Hospitals and Health Systems News

Hospitals and health systems are where most health care dollars are spent, and the relationship between providers and health plans determines which facilities are in network and what patients pay. A health system is an organization that owns or operates multiple hospitals, physician practices, clinics and outpatient centers under common management, such as nonprofit systems like UnityPoint Health and academic medical centers like Cincinnati Children's.

What We Cover

This section covers hospital and health system strategy, expansions and closures, contract negotiations and network disputes with insurers, quality and patient safety ratings, staffing and workforce issues, physician group news, clinical programs, and community health investments. We also report on revenue cycle operations, the billing and collections work behind every patient account, and on the outsourcing and automation that systems are adopting to control administrative costs.

Provider news intersects with nearly every other part of the health plan business. When a health system and a carrier cannot agree on rates, members may lose in-network access; those disputes involve the companies covered in Health Insurance Companies and Blue Cross Blue Shield. Mergers, acquisitions and leadership appointments among providers are covered in Healthcare Business. Technology adopted by hospitals, including artificial intelligence (AI) in clinical and administrative workflows, appears in Health Technology and AI. Patient safety litigation and regulatory action appear in Healthcare Policy and Law, and skilled nursing and home health providers are covered in Senior Care.

The latest hospital and health system news appears below, newest first.

Radiologist Places Order for FONAR UPRIGHT Multi-Position MRI Instead of a 3 Tesla

Posted on August 24, 2010 Written by Editor

SOURCE: FONAR Corporation

MELVILLE, NY–(Marketwire – August 24, 2010) – FONAR Corporation (NASDAQ: FONR), the Inventor of MR Scanning™, announced the purchase of an UPRIGHT® Multi-Position™ MRI by a distinguished Board Certified radiologist in Florida. He is the owner operator of two multi-modality imaging centers equipped with MRIs.

“He was initially considering purchasing a 3 Tesla lie-down MRI,” said Raymond V. Damadian, M.D., president and founder of FONAR Corporation, “but decided instead to buy the FONAR UPRIGHT® Multi-Position™ MRI when he became aware of its many unique imaging capabilities.”

As he explained, “many of the physicians who send patients to our multi-modality medical imaging practices are surgeons who perform spine surgery. It is a very important specialty in medical practice since the second most common reason today, after the common cold, for visiting a doctor’s office is ‘back pain.’

“Each year, 40 to 60 percent of American adults suffer from chronic back pain. More than one million spine surgery procedures are performed annually, with medical costs to treat back pain approaching $24 billion per year. (http://nyp.org/news/hospital/spine-fusion-surgery.html).

“As of 2007, approximately 9 million of the 27.5 million MRIs performed each year in the U.S. are of the spine.

“Accordingly,” he said, “aware that the number one priority of all my referring spine surgeons is the best possible outcomes for their patients, I became convinced that the only technology capable of maximizing the surgical outcomes for my physician senders was to assure that they were able to see ALL of the pathology they had to address, not just part of it from a lie-down scanner in which the body weight has been removed.”

“The spine is a difficult region of anatomy for the surgeon,” he continued, “because as the principal weight-bearing structure of the body it shows its wear and tear degeneration early on. Consequently, degenerative changes of the spine are a normal concomitant of the aging process. This reality, however, from the surgeon’s perspective, can be confounding. Does he, for example, surgically address the degenerative loss of disc height and neural foramina narrowing at L1/2, the ‘spondy’ at L2/3, or the disc herniation at L4/5? It is evident that if a vertebral segment not responsible for the patient’s pain is subjected to surgery, the pain will not improve and there is even the risk that the patient’s clinical condition and pain could be made worse by carrying out surgery on the wrong segment.”

“Consequently,” he stated, “the key to a good surgical outcome is the success with which the degenerative changes responsible for the patient’s pain, are successfully separated from the degenerative changes that are not causing the patient’s pain, so that only those segments responsible for the patient’s pain are operated on.”

“Of all the commercially available MRI scanners,” he said, “the FONAR UPRIGHT® Multi-Position™ scanner is the only MRI that meets this need. What FONAR’s UPRIGHT® Multi-Position™ weight-bearing technology makes possible that no other scanner can accomplish is the ability for the radiologist to ask the patient to put himself in the position (standing, sitting, lateral bending, flexion, extension, rotation, etc.) that generates his pain, which no other scanner can do. A picture can then be taken with the patient in his actual pain generating position and then compared to a picture of the patient in an adjacent non-pain-generating position so that the correct pain generating anatomy can be unequivocally identified. This permits the surgeon to address only the anatomy segment generating the patient’s pain, and enables him to avoid surgery on segments not involved in pain generation. The ultimate result is excellent outcomes for the surgeons and their patients.

“A recumbent non-weight-bearing single-position MRI simply cannot meet this need. We see it as a critical need, if we are going to be successful in improving surgical outcomes for our patients.

“Also important to our surgeons is their ability to see their surgical results post-operatively, which the FONAR UPRIGHT® Multi-Position™ MRI can accomplish and the conventional MRI cannot. In the event of a less than optimal surgical outcome, or even an outcome that deteriorates over time, it is critical for the surgeon to be able to see post-operatively any hardware devices he may have implanted (e.g. artificial discs, pedicle screws, fusion rods, etc.) in order to address any surgical results that require further attention. Consequently, being able to clearly visualize installed implants in the post-operative spine is key for the surgeon to be able to address any further needs the patient might have.

“The FONAR scanner at 0.6 T meets this need of the surgeon since it is uniquely spared the magnetic susceptibility image artifacts that the 1.5 T and 3.0 T lie-down scanners generate. The implant artifacts obliterate the anatomy of the vertebral segments that are being imaged and make it impossible for the surgeon to discern the source of any persisting post-operative symptoms or pain that the patient might be experiencing.”

