Healthcare Policy and Law News

WASHINGTON, D.C.–(Marketwire – September 8, 2010) –  The National Venture Capital Association (NVCA) today announced the formation of the Medical Innovation and Competitiveness (MedIC) Coalition, a new alliance comprised of both venture capital firms and their life sciences portfolio companies. The MedIC Coalition will be a united voice in Washington D.C. advocating for policies and regulations that advance U.S. medical innovation and protect the country’s global leadership position in the life sciences industry. The Coalition has three overarching goals:

• Bring the importance of medical innovation to the forefront as the country implements healthcare reform

• Establish new and preserve existing incentives for investors and entrepreneurs to develop and commercialize medical innovations in the U.S.

• Achieve broad-based F.D.A. reform

“Medical innovation is a significant contributor to our national goal of increasing access to healthcare, improving the quality of medical care, and creating high quality jobs. Yet until now, innovation has been largely absent from the public discussion on healthcare reform,” said Beth Seidenberg, MD, chairperson of MedIC and a general partner of Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers. “MedIC will address the rising concern that the U.S. is at risk of losing our leadership position in innovation and job creation due to increasing uncertainty in the regulatory and reimbursement processes, healthcare reform implementation and the capital markets. If we don’t act now our increasingly formidable global competitors will.”

As the United States struggles with these issues, foreign countries are providing incentives for innovators to complete their work overseas, build companies, and access capital markets. MedIC will be highlighting theses challenges and offering concrete regulatory and legislative solutions so that medical breakthroughs can continue to be pursued, high quality jobs created and US global leadership maintained.

“The U.S. healthcare system runs on innovation; if capital and incentives dry up, the whole system will suffer. This scenario could become a reality in the next decade as our current regulatory environment threatens to place our country at a disadvantage to foreign nations that are seeking to create more favorable conditions for innovators and investors,” said Mark Heesen, president, National Venture Capital Association. “In some instances, breakthrough therapies have migrated overseas to take advantage of more innovation friendly environments. MedIC wants the United States to continue to be leaders in discovering, developing and commercializing innovation. The game is ours to lose and we have no intention of losing it.”

“Historically, most of the breakthrough medical innovations in the United States have come from the start-ups and physician inventors,” said Josh Makower, MD, chief executive officer of Exploramed and MedIC steering committee member. “Breakthroughs such as the pacemaker, angioplasty and pulse oximetry were once lab experiments brought to life by entrepreneurs and venture capitalists working together to improve the quality of life for millions. We are now joining forces to ensure that the U.S. regulatory environment allows for the next wave of medical innovations to reach the public market. As a physician, inventor and entrepreneur, I am thrilled to be a part of the MedIC Coalition and look forward to the important work that will be done.”

Membership in MedIC is open to NVCA member firms and their life sciences portfolio companies. Additional information can be found at http://medic.nvca.org

About MedIC

Comprised of National Venture Capital Association member firms and their life sciences portfolio companies, the MedIC coalition advocates for policies and regulations that advance and support U.S. medical innovation. MedIC seeks to 1) educate policymakers on the critical role America’s medical innovation plays in the U.S. healthcare system, 2) establish incentives for investors and entrepreneurs to drive medical innovations in the U.S. and 3) achieve broad based FDA reform so that breakthrough technologies can be brought to market more efficiently. More information on MedIC can be found at medic.nvca.org.

About National Venture Capital Association

The National Venture Capital Association (NVCA) represents approximately 425 venture capital firms in the United States. NVCA’s mission is to foster greater understanding of the importance of venture capital to the U.S. economy and support entrepreneurial activity and innovation. According to a 2009 Global Insight study, venture-backed companies accounted for 12.1 million jobs and $2.9 trillion in revenue in the United States in 2008. The NVCA represents the public policy interests of the venture capital community, strives to maintain high professional standards, provides reliable industry data, sponsors professional development, and facilitates interaction among its members. For more information about the NVCA, please visit www.nvca.org.

FAIRFIELD, NJ–(Marketwire – September 8, 2010) –  Virtual Ed Link, Inc. (PINKSHEETS: VRED) — Virtual Ed Link is expanding its efforts into two new areas — Homeland Security and Law and Public Safety. These two New Jersey State Departments are responsible for the safety and well being of students across the state and as such, both organizations have a high interest in the collection of intelligence in local school districts.

The primary purpose of the VRED School Safety Management System (SSMS) product is to collaborate information from the school to the administration, staff, parents and community. Not only is this collected information valuable to the school community, it is also very important to these particular state agencies. Information and statistics regarding firearms, illegal drugs, hate crimes, gang activity, student violence and terroristic threats are all major topics of concern by state authorities.

In New Jersey, all school districts are required by the State Board of Education to adopt and implement policies and procedures consistent with the State Memorandum of Agreement approved by the Attorney General and Commissioner of Education. This memorandum is then signed by each school and municipality statewide.

“The Memorandum of Agreement between the school district and the State’s Attorney General’s Office includes sections on school security planning and training. We are having discussions with officials on utilizing this vehicle for implementation of the SSMS product for school districts,” said John Bay, President and CEO of Virtual Ed Link. “This seems to be a very viable alternative and solution to the tight budget scenarios we are encountering with local school districts.” 

The SSMS solution coordinates information manually and electronically from sources throughout the school district — processing this information into actionable intelligence. This patterning and processing is done through proprietary algorithms designed by VRED, Viyya Technologies (VYON) and other integration partners. The resulting intelligence can then be utilized by the school administration, local authorities and state agencies to prevent security and safety breaches within the school system rather than just reacting to problem after it occurs.

