Healthcare Software division onto the global stage, positioning the division to capitalize on the considerable new opportunities in this market. For more information on the deal, please see the “Important post-closing transactions and events” section on page 5.

– Insurance and services

Sector revenues rose 9.9% on both a like-for-like* and a reported basis to ?61 million. Insurance and services activities continued to grow by nearly 6% like for like* following an exceptional first quarter.

As expected, operating margin on ordinary activities rose substantially, up 150bp from 12.5% to 14.0%. Operating profit from ordinary activities amounted to ?8.5 million, a 23% increase over the same period in 2009.

These excellent performances are proof that Cegedim’s range of software (Activ’Infinite) and services (various data flow management platforms) is well suited to a rapidly evolving health insurance sector, in which differentiation and productivity gains are crucial.

It is also worth noting the robust trend in the sales of Cegedim SRH, which specializes in the services associated with outsourcing payroll and HR management. Its revenues rose by more than 12% in the first half of 2010, and its profitability improved.

Financial resources

At June 30, 2010, Cegedim’s consolidated total balance sheet amounted to ?1,535 billion, a 15.6% jump over the year-earlier period.

The Group has a robust balance sheet position, with share capital representing 37% of total asset, a 20% increase.

Acquisition goodwill was ?713 million, compared with ?613 million at the end of 2009. This represents 46% of the total balance sheet, which is the same level as six months prior. These trends are attributable chiefly to currency exchange rate and acquisitions.

Cash and equivalents exceed short-term financial debt (less than 1 year).

Netfinancial debt amount to ?443 million compared with ?395 million six months earlier. As expected this increase is due to the use of Cegedim credit revolver facility in order to finance ac quisitions and to the negative evolution of the dollar against the euro.

After the net cost of financial debt and taxes, cash flow was ?51.4 million, on a par with that of the first half of 2009. Gearing level remains unchanged at 0.9 against 0.8 six months earlier.

Working capital requirement increased by ?6.6 million, mainly due to the change in customer receivables. These trends reflect seasonal effects on the Group’s working capital requirement.

At the end of June 2010, the Group complied with all its bank covenants.

First-half highlights

On January 7, 2010, the Group acquired US company SK&A Information Services, Inc., a top-notch supplier of healthcare data. The acquisition strengthens Cegedim’s OneKey offering in the US. Created 26 years ago, SK&A has built and maintains a database with targeted information on more than 2 million healthcare professionals, including more than 800,000 prescribing physicians. This is the only database of US prescribing physicians and other healthcare professionals for which every single email address has been verified by phone contact. The acquired businesses generate full-year revenues of roughly $15 million. Its operational and commercial integration, which was completed in less than 6 months, was a complete success.

On June 3, 2010, Cegedim finalized the acquisition of Swiss CRM and direct marketing businesses from IMS Health to complement and strengthen its existing Swiss offerings. The CRM and Direct Marketing Direct business unit of IMS Health GmbH has been targeting the life science industry in Switzerland for more than a decade and is recognized for its quality and reliability by more than 500 users and 30 companies. The acquired businesses will contribute to the Group’s consolidated result from Q2 2010. Cegedim expects the acquired company to contribute annual revenues in the region of ?2 million.

Moreover, the Group announced on June 18, 2010 the acquisition of French company Hosta, a specialist in third-party management in which it has held a minority stake since 2004. Managing 400,000 beneficiaries and boasting extensive experience in third-party management of health and personal protection insurance policies, Hosta is among France’s leading third-party management companies. This acquisition expands Cegedim Group’s portfolio of solutions dedicated to all of its clients in the insurance sector. The acquired businesses represent annual revenues of approximately ?11 million.

These three deals were financed by internal financing and will not prevent the Group from respecting its debt covenants. Under the agreements signed by the parties, all other terms of the transactions are confidential.

Significant post-closing transactions and events

– Extension of the average maturity of the debt

As part of its policy of diversifying and extending the average maturity of its debt, Cegedim (BB+ S&P), completed on July 27 issuance of a ?300 million bond maturing in 2015, with a fixed annual coupon of 7.00% payable every six months. The strong demand generated by the operation, finalized in just half a day, the quality of the interested parties, and geographic diversity of the investors – of which 70% were located outside of France – enabled Cegedim to raise the ?300 million under favorable conditions. At the same time, the debt issue demonstrates Cegedim’s ability to tap financial markets.

– External growth

On July 27 Cegedim finalized the acquisition of Pulse Systems, Inc., a leading US healthcare software and services supplier. The move gives Cegedim access to the US market for the computerization of healthcare professionals at a very critical time for the Electronic Health Records (EHR) and Practice Management (PM) software markets.