He also expressed the need to be able to provide the unique imaging capabilities provided by the FONAR UPRIGHT® scanner to distinguish his radiology practice from competing radiology centers. “The FONAR UPRIGHT® Multi-Position™ MRI is the quintessence of the technology for breaking existing referral patterns. By offering the unique capabilities of the FONAR UPRIGHT® MRI,” he stated, “and thereby distinguishing our radiology practice from competitors who market the same ‘me-too’ products, we would be bringing to our community a ‘Center of Excellence’ for imaging the spine. In so doing, we would be establishing for our community a COMPLETE radiology imaging service that could not be obtained elsewhere. Ultimately this would generate business for all of our imaging modalities. By offering a COMPLETE imaging service that includes all of FONAR’s new UPRIGHT® imaging technologies that are not available anywhere in our community, we would achieve ‘One Stop Shopping’ for our patients to address all of their imaging needs.”

“An example of one of the many unique imaging capabilities made possible by the FONAR UPRIGHT® Multi-Position™ fully weight-loaded imaging,” he continued, “is the ability to image, without x-ray, the 400,000 scoliosis patients that must be imaged UPRIGHT® 2 to 3 times per year to monitor their scoliosis treatment. The elimination of x-ray avoids the 70% increased incidence of breast cancer reported by the National Cancer Institute to be the result of the standard annual x-ray examinations of these patients (National Cancer Institute, www.cancer.gov and M. Morin Doody et al. Spine, 8/15/2000, Vol. 25, #16).

“Another example is the ability to scan small children and infants seated on their mother’s lap as they watch their favorite cartoon on the flat screen TV shipped with the system. This greatly reduces the number of children requiring anesthesia when MRI is needed and is a valuable feature of the FONAR UPRIGHT® that we will be bringing to our pediatric community.

“In addition, the ability to scan UPRIGHT® the large population of women suffering from the PFD (pelvic floor dysfunction) symptoms of cystitis, urinary incontinence and bowel dysfunction is another valuable benefit of the UPRIGHT® MRI. Because of the FONAR UPRIGHT® MRI, the cause of these dysfunctions can now be definitively shown on the MRI images and successfully treated surgically. These pelvic floor dysfunctions are the result of the cystic, vaginal, and rectal prolapses generated by the pelvic floor stresses of childbirth. They are readily visualized,” he said, “by the FONAR UPRIGHT® MRI but are not readily diagnosed by the gynecologist employing the conventional lie-down pelvic examination.”

“There are also now,” he stated, “a large number of patients suffering the consequences of automobile whiplash injuries (Brain Injury, July 2010; 24[7-8]:988) and the ‘fallen’ cerebellar tonsil syndrome (Chiari or CTE; cerebellar tonsil ectopia) that results. The ‘fallen’ cerebellar tonsils require UPRIGHT® imaging to be seen and cannot satisfactorily be visualized by a conventional lie-down MRI. It is another unique need met by the FONAR UPRIGHT® MRI capability.”

“In addition, there is now the power using FONAR’s new cerebro-spinal fluid (CSF) flow technology,” he said, “to create cinés of cerebro-spinal fluid flow, and in particular, to be able to create cinés of this CSF flow in the upright position so that the adequacy of CSF flow into the upright brain can be quantified and visualized. Imaging patients in the upright position assures there are no dynamic impairments to this vital cerebro-spinal function and enables their correction if it exists. With the recent increased incidence of automobile whiplash injuries (C.S.B. Galasko et al., J. Musc-Skel. Pain 2000, Vol. 8, No. 1-2, p. 15) and the cerebellar tonsillar ectopias (CTE) that result, it is critical to identify this pathology as soon as it occurs so it can be addressed before more dire consequences occur.”

“The ‘Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS)’ is yet another symptom complex,” he further stated, “that can benefit from FONAR’s UPRIGHT® imaging technology. The ‘TOS’ patients can now be scanned upright in the FONAR UPRIGHT® Multi-Position™ MRI and placed in the positions that compress the brachial plexus and subclavian artery so that the pathologic anatomy causing the compressions can be visualized and specifically addressed surgically when necessary.

“There is also now the newly recognized Pelvic Congestion Syndrome (PCS) that needs the benefits of UPRIGHT® imaging. PCS is a symptom complex in women where pelvic pain arises secondary to venous congestion and pelvic varicosities. Prolonged standing, in particular, gives rise to the pain and has to be diagnostically distinguished from other causes of pelvic pain such as fibrosis and endometriosis. Placing the patient upright in the FONAR UPRIGHT® Multi-Position™ MRI can readily visualize the pain generating venous congestion and pelvic varicosities so that a definitive diagnosis can be achieved and treatment administered.

“Another valued application for the FONAR UPRIGHT® Multi-Position™ MRI scanner is its potential for evaluating the ‘runner’s knee’ syndrome, i.e. the Patella Femoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS). In the light of the current day practice of daily running exercise to achieve aerobic fitness, accurate diagnosis of the fully weight-loaded ‘runner’s knee’ in different degrees of flexion and extension, including single leg squats, is a growing need. The FONAR UPRIGHT® Multi-Position™ MRI makes possible the visualization of the cartilage contact surfaces of the knee, namely, the miniscal and articular cartilage surfaces that support the body’s weight and enable smooth motion of this dynamic weight-supporting structure. This enables the risks from any long-bone malalignments or patella tracking dysfunctions that give rise to ‘runner’s knee’ to be assessed and addressed before they result in a permanent debilitating osteoarthritis. University biomechanical specialists have recently been conducting research using the FONAR UPRIGHT® Multi-Position™ MRI to explore and better define the ‘runner’s knee’ condition and the ‘patellar tracking’ abnormalities that can aggravate it. The FONAR UPRIGHT® cinés of the fully weight-bearing knee make the multi-position dynamic visualization of ‘runner’s knee’ and the diagnostic analysis of it a reality.