About Virtual Ed Link, Inc.
Virtual Ed Link, Inc., (PINKSHEETS: VRED), sells the Safety and Security Management System (SSMS), which uses proprietary core technology solutions developed by Viyya Technologies. The Safety and Security Management System is marketed and sold primarily to schools and colleges around the U.S. and geared to be used as a collaborative Web 2.0 tool to share general information retrieved from any internet source among the school users, and especially, in the event of threats or danger, to disseminate alerts to help and guide students, parents, faculty and law enforcement in the actions necessary to help protect school attendees, and school infrastructure.

For more information, visit http://www.virtualedlink.org

Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: This news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including statements that include the words “believes,” “expects,” “anticipate” or similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the company to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. In addition, description of anyone’s past success, either financial or strategic, is no guarantee of future success. This news release speaks as of the date first set forth above and the company assumes no responsibility to update the information included herein for events occurring after the date hereof.

REDWOOD CITY, CA–(Marketwire – September 7, 2010) – Lunera Lighting, Inc., a Silicon Valley company that designs, manufactures, and markets next-generation LED lighting, is pleased to announce that its award winning, energy efficient LED fixtures are now available for purchase on the General Services Administration (GSA) Schedule. New to the Lunera® team, Harpreet Walia, head of Government Affairs, will be leading the company’s government sales efforts.

The GSA Schedule program provides access to over 11 million commercial products and services at volume discount pricing. To qualify for the GSA Schedule program, all approved vendor products must be compliant with the commercial environment intended.

“We believe in creating sustainable, high quality, digital lighting through a combination of innovative fixture design and state-of-the-art technology. We are delighted that our products were approved on the first round to be included on the GSA schedule. Our commercial LED lighting products enable government agencies to progress towards energy efficient lighting for improved building performance and a more productive work environment,” stated Michael Lesyna, CEO of Lunera Lighting.

Advantages of purchases made through the GSA Schedule:

• Administrative work reduction
• Reduced purchase cycle
• Ease of use
• Procurement control

Lunera products can be purchased and ordered directly by federal customers through the GSA Advantage!® online shopping and ordering system. Products can also be purchased and ordered through Lunera directly. Lunera’s inclusion on the GSA Schedule is enabled through an agreement with Fedlight Supply and can be found through schedule number GS07F-7118B on SIN:206-4.

Lunera’s energy efficient LED fixtures are compliant with the Buy American provisions (Section 1605) of the American Reconstruction and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) and the Buy American Act. Lunera’s fixtures are produced and assembled in California and are designed for ARRA-funded public works projects that advance energy efficiency in new construction and building retrofits.

The company is committed to creating products that produce high quality light, following sustainable green building practices, and striving for the greatest level of customer satisfaction. Lunera fixtures help buildings acquire LEED certification, while providing quantifiable energy and maintenance savings leading to a strong return on investment in LED lighting.

Promises Kept vs. Promises Made
The lighting industry is undergoing a disruptive change in technology for the first time in over 100 years. Analysts predict that LED lighting will become the predominant light source within a few years.

Commercial building owners are open to change based on the promise of digital LED technologys: dramatic energy and maintenance savings; reduced environmental impact; and on Lunera’s promise of delivering these benefits while improving the quality of light and fixture design to enhance the space for a building’s occupants. Obtaining accurate information about LED lighting is key to making an educated product choice.

Lunera is committed to providing comprehensive information on LED technology, its environmental benefits plus maintenance and energy savings to help potential customers make an informed purchase decision. Corporate customers interested in making the switch to commercial LED lighting should visit Lunera’s website for more information.

About Lunera Lighting
Lunera Lighting is an award-winning technology innovator leading the transformation from analog to energy-efficient LED lighting. Manufactured in the USA, Lunera’s premium lighting fixtures are particularly attractive when seeking LEED certification, since LED lighting substantially impacts LEED points in “green” buildings. The company is also a firm believer in social and environmental responsibility and has made it part of their corporate philosophy. Visit http://www.lunera.com for more information or contact Lunera at 650-241-3875 or by email at [email protected].

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MIAMI, FL–(Marketwire – September 3, 2010) –  Simulated Environment Concepts, Inc. (PINKSHEETS: SMEV), makers of the high pressurized dry water massage and wellness equipment, SpaCapsule, announced today that hot on the heels of the twelve capsule deal with UK-based Aspire Consulting, the SpaCapsule has once again made a splash in international press, courtesy of Ireland’s Life and Fitness Magazine.

Dr. Ella Frenkel, CEO and President of Simulated Environment Concepts, Inc. (SE Concepts), said, “Publicity comes naturally to us. Because of the innovation of our Spa Capsule, we have been featured in numerous TV and print venues — ABC’s Good Morning America, CBS’s Doctors Show, NBC’s Today Show, Rob Report and the New York Times, to name a few. However, it is always a great feeling when you see an unsolicited article about us; especially in a prominent magazine such as Life and Fitness Magazine Ireland.”

Freely distributed nationwide to selected gyms and leisure centers, Life and Fitness Magazine Ireland is one of the country’s leading Health & Fitness Publications covering such topics as weight loss, health, nutrition, wellness, sport and travel.