Founded in 1997, Pulse Systems has developed an extremely sophisticated and scalable ambulatory healthcare IT solution – Pulse Patient Relationship Management. This solution includes EHR, PM, e-Prescribing, Revenue Cycle Management services, etc. The company is based in Wichita and has more than 100 employees. Pulse is profitable and will likely continue to grow in a rapidly expanding sector: it expects to increase its revenues more than four-fold by 2014.

Building on the Target Software acquisition in 2005, the Dendrite acquisition in 2007 and the SK&A acquisition earlier this year, this new addition in the US is squarely in line with the Group’s global strategy. It will enable the Group to leverage its complementary activities in North America and transform its European Cegedim Healthcare Software division into a global player by utilizing the Pulse solutions to expand its presence in the US market.

Cegedim finalized the acquisition of Deskom a leading French B-to-B invoice dematerialization company, on September 6th. The deal is an opportunity for Cegedim EDI, its professional electronic data management department, to build on its leadership in the field.

The Deskom acquisition allows Cegedim EDI, the healthcare data exchange leader, to move ahead with its strategy of opening its services to all business sectors and becoming Europe’s top electronic invoicing network, able to handle any request regardless of invoice volumes, project complexity, or the number of countries involved.

These activities represent annual revenues of around ?4 million and will be part of the consolidation scope of Cegedim Group for H2 2010.

These two deals were financed by internal financing. Under the agreements signed by the parties, all other terms of the transactions are confidential.

– New trademark strategy and visual identity for the Group

In order to strengthen its image, Cegedim Management decided to simplify the brand’s visual identity for the Group and its main healthcare Business Units. Each Business Unit’s logo and name will reflect a key description of its overall activity. Therefore, Cegedim Dendrite has been renamed Cegedim Relationship Management.

This change is inspired by the Group’s desire to present its customers with a more coherent, unified image of all of its businesses and to succinctly convey its commitment to providing them with the most advanced products and services in the industry. It is also a way of expressing the successful integration of Dendrite, as the new visual identity will incorporate some graphic elements from its logo.

These changes will take place gradually starting on September 24, 2010. An analysis of the possible accounting consequences of canceling the Dendrite trademark are still under way.

As part of its new brand strategy and to simplify and modernize this window on the Group, Cegedim will launch its new corporate website: www.cegedim.com This new, redesigned portal does more to emphasize the Group’s various activities and gives users direct access to the sites of its Business Units, while incorporating traditional sections on Recruitment, Press and Finance.

2010 outlook

Acquisitions made during the first half-year, as well as the post-closing acquisitions of Pulse and Deskom, are in line with the external growth policy the Group presented at the time of the December 2009 capital increase. These acquisitions did not prevent the Group from meeting all of its covenants. We recall that the sole purpose of the bond issue for ?300 million on July 27, 2010, was to refinance existing bank debt.

Given its adaptability, good regional mix and business mix of revenues, commercial momentum and half-year performances, the Group confirms its goal to consolidate leadership in the global healthcare market with revenue growth of approximately 5% for 2010

Based on its half-year results, the Group is no longer aiming for margin improvement for 2010.

Financial calendar

+-------------------------+--------------------+--------------------+
|The Group will hold a    |                    |                    |
|conference call this     |                    |                    |
|evening (September 23) at|                    |                    |
|6:15 pm in French and    |                    |                    |
|7:00 pm in English at the|                    |                    |
|following numbers (Paris |                    |                    |
|time):                   |                    |                    |
+-------------------------+--------------------+--------------------+
|                         |· From France: 01 72|Access code:        |
|                         |30 02 03            |13648531            |
+-------------------------+--------------------+--------------------+
|                         |· From UK: 1616 018 |#                   |
|                         |915                 |                    |
+-------------------------+--------------------+--------------------+
|                         |· From the US: 703  |                    |
|                         |62 19 122           |                    |
+-------------------------+--------------------+--------------------+
+-------------------------+--------------------+--------------------+

September 24, 2010

– SFAF Meeting – 24 rue de Penthièvre 75008 Paris (at 10:00am)

– Half-year Financial Report (after the stock market closes)

From September 27 to October 15, 2010

– Roadshow in Europe

From October 4 to October 8, 2010

– Roadshow in the US

November 15, 2010

– Q3 revenues announcement (after the stock market closes)

Additional information

The Board of Directors and the Auditors met on September 23, 2010, to approve 2010 Half-year consolidated financial statements. Audit procedures have been performed and the 2010 Half-year statutory auditors’ report on the consolidated financial statements is forthcoming.