“Particularly valuable to me as a radiologist,” he continued, “is FONAR’s new Correlated Slice Profile (CSP) technology. It takes the FONAR Multi-Position™ MRI technology to a new level. With FONAR’s Correlated Slice Profile (CSP) technology, each slice of a 15-slice multi-slice MRI scan of the spine appears on the radiologist’s screen (or film) adjacent to the images of the other positions of the same slice. By re-centering the slices prior to the image acquisition of a new position, the slices of each position scan remain correlated despite any shifts of the body axis that result from changes in body position. The radiologist can then view each slice of the scan in all 3 of its weight-bearing positions, neutral sit, flexion and extension, alongside the same slice from the recumbent position. This enables the radiologist to easily track a given pathology (e.g. a disc herniation or spondylolisthesis) through all of its four positions so the surgeon can be advised of the full range the patient’s spinal pathology (e.g. disc herniation, spondylolisthesis) traverses during the daily range of his/her body positions. By so doing, the surgeon sees the FULL EXTENT of the pathology he must address to get a good outcome.

“I agree with FONAR’s German customer who just ordered their 4^th FONAR UPRIGHT® MRI because of their business success with FONAR’s new technology (Press Release, FONAR Corporation, August 3, 2010). We agree with them that FONAR’s UPRIGHT® Multi-Position™ MRI is indeed setting a new MRI ‘standard of care’ for a wide range of medical applications.”

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

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

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

For information contact:

Allan Mercer
Senior Sales Executive
FONAR Corporation
877-694-2929 (toll free)
Email Contact

Daniel Culver
Director of Communications
FONAR Corporation
Email Contact
Tel: 631-694-2929
Fax: 631-390-1709
http://www.fonar.com/investor.htm

Shortage of Reagents to Drive Growth of IVD Market in India, Says Kalorama Information

Posted on August 23, 2010 Written by Editor

SOURCE: Kalorama Information

NEW YORK, NY–(Marketwire – August 23, 2010) – As the GDP growth rate in India nears 9%, diagnostic manufacturers are gearing up to collect their share of the IVD market, which, according to healthcare market research publisher Kalorama Information, is expected to enjoy a 15% growth rate through 2014. Private companies are marching ahead of the public sector as laboratory chains prepare to meet the growing medical needs of the 1.18 billion people living in India. However, the report notes that such strong growth is producing a shortage of reagents on the market.

Low costs and a readily available talent pool are promoting growth efforts in the IVD market — mainly low cost and speedy registration of new products and an exponentially increasing number of university graduates. According to Kalorama, notable companies, such as SRL Ranbaxy, Dr. Lal PathLabs and Quest are building new laboratories, often engaging in partnerships with the public sector. This immense cycle of growth is leading to a shortage in the availability of reagents, as private and public sectors compete for supplies from a growing reagent rental program.

“It’s not surprising to see a shortage of reagents in the market,” notes Bruce Carlson, publisher of Kalorama Information. “With the considerable growth in India, there is likely to be a shortage of some medical supplies at various times.”

Metropolitan growth in India has led many of India’s rural citizens to flock to its new urban centers, increasing prosperity, insurance availability and the number of individuals willing to pay for healthcare. The Kalorama report also notes government activity, which has made strides in promoting medical tourism, attracting foreign patients interested in paying less for similar healthcare services offered in the west.

Kalorama’s report, “Clinical Diagnostics in India: Market Analyses and Participant Directory,” has market projections, pricing comparisons, and profiles of major competitors in the industry and covers routine chemistry, urine chemistry, hematology, coagulation, cytometry, immunochemistry, rapid testing, blood screening, and molecular testing. It is available at: http://www.kaloramainformation.com/redirect.asp?progid=79486&productid=2690537.

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).

Acsys Interactive Announces Crowdsourcing Comes to the Hospital Industry

Posted on August 23, 2010 Written by Editor

SOURCE: Acsys Interactive, Inc

Survey of Digital, Integrated and Emerging Marketing Launches

FARMINGTON, CT–(Marketwire – August 23, 2010) – For the first time, hospital marketers can harness the power of the crowd to get data on how other hospitals are using emerging marketing techniques. The Hospital Industry Crowdsourced Survey of Digital, Integrated and Emerging Marketing is the first-ever initiative among hospitals to use “crowdsourcing,” an innovative strategy in which the “crowd” contributes ideas and feedback to solve a problem or create content.

Launched by Acsys Interactive, the survey enables hospital marketers to participate and learn directly from their peers. In June, hospital marketers from around the USA contributed over 100 questions and topics related to digital, integrated and emerging marketing. The finalized survey consists of questions the marketers deemed highly important. Survey participants will receive first access to the data.

“Hospitals rely on benchmarking data for everything, marketing included. But since digital and social marketing, and emerging marketing techniques like mobile are so new, in many cases, the data simply doesn’t exist. Or it isn’t specific to hospitals. This survey fills a much-needed gap. And because the topics come from hospital marketers, we know it covers exactly what hospital marketers want to know,” says Mike Stutman, SVP, Strategy & Innovation at Acsys Interactive. Ed Bennett, Director of Web Strategy at the University of Maryland Medical System, comments on his blog: “It’s a survey that asks questions we care about — because we built it.” Hospital marketers are encouraged to take the survey today.

Crowdsourcing, a concept that first gained prominence in 2006 after a Wired Magazine profile, has been used by a number of industries and high profile organizations, including the Democratic National Committee and Facebook, to aid in product and content development, but it has never been used in the hospital industry.