The featured article, “The Spa Capsule Has Arrived In Ireland” (September 1, 2010), continues to demonstrate the significance of the SpaCapsule and its place in not just the therapeutic markets, but in health and fitness overall. Named “the ultimate wellbeing experience” by Life and Fitness Magazine Ireland, the article continued on to state, “this is an excellent opportunity for those in the wellbeing, massage and sport therapy fields to add to their client offering.”

With distribution deals like that of Aspire Consulting for Vibralife and Zen & O for Lady Fitness, SE Concepts intends to carry on with its expansion into the health and wellness markets, while continuing to cultivate corporate, leisure and therapeutic markets worldwide.

About Simulated Environment Concepts, Inc.

Simulated Environment Concepts, Inc. is the developer of a variety of products for wellness, relaxation, weight loss, and rehabilitation. Our aqua massage and hydromassage products are used by Doctors, Gyms, Spas, retail locations, offices, residential and many other venues. Incorporating oxygen, aromatherapy, massage, and even music or video from an iPod or an iPhone, our products deliver consistent results and excellent earning potential for businesses. For more information on Simulated Environment Concepts and its flagship product, SpaCapsule®, PTjetCapsule™, and Celude Laboratories™ products you can visit the company’s product website at www.spacapsule.com, the corporate website at www.seccorporation.com, or request more information via email at [email protected], or call at (888) 757-0797 or (305) 651-9200.

Safe Harbor

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

SpaCapsule is registered trademark of Simulated Environment Concepts, Inc.

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SUN VALLEY, CA–(Marketwire – August 20, 2010) –  XTend Medical Corporation (PINKSHEETS: XMDC), a company that specializes in delivering life-changing medical technology to healthcare organizations globally, received confirmation that the Delaware Chancery Court has scheduled a mediation of the lawsuit that XTend commenced against U&I Bio-Tech Korea, U&I Bio-Tech California, Mr. Sam Lee, and Mr. Eric Shin. Through the litigation, XTend seeks to compel the defendants to perform their obligations under an Asset Purchase Agreement that the parties signed last December, including assigning all of the intellectual property associated with the BioHarp technology to XTend. The mediation proceeding is scheduled for September 30, 2010 at 9:30 am ET before the Honorable Sam Glasscock, III, Master in Chancery.

Mr. Paul D. Lisenby, the CEO of XTend, stated, “XTend Medical has secured a date from the Delaware Chancery Court for mediation between XTend and Sam Lee and the other defendants. It is our intention to present the facts of this case to Master Glasscock and to rely on his wisdom and expertise in complex business matters to assist the parties in resolving the case. The delays and disruption that the defendants have imposed on the company and its shareholders will hopefully finally come to an end through the mediation process. XTend feels very confident in the merits of its case against the defendants. Nevertheless, we look forward to putting this dispute behind us and moving forward with the development of the BioHarp.”

About XTend Medical

XTend Medical Corporation is a company that specializes in the sale, manufacturing, and distribution of the latest in medical devices and telemedicine solutions for the healthcare industry. The company is dedicated to insuring that the products and services that it offers to healthcare organizations, third-world countries, and physician groups are at the forefront of medical technology. For further information, please contact the company at [email protected] or visit its website at www.bioharpunius.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain forward-looking statements covered within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements relate to, among other things, plans and timing for the introduction or enhancement of our services and products, statements about future market conditions, supply and demand conditions, and other expectations, intentions, and plans contained in this press release that are not historical fact and involve risks and uncertainties. Our expectations regarding future revenues depend upon our ability to develop and supply products and services that we may not produce today and that meet defined specifications. When used in this press release, the words “plan,” “expect,” “believe,” and similar expressions generally identify forward-looking statements. These statements reflect our current expectations. They are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, changes in technology and changes in pervasive markets.

SUN VALLEY, CA–(Marketwire – August 20, 2010) –  XTend Medical Corporation (PINKSHEETS: XMDC), a company that specializes in delivering life-changing medical technology to healthcare organizations globally, received confirmation that the Delaware Chancery Court has scheduled a mediation of the lawsuit that XTend commenced against U&I Bio-Tech Korea, U&I Bio-Tech California, Mr. Sam Lee, and Mr. Eric Shin. Through the litigation, XTend seeks to compel the defendants to perform their obligations under an Asset Purchase Agreement that the parties signed last December, including assigning all of the intellectual property associated with the BioHarp technology to XTend. The mediation proceeding is scheduled for September 30, 2010 at 9:30 am ET before the Honorable Sam Glasscock, III, Master in Chancery.

Mr. Paul D. Lisenby, the CEO of XTend, stated, “XTend Medical has secured a date from the Delaware Chancery Court for mediation between XTend and Sam Lee and the other defendants. It is our intention to present the facts of this case to Master Glasscock and to rely on his wisdom and expertise in complex business matters to assist the parties in resolving the case. The delays and disruption that the defendants have imposed on the company and its shareholders will hopefully finally come to an end through the mediation process. XTend feels very confident in the merits of its case against the defendants. Nevertheless, we look forward to putting this dispute behind us and moving forward with the development of the BioHarp.”

