TEMPE, AZ–(Marketwire – August 18, 2010) –  Current figures estimate that spending on health care in the U.S. is about 16% of its GDP. In 2007, an estimated $2.26 trillion was spent on health care in the United States, or $7,439 per capita. Health care costs are rising faster than wages or inflation, and the health share of GDP is expected to continue its upward trend, reaching 19.5% of GDP by 2017.

With health care reform recently approved, the debate over costs is fierce. Some say costs will be controlled or reduced; others claim that costs will spiral out of control. Regardless, Medicare, in its present form, is not sustainable, according to the Congressional Budget Office.

On the sidelines in the debate over care and costs is a rising trend toward alternative health care, known as naturopathy. Tempe, Arizona based naturopathic physicians Danite Haller, N.D. and Eric Udell, N.D. at Arizona Homeopathic Associates are enjoying a thriving practice in spite of national economic woes. “With many people out of work and not having company health insurance, they are finding that naturopathic medicine is an effective and affordable way to go,” claims Udell.

Naturopathic medicine is based on the belief that the human body has an innate healing ability. Naturopathic doctors teach their patients to use diet, exercise, lifestyle changes and innovative natural therapies to enhance their bodies’ ability to ward off and combat disease.

Dr. Haller describes the difference between conventional medicine and naturopathy, “In naturopathy we don’t use medication to alleviate or mask symptoms. We strive to identity the causes of the symptoms and provide non-invasive treatments and no pharmaceutical medicines.” Haller and Udell have chosen one aspect of naturopathy — homeopathy. First used in 1796 by a German physician, homeopathy uses specially prepared remedies based on the law of “similar.” This means substances that cause certain symptoms can be use in extremely diluted form to encourage the body in the healing process. These remedies are all natural and have no side effects.

Homeopathic remedies are extremely cost effective, costing less than traditional medications. Naturopathic care, which requires greater doctor care and interaction than conventional medicine is less costly, too.

For more information on this alternative form of medical care, see www.azhomeopathic.com.

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NEW YORK, NY–(Marketwire – August 17, 2010) –  Maimonides Medical Center Urologist Dr. Ridwan Shabsigh, director of the Division of Urology, answers viewers’ health questions on a recent episode of his online medical advice and health talk show, “The Dr. Ridwan Show.” Along with his elite panel of experts, Drs. Harry Fisch, Michael Perelman and Richard Sadovsky, Dr. Ridwan offered sound medical information to very common men’s health questions. Based on the premise, “Ask the Doctor — Health information you can use,” the show helps deliver men’s health information in a user-friendly format.

Dr. Ridwan and his experts fielded a question on frequent fatigue. They explained that fatigue is a common problem in men and women. They cautioned that fatigue could be a symptom of anemia, chronic inflammation, infection or other chronic medical problem. It could also have something to do with sexual hormones, signifying a decline in testosterone that results in less energy and vitality. It could also represent depression or lack of quality sleep. They cautioned viewers to not disregard fatigue and visit their doctor.

The experts also discussed topics such as heart disease, high blood pressure and lower back pain. The doctors said that chest pain could be a serious symptom and it should always be investigated further. When Dr. Ridwan examines his patients, he goes beyond the symptoms, asking them what is important in life to them. Ridwan feels that if patients are honest about their symptoms and lifestyle habits, he can get to the root of the problem.

A viewer wrote in with a question about her husband’s snoring. The doctors explained that the snoring could be symptomatic of something serious, such as sleep apnea, which is frequently associated with obesity. Dr. Ridwan advised the viewer to have her husband see a doctor and also evaluate testosterone levels or any possible sexual problems.

Dr. Ridwan and his experts also discussed a viewer’s question on men’s exercise. The viewer asked how often he should exercise and how he could get motivated to exercise. The panelists advised the viewer to start with walking and gradually become more active with fun activities that he enjoys. They suggested exercise should be done a minimum of 150 minutes a week, as there are health and negative consequences that can occur from not exercising enough.

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MUNDELEIN, IL–(Marketwire – August 17, 2010) –  Speaking yesterday in New York City before more than 150 U.S. hospital executives, Dr. Mark Chassin, president of The Joint Commission, expressed an optimistic view for the U.S. healthcare system long term and outlined a “quality driven strategy” to rein in costs and improve efficiency. At the same time, he cautioned that if both society as a whole and individual health care systems do not “get control” of healthcare costs, the country could face the consequences of greater payment cuts and “big” benefit reductions. The Joint Commission is the country’s predominant standards-setting and accrediting body in healthcare.

Chassin made these comments as the keynote speaker at the third annual “Prevention Above All” conference hosted by Medline Industries, Inc. The conference brings together hospital executives from around the country to discuss practical solutions to improving patient safety and delivering cost-effective quality care.  

Chassin identified three broad ways to improve U.S. healthcare. The first is to eliminate the overuse of health services. He cited several examples, including excess use of imaging services and prescribing antibiotics for the common cold. The second issue is reducing the waste and inefficiencies created by the growing complexity for routine health care processes. Studies have indicated, he said, that as much as 25-30 percent of nursing time is wasted (and could be recovered for patient care) if we simplify our processes for everyday care such as dressing changes and medication delivery. Finally, Chassin identified the chronic problem of our inability to eliminate preventable complications such as healthcare associated infections.

“If we can achieve these three solutions, we can save money and improve quality,” he said, “and we would be able to solve the basic conundrum of how to pay for effective care for everyone in this country without having to go to severe restrictions on benefits and payments.”

Chassin did offer one sobering warning if we fail to reduce spending. “As a last resort, due to federal deficits and out of control healthcare costs, we could face real rationing, which means the active denial of effective care,” said Chassin. “Every other developed country does a pretty good job of delivering quality healthcare and spends far less, often less than half of what we do on a per capita basis. I think we can get there.” 

In addition to Chassin, the conference also included prominent international healthcare leaders Atul Gawande, surgeon and best-selling author; John Nance, contributor to ABC News and best-selling author; Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.; Andrew Cuomo, New York State Attorney General; Trent Haywood, senior vice president of clinical performance and chief medical officer for VHA, Inc.; Didier Pittet, a member of the advisory board of the WHO World Alliance for Patient Safety; Linda Groah executive director and CEO of the Association of Perioperative Operating Room Nurses (AORN).

About Medline Industries, Inc. 

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

NEW YORK, NY–(Marketwire – August 17, 2010) –  Healthcare is a niche market with growth potential for Smartphones, according to healthcare market research publisher Kalorama Information. The firm cites high rates of physician use of Smartphones and PDAs and available applications among many factors making healthcare ideal for Smartphone sales. In 2009, PDAs and Smartphones for healthcare applications were worth about $2.6 billion combined — according to Kalorama’s recently released report, “Handhelds in Healthcare: The World Market for PDAs, Tablet PCs, Handheld Monitors & Scanners.”

Kalorama notes that the industry is no stranger to portability. Healthcare professionals have been key consumers of beeper and pager devices, and many portable patient record and reference book products have been aimed at physicians. While healthcare is just a fraction of total Smartphone and PDA sales, just about five percent of the total market, Kalorama predicts that healthcare is one of the growth areas — particularly for Smartphones, because of their ability to combine communication with alerts, references and records.

“Healthcare is a mobile profession and lends itself to these devices,” according to Bruce Carlson, Publisher of Kalorama Information. “They provide a wide range of conveniences and workflow efficiencies which can’t be achieved with traditional notepads and pocket drug references.”

The firm notes that several wireless companies have tailored their product offerings to the needs of the healthcare industry and expects this to continue. Last year Socket Mobile, Inc. released the SoMo 650Rx hospital-grade PDA featuring an antimicrobial material that provides improved protection against the spread of bacteria and microbes. Motorola’s MTC100 offers a host of features designed to enhance productivity and effectiveness — equipped with multi-mode wireless connectivity, secured wide-area data bearer, and wireless LAN connection. In 2006, Beiks LLC released a talking English-Spanish translator for the BlackBerry platform (RIM) for emergency workers. This application is directed toward paramedics who often operate in environments with both English and Spanish speaking patients. The system was first released with 800 essential words and phrases, covering common questions, commands, people, places, conditions, drugs, medications, anatomy terms, and more.

Additionally, iPhone usage in healthcare is evidenced by the number of applications available for physicians. Various media outlets have reported over 1,700 medical apps existed as of last year, and that number has most likely grown since then.

“Handhelds in Healthcare: The World Market for PDAs, Tablet PCs, Handheld Monitors & Scanners” contains more information on Tablet PCs, Smartphones, PDAs, as well as handheld monitors and scanners, with forecasts for each of these segments. Profiles of competitors and trends in handheld technology in healthcare are also included. The report can be found at:
http://www.kaloramainformation.com/redirect.asp?progid=79476&productid=2703662.