The financial information presented in this press release comes from Cegedim half year consolidated financial statements and is fully available on the 2010 Half-year Financial Report at www.cegedim.fr/finance as of September 24, 2010.

A presentation of Cegedim 2010 Half-year results is also available on the Website.

Appendices

– Revenues by sector and by quarter#:

# Figures rounded to the nearest unit.

Year 2010

+-------------------------+---------+---------+----+----+---------+
|? thousands              |    Q1   |    Q2   |  Q3|  Q4|   Total |
+-------------------------+---------+---------+----+----+---------+
|CRM and strategic data   |  111,532|  137,575|    |    |  249,107|
+-------------------------+---------+---------+----+----+---------+
| Healthcare professionals|   64,461|   74,278|    |    |  138,739|
+-------------------------+---------+---------+----+----+---------+
|Insurance and services   |   29,627|   31,364|    |    |   60,991|
+-------------------------+---------+---------+----+----+---------+
|Group                    |  205,620|  243,217|    |    |  448,837|
+-------------------------+---------+---------+----+----+---------+
+-------------------------+---------+---------+----+----+---------+

Year 2009 pro-forma

For information, Revenues at June 30, 2009 were restated between sectors for an amount of ?4.4 million. In order to continue streamlining the Group’s structure, certain activities of the Healthcare professionals and Insurance and services sectors have been linked to entities of the CRM and strategic data sector. Pro-forma revenue is mentioned below.

+-------------------------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+
|? thousands              |    Q1   |    Q2   |    Q3   |    Q4   |   Total |
+-------------------------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+
|CRM and strategic data   |  117,523|  123,223|  117,178|  140,361|  498,285|
+-------------------------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+
| Healthcare professionals|   65,247|   72,411|   58,779|   67,817|  264,254|
+-------------------------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+
|Insurance and services   |   25,892|   29,609|   22,062|   33,970|  111,533|
+-------------------------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+
|Group                    |  208,662|  225,245|  198,017|  242,148|  874,072|
+-------------------------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+
+-------------------------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+

– By sector of activity and currency, the distribution of revenues for the first half-year of 2010 is as follows:

+-------------------------+------+-----+-----+--------+
|                         |  Euro|  USD|  GBP|  Others|
+-------------------------+------+-----+-----+--------+
|CRM and strategic data   |   51%|  23%|   4%|     22%|
+-------------------------+------+-----+-----+--------+
| Healthcare professionals|   80%|    -|  20%|       -|
+-------------------------+------+-----+-----+--------+
|Insurance and services   |   99%|    -|    -|      1%|
+-------------------------+------+-----+-----+--------+
|Group                    |   66%|  13%|   9%|     12%|
+-------------------------+------+-----+-----+--------+
+-------------------------+------+-----+-----+--------+

– By sector of activity and geographic zone, the distribution of revenues for the first half-year of 2010 is as follows:

+-------------------------+--------+------------------+---------------+
|                         |  France|  Europe ex France|  North America|
+-------------------------+--------+------------------+---------------+
|CRM and strategic data   |     31%|               33%|            24%|
+-------------------------+--------+------------------+---------------+
| Healthcare professionals|     77%|               23%|              -|
+-------------------------+--------+------------------+---------------+
|Insurance and services   |     99%|                 -|              -|
+-------------------------+--------+------------------+---------------+
|Group                    |     55%|               26%|            13%|
+-------------------------+--------+------------------+---------------+
+-------------------------+--------+------------------+---------------+

+-------------------------+-------------------+
|                         |  Rest of the world|
+-------------------------+-------------------+
|CRM and strategic data   |                12%|
+-------------------------+-------------------+
| Healthcare professionals|                  -|
+-------------------------+-------------------+
|Insurance and services   |                 1%|
+-------------------------+-------------------+
|Group                    |                 7%|
+-------------------------+-------------------+
+-------------------------+-------------------+