About XTend Medical

XTend Medical Corporation is a company that specializes in the sale, manufacturing, and distribution of the latest in medical devices and telemedicine solutions for the healthcare industry. The company is dedicated to insuring that the products and services that it offers to healthcare organizations, third-world countries, and physician groups are at the forefront of medical technology. For further information, please contact the company at [email protected] or visit its website at www.bioharpunius.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain forward-looking statements covered within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements relate to, among other things, plans and timing for the introduction or enhancement of our services and products, statements about future market conditions, supply and demand conditions, and other expectations, intentions, and plans contained in this press release that are not historical fact and involve risks and uncertainties. Our expectations regarding future revenues depend upon our ability to develop and supply products and services that we may not produce today and that meet defined specifications. When used in this press release, the words “plan,” “expect,” “believe,” and similar expressions generally identify forward-looking statements. These statements reflect our current expectations. They are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, changes in technology and changes in pervasive markets.

SUN VALLEY, CA–(Marketwire – August 20, 2010) –  XTend Medical Corporation (PINKSHEETS: XMDC), a company that specializes in delivering life-changing medical technology to healthcare organizations globally, received confirmation that the Delaware Chancery Court has scheduled a mediation of the lawsuit that XTend commenced against U&I Bio-Tech Korea, U&I Bio-Tech California, Mr. Sam Lee, and Mr. Eric Shin. Through the litigation, XTend seeks to compel the defendants to perform their obligations under an Asset Purchase Agreement that the parties signed last December, including assigning all of the intellectual property associated with the BioHarp technology to XTend. The mediation proceeding is scheduled for September 30, 2010 at 9:30 am ET before the Honorable Sam Glasscock, III, Master in Chancery.

Mr. Paul D. Lisenby, the CEO of XTend, stated, “XTend Medical has secured a date from the Delaware Chancery Court for mediation between XTend and Sam Lee and the other defendants. It is our intention to present the facts of this case to Master Glasscock and to rely on his wisdom and expertise in complex business matters to assist the parties in resolving the case. The delays and disruption that the defendants have imposed on the company and its shareholders will hopefully finally come to an end through the mediation process. XTend feels very confident in the merits of its case against the defendants. Nevertheless, we look forward to putting this dispute behind us and moving forward with the development of the BioHarp.”

About XTend Medical

XTend Medical Corporation is a company that specializes in the sale, manufacturing, and distribution of the latest in medical devices and telemedicine solutions for the healthcare industry. The company is dedicated to insuring that the products and services that it offers to healthcare organizations, third-world countries, and physician groups are at the forefront of medical technology. For further information, please contact the company at [email protected] or visit its website at www.bioharpunius.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain forward-looking statements covered within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements relate to, among other things, plans and timing for the introduction or enhancement of our services and products, statements about future market conditions, supply and demand conditions, and other expectations, intentions, and plans contained in this press release that are not historical fact and involve risks and uncertainties. Our expectations regarding future revenues depend upon our ability to develop and supply products and services that we may not produce today and that meet defined specifications. When used in this press release, the words “plan,” “expect,” “believe,” and similar expressions generally identify forward-looking statements. These statements reflect our current expectations. They are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, changes in technology and changes in pervasive markets.

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL–(Marketwire – August 20, 2010) –  For 13 years, God’s Little Acres (GLA), a non-profit organization, has provided free recreational opportunities for terminally ill and developmentally disabled children. Surviving solely on donations and volunteer support, GLA faces the prospect of shutting down its five-acre ranch in Coconut Creek, FL.

Two weeks ago, GLA was issued a notice from the Bank of America stating foreclosure proceedings against their mortgage were in process.

“I wondered what on earth are we going to do,” Joan Nast, GLA co-founder said. “We have events scheduled and children to help — not to mention eight horses, one Emu and a flock of trained chickens to find a new home for.”

Like many other organizations, GLA’s financial hardships began when GLA’s other co-founder, Bob Nast, could no longer find work as a general contractor. Along with Bob, regular donors and financial backers of GLA were also affected by economic conditions. Without donations, GLA found itself unable to pay the mortgage on their property.

GLA turned to American Residential Law Group (ARLG), a law firm specializing in loan modification assistance and service, to help them regain control on their financial situation. ARLG sent senior attorney, Joel Jacobi, to plead GLA’s case. After demonstrating the humanitarian efforts undertaken by GLA over the years, the judge granted GLA another six months to complete their loan modification.

“[ARLG] is a wonderful firm; honest and rooted in integrity and extreme efficiency,” Joan said. “We aren’t the norm in terms of companies that ask for and are granted home loan modifications, and ARLG has understood that from the beginning.”

This extension will enable GLA to finish their loan modification and keep the ranch activities available for the children and their families. Even though this recent development is good news for GLA, they are still in need of donations and grant money. Joan hopes that one day she will be able to build an indoor facility to accommodate the children who are sensitive to outdoor conditions, but in the mean time, she is focusing on saving the ranch.

“They [ARLG] have used every resource available to help us keep our charity running and we are grateful,” Joan said. “God will send us [financial] backers to get this mortgage paid off.”

If you are interested in donating to God’s Little Acres, please visit their website at www.godslittleacres.org.

About God’s Little Acres: God’s Little Acres is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, multi-cultural, non-religious Florida licensed charity that provides safe and controlled recreational opportunities for terminally ill and developmentally disabled children between the ages of 2 and 11 with their families. The five-acre ranch is located in Coconut Creek, Florida; it serves as an escape for seriously ill children from their typical hospital surroundings. The childrens’ diagnosis include cancer, leukemia, AIDS, cerebral palsy, autism, down syndrome, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, cystic fibrosis and many other afflictions. 