“We’re excited to push the envelope of benchmarking strategies in the hospital industry. Learning from your peers is incredibly valuable, not just in terms of what they are doing now, but where the industry is going in the next several years,” says Stutman.

Acsys Interactive, an award-winning, full-service interactive agency with expertise in hospitals and healthcare, created the survey in partnership with Equation Research, a next generation research firm

Acsys Interactive is based in Farmington, CT with offices in New York City and Boston, MA. Services include strategy, branding, design, digital marketing, social, mobile, software development and hosting. Visit @acsys on Twitter

Contact:

Alex Fraser
Senior Healthcare Strategist
860.404.3371
Email Contact

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Lickenbrock Technologies Releases Fundus View Software

Posted on August 23, 2010 Written by Editor

SOURCE: Lickenbrock Technologies

ST. LOUIS, MO–(Marketwire – August 23, 2010) – Lickenbrock Technologies (www.lickenbrock.com) announced today the release of its first commercial product, Fundus View™. Fundus View is the first release in the Fundus View family of products, and provides an easy-to-use interface that allows investigators to enhance digital fundus photographs to more clearly visualize retinal features, including the retinal vasculature in both normal and pathological conditions, and other pathological features such as retinal detachments and drusen.

Fundus View can be used to process color images from a standard fundus camera, as well as monochrome for flourescein angiography and indocyanin green (ICG) angiography. Fundus View can also be used to process images from scanning laser ophthalmoscope (SLO) systems as well as other laser-based fundus imagers.

Fundus View is currently an investigational tool, and is not intended to be used as a primary diagnostic tool. The intended user groups include:

Practitioners that obtain fundus images on a routine basis for documentation purposes. Fundus View can enhance poor quality images so that re-imaging is not necessary.
Practitioners with research interests that present on a regular basis at meetings. Fundus View can enhance details for clearer visualization for discussion purposes, including patient education.
Researchers operating in a medical center environment. Fundus View can improve image quality in situations such as Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) where it is difficult to obtain high-quality images. Fundus View can also provide enhancement of images to provide ancillary information in clinical research cases. Additionally the FV processing tools can be used for images obtained both in vivo and in vitro in pre-clinical models such as retinal flat mounts.

Fundus View features include:

Intuitive point and click user interface
Deconvolution
Shading correction
Advanced automated contrast enhancement
Cup to disc ratio measurement
View color planes
Image history

Fundus View is available for purchase via a secure internet connection through the Lickenbrock Technologies website (www.lickenbrock.com) for $295. For additional information contact [email protected].

About Lickenbrock Technologies

Lickenbrock Technologies, located in St. Louis, MO, creates advanced image processing and analysis software for the biomedical industry, with a focus on ophthalmic imaging. Lickenbrock® was founded in 2006. It is a spin-off from AutoQuant Imaging, Inc.® The main business unit of AutoQuant was acquired by Media Cybernetics® in April 2006, and the remaining unsold part of the business dedicated to ophthalmic imaging became Lickenbrock Technologies, LLC.

Contact info:
Lickenbrock Technologies
314-615-6922

NCSBN Met Aug 11-13, 2010, in Portland, Ore. to Consider Pertinent Association Business With Its Member Boards of Nursing

Posted on August 23, 2010 Written by Editor

SOURCE: NCSBN

CHICAGO, IL–(Marketwire – August 23, 2010) – The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN^®) (www.ncsbn.org) met in Portland, Ore., Aug. 11-13, 2010, to consider pertinent association business with its member boards of nursing. All 60 member boards were represented by delegates.

Highlights of some of the significant actions approved by the member boards of nursing included:

Adopted revisions to the NCSBN Bylaws;
Revised the NCSBN Mission Statement;
Accepted the 2011-2013 Strategic Initiatives;
Approved the Bermuda Nursing Council, the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta and the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of British Columbia as associate members of NCSBN;
Revised the NCSBN Model Practice Act and Administrative Rules;
Adopted the Guiding Principles for Continued Competence;
Approved the 2011 NCLEX-PN Test Plan; and
Elected new directors to the Board of Directors and members of the Leadership Succession Committee.

“One of the most important outcomes of this meeting was the delegates’ adoption of a new mission statement for the organization. Delegates embraced the need for an updated and more inclusive mission that focused on regulatory excellence for public protection,” commented newly elected NCSBN President Myra A. Broadway, JD, MS, RN, executive director, Maine State Board of Nursing. She continued, “In addition, I know that the opportunity to network and debate important issues during this meeting will positively influence the work members perform in their jurisdictions in the coming year.”

NCSBN will meet Aug. 2 – 5, 2011, in Indianapolis for its next annual Delegate Assembly.
The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) is a not-for-profit organization whose members include the boards of nursing in the 50 states, the District of Columbia and four U.S. territories — American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands and the Virgin Islands. There are also seven associate members.

Mission: NCSBN provides education, service and research through collaborative leadership to promote regulatory excellence for patient safety and public protection.

The statements and opinions expressed are those of NCSBN and not the individual member state or territorial boards of nursing.

National Council of State Boards of Nursing, Inc.
111 E. Wacker Drive, Suite 2900
Chicago, IL 60601-4277

Contact:
Dawn M. Kappel
Director, Marketing and Communications
312.525.3667 direct
312.279.1034 fax
Email Contact

CLSI and APHL Announce September-December 2010 Teleconferences

Posted on August 23, 2010 Written by Editor

SOURCE: Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute

WAYNE, PA–(Marketwire – August 23, 2010) – Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) and Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL) recently announced the September-December 2010 schedule of educational teleconferences for clinical and public health laboratories. Teleconferences are based on current CLSI documents and are intended to help pathologists, managers, supervisors, technologists, as well as laboratory and quality consultants learn how to optimize practices and processes in their laboratories.