About Kalorama Information
Kalorama Information supplies the latest in independent market research in the life sciences, as well as a full range of custom research services. We routinely assist the media with healthcare topics. Follow us on Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/KaloramaInfo) and LinkedIn (http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=2177845&trk=hb_side_g).

WEST HARTFORD, CT–(Marketwire – August 17, 2010) –  ORLive, the vision of improving health, presents new video focusing on surgical options for type 2 diabetes, from NewYork-Presbyterian. In addition to these videos, ORLive invites you to take part in the latest installment of the Virtual Brain Tumor Board, and go back to school this month as your watch and learn from this month’s featured channel of medical education content.

NEW ON ORLIVE

NEW VIDEO – Surgical and Medical Treatments for Type 2 Diabetes
Premieres Tuesday, August 17, 2010 at Noon

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 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 available.

NEW CHANNEL – Sorin Group
With over 40 years of experience, Sorin Group is responsible for many of the innovations that have made heart valve replacement and repair among the safest and most effective procedures in the world today. ORLive invites you to watch and learn as Sorin presents video of many of these devices on the Sorin ORLive Channel. 

ORLIVE REFERRALS – Week of August 16, 2010
Each week ORLive highlights on-demand videos for our membership and visitors. 

Medical Education Referral: daVinci Prostatectomy Patient Education from Methodist University Hospital.

CME Referral: Critical Advances in the Evolving Science and Medicine of STEMI Management and High-Risk ACS from CMEducation Resources

Viewer’s Referral: Brain Mapping and Systems Biology from the International Brain Mapping and Interoperative Planning Society (IBMISPS)

HIGHLIGHTS

PREVIEW – 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 – DePuy^® Rotating Platform Revision Knee Replacement
Now Available On-Demand

Dr. Russ Nevins will performs a revision total knee replacement using the Sigma^® TC3 RP and M.B.T. Revision Tray system from DePuy Orthopaedics, Inc. Moderated by Dr. William Barrett (Renton, WA), this video takes place from Spring Valley Hospital Medical Center in Las Vegas, NV. 

During the video, originally presented live, Dr. Nevins performs the revision total knee replacement surgery featuring the Sigma TC3 RP, a rotating platform knee implant design. This system helps diffuse loosening forces from the increased mechanical constraint typical in revision implant systems and offers surgeons enhanced fixation options through the use of metaphyseal sleeves on the femoral and tibial side. 

Viewers can still interact with the surgical team by submitting questions via the ORLive website. To learn more about this broadcast go to ORLive.com.

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.

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CONCORD, CA–(Marketwire – August 17, 2010) –  Paradigm Management Services, the nation’s leading provider of catastrophic medical management services, today announced the appointment of Albert E. Holt, IV, MD, MBA, to the role of Chief Medical Officer (CMO). Dr. Holt will join the senior management team and replace Paradigm’s previous CMO and widely respected founder, Nathan Cope, MD. Dr. Cope will remain an important resource for the company as Senior Medical Officer and Board Member.

As a medical executive, clinical physician and professor, Dr. Holt is well qualified to guide the company through a new phase of success. During his seven year term at Alere, Dr. Holt served as Senior Vice President for Care and Disease Management and was responsible for managing a high-performing team of medical directors and providing medical leadership for new product initiatives. During his time, Dr. Holt restructured the industry’s largest oncology case management program to incorporate new expertise and a blended model of onsite and telephonic case management.

“When forming a transition plan with Dr. Cope,” said Paradigm President Kevin Fleming, “it was critical to both of us that his replacement shares a history of directly treating critically injured patients. With Dr. Holt, we not only gain a clinical physician, but also a talented executive skilled in shaping the types of comprehensive medical management programs for which Paradigm is known.”

Dr. Holt is a board certified physician in internal medicine and critical care. He has faculty appointments to Harvard Medical School, Georgetown Medical School and the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences. He earned his medical degree from the University of Connecticut School of Medicine, and completed his residency in internal medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and critical care fellowship at the National Institutes of Medicine. He further earned his MBA in Medical Management from Johns Hopkins University in 2007. He has actively practiced critical care medicine in the Washington, D.C., area since 2005.

“I look forward to joining the management team at Paradigm during this key point in time for the company,” said Dr. Holt. “With our market expanding beyond workers’ compensation and into general liability, the development of new service offerings will be important and an exciting opportunity for me personally. I support the vision and mission of Paradigm as they lead the way in applying medical expertise to catastrophic and complex cases, while setting benchmarks for clinical and utilization outcomes.”

About Paradigm Management Services, LLC

Paradigm Management Services provides acute and ongoing catastrophic and complex case management services for traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, amputations, burns, wounds and chronic pain. As the nation’s leading provider of complex and catastrophic medical management in the workers’ compensation industry, Paradigm achieves 5x better medical outcomes and lowers total costs by 36%. Paradigm accomplishes this by bringing together nationally recognized doctors and specialists, the best network of care facilities in the country, and nearly 20 years of clinical data to guide decisions. Case In Point Magazine recently presented Paradigm with the organization’s highest honor, a 2010 Case In Point Platinum Award for the nation’s best Workers’ Compensation Case Management Program. For more information, visit www.paradigmcorp.com.

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BRANFORD, CT–(Marketwire – August 17, 2010) – Westbrook Technologies, developer of Fortis™ and FortisBlue™ enterprise document management (EDM) software, today announced that Marshall County Hospital has implemented Fortis to cut costs with speedier accounts payable and billing processes, easier collaboration between departments, and less paper storage space.

“When I started looking at which document management system would be the best fit for us, the main goal was to save space and promote better overall organization in our new facility, which opened in March of 2009,” said Patrick Waters, director of Information Technology for Marshall County Hospital. “Previously, we had filing cabinets everywhere full of paper requiring time consuming search for patient documents.

“We started first using Fortis in our accounts payable and billing departments,” Waters continued. “Staff now scan documents to easily track and retrieve invoices and purchase orders. We also use it to archive and reconcile bank statements, and for year-end reporting.” The hospital’s business office also stores Explanation of Benefits (EOB) forms. They can now retrieve and view everything they need quickly when patients have questions saving time and providing superior customer service.

KeeFORCE, a systems integrator based in Paducah, KY, implemented the software. “KeeFORCE has been great,” said Waters. “They were able to ask the right questions to make sure the initial set up was done correctly. With other systems we looked at, you got a generic set of document types and databases, and you were stuck with them. Fortis was easy to customize to meet the hospital’s specific needs.”

Waters estimates that it took less than two months from their first meeting with KeeFORCE to employee training on the system.

Marshall County Hospital also uses Fortis in the admissions department to scan in driver’s licenses, insurance cards and doctor’s orders. Fortis is integrated with CPSI, the hospital’s Health Information System, which accesses patient data from Fortis, eliminating duplicate data entry. The hospital plans to roll out Fortis to their lab, radiology and respiratory departments to give them access to doctors’ orders online. The hospital will also start scanning in employee records and contracts as well as documents related to physician credentialing.

Fortis has helped with HIPAA compliance since the system defines who can access each document type and exactly what is stored in the system. “We have been very selective about who has access to confidential information,” Waters noted. The Fortis Audit Trail automatically records these activities adding a further layer of accountability.

“Community hospitals are on the front line when it comes to healthcare delivery,” said Einar Haukeland, president and CEO of Westbrook. “With Fortis, hospitals and other healthcare organizations can expedite administrative functions and reduce storage space. These cost savings and business process improvements can directly correlate with better patient care.”

About Marshall County Hospital
Marshall County Hospital is located in Benton, Kentucky. A staff of 25 physicians offers professional medical care and approximately 250 employees staff the Marshall County Hospital and Ambulance Service. The mission of Marshall County Hospital is to provide primary and certain specialty services with high quality care, concern, dedication and value in a cost-effective manner. Since 1964, the hospital has been dedicated to the improvement of facility, services and programs that meet the needs of our community while maintaining a standard of excellence in a friendly atmosphere.

About Westbrook Technologies
Westbrook Technologies provides document management software to businesses of all sizes, from departmental to enterprise-wide implementations, and across every vertical market. The Company is the developer of Fortis document management software, in use at thousands of customer sites worldwide, to capture, index, store and retrieve critical information from anywhere — instantly and securely. Its new FortisBlue product line is a Web-based, Rich Internet Application product easily accessible from most Internet browsers. For more information, call (203) 483-6666 or visit www.westbrooktech.com.

About KeeFORCE
KeeFORCE, a Westbrook Technologies Partner, is a service-oriented technology company dedicated to identifying and providing technology solutions that promote efficiency in the workplace while satisfying the unique needs of each client they serve. Established in 1998, KeeFORCE has built a reputation built upon a foundation of customer satisfaction as a result of its commitment to providing high quality technical service with enthusiasm and integrity. Learn more at www.keeforce.com.