About American Residential Law Group: American Residential Law Group is a law firm that strives to provide the community with legal assistance and all the benefits to which consumers are entitled under the law. With a considerable background in all areas of consumer advocacy, American Residential Law Group remains dedicated to providing integrity and excellence for their clients and increasing their quality of life. To learn more about home mortgage modifications and how American Residential Law Group can be of assistance to you, visit them at http://www.ARLGNow.com.

WASHINGTON, DC–(Marketwire – August 19, 2010) –  The National Risk Retention Association will open its 22^nd annual conference October 5 with an all day session devoted to issues affecting healthcare Risk Retention Groups, Sanford “Sandy” Elsass, Conference Chairman and President/CEO of Uni-Ter Underwriting Management Corporation, announced. Gloria Everett, President/CEO of MedAmerica Mutual Risk Retention Group, is Chair of the Healthcare Pre-Conference.

“Two thirds of the 247 RRGs in business today provide liability insurance to healthcare organizations so the pre-conference program will cover issues important to this sector of the industry,” Elsass said.

NRRA is the national trade association that represents the interests of Risk Retention Groups — insurance companies authorized by the federal Liability Risk Retention Act of 1986 to operate nationally without additional regulation when licensed in a single state. RRGs generated more than $2.5 billion of premiums in 2009.

“The pre-conference will provide healthcare RRG CEOs, captive managers, and related professional services firms information essential to successful operations in today’s rapidly changing healthcare environment,” Everett said. The program will feature topics ranging from State reporting requirements and tax issues to how to compete in a soft market.

Program topics, expert speakers, and panelists include:

Historical Perspectives on the Importance and Impact of Expert Witnesses: Dr. William Luria, President, Lancet Indemnity RRG; Kirsten Ullman, Managing Partner Southeast Region, Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith, LLP.

Gauging the Results of Proactive Claims Portfolio Management: John Spinella, Spinella & Associates, Inc.

Insurance Claims Coverage Issues: Moderator, Kimberley Wynkoop, Ophthalmic Mutual Insurance Co. RRG; Panelists: Jeffrey Johnson, attorney, Primmer Piper Eggleston & Cramer; Myra Barsoum Stockett, Reminger Attorneys at Law.

Reinsurance Placement: Moderator, Ken Barrett, Besso Re, Ltd.; Panelists: Jo McCann, Beazley Furlonge, Ltd.; Paul Western, Amlin Underwriting, Ltd.

Can RRGs Compete with Commercial Carriers in a Soft Market: Robert Bates, Continuing Care RRG;Gloria Everett, President, MedAmerica Mutual RRG; Sanford “Sandy” Elsass, President, The Uni-Ter Group.

Medical Professional Liability Claims Reporting: Michael Stinson, Physician Insurers Association of America and Kimberley Wynkoop, Ophthalmic Mutual Insurance Co. RRG

Trends in Losses and Reserves — Hard Markets Follow Drops in Surplus: Moderator, Joseph Petrelli, President/CEO, Demotech, Inc.; Panelists: Kevin Bingham, Deloitte Consulting, LLP; Richard Lord, Milliman.

Investment Strategies for Long-Tail Liability Reserves: Moderator, Patrick Tuohy, Senior Vice President, Prime Advisors, Inc.; Panelists: Steven Lee, Managing Director, Logan Capital Management; Christopher Mertes, CFO, MedAmerica Mutual RRG.

The conference will be held at The Ritz Carlton Pentagon City Hotel, Washington, DC. Attendees can register online and the full Conference schedule is available on the web site, www.riskretention.org.

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CHARLOTTE, NC–(Marketwire – August 16, 2010) – Healthcare payers will now be able to reduce expenses and time spent on meeting the IRS requirements for 1099 filing and subsequent W9 requests with W9 Corrections, Inc.‘s “1099 Solution.” Gerard Szatkowski, President of W9 Corrections, Inc., a subsidiary of Bases Loaded, Inc., announced this new offering that promises to alleviate one of the more troublesome problems for Healthcare Payers.

“All Payers realize the need for the IRS to receive accurate information on the payments they make,” said Szatkowski. “The real issue is the amount of time and effort required to meet the IRS requirements and avoid large penalties. With new regulations that add more requirements to Payers in meeting their 1099 filing obligations, payers are even more anxious. After listening to our clients’ pleas we are excited to release our proactive 1099 Solution.”

Through its work with Provider records, W9 Corrections developed a proactive product that will eliminate errors in required 1099 filings. W9 Corrections spent 10 years in research and development on the 1099 Solution product that takes the entire 1099 workload away from the Healthcare Payer and allows them to focus on the business of Healthcare.

About W9 Corrections

W9 Corrections is a subsidiary of Bases Loaded, Inc. Founded in 1999 and headquartered in Charlotte, NC, Bases Loaded is a database management company solely focused on healthcare provider information. BLI has focused on the health and dental insurance markets since their inception. BLI specializes in helping Healthcare payers manage Provider data in the claims process. W9 Corrections can be reached at (704) 424-9889, www.w9corrections.com.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA–(Marketwire – July 20, 2010) – The Medical Tourism Association, known for setting trends in the industry, announces new strategic initiatives under the theme progress in motion for global healthcare stakeholders, allowing them to discover & learn about intense topics of medical tourism, extending networking opportunities enhanced by dedicated sessions and creating knowledge sharing possibilities between government, insurance, healthcare and tourism professionals during THE World Medical Tourism & Global Healthcare Congress, taking place in LA from September 22nd – 24th. http://www.medicaltourismcongress.com.