Teleconference speakers are subject matter experts from CLSI subcommittee and working groups involved in creating CLSI documents. “Teleconference programs are a cost effective method to train a large number of laboratory professionals,” said Marcy Anderson, Education Director, CLSI. Participants can gain valuable information from experts in the field and have the opportunity to ask specific questions during the question-and-answer session at the end of the program.

Topics of upcoming teleconferences include:

Deciding Factor: Selection Criteria for Point-of-Care Testing Devices (588-614-10)
September 16 • 1:00-2:00 PM Eastern (US) Time
Ensuring That Hematology Analyzers Tell the Truth (588-615-10)
September 23 • 1:00-2:00 PM Eastern (US) Time
POC Glucose Devices: Perspectives From the Hospital, Government, and Vendor (588-623-10)
September 30 • 1:00-2:30 PM Eastern (US) Time (1.5 contact hours)
Getting It Right: Approaches to Reducing Errors at the Point of Care (588-616-10)
October 7 • 1:00-2:00 PM Eastern (US) Time
First Step to Success: Accurate Patient and Sample Identification (588-617-10)
October 21 • 1:00-2:00 PM Eastern (US) Time
Blood Cultures: Current Methods/Future Trends (588-619-10)
November 4 • 1:00-2:00 PM Eastern (US) Time
Quality Indicators: Measure to Manage (588-619-10)
November 18 • 1:00-2:00 PM Eastern (US) Time
AST for Infrequently Isolated or Fastidious Bacteria (588-620-10)
December 2 • 1:00-2:00 PM Eastern (US) Time

APHL is approved as a provider of continuing education programs in the clinical laboratory sciences by the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS) P.A.C.E.^® Program. Participants will be awarded contact hours for each program they successfully complete. P.A.C.E.^® is accepted by all licensure states except Florida. Florida continuing education credit will also be offered.

CLSI is a volunteer-driven, membership-supported, nonprofit organization dedicated to developing standards and guidelines for the health care and medical testing community through a consensus process that balances the perspectives of industry, government, and the health care professions. For additional information on CLSI, visit the CLSI website at www.clsi.org or call 610.688.0100.

Contact:
Amanda Holm
Marketing Manager
Phone: 610.688.0100 ext. 129
E-mail: Email Contact

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Wave Customer Boston Medical Center to Speak on Benefits of Hardware Encryption at the Forrester Security Forum Sept. 16

Posted on August 23, 2010 Written by Editor

SOURCE: Wave Systems Corp.

LEE, MA–(Marketwire – August 23, 2010) – Wave Systems Corp. (NASDAQ: WAVX) (www.wave.com) today announced that Boston Medical Center’s Network Security Engineer Mark Mulvaney will share his insights on the need for encryption in hospitals and discuss the fundamental differences between software- and hardware-based encryption. Mulvaney will present “Encryption: Hardware or Software? Lessons from the Field,” from 3:00-3:30 p.m. as part of Forrester Security Forum, held Sept. 16-17 at the Westin Copley Place, Boston, Mass.

Boston Medical Center (BMC) is a 639-bed licensed academic medical center located in Boston’s historic South End. Primarily a teaching affiliate for the Boston University School of Medicine, BMC provides a full range of pediatric and adult care services, from primary to family medicine to advanced specialty care. It has the largest 24-hour Level 1 trauma center in New England.

With an increasingly mobile workforce using laptops, BMC took proactive steps to mitigate the possibility of data breach in the event a laptop was lost or stolen. Mulvaney, one of two individuals with primary responsibility for IT security at BMC, advocated replacing the hospital’s existing software encryption with self-encrypting hard drives.

Wave’s EMBASSY® management software provides policy-based access controls, pre-boot authentication and centralized administration for self-encrypting hard drives based on the Trusted Computing Group’s Opal specification. Should a loss or theft of a laptop occur, Wave’s management software enables IT to produce detailed event logs, thereby proving that information on the laptop was encrypted at the time of loss in order to show compliance to the data privacy regulations. See more details at wave.com.

Representatives of the company will demonstrate these capabilities at the Trusted Computing Group’s booth (#208).

This year the focus of the Security Forum is on: evaluating the maturity and effectiveness of the security organization; laying out a road map for architectural optimization and innovation; and ensuring the right skills, incentives and metrics are in place for the long-term success of the security program. The event attracts senior-level IT and information security executives, senior-level practitioners, IT infrastructure and operations professionals, among others.

About Wave Systems Corp.
Wave provides software to help solve critical enterprise PC security challenges such as strong authentication, data protection, network access control and the management of these enterprise functions. Wave is a pioneer in hardware-based PC security and a founding member of the Trusted Computing Group (TCG), a consortium of more than 100 companies that forged open standards for hardware security. Wave’s EMBASSY® line of client- and server-side software leverages and manages the security functions of the TCG’s industry standard hardware security chip, the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) and supports the TCG’s “Opal” self-encrypting drive standard. Self-encrypting drives are a growing segment of the data protection market, offering increased security and better performance than many existing software-based encryption solutions. TPMs are included on an estimated 300 million PCs and are standard equipment on many enterprise-class PCs shipping today. Using TPMs and Wave software, enterprises can substantially and cost-effectively strengthen their current security solutions. For more information about Wave and its solutions, visit http://www.wave.com.

Safe Harbor for Forward-Looking Statements
This press release may contain forward-looking information within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), including all statements that are not statements of historical fact regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of the company, its directors or its officers with respect to, among other things: (i) the company’s financing plans; (ii) trends affecting the company’s financial condition or results of operations; (iii) the company’s growth strategy and operating strategy; and (iv) the declaration and payment of dividends. The words “may,” “would,” “will,” “expect,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “intend” and similar expressions and variations thereof are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the company’s ability to control, and that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors. Wave assumes no duty to and does not undertake to update forward-looking statements.