– Consolidated first-half financial statements

Assets

+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|? thousands              |  06/30/2010|  06/30/2009|
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Goodwill on acquisition  |     713,179|     613,342|
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Development costs        |      31,057|      57,644|
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Trademarks, patents      |     135,868|     104,810|
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Other intangible fixed   |     106,145|      63,192|
|assets                   |            |            |
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Intangible fixed assets  |     273,070|     225,646|
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Property                 |         446|         417|
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Buildings                |       6,168|       6,225|
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Plant, machinery and     |      24,940|      24,377|
|equipment                |            |            |
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Other tangible fixed     |      13,866|      13,969|
|assets                   |            |            |
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Construction work in     |          35|         234|
|progress                 |            |            |
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Tangible fixed assets    |      45,456|      45,221|
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Equity investments       |         295|         302|
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Loans                    |         555|         551|
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Other fixed financial    |       9,103|       8,030|
|assets                   |            |            |
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Fixed financial assets ? |       9,953|       8,883|
|excluding shares of      |            |            |
|equity-accounted         |            |            |
|affiliates               |            |            |
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Shares of                |       6,811|       7,173|
|equity-accounted         |            |            |
|affiliates               |            |            |
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Government ? Deferred tax|      42,476|      33,350|
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Accounts receivable:     |      16,056|      15,282|
|long-term portion        |            |            |
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Other receivables:       |       2,064|         983|
|long-term portion        |            |            |
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Non-current assets       |   1,109,064|     949,881|
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Services in progress     |         188|         200|
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Goods                    |      11,005|      10,956|
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Advances and deposits    |       1,882|       1,172|
|received on orders       |            |            |
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Accounts receivable:     |     226,488|     210,502|
|short-term portion       |            |            |
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Unpaid, called-up capital|           -|           -|
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Other receivables:       |      20,533|      18,413|
|short-term portion       |            |            |
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Cash equivalents         |       1,159|      30,630|
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Cash                     |     141,814|      90,739|
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Prepaid expenses         |      22,936|      15,847|
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Current assets           |     426,006|     378,461|
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Total assets             |   1,535,070|   1,328,341|
+-------------------------+------------+------------+

Liabilities

+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|? thousands              |  06/30/2010|  06/30/2009|
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Share capital            |      13,337|      13,337|
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Issue premium            |     185,562|     185,562|
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Group reserves           |     294,967|     249,732|
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Group translation        |        -238|        -238|
|reserves                 |            |            |
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Group translation        |      46,317|     -37,844|
|gains/losses             |            |            |
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Group earnings           |      19,849|      54,719|
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Investment subsidies     |           -|           -|
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Regulated provisions     |           -|           -|
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Shareholders? equity,    |     559,794|     465,267|
|Group share              |            |            |
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Minority interests       |         383|         609|
|(reserves)               |            |            |
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Minority interests       |          72|         114|
|(earnings)               |            |            |
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Minority interests       |         455|         724|
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Shareholders? equity     |     560,249|     465,991|
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Long-term financial      |     453,067|     391,408|
|liabilities              |            |            |
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Long-term financial      |      10,707|      16,517|
|instruments              |            |            |
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Deferred tax liabilities |      60,298|      51,394|
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Non-current provisions   |      28,534|      21,517|
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Other non-current        |      12,396|       9,550|
|liabilities              |            |            |
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Non-current liabilities  |     565,002|     490,386|
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Short-term financial     |     142,671|     133,621|
|liabilities              |            |            |
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Short -term financial    |           -|           -|
|instruments              |            |            |
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Accounts payable and     |      71,813|      73,604|
|related accounts         |            |            |
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Tax and social           |     119,088|     113,705|
|liabilities              |            |            |
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Provisions               |       6,116|       7,133|
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Other current liabilities|      70,131|      43,902|
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Current liabilities      |     409,819|     371,965|
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Total liabilities        |   1,535,070|   1,328,341|
+-------------------------+------------+------------+

– Income statement

+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|? thousands              |  06/30/2010|  06/30/2009|
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Revenues                 |     448,837|     433,906|
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Other income from        |           -|           -|
|business activities      |            |            |
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Capitalized production   |      15,186|      16,616|
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Purchased consumed       |     -48,637|     -47,729|
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|External expenses        |    -110,205|    -106,409|
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Taxes                    |      -7,069|      -6,503|
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Payroll costs            |    -213,954|    -201,391|
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Depreciation expenses    |     -33,494|     -34,179|
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Provision expenses and   |         -69|         391|
|write-backs              |            |            |
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Change in inventories of |         -20|         -63|
|in-progress and finished |            |            |
|products                 |            |            |
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Other operating income   |          49|        -560|
|and expenses             |            |            |
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Operating profit from    |      50,624|      54,079|
|ordinary activities      |            |            |
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Other non-current        |      -5,448|      -4,657|
|operating income and     |            |            |
|expenses                 |            |            |
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Operating profit         |      45,175|      49,422|
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Income from cash and cash|         564|         829|
|equivalents              |            |            |
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Gross cost of financial  |     -12,283|     -20,304|
|debt                     |            |            |
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Other financial income   |      -9,866|     -10,349|
|and expenses             |            |            |
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Net cost of financial    |     -21,585|     -29,824|
|debt                     |            |            |
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Income taxes             |     -16,134|      -3,005|
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Deferred income taxes    |      12,069|         279|
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Tax expenses             |      -4,065|      -2,726|
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Share of earnings of     |         396|         368|
|equity-accounted         |            |            |
|affiliates               |            |            |
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Consolidated net profit  |      19,921|      17,240|
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Group share (A)          |      19,849|      17,237|
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Minority interests       |          72|           3|
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Average number of shares |  13,963,775|   9,331,449|
|excl. Treasury stocks (B)|            |            |
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Earnings per share -     |         1.4|         1.8|
|euros (A/B)              |            |            |
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Dilutive instruments     |           -|           -|
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Diluted earnings per     |         1.4|         1.8|
|share - euros            |            |            |
+-------------------------+------------+------------+