“We recently announced our extensive agenda, today we are announcing the list of incredible speakers, coming exclusively with the sole purpose of providing a learning platform for industry stakeholders. We are particularly encouraged at the number of high level government officials who are attending the ministerial summit which indicates growing support from all sectors for medical tourism initiatives, especially ministers of health, tourism and economic development,” said Jonathan Edelheit, CEO of the Medical Tourism Association.

MTA team worked relentlessly this year to identify and invite top government officials from across the world, eminent professionals from US & International Insurance Companies, alongside some of the largest US and International Employers, on another hand, leading medical tourism experts and top global healthcare providers are revisiting the congress.

“Though we have received tremendous responses, we are receptive to have more top-notch experts and professionals to utilize the platform to share their knowledge, experience and expertise,” added Edelheit, inviting leading speakers to join congress by submitting white papers at http://www.medicaltourismcongress.com/en/speakers.html .

The congress is the biggest networking opportunity platform in the world for medical tourism and global healthcare related affairs. The addition of the “Buyers of Healthcare VIP Program” is also a unique feature which was added to create more interesting and one on one business meetings for all delegates and sponsors, bringing up to 200 employers, insurance companies, agents and medical tourism facilitators who are involved in or interested in patients traveling across borders for healthcare. 

“Networking is the spirit of our congress. We realize that social media and electronic channels can’t replace one-on-one meetings. Last year we got incredible responses and many delegates mentioned networking alone provided ROI, while learning & sharing experience was nothing but overwhelmingly a delightful experience,” says senior meeting manager Silvana Maldonado, working exclusively for networking and meeting sessions.

While extensive agenda, green healthcare initiative, learning opportunities, networking possibilities and knowledge sharing are base of the congress, seasoned speakers are the main focus which makes this a comprehensive Medical Tourism Mecca gathering.

• Karen Beyer – Director of Global Benefits, General Electric

• Mr. Jose M. Loaiza – Senior Network Manager, Blue Shield of California

• Premier W. McKeeva Bush – Premier, Cayman Islands

• Joanne Armenio – Director, International Benefits, Kraft Foods

• Bob Ihrie – Senior VP of Employee Rewards and Services, Lowe’s Companies, Inc.

• Luis Fernando Moreas – Secretary of Tourism, Porto Alegre Brazil

• Kathy Clark – Compensation & Benefits Analyst, Blackbaud, Inc.

• Anthony Amato – VP Compensation & Benefits, Discovery Communications

• Kevin M. Fickenscher, M.D., CPE, FACPE, FAAFP – Chief Strategy and Development Officer, Dell Services

• H. E. Mr. Nasser Al Budoor – Director, Ministry of Health, UAE, International Relations & Health Affairs and Director of Health Minister’s Office

• Cheryl Matheis – Senior Vice President for Health Strategy, AARP

• Laila Al Jassmi – CEO, Clinical Support Services Sector, Dubai Health Authority

• David M. Cheek – Vice President of Sales, Pan American Life Insurance Group

• Dr. Shetty – Heart Surgeon of India & Founder of Hospital Investment Project, Cayman Islands

• Michael Bertaut – Senior Healthcare Intelligence Analyst, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana

• Jeff A. Argotsinger – Director, Business Leader Medical Expense Group, Swiss Reinsurance Company

• Dr. Hisham Diwani – General Manager, Health Insurance, Ministry of Health Syria

• Bavdeep Singh – CEO, Fortis Healthcare India

• Emilio M. Williams – Managing Director, Johns Hopkins Medicine International

• Dr. Rick van Pelt – Director Global Programs, Partners Harvard Medical International

• Mark Scotland – Minister of Health, Cayman Islands

• Jonathan Hart – Chief Medical Officer, International Medical Group

• Pamela Frank – International Health Services Coordinator, Children’s Hospital of Boston

• Fred Hagigi – Director, Executive Education Programs Professor of Health Services, UCLA School of Public Health

• MaryBeth Kramer – Sr. Manager, Global Benefits and HR Services Compensation and Benefits, Verisign

• Shady Fawzy Nawar – Assistant Vice President – Provider Management, Qatar Insurance Company-Doha

• Arthur L. Diskin, MD, FACEP – Vice President and Global Chief Medical Officer, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity and Azamara Club Cruises

• Martha Turnbull – Travel Health Insurance Association of Canada

• Linda Cote – AGB Sales Director Pacific Region, Aetna

• Dr. Jeannette Takemura – Dean of School of Social Work, Columbia University

• Alexander Sander Domaszewicz – Principal and Senior Consultant, Mercer Health & Benefits Services

• Robert S. Shestack – WBC, Managing Director, National Sales Leader, Employer Benefits Business, Marsh U.S. Consumer, a service of Seabury & Smith, Inc.

• Brad Cook – International Patient Department, Hospital Clinica Biblica, Costa Rica

• Renee-Marie Stephano – President, Medical Tourism Association

• Jonathan Edelheit – CEO, Medical Tourism Association

• Ralph Lawson – Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
  Baptist Health South Florida

• Greg Carlson – Assistant Professor, University of Alabama, Department of Health Services

• Jason B. Krouse – Executive Vice President, Univers Workplace Benefits

• William Cook – International Patient Department, Hospital Clinica Biblica

• Dr. Prem Jagyasi – MD & CEO, ExHealth Dubai

• Tom O’Hara – President, Surgical Trip LLC

• Dr. Antonia Arnaert –Vice-President, Debson Medical Tourism

• Dr. Narottam Puri – President, Medical Strategy & Quality, Fortis Healthcare

• Wouter Hoeberechts – CEO, WorldMed Assist

• Doug Wojcieszak, Founder, Sorry Works!