All brands are the property of their respective owners.

Company:
Wave Systems Corp.
Michael Wheeler
413-243-7026
[email protected]

MedChoice Financial Launches M100 Patient Payment Program for Medical Practices

Posted on August 23, 2010 Written by Editor

SOURCE: MedChoice Financial

DEERFIELD BEACH, FL–(Marketwire – August 23, 2010) – MedChoice Financial, a national medical financial company, announces M100, a flexible and innovative payment program and accounts receivable management tool to support healthcare practices. Dental, cosmetic, laser hair removal/restoration, chiropractic and medical practitioners are now able to manage their accounts receivables (payments from patients) using a fast and easy to use online patient payment program that MedChoice Financial developed to increase efficiency and facilitate automated collections.

Medical practices now can enroll their patients in the M100 program — enabling them to treat patients that may lack the credit to borrow but have the cash to make payments. Practices can substantially increase the amount of treatments completed and grow their monthly accounts receivable base.

M100 enables medical practices to treat more patients by lowering administrative costs, expediting cash flow and delivering a method to quickly and easily collect receivables. MedChoice Financial takes away the burden that practices have from collecting receivables from patients. Once patients are enrolled in M100, MedChoice Financial will take on the responsibility to electronically charge patients monthly for the amount due and will automatically transfer the money directly to the practices’ financial accounts.

“What makes M100 so innovative is that after patients make nine consecutive payments, the M100 program ensures that practices can recoup up to 90% of any outstanding amount due,” said Valerie Harding, MedChoice Financial’s spokesperson. “Medical practitioners can really leverage the M100 and achieve an effective payment program that helps grow their business, serve more patients, reduces costs and automates patient financing.”

M100 can help a practice in the following ways:

Enables practices to provide care for patients whose credit was previously an obstacle.
Provides the flexibility to create customized payment programs for patients based on MedChoice Financial’s recommendations.
Offers patients a very popular automatic bill payment option.
Tracks monthly payments and eliminates patients’ disputes as transaction processing is automatic.
Delivers an easy Web-portal tracking system to manage all inbound receivables.

About MedChoice Financial

MedChoice Financial, headquartered in Deerfield Beach, FL, is a national medical financial institution that services the medical community (medical, dental, cosmetic, chiropractic) and its patients with flexible, convenient financing solutions. Dedicated foremost to superior customer service, MedChoice Financial has become one of the largest and fastest growing elective medical financing companies in the nation. For more information, visit www.medchoicefinancial.com

Media Contact:
Dawn Fontaine
Ripple Effect Communications
Tel: 617-536-8887
Email: Email Contact

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Craig Amrine Reveals Benefits of Cold-Laser Therapy; Non Invasive Alternative to Medical Treatment

Posted on August 23, 2010 Written by Editor

SOURCE: Craig Amrine

TEMPE, AZ–(Marketwire – August 23, 2010) – New treatments for pain and healing are emerging in alternative medicine. One is the use of low-level lasers to support and encourage patients.

According to Alexandra K. Schnee, D.C., “Cold-Laser Therapy or Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) is a treatment that utilizes specific wavelengths of light to interact with tissue and is thought to help accelerate the healing process. It can be used on patients who suffer from a variety of acute and chronic conditions in order to help eliminate pain, swelling, reduce spasms and increase functionality.”

Craig Amrine, a Phoenix area acupuncturist, is a leading authority on cold-laser therapy. “Cold-laser therapy is a non-invasive procedure. Many patients want to try this before resorting to more severe traditional treatments, such as surgery,” states Amrine.

A laser is a device that produces non-ionizing coherent in visible or near visible wavelengths. At certain wavelengths, the light energy passes through the layers of skin and reaches the target area, where it is absorbed and interacts with the light sensitive elements in the cell. This process can be compared to photosynthesis in plants in which sunlight is absorbed by plants, which is then converted to usable energy so that the plant can grow.

The light energy initiates a series of events in the cell that is theorized to normalize damaged or injured tissue. In addition, a reduction in pain, inflammation, edema and an overall reduction in healing time by increasing intracellular metabolism results.

Craig Amrine is a licensed acupuncturist in the state of Arizona (L.Ac.) and is a nationally board certified Diplomat in Acupuncture. He has embraced cold-laser therapy as a part of his acupuncture practice. “I have found cold-laser therapy to be effective for my patients in a variety of areas,” claims Amrine. He continues, “This treatment has worked very well in reducing or eliminating neck, back and joint pain. By stimulating and encouraging the body to heal itself, I consider cold-laser therapy as an important technique to help my patients.”

While still a relatively new treatment option, information is incomplete about its optimal use. However, cold-laser therapy is considered a viable treatment option for those seeking an alternative to invasive treatment. Cold laser therapy is yet another method in the set of tools to help assist in pain relief and accelerate the repair of damaged tissue.

For additional information see: www.hiddenrhythmacupuncture.com.

Contact:
Craig Amrine
602-430-5812
Email Contact

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NCSBN Award Ceremony Honors Outstanding Nurse Regulators

Posted on August 19, 2010 Written by Editor

SOURCE: NCSBN

CHICAGO, IL–(Marketwire – August 19, 2010) – The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN^®)(www.ncsbn.org) recognized its dedicated and exceptional membership and guests at its annual awards ceremony on Thursday, Aug. 12, 2010. This ceremony was part of the NCSBN Annual Meeting and Delegate Assembly held in Portland, Ore., Aug. 11 -13, 2010.