LEXINGTON, MA–(Marketwire – August 17, 2010) – Imprivata^®, Inc., the company that simplifies and secures access to patient information, today announced the results of its third annual online national survey that examines IT trends in healthcare. The 2010 Healthcare IT Survey polled hospitals across North America for input on securing patient health information, the move to electronic medical records (EMR) and the impact of clinician workflows on patient outcomes.

“More than one year after its passage, hospitals continue to be deeply concerned about their ability to meet deadlines imposed on them by the HITECH Act,” says Barry P. Chaiken, MD, CMO at Imprivata. “Organizations fear security breaches and unauthorized access to patient records, while trying to manage clinical transformation through the deployment of EMR systems to achieve improved care delivery and cost savings.”

Threat of Data Breaches and Negative Public Exposure Breed Real Fear
80 percent of respondents state that securing patient information from unauthorized access and data breaches is a top priority. In addition, 76 percent claim breach of confidential information or unauthorized access to clinical applications as their greatest security concerns. Yet, 38 percent still report they cannot track inappropriate access in accordance with the HITECH Act. Coupled with the fact that 76 percent of respondents are focused on investing in EMRs, this reinforces the need to protect patient health information. 

Hospitals desperately want to avoid making data breach headlines or being slapped with fines. Clearly healthcare organizations are worried about unauthorized access to patient health information, data breaches and meeting HITECH Act disclosure mandates. Therefore it is imperative that they safeguard patient information while maintaining a simple, yet robust system that helps them simplify compliance reporting and minimize negative public exposure. 

Keeping Physicians Happy is all about Workflow and Applications
Securing patient information continues to be critical for healthcare organizations. Patient information lives in applications that physicians and staff rely on each day, and they demand access to this information without disrupting their daily routines or forcing them to alter how they practice medicine. Despite advances in strong authentication, passwords remain the most popular form of application access security and more than 90 percent of respondents state that passwords and time to access patient data negatively impact physician satisfaction, which has a direct impact on patient care. 

Hospitals need to bridge the gap between clinician productivity and IT security. Understanding clinician workflow and dependence on applications to provide quality patient care, it is imperative that hospitals secure user access without re-engineering established clinician workflows.

The results of the 2010 Healthcare IT Survey demonstrate that hospitals across North America struggle to balance the need to secure patient information with the reality that it is not feasible to change well-established workflows. The repercussions of data breaches and exposure of patient information are clearly understood, and it is now squarely on healthcare organizations to both provide easy clinician access to patient information and enforce patient privacy –
 without compromising on either.

The survey polled 600 healthcare IT decision-makers across the U.S. and Canada. Full results and an executive summary of the 2010 Healthcare IT Survey can be downloaded or requested by email via [email protected].

About Imprivata
With more than 500 hospitals and one million healthcare users, Imprivata is the leading independent vendor focused on simplifying and securing access to electronic patient health information. By making patient data easily accessible, enforcing patient privacy and deploying transparent security, Imprivata’s Global Healthcare Division helps customers to improve clinician workflow while achieving the security standards they demand.

Imprivata has received numerous product awards and top review ratings from leading industry publications and analysts. Headquartered in Lexington, Mass., Imprivata partners with over 200 resellers, and serves the access security needs of more than 1,000 customers around the world. For more information, please visit www.imprivata.com.

Imprivata is a registered trademark of Imprivata, Inc. in the USA and other countries. All other product or company names mentioned are the property of their respective owners.

RSS Feed to Imprivata News: http://feeds.feedburner.com/ImprivataNews
Follow Imprivata on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Imprivata

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LOS ANGELES, CA–(Marketwire – August 17, 2010) –  Lerner Medical Devices, Inc. (LMD) announces its continued support of professional dermatology meetings to introduce Levia®, a new class of ultraviolet (UVB) medical device. Levia provides Personal Targeted Phototherapy®, a safe and effective non-drug option for the self-treatment of scalp and small area psoriasis in the privacy and convenience of a patient’s home. In response to many inquiries, LMD is implementing a comprehensive program to inform dermatologists and dermatology nurses who are requesting additional information about Levia.

“We have received considerable interest in Levia, and we are pleased to be introducing it to hundreds of additional dermatology professionals over the next few months,” said John R. Lyon, Chief Executive Officer of LMD. “We are convinced that Levia will improve treatment effectiveness and convenience for psoriasis patients.”

Levia was demonstrated at both American Academy of Dermatology conventions this year, most recently at the Summer Meeting in Chicago, IL, August 4^th-8^th. Participation in other dermatology meetings included introduction of Levia at the Pacific Dermatologic Association’s 62^nd Annual Meeting in Pasadena, CA, August 11th-14^th and the Controversies and Conversations in Laser and Cosmetic Surgery Symposium in Carlsbad, CA, August 13^th-15^th.

Also, from September 24^th-26^th, Levia will be demonstrated to more than 200 dermatologists during the CalDerm Annual meeting in Santa Barbara, CA. The final 2010 meeting for Levia will be the Dermatology Nursing Institute (DNI) Annual Congress, October 6^th-8^th, in Las Vegas, NV.

All of the meetings are designed to educate attendees and introduce professionals to current and evolving research, as well as the newest advancements in technology to improve practice management skills and refine techniques.

For more information on Levia, Lerner Medical Devices, or any of the referenced professional meetings visit www.mylevia.com.

About Lerner Medical Devices, Inc.

Lerner Medical Devices (www.lernermedical.com) is focused on the use of ultraviolet B (UVB) phototherapy for self-treatment of psoriasis and other photo-responsive skin conditions. Levia^® is the first of their Personal Targeted Phototherapy^® products.

Levia^® provides Personal Targeted Phototherapy^® for the self-treatment of psoriasis in the privacy and convenience of a patient’s home. Levia incorporates easy to use software for physician control of dosimetry and includes two proprietary beam delivery attachments, the LiteBrush and LiteSpot, which ensure precise and safe delivery of therapeutic UVB light.

To learn more about Levia® and Lerner Medical, please visit www.mylevia.com.
Find Levia on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/mylevia
Follow Levia on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/mylevia
Follow Ask Nurse Linda on Tumblr: http://asknurselinda.tumblr.com

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WAKEFIELD, RI–(Marketwire – August 17, 2010) –  ChartWise Medical Systems, Inc. (www.chartwisemed.com) is pleased to announce that it has established an OEM relationship with MicroStrategy (www.microstrategy.com), a leading worldwide provider of business intelligence software. ChartWise: CDI is a new software program that assists hospitals to improve clinical documentation to help maximize DRG-related reimbursements, reduce Medicare audit risk, and provide oversight and compliance. Through the MicroStrategy Business Intelligence platform, the ChartWise: CDI system will include a dashboard that will provide detailed reporting and comprehensive analysis of documentation data available in ChartWise: CDI. The dashboard will provide administrative users of ChartWise: CDI with access to key facility-wide financial and medical metrics and the data to measure improvement program effectiveness. In addition, customers will be free to analyze and present their data in a wide variety of formats. The new business intelligence functionality of ChartWise: CDI is an additional option that will be available by the end of 2010.

“By working with MicroStrategy we are bringing a new dimension and additional value to ChartWise: CDI. This new set of features will give hospital administrators the tools to go beyond our standard reporting package and drill down further into their data, which is very important given the challenges that many are facing,” said Dr. Jonathan Elion, creator of ChartWise: CDI. “Providing hospitals with the clinical documentation intelligence needed to maximize reimbursements and the tools by which to measure results uniquely positions ChartWise: CDI to help hospitals become more efficient.”

About ChartWise
ChartWise Medical Systems, Inc. based in Wakefield, RI, is a medical software firm and the developers of ChartWise: CDI and ChartWise: CDI Personal Edition, a hosted solution for clinical documentation improvement. ChartWise: CDI’s clinical intelligence expertise assists physicians and clinical documentation specialists with increased efficiencies and completeness of documentation, queries and work flow. Developed by renowned physician, Jon Elion, M.D., ChartWise: CDI is the only documentation software that translates clinical language used by physicians into accurate diagnostic language required for Medicare documentation. For more information, visit www.chartwisemed.com.

YARDLY, PA–(Marketwire – August 17, 2010) –  Xyntek, Inc., a global leader in IT, automation and compliance solutions, today announces XyNexus™ Healthcare Integration Service, the consolidation of its healthcare IT services that address healthcare information technology (HIT) integration and development aspects, as well as electronic healthcare records (EHR) infrastructures. XyNexus™ is expected to be especially attractive to customers in pursuit of ARRA funding for implementation of Meaningful Use requirements.

The XyNexus™ Healthcare Integration Service team has the expertise to deliver on complex integration requirements involved in HIT planning, assessment, selection, implementation, roll-out, migration, and support of multiple healthcare information solutions as well as healthcare information exchanges (HIE).