• Richard Polak, President & CEO, IBIS Advisors

• Derrell Connor, Account Executive, M3 Insurance Solutions for Business (M3)

• Tom Hamilton – President, Carolina Benefit Designs

• Daniel Friedland – MD, Founder & CEO, SuperSmartHealth

• Jason Woods – Fairmont Specialty Group

• Sonia Roschnik – Operational Director, NHS Sustainable Development Unit, UK

• C. Duane Dauner – President, California Hospital Association

• Stephen Hartigan – Chief Executive Officer, InterGlobal Insurance Company Ltd. (IGIC)

• Peter Lozier – Executive Vice President Sales, Marketing and Provider Relations, CMN Inc.

• Dr. Myles Druckman – Vice President Medical Services, Americas Region
  International SOS Assistance, Inc

• Dean Stone – Manager Workers Compensation and Governance, National Australian Bank

• Stuart Rowley – CEO, Prince Court Medical Center, Malaysia

To view a full list of speakers please CLICK HERE or go to http://medicaltourismcongress.com/en/speakers.html.

Join us for the VIP After Party

The World Medical Tourism & Global Healthcare Congress is also known for its networking cocktail receptions following the general sessions. On Wednesday, September 22, 2010 all registered delegates will be invited to share in an entertainment filled networking session jointly held with the Employer Healthcare Congress where up to 1000 employers, insurance agents, brokers, consulting firms and healthcare leaders will finishing up their three day congress event on the Green Circle Terrace. For more information about the VIP After Party, please go see the video at http://www.medicaltourismcongress.com/en/vip-party.html .

Additional Giant Leaps for 2010

The World Medical Tourism and Global Healthcare Congress includes two additional conferences which are the Expatriate Healthcare, Travel Insurance and Global Health Insurance Conference, http://www.expatriateconference.com and the Sustainable Healthcare and Hospital Development Conference, http://www.healthcaredevelopmentconference.com . Speakers listed above are from all three conferences.

The Medical Tourism Association™ (Global Healthcare Association) is the international non-profit trade association for the medical tourism and global healthcare industry made up of the top international hospitals, healthcare providers, medical travel facilitators, insurance companies, and other affiliated companies and members with the common goal of promoting the highest level of quality of healthcare to patients in a global environment. http://www.medicaltourismassociation.com. 

Marketing & PR by ExHealth / www.ExHealth.com

SALT LAKE CITY, UT–(Marketwire – July 15, 2010) –   When Patrick Treend was a member of the Florida Marlins organization, he faced some pretty stiff competition as an up-and-coming pitcher. Now, he’s making a pitch to become the voice of our nation’s Child Care and Early Education insurance industry.

Treend, President of Security Planning & Insurance Corporation, which for more than 30 years has been one of the nation’s most-trusted insurance Agencies, has quickly become one of the most highly respected advocates in the child care industry. He oversees the day-to-day operations of the parent company’s two primary entities, Child Care Insurance Professionals and Charter School Insurance Professionals, the preferred choice for insurance in early education and child care.

“My general philosophy is to work as our client’s voice, their advocate,” says Treend. “We strive to get the most competitive rates and coverage without any allegiance to any one carrier. Generally speaking, child care and early education has very little competition, little to no national resources and no voice as it relates to insurance services. In most cases, people are taken advantage of because of the lack of competition and overall lack of insurance professionals that focus on this market.”

Due to his vast insight and expertise on the current trends within the child care industry, Treend is asked to speak at all of the regional conferences for the prestigious National Child Care Association (NCCA). He was recently in Atlanta to address his constituents on the state of the health care industry.

On the new legislation for Health Care Reform: “Under the new Health Care Reform Law, small businesses will find major changes to how they must provide health coverage and how much they must pay for it,” claims Treend. “I remain concerned that any advances under the new reform bill will be eroded by the unchecked rise of health care costs that were not adequately addressed in the legislation.”

Added Treend, “As it relates to Child Care and small businesses in general, it will have a huge impact for the smaller centers. The majority of the smaller centers cannot afford a traditional group plan and, if they could, the employee base cannot afford their employee portion. The only thing that the reform bill will do in the near future is make the process more confusing and costly.”

For Treend to be asked to voice his opinions has not been uncommon since making his pitch to the insurance industry in 2002. After quickly rising in ranks at Liberty Mutual Group and Zion’s Insurance Agency, Treend set his strike zone on child care and early education, revamping Security Planning & Insurance Corporation by making it the first insurance Agency of its kind to focus exclusively on providing packaged insurance to private and independent Charter Schools and Child Care Centers nationwide.

Child Care Insurance Professionals and, more recently, Charter School Insurance Professionals, are already considered ahead of their time and are the preferred choice for child care and charter schools looking for cost savings, favorable terms, targeted service and exceptional follow-through.

“Child Care and Charter Schools now have the convenience of dealing with one insurance Agency that handles all their policies, creating a significant cost savings. Our firm’s business model of targeted insurance programs and packages, particularly in the commercial child care industry, has taught us the value of market specificity. We believe focusing on a specific market niche enables us to provide targeted service and benefits that an individual school or an independent provider would not be able to access,” said Treend. 

For more information on Child Care Insurance Professionals and Charter School Insurance Professionals, visit their respective sites at www.ChildCareInsuranceProfessionals.com and www.CharterSchoolInsurancePros.com or call (888) 812-9992.