– Cash flow statement

+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|? thousands              |  06/30/2010|  06/30/2009|
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Consolidated net profit  |      19,921|      17,240|
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Share of earnings of     |        -396|        -368|
|equity-accounted         |            |            |
|affiliates               |            |            |
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Depreciation and         |      31,885|      34,411|
|amortization expense     |            |            |
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Capital gain or losses on|         -33|         275|
|disposals                |            |            |
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Cash flow after net cost |      51,377|      51,558|
|of financial debt and    |            |            |
|taxes                    |            |            |
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Net cost of financial    |      21,585|      29,824|
|debt                     |            |            |
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Tax expenses             |       4,065|       2,726|
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Cash flow before net cost|      77,027|      84,108|
|of financial debt and    |            |            |
|taxes                    |            |            |
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Tax paid                 |      -9,368|         245|
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Plus: change in operating|     -17,759|     -11,179|
|working capital          |            |            |
|requirement              |            |            |
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Net cash from operations |      49,900|      73,174|
|(A)                      |            |            |
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Acquisitions of          |     -18,160|     -20,044|
|intangible fixed assets  |            |            |
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Acquisitions of tangible |     -13,045|     -12,098|
|fixed assets             |            |            |
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Acquisitions of financial|           -|      -1,454|
|assets                   |            |            |
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Disposals of tangible and|       2,074|       2,263|
|intangible fixed assets  |            |            |
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Disposals of financial   |         124|         363|
|assets                   |            |            |
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Impact of changes in     |     -25,680|      -2,691|
|consolidation scope      |            |            |
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Dividends from equity    |           -|           -|
|accounted affiliates     |            |            |
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Net cash from investment |     -54,687|     -33,661|
|operations (B)           |            |            |
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Dividends paid to parent |           -|           -|
|company shareholders     |            |            |
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Dividends paid to the    |           -|           -|
|minority interests of    |            |            |
|consolidated companies   |            |            |
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Increase in cash capital |           -|           -|
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Debt issued              |      61,611|      62,240|
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Debt reimbursements      |     -57,587|     -86,091|
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Interest paid on debts   |     -10,606|     -21,435|
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Other financial income   |      -8,073|      -2,675|
|and expenses             |            |            |
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Net cash from financing  |     -14,655|     -47,961|
|operations ©           |            |            |
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Change in cash (A+B+C)   |     -19,442|      -8,448|
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Opening cash position    |     102,338|      70,254|
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Closing cash position    |      89,379|      61,539|
+-------------------------+------------+------------+
|Foreign exchange gains or|      -6,483|         267|
|losses                   |            |            |
+-------------------------+------------+------------+

*at constant scope and exchange rates

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 ?874 million in 2009. Cegedim SA is listed in Paris (EURONEXT: CGM). To learn more, please visit: www.cegedim.com

Contacts:

+--+--------------------+--------------------+--------------------+--+
|  |     Aude BALLEYDIER|Jan Eryk UMIASTOWSKI|Guillaume DE        |  |
|  |                    |                    |CHAMISSO            |  |
+--+--------------------+--------------------+--------------------+--+
|  |             Cegedim|             Cegedim|Presse & Papiers    |  |
|  |                    |                    |Agency              |  |
+--+--------------------+--------------------+--------------------+--+
|  |     Media Relations|Chief investment    |       Press Officer|  |
|  |                    |Officer Investor    |                    |  |
|  |                    |Relations           |                    |  |
+--+--------------------+--------------------+--------------------+--+
|  |                    |Tel.: +33 (0)1 49 09|                    |  |
|  |                    |33 36               |                    |  |
+--+--------------------+--------------------+--------------------+--+
|  |Tel.: +33 (0)1 49 09|investor.relations@c|Tel.: +33 (0)1 77 35|  |
|  |68 81               |egedim.fr           |60 99               |  |
+--+--------------------+--------------------+--------------------+--+
|  |aude.balleydier@cege|                    |guilaume.dechamisso@|  |
|  |dim.fr              |                    |pressepapiers.fr    |  |
+--+--------------------+--------------------+--------------------+--+
+--+--------------------+--------------------+--------------------+--+