“Our XyNexus™ Healthcare Integration Service methodology combines an ideal balance of tools, talents, techniques, and cost management. Healthcare IT organizations that are interested in creating and maintaining a dynamic HIT infrastructure have a reliable partner in Xyntek,” said Mac Hashemian, P.E., President and Chief Executive Officer of Xyntek Inc.

XyNexus™ Healthcare Integration Service manages such applications as:

• Connectivity — Internal and External Systems
• Data Migration — including analysis, definition, and optimization of requirements and system architecture
• Healthcare Enterprise Application Integration
• Healthcare Information Exchange
• Laboratory Information Management
• Regulatory Compliance Management
• System-to-System Messaging / Brokering
• Trading Partner Management
• Transaction Processing
• System Migration (ICD9 to ICD10)
• User Authentication using Biometrics

Hospitals and medical providers rely on Xyntek’s advanced techniques and experienced staff to provide reliable and optimized integration services for the entire HIT lifecycle to ensure that they have well-designed, efficiently optimized technical environments. XyNexus™ Healthcare Integration Service implements technical excellence to ensure HIT implementations for hospitals and provider organizations are successful. Xyntek prides itself on improving healthcare processes by integrating solutions into existing and optimized workflows.

About Xyntek

Xyntek, a global leader in IT, Automation and Compliance solutions, has had its focus on healthcare information technology since its inception in 1986. Its veteran team of consultants have extensive healthcare information technology experience and provide advanced integration solutions for organizations focused on gaining visibility and access to data, working within aggressive timelines, internalizing healthcare processes and operations using external resources, and companies looking to integrate and consolidate data from multiple service providers and sources. Xyntek’s business is based on providing high-end technical services and solutions that allow customers to maximize the benefits of IT and Automation technologies, while adhering to compliance mandates. For more information, visit www.xyntekinc.com.

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FRIENDSWOOD, TX–(Marketwire – August 17, 2010) – TrinityCare Senior Living, Inc. (OTCBB: TCSR) (the “Company”), which develops, manages and owns faith-based senior living facilities, today announced its operating results for the second quarter of 2010. 

For the six months ended June 30, 2010, the Company reported gross revenues of $3,461,586, which represented an increase of 10% when compared with gross revenues of $3,141,804 in the six months of 2009. Gross profit totaled $2,200,112, compared with $1,847,555 for the six months ended June 30, 2009. The Company’s gross profit margin reflected 62% of gross revenue in the most recent six month period, versus 65% in same period of the prior-year. The Company reported a net loss of ($402,191), or ($0.03) per share for the six months ending June 30, 2010, versus a net loss of ($721,167), or ($0.47) per share, in the prior-year period.

“This represents our fifth consecutive quarter of revenue growth, when compared with prior-year periods,” stated Donald W. Sapaugh, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of TrinityCare Senior Living, Inc. “Our occupancy rates remain stable, and with revenues increasing, we expect the Company’s operating results to improve as we focus on controlling expenses. Existing operations are critical to our long-term success, and we have devoted significant resources to ensuring that our financial metrics improve in coming quarters. During the most recent quarter we have expanded our services to include management of facilities which are not owned by TrinityCare and we expect continued growth in that segment of our business in the near future.”

About TrinityCare Senior Living, Inc.

TrinityCare is a rapidly growing company that develops, owns and manages quality senior living facilities that focus on enriching the faith of residents while providing state-of-the-art independent living, assisted living, memory care and adult day care services in a single location. The Company partners with local churches and developers for each facility and offers a wide range of both community and personal services to residents. 

Headquartered in Friendswood, Texas, the Company currently operates three successful facilities in Texas and Tennessee. Near-term expansion plans are focused upon markets in the Southeastern U.S. For additional information, please visit www.trinitycare.com.

(Financial Highlights Follow)

LOS ANGELES, CA–(Marketwire – August 16, 2010) –  MMRGlobal, Inc. (OTCBB: MMRF) (jointly, “the Company” and “MMR”) (www.mmrglobal.com) today filed its quarterly statement for the six months ended June 30, 2010.

Revenues for the first six months from sales of the Company’s consumer and professional products, MyMedicalRecords, MyEsafeDepositBox and MMRPro, were up by 58.6% over 2009. Total sales for these products, including Deferred Revenue (the portion of the Company’s sales that is to be recognized monthly over the term of agreements with our customers), have increased by 94%. Total Revenues for the three months ended June 30, 2010, including the Company’s core products and licensing fees, were up by 21% as compared to 2009. Total sales for the same period, including Deferred Revenue, were up 60.7% as compared to 2009.

According to Ingrid Safranek, the Company’s Chief Financial Officer, “We reduced total liabilities by $2.4 million or 28.5%. In addition, we reduced Accounts Payable by $451 thousand or 15%. Although we disclosed an Accounts Payable balance of $2.5 million, $1.6 million of that balance is attributable to the reverse merger with Favrille, Inc. and only $272 thousand represents MMR trade payables necessary to operations. Accordingly, we maintain good relationships with our vendors.”

Safranek continued, “In the last quarter, we were able to issue equity in lieu of cash to reduce liabilities by $1 million. We plan on using our equity to further reduce liabilities and strengthen our balance sheet based on our vendors’ belief in the value of the Company. Our ability to issue equity for services has afforded us the opportunity to support sales of MMRPro and other advertising and marketing programs as well as continuing to exploit patent opportunities with our biotech assets. Only $1.2 million of our loss was cash-related. The remaining amount represents non-cash expenses driven by $5.6 million from the application of accounting principles to value derivative liabilities and equity as well as an additional $1.0 million from stock options, warrants and common stock issued for services. These warrants and stock options have enabled us to obtain services that a Company our size would not otherwise have been able to afford.”

According to Robert H. Lorsch, Chairman and CEO of MMRGlobal, “We are well on our way toward executing on our business plan to achieve a global footprint from which we will sell our proprietary line of Personal Health Record (www.mmrvideos.com) and MyEsafeDepositBox (www.myesafevideos.com) products and MMRPro professional medical record products and services (www.mmrprovideos.com). However, growing a technology company in health care costs money. Accordingly, we are incurring increasing costs necessary to our growth. For example, we are now deploying development teams both in the U.S. and China to support the UNIS-TongHe transaction.” 

“We are also expanding technical and development resources at home with increased staff in support of MMRPro,” said Lorsch. “This includes adding resources necessary to provide services that will meet meaningful use criteria and enable customers who use our products to qualify for government stimulus around the world. In addition, we are relocating our most experienced development resources to the U.S. from Nihilent headquarters in India to work with our management team and our customers directly.”

“Also, I plan on being in India in October for the launch of a Nihilent and MMRGlobal joint sales effort to small-sized health care professionals, hospitals and the government in India. At the same time, we are also increasing the size of our processing, hosting and IT infrastructure, adding more feature-rich facilities designed to reduce cost and increase scalability which should ultimately improve margins,” added Lorsch.

The Company has also begun the process of spending significantly more money on advertising, marketing and sales promotion using television (www.mmrontv.com) the web and through affiliate partnerships. An example is the “$25.00 Check-Up” refund program which launched on the Company’s MyMedicalRecords.com website today. 

MMR is also in the process of upgrading MMRPro (www.mmrprovideos.com), the Company’s professional document imaging and management system for health care professionals. For instance, recently added features enable forms to be customized to an existing office practice resulting in the ability to access customized forms from MMRPro on demand. As such, doctors are able to use the forms they use today and still continue to move toward meaningful use.

Additionally, the Company is working with several major hospital groups to help market MMRPro systems to doctors associated with these specific hospital groups. This is part of a program designed to help monetize MMRPro patient upgrades. Also, MMR is starting to call on physician offices in the United States through the Kodak nationwide reseller channel.

Patient upgrades enable health care professionals to take advantage of the MMRPro “Stimulus Program” (http://mmrvideos.com/stimulus). This program creates a revenue stream for physicians from patient upgrades. The Company believes that its Stimulus Program can generate more than twice the $44,000 in revenue for physicians than the government’s HITECH Act stimulus program in much less time.

The Company continues to actively explore opportunities with its pre-merger Favrille biotech assets. In association with GRSworldwide, MMRGlobal is working to bring its anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies to market. These antibodies are potentially useful in treating B-Cell malignancies, including Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL) and additional B-Cell mediated conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. MMR’s anti-CD20 antibody asset is potentially a candidate for a next generation of Rituximab, marketed under the trade name Rituxan® in the United States by Biogen Idec and Genentech (wholly owned member of the Roche Group) and under the name MabThera® by Roche in the rest of the world except Japan, where it is co-marketed by Chugai and Zenyaku Kogyo Co. Ltd. Rituxan/MabThera is one of the world’s most successful monoclonal antibodies with reported total sales in 2009 in excess of US$5.6 billion.