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HALLOWELL, ME–(Marketwire – July 6, 2010) – Granite Hill Estates (GHE) has added two more sessions to its Life Enrichment Series, dedicated to personal, intellectual, and spiritual enrichment. The first session — “Wills and Estates” — will be presented on Monday, July 12, 2010 at 6:00 p.m. The second session — “The Role of Physical Therapy in Improving Your Health” — will be conducted on Tuesday, July 13, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. Both sessions will be held in the Media Room at Granite Hill Estates.

“The Life Enrichment Series is a great resource for GHE residents, our families, and others in the greater Hallowell community who are interested in these important topics,” said Bob Bond, community resident director. “We are thrilled to be hosting these informative sessions.”

“Wills and Estates” will be conducted by Mark L. Fortier, Esq., co-owner of Merrill, Hyde, Fortier & Youney, P.A., a general law practice located at 95 Water Street, Skowhegan, Maine. A native of Skowhegan, Mr. Fortier earned his JD from Vermont Law School in 1984. His practice includes the areas of real estate titles and closings, preparation of wills, administration of estates, guardianship/conservatorship of adults and minors, and adoptions.

“The Role of Physical Therapy in Improving Your Health” will be conducted by Linda Princiotta, PT, owner of Bright Physical Therapy. Ms. Princiotta is a Licensed Physical Therapist, with a BS in Physical Therapy from Quinnipiac University in Hamden, CT (1987). She’s a member of the American Physical Therapy Association; a Certified Clinical Instructor; a Certified Personal Trainer; and a member of the International Sports and Fitness Trainers Association. She lives in Pittson.

To get to Granite Hill Estates, take exit 109 from the south or 109B from the north off I-95 (Winthrop). Head west on Route 202. Take a left onto Edison Drive. GHE is on the right.

About Granite Hill Estates
GHE is a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) in the heart of the Kennebec Valley. Offering cottage homes and apartments, GHE provides a full complement of amenities and services, including an indoor heated swimming pool; a fully equipped fitness center; snow shoveling, lawn care, and exterior home maintenance; housekeeping; and appliance maintenance. GHE received its CCRC designation from the Maine Bureau of Insurance in November of 2004. And GHE provides a complete continuum of care, on campus, through MaineGeneral Health. For additional information, please visit www.granitehillestates.com.

DALLAS, TX–(Marketwire – June 29, 2010) – As a result of the health care reform law that was recently passed, organizations that process health care claims must take action to comply with the new regulation. To assist organizations, SOURCECORP, Incorporated, a premier business process outsourcing company, has released a new white paper, “Is Your Claims Processing Destined for Success in the Face of Government-Driven Change?” This complimentary document explains some of the law’s requirements and demonstrates why outsourcing is an efficient and cost-savvy way for organizations to adhere to the new standards.

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act is expected to cause an increase in enrollments, which will lead to growth in claims processing and customer service assistance. Payer companies and organizations must also convert to HIPAA 5010 standards and enact changes in medical coding from ICD-9 to ICD-10 as of October 1, 2013. In order to meet these mandates, these organizations will need to upgrade their software systems and implement other new processes.

There are many benefits of outsourcing the administrative burden that will come with the predicted surge in enrollment. Utilizing a subcontracting model will lower the operational cost of processing claims and responding to customer needs, and reduce the cost associated with the technology that must be used in order to comply with the law. It also helps ensure that organizations will meet the terms of the legislation, giving companies expert advice on this new platform.

Outsourcing will help organizations meet the demands of the rapid increase in enrollment, as well as the costs to manage additional insured customers. While HIPAA implementation and migration to ICD-10 codes are not required until 2013, the Department of Health and Human Services is expecting providers to complete testing by the end of this year.

To execute new HIPAA standards and code changes, most companies will have to update their infrastructure and expend the resources to evaluate and test new software systems. By subcontracting, organizations can eliminate the need for an additional capital expense and make sure the systems are implemented correctly.

Another benefit of outsourcing is that organizations will not need additional space to house equipment or provide additional staff to run the systems. Instead, health care payer companies can optimize their space for revenue-generating activities instead of storing bulky equipment and hosting mailroom operations.

Outsourcing will enable companies to speed up and efficiently process new enrollments and serve customers. Staff members will be able to focus more on customer care rather than tedious administrative tasks. In addition, employees of companies that subcontract can maintain accuracy despite spikes in enrollment and claim processing. Administrative expenses and time can be reduced by nearly 50 percent as a result of hiring a company that specializes in claims processing to meet the new health care reform guidelines.

John Nixon, Senior Vice President of Business Development for SOURCECORP’s BPS division, stated, “Outsourcing to SOURCECORP has helped many companies save on per claim capture costs by an average of $1.2 million to $4.5 million annually. Best of all, we can help ensure that a company will avoid penalties that can be issued from not implementing systems correctly, and from not deploying a new system on time.”

For a complimentary white paper on migrating to the new health care reform standards, visit www.sourcecorp.com/newsroom/white-papers.aspx

About SOURCECORP®
SOURCECORP, Incorporated provides business process outsourcing solutions and specialized high value consulting services to clients throughout the United Sates. SOURCECORP focuses on business processes in information-intensive industries including commercial, financial, government, healthcare, and legal. Headquartered in Dallas, the company serves clients throughout the United States through a network of locations in the U.S., Mexico, Philippines and India.

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