This information is provided by HUGIN

Filed Under: Medical And Healthcare

Netgain and Indigo Identityware(TM) Announce Distribution Partnership

Posted on September 23, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: Indigo Identityware

Netgain, a Leader in Healthcare IT, Partners With Indigo Identityware to Add Strong Authentication, Single Sign-On and Workflow Management to Enhance Service Offerings

MINNEAPOLIS, MN–(Marketwire – September 23, 2010) –  Indigo Identityware, a growing leader in the Identity & Access Management industry, has partnered with Netgain to market and deploy its software-only solution that offers Behavioral Strong Authentication, single sign-on and session management for the extended enterprise. Indigo’s secure identity management solutions, paired with Netgain’s data security and delivery, meet clinicians’ desire for increased productivity and simplicity. 

In the ever-increasing security conscious environment, healthcare providers are required to use multiple complex passwords when accessing patient records. With Indigo’s solution, it eliminates the cumbersome password process while maintaining security, allowing the doctor more time to focus on the patient.

“Our clients trust us to provide an all-encompassing solution that combines HIPAA-level security with ease of use, and we found that with Indigo. By utilizing their unique Behavioral Strong Authentication and Single Sign-on solution, providers are more productive and the patient’s experience is enhanced because doctors can focus on the patient instead of worrying about complex or forgotten passwords,” said Matt Riley, Netgain’s COO.

“We’re excited to work with an organization like Netgain, whose mission in healthcare IT so closely aligns with ours,” said John Woodward, COO and President of Healthcare for Indigo Identityware. “Our services are complementary to Netgain’s, and together we provide a complete solution that addresses a major issue for all healthcare organizations.”

About Netgain
Netgain, a privately held provider of healthcare information technology solutions, relieves the day-to-day burden of information technology operations for healthcare organizations. Netgain provides application hosting and infrastructure support with extensive technical expertise in securing sensitive data by deploying a rare combination of process excellence and personal service. 

About Indigo
Indigo Identityware, a leader in the identity and access management industry, distinguishes itself by offering the first and only Behavioral Strong Authentication and Single Sign-on solution for the extended enterprise. Indigo’s flexible design supports multiple strong authentication methods, including next generation biometrics, providing users with secure and fast access to information. It increases workflow productivity while helping customers ensure regulatory compliance. The software-only solution is cost-effective and deploys quickly for organizations of any size.  

Contact Information:
John Woodward
Indigo Identityware
Phone: (952)294-3051
Email Contact

Filed Under: Medical And Healthcare

BC Medical Association/Patient-Focused Funding: Valuing What Health Care Providers Do for Patients

Posted on September 23, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA–(Marketwire – Sept. 23, 2010) – Reduced wait times and better access to hospital services are among the benefits patients in BC’s health care system could expect with the implementation of Patient Focused Funding (PFF). In this model, patients are seen as a benefit to hospitals instead of a cost. Hospitals would be paid for every patient they treat providing the impetus to see everyone in a timely manner and increase the volume of services provided to patients. The measures used to determine success of PFF programs must be evidence-based, risk-adjusted, and developed in collaboration with patient representatives.

Recently, there have been various funding models discussed by government and other stakeholders in the quest to contain health care costs. Patient Focused Funding in this case is defined as any method of compensating providers – which can include physicians, nurses, and hospitals – that uses financial incentives to improve the appropriateness, quality, and efficiency of care for patients. The BC Medical Association has released its policy paper Valuing Quality: Patient-Focused funding in British Columbia, which offers ten recommendations on the structure, implementation and evaluation of PFF including:

  • Any PFF program must be designed to support and improve the timeliness, safety, and health outcomes of patient care within a cost certain environment.
  • A multi-stakeholder working group under the BC Health Services Purchasing Organization must be created and should include physicians and other health care providers.
  • All PFF programs must be rigorously evaluated for their impact on patient care, access and costs.

“Our research has shown that PFF models need to be flexible and phased in to any situation in which they could be applied,” said Dr. David Attwell, Chair of the Working Group that developed the paper. “Implementation of a successful PFF program requires system-wide collaboration, commitment and leadership to achieve the highest level of quality for patients, for those who work in the health care system, and for government who pays for it.”

The BC government has recently announced its investment of $250 million, plus another $24.3 million, to launch and further develop its PFF model. Although the BC Medical Association supports many of government’s PFF initiatives, we also believe that patient safety and quality of care must be included as key measurement criteria. As well, more work needs to be done to ensure everyone involved in PFF from hospitals to health care providers to government share the same understanding of how PFF models function.