MMRGlobal also continues to pursue various national phase filings from the Patent Cooperation Treaty patent application directed to the anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies, including in the United States, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Europe, India, Japan, South Korea and Mexico. The Company has further been addressing opportunities pertaining to intellectual property rights involving B and T cell vaccine technology relative to the FavID vaccine in various stages in the United States and foreign countries through its reverse merger with Favrille. MMRGlobal is also in the process of filing certain patents regarding numerous aspects of the FavID vaccine, a portion of which has been recently granted. 

The Company continues its activities in support of the launch of the Chartis-branded MyEsafeDepositBox product, which plans to provide MMR’s secure online virtual safe and Personal Health Record products and services to Chartis policyholders worldwide, while it further works with Chartis on opportunities to offer its products domestically as well.

Additionally, MMRGlobal is in active negotiations with one of the world’s largest financial institutions regarding the development of paperless loan processing and delivery solutions whereby loan documents can be delivered electronically through the Company’s MyEsafeDepositBox product, with resultant completed documents being filed in a permanent online MyEsafeDepositBox account.

“We are pursuing several Merger and Acquisition opportunities that could accelerate growth, expand the Company’s product line and enable us to offer more services consistent with criteria for meaningful use, specifically PHR and EMR related,” Lorsch added. “We have always intended to grow MMR into a much larger organization. However, it takes money and patience to grow a company. For example, Amazon went public in 1997, and had a net loss of $31 million, followed by a net loss of $125 million, and almost $720 million in 1998 and 1999, respectively. In their last annual report for the year ended 2009, they had net income of $902 million.”

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.mymedicalrecords.com and view the videos at www.mmrtheater.com.

Forward Looking Statement
Statements in this press release that are not strictly historical in nature constitute “forward-looking statements.” Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the Company’s actual results to be materially different from historical results or from any results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Some can be identified by the use of words (and their derivations) such as “need,” “possibility,” “offer,” “development,” “if,” “negotiate,” “when,” “begun,” “believe,” “achieve,” “will,” “estimate,” “expect,” “maintain,” “plan,” and “continue,” or the negative of these words. Any comparisons made with other companies are for illustrative purposes only and do not imply any similar levels of growth, revenue, or income. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, the risk the Company’s products are not adopted or viewed favorably by the health care community; risks related to the current uncertainty and instability in financial and lending markets, including global economic uncertainties; variations in our quarterly operating results; timing and volume of sales and installations; length of sales cycles and the installation process; market acceptance of new product introductions; ability to establish and maintain strategic relationships; ability to identify and integrate acquisitions; relationships with licensees; competitive product offerings and promotions; changes in government laws and regulations and future changes in tax legislation and initiatives in the health care industry; undetected errors in our products; possibility of interruption at our data centers; risks related to third party vendors; risks related to obtaining and integrating third-party licensed technology; acceptance of the Company’s marketing and promotional campaigns; risks related to a security breach by third parties; maintaining, developing and defending our intellectual property rights including those pertaining to our biotechnology assets; risks associated with recruitment and retention of key personnel; uncertainties associated with doing business internationally across borders and territories; and additional risks discussed in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Additionally, we are a developing early-stage company and many variables can affect revenues and/or projections, including factors out of our control. The Company 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, future events or otherwise. 

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LONDON, ENGLAND–(Marketwire – Aug. 16, 2010) – IDBS, the leading worldwide provider of data management and analytics solutions to R&D and healthcare organisations, announces that, as the result of continuing expansion, and growth in demand for its products and services, revenues for the six months ended 30 June 2010 rose by 20% on the same period of 2009 to $20.3 million, with profit before tax also growing strongly.

These results follow the excellent progress made in 2009, for which IDBS reported 12% revenue growth to $36.4 million, with the company sustaining healthy underlying profitability and margins and completing the cash acquisition of InforSense in June 2009.

Excluding the impact of InforSense, underlying revenue growth was well into double digits with underlying profit before tax significantly up on the first half of last year. This reflects growing and recurring revenues from existing customers as well as projects completed for new customers.

Revenue for the first half of 2010 benefited from a strong product performance in the company’s core pharmaceuticals market where organisations are seeking to improve the effectiveness of their business processes and the use of high-value data. Key to growth for the period was the implementation of significant projects, involving the E-WorkBook Suite, at a number of major companies for drug formulation and preclinical development, and at a contract manufacturer of biologics for process development improvement.

Software sales for the period grew by 44% on the first half of 2009 with maintenance revenues increasing by 13% and professional services by 25%.

Since the acquisition of InforSense, IDBS has established a leading position in the high-growth market of biomarker and personalised medicine research, recently winning a number of new contracts which will benefit the second half of 2010 and beyond. These include a significant engagement with Barts Hospital and the London NHS Trust to improve the understanding of cardiovascular disease in the UK.

“R&D companies and healthcare organisations recognise the strategic value of IDBS in process improvement projects, enhancing regulatory compliance and research collaboration,” commented Neil Kipling, founder and CEO of IDBS. “Our reputation and market leadership are based on our data management expertise and solutions combined with an unrivalled understanding of scientists, the R&D process and the needs of our customers. We are continuing to invest in the business and to strengthen our relationships with existing and new customers. As a result, we are confident that IDBS is on track to achieve its best ever financial performance in 2010 and to continue to make strong progress thereafter.”

During the period, IDBS was included in the 2010 ProfitTrack100 list of private companies, recognising the company’s long-term record of sustained, profitable growth.

About IDBS

IDBS is a unique, global supplier of innovative data management and first-in-class analytics solutions which increase efficiency, reduce costs and improve the productivity of Healthcare R&D organisations. Multinational pharmaceutical companies, major public-private healthcare partnerships, global leaders in academic study and high tech companies employ IDBS as a strategic supplier of scientific informatics and business process improvement solutions. IDBS is clearly differentiated from other providers by its unique combination of deep domain knowledge across the entire R&D sector: from the examination of the human genome at the scientist’s bench, through the clinic, to translational medicine initiatives and pay-for-performance healthcare monitoring. IDBS solutions support the protection of Intellectual Property and the requirements for data quality and security demanded under Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and HL7 (Health Level) standards. IDBS improves organisational efficiency, releases the value stored in organisations’ R&D data assets and enables effective collaboration through secure scientific data sharing.

IDBS is a ProfitTrack 100 private company, founded in 1989 and headquartered in Guildford, UK. IDBS has worldwide consulting and support presence, with U.S. offices in California, New Jersey and Massachusetts, as well as the EU, Australia and China. Further information can be found at www.idbs.com.

DEURLE, BELGIUM–(Marketwire – August 16, 2010) –  Remedent, Inc. (OTCBB: REMI), an international company specializing in research, development, and manufacturing of oral care and cosmetic dentistry products, reported results for the first quarter ended on June 30, 2010 (in US Dollars).

Net sales for three months ended June 30, 2010 increased 62% to $3.4 million compared to $2.1 million for the same year ago quarter. The increase in sales was due to the inclusion of our Asian retail operations as well as the sale of First Fit.

Profit for the three months ended June 30, 2010 prior to outside shareholders participation totaled approximately $568 thousand compared with losses of $488 thousand for the same year ago quarter. Profits attributed to Remedent common stockholders for three months ended June 30, 2010 was $312 thousand compared to losses of $549 thousand for the same year ago quarter.

Cash and cash equivalents totaled $1.2 million at June 30, 2010 as opposed to $613 thousand as reported at March 31, 2010.

Management Commentary

“The shifting of our business model from wholesale (B2B) model via a distributor to a direct retail model is beginning to bear fruit as previously mentioned during prior conference calls. During the current quarter we included our retail Asian operations of approximately $600 thousand in gross revenues as we are continuing to open new Spa locations in both Europe and Asia during the next quarter and in the remainder of our financial year. Sales in all our Spa locations continue to exceed our expectations as sales continue to climb,” said Guy De Vreese the CEO of Remedent.

Conference Call Information

Remedent will host a conference call on Wednesday, August 18, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Standard time (8:00 a.m. Pacific time) to discuss these results and its strategic plans for the future. A question and answer session will follow management’s presentation. To participate in the call, dial the appropriate number 5-10 minutes prior to the start time.

Date: Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Time 11:00 a.m. Eastern time (8:00 a.m. Pacific time).
Dial in number: 888-765-5547
Passcode: 4258061

The replay of the call will be available through September 15, 2010. The dial in number for the replay is 888-203-1112 and the replay pass code is 4258061

About Remedent

Remedent, Inc. specializes in the research, development, manufacturing and marketing of oral care and cosmetic dentistry products. The company serves professional dental industry with breakthrough technology for dental veneers. These products are supported by a line of professional veneer whitening and teeth sensitivity solutions. Headquartered in Belgium, Remedent distributes its products to more than 35 countries worldwide. For more information, go to www.remedent.com.

Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995
Statements in this press release that are “forward-looking statements” are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other unknown factors that could cause Remedent’s actual operating results to be materially different from any historical results or from any future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. In addition to statements that explicitly describe these risks and uncertainties, readers are urged to consider statements that contain terms such as “believes,” “belief,” “expects,” “expect,” “intends,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “plan,” “projects,” “project,” to be uncertain and forward-looking. Actual results could differ materially because of factors such as Remedent’s ability to achieve the synergies and value creation contemplated by the proposed transaction. For further information regarding risks and uncertainties associated with Remedent’s business, please refer to the risk factors described in Remedent’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including, but not limited to, its annual report on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q.

INDIANAPOLIS, IN–(Marketwire – August 16, 2010) – iSALUS Healthcare, one of the country’s top web-based electronic medical records (EMR-EHR) software and medical practice management software companies that serves small and medium sized physician practices, today announced a newly formed strategic partnership with the Indianapolis Medical Society (IMS). Through this exclusive endorsement, iSALUS will offer discounted electronic medical records (EMR-EHR) and practice management software subscriptions to more than 2,000 IMS members.

As part of the strategic partnership, iSALUS will offer Indianapolis Medical Society members a pre-negotiated discount for subscriptions to its entire suite of services. These include medical office and practice management software (billing, collections, scheduling, rounds, dictation, charge capture, automated workflow) and electronic medical and health records software (electronic charting, lab interfaces, e-prescribing, automated letters, integrated faxing and document management technology). In addition to software, iSALUS also will provide IMS members with localized training, technical support and customer service.

“The Indianapolis Medical Society is pleased to strengthen our relationship with iSALUS. The company has demonstrated proven leadership in EMR-EHR and practice management software. One of our goals as an organization is to continue to offer practice enhancement opportunities to our physician members; this partnership allows us to do just that,” said John C. Ellis, MD. “Additionally, iSALUS allows our members to purchase individual modules for their medical practices, making the transition to EMR-EHR technology as simple or as diverse as a member requires. We have hands-on experience as to how well the iSALUS EMR-EHR software works since we have used it since 2004 for the IMS Foundation’s Project Health, our outreach initiative for the uninsured residents of Marion County.”

The Indianapolis (Marion County) Medical Society was founded in 1848 and has more than 2,100 members representing approximately 67 percent of the physicians in the greater Indianapolis area. It is a professional membership organization for licensed Doctors of Medicine and Doctors of Osteopathy. The IMS is a component of the Indiana State Medical Association and the American Medical Association. For more information, please visit: www.imsonline.org.

“iSALUS has been an associate member of the Indianapolis Medical Society since 2003,” commented Michael Hall, president and founder of iSALUS Healthcare. “We are proud to contribute to the advancement of the medical industry and to IMS’ members’ success. Our EMR-EHR and practice management software is ideal for IMS’ membership base which is comprised of primarily small to mid-sized physician practices. Through this partnership we will be able to help members achieve Meaningful Use of electronic health and medical records (EMR-EHR), as well as increase the efficiency of their practices and improve patient care.”

About iSALUS Healthcare
Founded in 2000 and headquartered in Indianapolis, iSALUS Healthcare offers web-based, mobile-optimized EMR-EHR and practice management software solutions exclusively for small to medium sized physician practices, healthcare offices and medical clinics. Its proven suite of easy-to-learn and easy-to-use applications is accessible from any Internet connection and provided at an affordable monthly fee. iSALUS includes unlimited technical support and customer service with all of its software subscriptions. Throughout its history, the company has served thousands of doctors and practice managers across the country. For more information, please visit www.isalushealthcare.com or call 888.280.6678.

WEST HARTFORD, CT–(Marketwire – August 13, 2010) –  ORLive, the vision of improving health, presents a live broadcast of a revision knee replacement presented by DePuy. This week ORLive welcomed Sorin Group, and you can view their library of prosthetic heart valves and repair device videos on the Sorin ORLive Channel. In addition to these videos, ORLive invites you to take part in the latest installment of the Virtual Brain Tumor Board, and go back to school this month as your watch and learn from this month’s featured channel of medical education content.

NEW ON ORLIVE

LIVE SURGERY VIDEO – DePuy^® Rotating Platform Revision Knee Replacement
Live August 12, 2010, 7:00 PM

Dr. Russ Nevins will perform a revision total knee replacement using the Sigma^® TC3 RP and M.B.T. Revision Tray system from DePuy Orthopaedics, Inc. The broadcast will be moderated by Dr. William Barrett (Renton, WA). This broadcast will take place from Spring Valley Hospital Medical Center in Las Vegas, NV. 

At 4PM Pacific (7PM EDT), Dr. Nevins will perform the revision total knee replacement surgery featuring the Sigma TC3 RP, a rotating platform knee implant design. This system helps diffuse loosening forces from the increased mechanical constraint typical in revision implant systems and offers surgeons enhanced fixation options through the use of metaphyseal sleeves on the femoral and tibial side. 

Viewers are invited to interact with the surgical team by submitting questions via the ORLive website. To learn more about this broadcast and to sign up for an e-mail reminder go to ORLive.com.

NEW CHANNEL – Sorin Group
With over 40 years of experience, Sorin Group is responsible for many of the innovations that have made heart valve replacement and repair among the safest and most effective procedures in the world today. ORLive invites you to watch and learn as Sorin presents video of many of these devices on the Sorin ORLive Channel. 

ORLIVE REFERRALS — Week of August 9, 2010
Each week ORLive highlights on-demand videos for our membership and visitors. 

Medical Education Referral: Innovations in Transcatheter Valve Therapies from NewYork-Presbyterian.

CME Referral: New Frontiers in the Science and Medicine of Venous Thromboembolism from CMEducation Resources

Viewer’s Referral: New Options for Advanced Heart Disease from Montefiore Medical Center

HIGHLIGHTS

PREVIEW – Surgical and Medical Treatments for Type 2 Diabetes
Premieres Tuesday, August 17, 2010 at Noon

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. Learn what advancements are being made and see what happens when gastric bypass surgery results in a possible remission of diabetes. Don’t miss “Surgical and Medical Treatments for Type 2 Diabetes,” August 17th at Noon.

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 available.

NOW ON-DEMAND — EVOLUTION™ Medial-Pivot Knee System
Now Available On-Demand

Designed to replicate the function of a normal knee, the EVOLUTION™ Medial-Pivot Knee is one of the newest total knee systems on the market. This surgery was performed by Dr. David DeBoer, and he answered questions from the audience during the broadcast. Learn the latest on the knee system that was built utilizing state-of-the-art design and manufacturing technologies…don’t miss “EVOLUTION™ Medial-Pivot Knee System.”

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

NOW ON-DEMAND — Prenatal Pediatrics
Now Available On-Demand

Managing a high risk pregnancy can be difficult. NewYork-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital provides the maternal, fetal and pediatric expertise to care for high-risk pregnancies. NewYork-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital was one of only eight hospitals in the country ranked in each medical specialty measured by U.S. News & World Report, with distinct leadership in neonatology and pediatric cardiac surgery.

Join Dr. Mary D’Alton, Chair, Department of OB/GYN, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, and a team that includes Dr. Richard Polin, Director, Neonatology, as they review the capabilities and treatments available at the Center for Pediatrics. 

Viewers of this video are invited to interact with the team via the ORLive website, and to join the community and receive regular updates from the NewYork-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital Center for Neonatal Pediatrics.

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.

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RIVERSIDE, CA–(Marketwire – August 13, 2010) – ONRAD, Inc., a leading radiology services provider, announces its support for The Association for Medical Imaging Management (AHRA) by exhibiting at the 38th Annual Conference in National Harbor, MD. “We are pleased to be a part of the exhibition in 2010,” said Ryan Pahler, Director of Sales and Marketing at ONRAD. “We are always adding to our service offering and I look forward to sharing our newest solutions with the attendees at the conference.”

Visit ONRAD at Booth #424 to learn about the company’s complete radiology solution, which can include teleradiology services, technology consulting, subspecialty teleradiology interpretations, and professional radiology staffing. As a partner, ONRAD provides more than just teleradiology interpretations. The ONRAD executive team develops strategies to help each customer be more competitive in their local community.

Visitors at ONRAD’s AHRA booth can also register to win a Dell Inspiron Mini 10. At only three pounds, this Netbook is easy to take anywhere in the hospital. Those that can’t make it to the show can enter to win by subscribing to the ONRAD blog. The blog contains healthcare and radiology news and encourages participation from industry thought leaders. Subscribe to the blog and become part of a network of other radiology professionals focused on sharing ideas and improving their businesses. Subscribe to the ONRAD blog.

For more on this topic, visit: http://www.onradinc.com/?page_id=1867.

About ONRAD:

ONRAD is a full service physician-owned radiology provider offering customized radiology services including teleradiology solutions, professional staffing, and technology services. As a partner, ONRAD helps its customers increase profitability and improve patient care. Through a unique hybrid model that combines on-site staffing with supplemental teleradiology coverage, ONRAD can provide a significant cost savings.