Specific award recipients include:
Ann L. O’Sullivan, PhD, MSN, CRNP, CPNP, FAAN, board president, Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing, received the Meritorious Service Award, which is presented to a board or staff member of a member board for positive impact and significant contributions to the purposes of NCSBN.

Cathy Giessel, MS, RN, ANP, FAANP, recent past board chair, Alaska Board of Nursing, received the Exceptional Leadership Award, which is bestowed to an individual who has served as president of a member board and has made significant contributions to NCSBN in that role.

Sue Tedford, MNSc, RN, CNS, APN, board staff, Arkansas State Board of Nursing, and Valerie Smith, MS, RN, FRE, board staff, Arizona State Board of Nursing, each received the Exceptional Contribution Award, which is given for significant contribution by a board of nursing staff member who does not serve as an executive officer or a board member who is not the current board president.

The Texas Board of Nursing was awarded the Regulatory Achievement Award that recognizes the member board that has made an identifiable, significant contribution to the purpose of NCSBN in promoting public policy related to the safe and effective practice of nursing in the interest of public welfare.

In addition, service awards were given to the following executive officers of boards of nursing:

Five Years
Toaga Seumalo, MS, RN, executive secretary, American Samoa Health Services
Charlotte Beason, EdD, RN, NEA, executive director, Kentucky Board of Nursing
Rula Harb, MS, RN, executive director, Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing
Betsy Houchen, JD, MS, RN, executive director, Ohio Board of Nursing

10 Years
Barbara Zittel, PhD, RN, executive secretary, New York State Board of Nursing
Claire Doody Glaviano, MN, RN, executive director, Louisiana State Board of Practical Nurse Examiners

15 Years
Joey Ridenour, MN, RN, FAAN, executive director, Arizona State Board of Nursing
Laura Skidmore Rhodes, MSN, RN, executive director, West Virginia Board of Examiners for Registered Professional Nurses
Kathy Thomas, MN, RN, executive director, Texas Board of Nursing

25 Years
Libby Lund, MSN, RN, executive director, Tennessee State Board of Nursing

The following boards of nursing are celebrating 100 years of nursing regulation in 2010:
South Carolina State Board of Nursing
Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing

The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) is a not-for-profit organization whose members include the boards of nursing in the 50 states, the District of Columbia and four U.S. territories — American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands and the Virgin Islands. There are also seven associate members.

The statements and opinions expressed are those of NCSBN and not the individual member state or territorial boards of nursing.

Mission: NCSBN provides education, service and research through collaborative leadership to promote regulatory excellence for patient safety and public protection.

National Council of State Boards of Nursing, Inc.
111 E. Wacker Drive, Suite 2900
Chicago, IL 60601-4277

Contact:
Dawn M. Kappel
Director, Marketing and Communications
312.525.3667 direct
312.279.1034 fax
Email Contact

NCSBN Elects New Members to Its Board of Directors During 2010 Delegate Assembly

Posted on August 19, 2010 Written by Editor

SOURCE: NCSBN

CHICAGO, IL–(Marketwire – August 19, 2010) – The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN^®)(www.ncsbn.org) elected new members to its Board of Directors during its 2010 Delegate Assembly. Those elected include:

President
Myra A. Broadway, JD, MS, RN, executive director, Maine State Board of Nursing, was previously vice president from 2008-2010 and Area IV director from 2003-2007. During her tenure, Broadway was the board liaison to the Disciplinary Resources, Finance, Examination and Commitment to Ongoing Regulatory Excellence Committees and the Member Board Leadership Development Task Force. She also served as a director-at-large from 2000-2002 when she was board liaison to Commitment to Excellence and Model Rules Subcommittee. Broadway holds a J.D. from Franklin Pierce Law Center, an M.S.B.A. from Boston University, Metropolitan College, an M.S. from the University of Colorado and a B.S. from Hunter College in New York. Broadway served in the United States Air Force Nurse Corps on both active duty and in the Reserves, retiring as a colonel in 1998.

Vice President
Shirley Brekken, MS, RN, executive director, Minnesota Board of Nursing, previously served as Area II Director from 1990-1992. She has served on 12 NCSBN committees/task forces as either chair or committee member. Brekken is a partner in several Minnesota efforts related to patient safety and advancing a “Just Culture” (Minnesota Alliance for Patient Safety); nursing excellence (Stratis Health Institute); nursing workforce (Minnesota Center for Nursing BOD, Minnesota Colleagues in Caring and Minnesota Health Education and Industry Partnership Steering Committees); technology (Governor’s e-Licensing Steering Committee); and nursing leadership (Minnesota Organization of Leaders in Nursing).

Treasurer
Randall Hudspeth, MS, APRN-CNS/NP, FRE, FAANP, board member, Idaho Board of Nursing, was reelected treasurer. He previously served as a director-at-large. Hudspeth is an inducted Fellow of the NCSBN Institute of Regulatory Excellence, and has served two terms as board chairman and two terms as vice chairman of the Idaho Board of Nursing during his seven-year tenure as the advanced practice registered nurse representative.

Directors-at-Large
Julio Santiago, MSN, RN, CCRN, has served as director-at-large since 2009 and was the board liaison to the Nursys® Committee. He is the chairperson of the Illinois Board of Nursing and the member representing clinical practice since March 2005. Since 1990, Santiago has had extensive experience in nursing, including critical care, behavioral health and in administrative positions.

Katherine Thomas, MS, RN, executive director, Texas Board of Nursing, was reelected as director-at-large, having served her first term from 2008-2010. She previously served as the NCSBN representative to the APRN Joint Dialogue Group. She was also on several NCSBN Advanced Nursing Practice committees, chairing the APRN Advisory Committee from 1995-2007.