The policy paper can be found on the BCMA website at www.bcma.org.

Filed Under: Medical And Healthcare

Miracle-Ear Says Hearing Loss Is Third Most Common Chronic Health Condition

Posted on September 23, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: Miracle-Ear

Hearing Aid Awareness Week Focuses on Importance of Early Detection and Management

PLYMOUTH, MN–(Marketwire – September 23, 2010) –  Hearing loss is now the third most common chronic, but manageable, health condition in the United States, after arthritis and high blood pressure, according to the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA). Yet, fewer than half of those with hearing loss who could benefit from hearing aids use them. “During Hearing Aid Awareness Week, October 3 – 10, we want to help everyone understand how important it is to take steps to detect and manage hearing loss early, before it has a chance to impact your quality of life and even your earning potential,” says Rebecca Younk, audiologist for Miracle-Ear.

According to the HLAA, 1 in 10 Americans experiences some type of hearing loss. And yet, fewer than half of those hearing-impaired individuals use any type of hearing aid. Why? One reason may be that hearing loss is so gradual over time, that most people don’t notice a change until it has become really pronounced. Other reasons may include embarrassment. “Even though eyeglasses and contact lenses have now become perfectly socially acceptable, we still have to work hard to ensure that hearing aid wearers are treated with the same respect as eyeglass wearers,” explains Younk.

“The impact that unmanaged hearing loss can have on your life goes way beyond missing a word in a conversation here and there,” emphasizes Younk. “Here are just a few good reasons, beyond simply enhancing your overall quality of life, to consider having a hearing test soon.”

  • Hearing loss can starve the auditory centers of the brain of acoustic information, leading to auditory deprivation — and a resulting decrease in speech understanding. Hearing aids can help these auditory centers “stay busy,” to protect against this loss.
  • Research available at The Better Hearing Institute (BHI) suggests that patients with unmanaged hearing loss suffer more from depression and social isolation compared to those of similar age who wear hearing aids.
  • A study conducted by the BHI also suggests that hearing impaired patients choosing not to wear hearing aids earn less when compared to hearing impaired patients who choose to use hearing aids.

Today’s hearing aids offer discreet, customized hearing solutions, tailored to your lifestyle, age and activities. Miracle-Ear offers a comprehensive hearing assessment that includes a complete hearing health history, ear canal inspection, hearing threshold test and speech discrimination test. If these tests indicate a hearing loss, Miracle-Ear works with the client to determine which solution best meets his or her individual needs.

“Hearing loss is a growing problem in the U.S.,” says Younk, “but only about 13 percent of physicians routinely screen for hearing loss during a physical. You could have hearing loss and not even know it. It’s the people closest to you who may recognize it first. If your friends or family are advising you to have your hearing tested, you should listen to them!”

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. 

Filed Under: Medical And Healthcare

Medizone International Expands Patent Protection and Discusses Development

Posted on September 23, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: Medizone International, Inc.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA–(Marketwire – September 23, 2010) –  Medizone International, Inc. (OTCBB: MZEI) (OTCQB: MZEI) announced today the Company has filed a fourth U.S. Provisional patent application involving what it terms, “Advanced Oxidative Sterilization Processes.”

Dr. Michael Shannon, Director of Medical Affairs, explained, “We are now exploring a new development in the field of oxidative chemistry which we believe will have a significant impact on our future technology and the ease with which we can effectively decontaminate hospitals, chronic care facilities, veterinary facilities, hotels, cruise ships, sports facilities and the equipment therein. Our research to date clearly demonstrates that the combination of modest levels of ozone and low concentrations of peroxide, properly delivered at the right temperature and humidity, will reliably eliminate bacterial loads of at least 6 logs (sterilization standard) on a broad range of surface materials, including carpets, for all of the ‘Superbugs’ responsible for Hospital Acquired Infections. This new development, however, further enhances Medizone’s AsepticSure™ technology in a manner not anticipated. In fact, decontamination in the future will very likely be based on unique combinations of what we are calling ‘Advanced Oxidative Sterilization Processes’ which build on the existing technology by using a family of chemical moieties considered to be even more potent than either ozone or peroxide to destroy a broad range of potentially lethal pathogens. Research is now underway at our laboratories in Kingston on a parallel track with our hospital beta testing program to evaluate the merits of a multifactorial decontamination system which appears to further increase the potency of AsepticSure™ while dramatically reducing the exposure time, both of which have major implications for certain applications.”