About AHRA:

The Association for Medical Imaging Management (AHRA) is the professional organization representing management at all levels of hospital imaging departments, freestanding imaging centers, and group practice. Founded in 1973, AHRA’s 4000 members reach across the country and around the world. AHRA offers a complete slate of professional development programs including a comprehensive selection of educational conferences and seminars, networking opportunities, award winning publications, and the Certified Radiology Administrator (CRA) credential.

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LOS ANGELES, CA–(Marketwire – August 13, 2010) – MMRGlobal, Inc. (OTCBB: MMRF) (www.mmrglobal.com) today announced it will release financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2010 after the close of market on Monday, August 16, 2010. The Company expects to exceed expectations for the first six months of 2010.

“We are continuing to execute on our business plan, expanding globally, moving offices, and doubling the size of our IT infrastructure in the United States while deploying development resources in China,” said Robert H. Lorsch, Chairman and CEO of MMRGlobal. “We’re excited about the interest in MyEsafeDepositBox from financial institutions. We are actively involved in pursuing M&A opportunities in our core business of personal and electronic health records and patent opportunities with our biotech assets. Additionally, next week we will launch the first-ever online promotion program to consumers designed to encourage them to better health by activating a MyMedicalRecords Personal Health Record account (www.mmrvideos.com). MMRGlobal is an entrepreneurial company, and like a NASA where many commercial products and services are a byproduct of its core space missions, we believe our technologies can generate many ways to provide life-saving tools that can be offered to a variety of business and industries. Although we began with Personal Health Records, we continue to develop new products and relationships, such as with Kodak and Chartis International.”

The Company believes that the restructuring of the healthcare system in the United States will continue to present ongoing opportunities for uses of its products and services to consumers, healthcare professionals and corporations.

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.mymedicalrecords.com and view the videos at www.mmrtheater.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
Any statements contained in this press release that refer to future events or other non-historical matters are forward-looking statements, and some can be identified by the use of words (and their derivations) such as “need,” “possibility,” “offer,” “development,” “if,” “negotiate,” “when,” “begun,” “believe,” “achieve,” “will,” “estimate,” “expect,” “maintain,” “plan,” and “continue.” MMRGlobal, Inc. disclaims any intent or obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on MMRGlobal, Inc.’s reasonable expectations as of the date of this press release and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations. The information discussed in this release is subject to various risks and uncertainties related to changes in MMRGlobal, Inc.’s business prospects, results of operations or financial condition, government regulation, and such other risks and uncertainties as detailed from time to time in MMRGlobal, Inc.’s public filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

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IRVINE, CA–(Marketwire – August 13, 2010) –  Sun Healthcare Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: SUNH) today announced the pricing of an underwritten public offering of 26,750,000 million shares of its common stock at a price to the public of $7.75 per share. Sun has granted the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to 4,012,500 additional shares of its common stock to cover over-allotments, if any. Sun expects to receive net proceeds, after deducting the underwriting discount and estimated offering expenses, of approximately $195.3 million from the offering, or $224.8 million if the underwriters exercise their over-allotment option in full. The offering is expected to close on Aug. 18, 2010, subject to customary closing conditions.

Sun intends to use the net proceeds from this offering to repay a portion of the outstanding term loans under its existing credit facility.

Jefferies & Company, Inc., Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC and J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. are the joint book-running managers for this offering.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of any offer to buy the shares of Sun’s common stock described herein, nor shall there be any offer, solicitation or sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. The offering may be made only by means of the prospectus supplement and the related prospectus relating to the offering, copies of which may be obtained by written request to Jefferies & Company, Inc., Attention: Equity Syndicate Prospectus Department, 520 Madison Avenue, 12^th Floor, New York, NY 10022, by telephone at (877) 547-6340, or by e-mail at [email protected]; or Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC, Attention: Credit Suisse Prospectus Department, One Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10010 or by telephone at (800) 221-1037.

About Sun Healthcare Group, Inc.

Sun Healthcare Group, Inc.’s (NASDAQ: SUNH) 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.

Forward-Looking Statements

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. Factors that could cause actual results to differ are identified in the public filings made by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission and include our ability to successfully complete the offering on terms and conditions satisfactory to us, as well as other risks and uncertainties, including those detailed from time to time in our Securities and Exchange Commission filings. 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 Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, copies of which are available on Sun’s web site, www.sunh.com. 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. 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.

NEW YORK, NY–(Marketwire – August 12, 2010) –  Vaccines continue to be the success story for pharmaceutical companies, with the world market for preventative vaccines totaling $22.1 billion in 2009, up from $19 billion in 2008, according to healthcare market research publisher Kalorama Information. Kalorama’s new report, “Vaccines 2010: World Market Analysis, Key Players, and Critical Trends in a Fast-Changing Industry,” notes that the worldwide vaccine market is predicted to increase at a compound annual rate of 9.7% during the next five years, as new product introductions continue and the use of current products expands further. 

“We’ve forecasted a high growth rate for vaccines over the past few years and market events have matched our predictions,” said Bruce Carlson, publisher of Kalorama Information. “The vaccine business is not without its risks, but for some companies, vaccines were the only bright spot in their portfolio in 2009. It’s not a surprise therefore that development is heavy in this sector, and that will contribute to growth over the next five years.”

Vaccines are commonly segmented into two target markets, adult and pediatric. According to Kalorama Information, the pediatric vaccine market is larger, accounting for more than half of the total market. Pediatric vaccines are also growing at a faster rate than adult vaccines and this is expected to continue over the next five years. Pneumococcal and “combination” DTaP vaccines are driving growth in the pediatric sector, while influenza and hepatitis vaccine products are driving sales in the adult segment of the market. Future growth in adult vaccines will be driven by increased acceptance and new products. 

The worldwide vaccine market is dominated by five major competitors: Merck & Co, GlaxoSmithKline, Sanofi Pasteur, Pfizer, and Novartis. These companies have made earning a greater share of the vaccine market part of their marketing and research strategies. GlaxoSmithKline is in the lead with nearly a quarter of the world market in 2009, largely due to its influenza products Fluvarix and Hiberix, according to Kalorama. 

More information is available from Kalorama Information’s report, “Vaccines 2010: World Market Analysis, Key Players, and Critical Trends in a Fast-Changing Industry,” including market forecasts, company profiles, and trends in the industry. The report can be found at: http://www.kaloramainformation.com/redirect.asp?progid=79452&productid=2684026.

About Kalorama Information
Kalorama Information supplies the latest in independent market research in the life sciences, as well as a full range of custom research services. We routinely assist the media with healthcare topics. Follow us on Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/KaloramaInfo) and LinkedIn (http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=2177845&trk=hb_side_g).

CINCINNATI, OH–(Marketwire – August 12, 2010) –  Technology Medical Partners (TMP), a healthcare information technology solutions and services provider, today announced that Holzer Medical Center, an Ohio-based hospital, has implemented TMP’s Clinical Quality Manager (CQM) solution to improve patient care and reporting of quality of care core measurements. The CQM platform will help Holzer focus on improving patient outcomes by automating quality data collection, analytics and reducing processing time for reports required by the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS). Holzer serves the communities of southeastern Ohio, western West Virginia and northeastern Kentucky.

TMP’s CQM solution provides Holzer the ability to abstract quality of care data from any system; provide reports and dashboards to anyone; and support analytics and quality improvement anywhere; functions that are not provided by most electronic health records (EHR) systems at this depth or completeness. TMP’s CQM solution is built on the Microsoft SharePoint portal platform and abstracts patient data and other information from across Holzer’s disparate departments and systems, including its EHR systems. Holzer’s staff and medical professionals will no longer take months to manually complete all of the required CMS reports. Because the data is automatically captured, populated and formatted in report forms, CQM’s automated reporting process will reduce the processing time by months.

“The system is impressive and I cannot wait to have more real-time data on my desktop regarding quality measures,” stated Jim Phillippe, CEO and President of Holzer Medical Center. “Focusing on core measures is key to improving quality scores, and I am also glad to see how this system relates to the reporting of the Meaningful Use of our EHR system.”

“The CMS quality reporting process continues to become more complex, and having a system that will streamline data collection and report completion will allow us to use the data in real time to improve our patient care and focus on quality outcomes,” said April McLain, Quality Director for Holzer Health System. “By improving reporting efficiency, our management, doctors and nurses will have convenient access to real-time quality data on their desktops via dashboards. This will allow for analysis of the core measure data months in advance of the current process. With faster, more accurate CMS reporting, we can improve processes and outcomes, and we will be eligible for additional government funds based on Pay for Performance. We plan to use this real time data to analyze and improve our readmission rates.”

From CQM’s dashboards, Holzer’s staff can aggregate and abstract patient information that can be used to track patients’ treatments, programs and outcomes. The aggregated information from across the health system will also help administrators to follow and report on Hospital Acquired Conditions (HACS), Readmission Rates by DRG, Patient Satisfaction, evidence-based medicine processes, and automate forms, documents, schedules and other staff functions. Additional applications are planned.