Medizone’s CEO, Edwin Marshall, added, “With two international patent applications filed in addition to the four U.S. provisional applications now in place, we are taking the steps we believe necessary to fully protect the commercial rights of Medizone International. It is now clear that what began as a technology to decontaminate and sterilize hospital spaces has grown into the foundations of an entirely new sterilization industry. We are developing a family of solutions based on the nuances of specific applications. Given the outcomes of recent meetings with both private industry players and government, it is clear we are not alone in recognizing this concept. As I announced in a recent interview with Don Baillargeon for a segment of his show, ‘MoneyTV,’ to be aired this coming Saturday, we have even filed a patent application addressing the bed bug issue for the cruise ship and hotel industry. We are not making too much of it yet, as the science for that application remains to be completed. However, we are guardedly optimistic that we will be able to provide an effective and affordable solution to that market segment as well, and thus wanted to get the IP protection in place as soon as possible.”

Medizone International, Inc. is a research and development company engaged in developing its AsepticSure™ System to decontaminate and sterilize hospital surgical suites, emergency rooms, intensive care units, schools and other critical infrastructure. A government variant is being developed for bio-terrorism counter measures with additional variants for sports facilities and food processing applications and, potentially, the hotel and cruise ship industry for bed bug eradication and Norwalk virus.

This Press Release contains certain forward looking statements that involve substantial risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, the results of ongoing clinical studies, economic conditions, product and technology development, production efficiencies, product demand, competitive products, competitive environment, successful testing and government regulatory issues. Additional risks are identified in the company’s filings made with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Click here to see all recent news from this company

Filed Under: Medical And Healthcare

A New Era for Transport Medicine Takes Flight in Ontario

Posted on September 23, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

TORONTO, ONTARIO–(Marketwire – Sept. 23, 2010) –

Editors Note: A photo for this release will be available via Marketwire on the picture wire of The Canadian Press.

Ornge, a world leader in the field of transport medicine, is proud to introduce the most significant fleet upgrade in the history of aero medical transport in Ontario. The first of the new AgustaWestland AW139 helicopters were unveiled this morning at the Ornge base at the Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport. The new helicopters will transport Ornge’s medical teams who provide services for patients requiring advanced and critical levels of care during transport.

Ornge paramedics and pilots employed by CHL, the operator of Ornge rotor aircraft, will begin transporting patients in the new high-performance medium twin turbine helicopters over the coming months. Ornge purchased ten AW139 aircraft from AgustaWestland, a Finnmeccanica company, in 2008 to replace the older fleet of Sikorsky S76 helicopters currently in use at Ornge bases across the province. 

“As innovators in our field, we are on the cutting edge of both aviation and medicine,” said Dr. Christopher Mazza, Ornge CEO and Emergentologist. “The AW139 medically-equipped aircraft will help us to deliver a modern, high quality, sustainable transport medicine program for Ontario patients today and for generations to come.”

The AW139 is the most technologically advanced rotor wing aircraft in air medical transport today. The fastest helicopter in its class, it is capable of operating in a wide variety of weather conditions – from extreme heat to extreme cold – found across Ontario’s one million square kilometers. Ornge is the first AgustaWestland client in North America to have a full ice protection installed in medically equipped helicopters. The AW139 also has enhanced safety and environmental features.

Giuseppe Orsi, Chief Executive Officer, AgustaWestland said: “We are proud to be part of this new era in transport medicine in Ontario providing the best medium twin helicopter to such a leading operator and to the benefit of the large community they serve. The AW139 will enable Ornge to perform a quantum leap forward in operational capability to successfully accomplish the mission and save lives in the harshest conditions when other models would be confined to the hangar.”

Each helicopter is outfitted with an advanced full medical interior designed and configured by Ornge transport medicine physicians and paramedics in collaboration with Aerolite, a world leader in medical helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft interiors. 

In January 2006, Ornge began coordinating all aspects of the province’s transport medicine system. Since then, Ornge has transported nearly 95,000 patients more than 30 million statute miles – over 1,200 times around the earth — in its rotor and fixed wing aircraft, along with its critical care land units.

ABOUT ORNGE

Ornge is the world’s leading innovator in the emerging field of transport medicine, and operates from a number of bases across the province of Ontario and performs more than 20,000 admissions annually. It coordinates all aspects of Ontario’s aero medical transport system, the new critical care land transport program, paediatric transport program and the authorization of air and land ambulance transfers between hospitals. Ornge is dedicated to the provision of high quality patient care through innovative transport medicine.

ABOUT AGUSTAWESTLAND

AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is a technology leader in its markets and has an unrivalled range of rotorcraft products designed to satisfy the requirements of commercial and military customers. AgustaWestland has its main operations in Italy, the United Kingdom and the United States of America.

Filed Under: Medical And Healthcare

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