“For Holzer and other healthcare providers, having access to the right data at the right time (real-time quality data) is critical to ensuring that patients receive better care and outcomes in the long run,” said Jim Dixon, managing partner at TMP. “As our tag line says, ‘Quality Data Improves Outcomes.’ Our CQM system provides medical professionals with the real-time information and efficiencies they need to focus on patient outcomes while providing hospitals with a means to improve its tracking and reporting processes to improve compliance, profitability and competitiveness. We appreciate the trust Holzer has put in our solutions and look forward to helping them continue to make their patients the center of all they do.”

About Holzer Health Systems
Since 1909, the name Holzer has been synonymous with wellness in the community. Today, Holzer Health Systems offers a wide and comprehensive range of services, including the most advanced healthcare, diagnostics, and treatments available. Headquartered in Gallipolis, Ohio, Holzer serves the needs of patients in southeastern Ohio, western West Virginia and northeastern Kentucky. For more information, visit www.holzer.org.

About Technology Medical Partners
TMP’s Clinical Quality Manager vastly improves the Quality of Care, data abstraction and administrative processes related to reporting quality core measures to anyone. Founded in 2004, TMP is a Microsoft Certified ISV and is focused on Healthcare Quality Improvement with Composite Software Solutions based on SharePoint and other Microsoft products. TMP delivers value-added information technology solutions and services to the Healthcare Industry. We focus on the business improvement of healthcare providers (Hospitals, Clinics and Physician Practices). TMP brings a comprehensive array of software solutions, platform products and implementation services together with experience and leadership in Healthcare Solutions delivery. For more information, please visit www.t-m-partners.net

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PHOENIX, AZ–(Marketwire – August 12, 2010) –  The Arizona Heart Institute is pleased to announce its support of the newly integrated alliance between Vanguard Health Systems (Nashville, TN), Arizona Heart Institute, and Arizona Heart Hospital. This follows Vanguard’s recent announcements to acquire the Arizona Heart Institute (AHI) and the Arizona Heart Hospital (AHH). If approved, both AHI and AHH would join Vanguard’s Abrazo Health Care system which includes five hospitals throughout the Phoenix area, Abrazo Medical Group, and two health plans, Phoenix Health Plan and Abrazo Advantage.

“The Arizona Heart Institute physician-member investors in the Arizona Heart Hospital enthusiastically endorse this sought-after partnership,” said Edward B. Diethrich, MD, founder and medical director of Arizona Heart Institute and Arizona Heart Hospital. “With AHI and AHH as Vanguard entities, both organizations would operate under a single leadership and management, providing the opportunity to strengthen and streamline all aspects of patient care from diagnosis through treatment and rehabilitation. Also, this places the new organization in a better position to compete for insurance contracts and leverage the capital and management skills associated with a larger corporation,” according to Diethrich.

The Arizona Heart Institute out-patient physician practice is part owner in the Arizona Heart Hospital, LLC, a 59-bed in-patient facility owned by the North Carolina-based MedCath Corporation. Earlier this year, MedCath Corporation announced its plans to sell the Arizona Heart Hospital.

“For many months, we have been evaluating several potential suitors to acquire the Arizona Heart Hospital and the Arizona Heart Institute. In Vanguard, we found a natural fit,” commented Diethrich. “While Vanguard offers us the possibility of more scalable and reproducible programs, they too are committed to addressing the issues most important to Arizona Heart — preservation of our name and identity, support of our tradition of research and education, and exemplary patient care.”

Since AHI’s inception in 1971, AHI’s clinical research and medical education activities have been led and operated by the for-profit Arizona Heart Institute which is known for a long list of achievements including Phoenix’s first heart transplant, Arizona’s first coronary stent, its pioneering role in aortic aneurysm endografting, and the world’s first hybrid endovascular suite. During the campus reorganization, AHI recently transferred its research and education programs to the Arizona Heart Foundation, a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization. “While these programs will continue under the direction of the AHI physicians who over many years have worked hard to make them successful, the Foundation will be in a much better position on the operational and administrative fronts to apply for research grants, fundraise, partner with academic centers, and continue to improve programs like International Congress,” said Diethrich.

“We believe that this new alliance with Vanguard in collaboration with the non-profit Arizona Heart Foundation accomplishes the potential for escalated excellence in cardiovascular research, a tradition that has long been the cornerstone of the Arizona Heart mission,” according to Venkatesh G. Ramaiah, MD, Director of Peripheral Vascular Research at the Arizona Heart Institute. “The partnership enables us to expand our clinical research efforts to supply leading edge technology and research for both diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. These efforts in the past have yielded enormous capabilities in caring for patients with serious blood vessel and heart ailments. We anticipate under this new collaboration that even more exciting and productive accomplishments will occur in the near future,” continued Ramaiah.

“Since the inception of the Arizona Heart Institute over 40 years ago, medical education has been a high priority,” said Julio A. Rodriguez-Lopez, MD, Director of Peripheral Vascular Surgery and the Fellowship Program at the Arizona Heart Institute. “The training of physicians, nurses, and technical staff has distinguished us as an education leader. The new affiliation with Vanguard and our expanded relationship with the Arizona Heart Foundation will assure continued advancement in our educational endeavors.”

About Arizona Heart Institute

Arizona Heart Institute is among the world’s leading providers of cardiovascular care. This visionary organization was founded in 1971, quickly evolving into the country’s first freestanding outpatient clinic solely dedicated to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of heart and blood vessel disease. Since then, Arizona Heart Institute has grown to expand treatment and research options with the opening of Arizona Heart Hospital in 1998 and the dedication of Arizona Heart Institute Translational Research Center in 2007. Through these unique facilities, Arizona Heart Institute offers the most contemporary and comprehensive approach to cardiovascular medicine and an unmatched level of specialty care. For more information, visit www.azheart.com.

LOUISVILLE, KY–(Marketwire – August 12, 2010) –  Bringing home the gold is always an incredible accomplishment. This year the University of Louisville along with its architectural team of SmithGroup and Arrasmith, Judd, Rapp, Chovan Inc. are basking in the glory of gold for the design and construction of the new Clinical and Translational Research Building.

In the quest to continue to excel in the biomedical sciences nationwide, the University’s Health Sciences Center (HSC) embarked on the design of the Clinical and Translational Research building (CTR) in 2004. The facility was to be a continuation of the goals of creating state-of-the-art research facilities in order to attract and retain the best researchers from among the nation, consolidate existing programs, and provide for the opportunity to augment on the success of programs already established within the HSC.

Completed in August 2009, the $109-million, 288,000 gsf facility consists of a combination of wet laboratories, laboratory support spaces, shared equipment/support areas, auditorium, and research faculty offices. The building’s bright, colorful and vibrant interior lab and office environments were designed to facilitate discovery and groundbreaking research. Of primary importance is the open laboratory concept utilized in the facility, which allowed lab planning experts to design laboratories as larger spaces housing various investigators rather than dedicated smaller modules assigned to a single investigator, thus increasing collaboration.

Achieving LEED Gold Certification was clearly one of the greatest accomplishments in this particular project. These days it is more common for buildings to pursue certification, but it is extremely rare that certification isn’t actually pursued until the project is well into construction. The design team, contractor and owner met to discuss the possibility of pursuing LEED late in the game and determined that certification would be achievable since the team incorporated various sustainable design measures from the beginning. These measures included providing daylighting to 75% of occupied spaces, selecting eco-friendly and recyclable materials, and commissioning all equipment including fumehoods.

The Clinical and Translational Research Building project is the fourth in a series of research buildings SmithGroup has designed with partner AJRC. SmithGroup and AJRC have a long history on the University of Louisville campus. Their partnership dates back over 30 years and includes research buildings, classrooms and clinical expansion at the University of Louisville campus. In addition, the team designed the university’s research tower, library center, dental school, clinical core hospital building, an ambulatory care building, and the Donald Baxter and Delia Baxter Research Buildings.

SmithGroup ranks as the 7^th largest architecture and engineering firm in the U.S. (Building Design & Construction “Giants” survey, July 2009) and employs 800. The firm is composed of client industry-focused practices serving the higher education, healthcare, workplace and science & technology markets.

With 346 LEED accredited professionals and 45 LEED certified projects, SmithGroup is a national leader in sustainable, environmentally intelligent design. Among its most noteworthy, recently completed projects are the dual LEED Platinum Christman Building, a corporate headquarters in Lansing, Mich.; the LEED Platinum Smart Home at Duke University, Durham, North Carolina; and the National Renewable Energy Lab’s Science & Technology Facility, Golden, Colo., the first LEED Platinum federal project.

Established in 1853, SmithGroup is the longest continually operating architecture and engineering firm in the U.S.