NCSBN delegates also elected members of the Leadership Succession Committee (LSC):

Area II Member
Lisa Emrich, MSN, RN, manager, Practice, Education and Administration, Ohio Board of Nursing

Area III Member
Brenda McDougal, associate executive director — Operations, North Carolina Board of Nursing

Area IV Member
Sue Petula, PhD, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, nursing education advisor, Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing

Additionally, the NCSBN Board of Directors appointed Louise Bailey, MEd, RN, interim executive director, California Board of Registered Nursing, to serve as the Area I Member on the LSC.

The statements and opinions expressed are those of NCSBN and not the individual member state or territorial boards of nursing.

Mission: NCSBN provides education, service and research through collaborative leadership to promote regulatory excellence for patient safety and public protection.

National Council of State Boards of Nursing, Inc.
111 E. Wacker Drive, Suite 2900
Chicago, IL 60601-4277

Contact:
Dawn M. Kappel
Director, Marketing and Communications
312.525.3667 direct
312.279.1034 fax
Email Contact

NCSBN Inducts Fourth Group of Fellows of the Regulatory Excellence Institute

Posted on August 19, 2010 Written by Editor

SOURCE: NCSBN

CHICAGO, IL–(Marketwire – August 19, 2010) – The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN^®) (www.ncsbn.org) inducted its fourth group of Fellows of the NCSBN Regulatory Excellence Institute on Aug. 12, 2010, during the NCSBN Annual Meeting and Delegate Assembly held in Portland, Ore. The Institute of Regulatory Excellence (IRE) began in 2004 with the purpose of providing boards of nursing with high quality regulatory education, expanding the body of knowledge related to regulation through research and scholarly work, developing the capacity of regulators to become expert leaders, and developing a network of regulators who collaborate to improve regulatory practices and outcomes.

The 2010 class of Fellows includes:

Susan K. Odom, PhD, RN Chair, Idaho Board of Nursing

William E. Spooner, Regulatory Supervisor Consultant, Florida Board of Nursing

The IRE is a series of educational conferences held annually with the following topics rotated on a four-year cycle: Public Protection/Role Development of Nursing Regulators, Discipline, Competency and Evaluation/Remediation Strategies, and Organizational Structure/Behavior.

The IRE Fellowship Program is a four-year comprehensive educational and professional development program designed for current regulators who want to enhance their knowledge of and leadership in nursing regulation. The program includes experiences in analyzing issues involving public policy and regulation, strategic planning, patient safety and communication. It also requires the application of evidence-based concepts in decision making and leadership.

Individuals who complete the Fellowship Program requirements are called a Fellow of the NCSBN Regulatory Excellence Institute (FRE) and are entitled to use the initials FRE after their name in recognition of their accomplishment.

Mission: NCSBN provides education, service and research through collaborative leadership to promote regulatory excellence for patient safety and public protection.

The statements and opinions expressed are those of NCSBN and not the individual member state or territorial boards of nursing.

National Council of State Boards of Nursing, Inc.
111 E. Wacker Drive, Suite 2900
Chicago, IL 60601-4277

Contact:
Dawn M. Kappel
Director, Marketing and Communications
312.525.3667 direct
312.279.1034 fax
Email Contact

WaveTwo Named Official Agent for North Texas Regional Extension Center

Posted on August 19, 2010 Written by Editor

SOURCE: WaveTwo, LLC

IRVING, TX–(Marketwire – August 19, 2010) – WaveTwo, LLC and its Health IT 2015 division have been chosen by the North Texas Regional Extension Center (NTREC) to be an official agent to all Physicians in North Texas. As an official agent, WaveTwo will assist North Texas physicians in implementing electronic health records (EHR) and qualifying for incentive payments from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

NTREC was recently awarded an $8.5 million grant from the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) to assist primary care providers, in a 41 county North Texas region, to adopt and achieve Meaningful Use of electronic health records (EHR). NTREC is the region’s designated federal expert in Meaningful Use standards as promulgated by the Office of National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC). WaveTwo is now NTREC’s official agent to these physicians.

WaveTwo services to physicians will include education, technical EHR assistance, guidance in meeting Meaningful Use criteria and obtaining CMS incentive payments. WaveTwo’s goal is to assist 1,498 physicians in reaching Meaningful Use by April 2012. Physicians who do so will then qualify for incentive payments up to $44,000 per eligible professional.

“We are very proud to be chosen to perform this important work for Physicians and NTREC,” said John Arnott Sr., Managing Partner for WaveTwo. “Our entire Health IT 2015 division’s focus — for the next two years — will be to lead each of the applicants to ‘meaningful use’ and qualify for all of the incentive funds available to them.”

About WaveTwo. WaveTwo is a leading Texas provider of professional services focused on solving business problems through technology and processes, with a strong focus on healthcare clients. Founded in 2002 , WaveTwo provides Business Intelligence, Enterprise Systems, Managed IT Services, and CIO On-Demand Services. Its Health IT 2015 division provides vendor-agnostic healthcare technology planning and implementation services. For more information, contact WaveTwo at 214-271-0033 or visit www.wavetwo.com and www.healthIT2015.com.

About North Texas Regional Extension Center. The North Texas Regional Extension Center (NTREC) was established as a program by the Dallas Fort Worth Hospital Council Education and Research Foundation (DFWHC-ERF) in April 2010. Its primary purpose is to promote the adoption and meaningful use of Electronic Health Records (EHR) in the practices of priority primary care providers.

Press Contact:

Teresa DeWitt
Marketing Manager
Ph: (214) 271-0033 ext 245
Email: Email Contact
WaveTwo, LLC

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Increases in Salaries Lower Than Projected According to 2010 "Survey of Manager and Executive Compensation in Hospitals and Health Systems"…

Posted on August 19, 2010 Written by Editor

SOURCE: Sullivan, Cotter and Associates

CHICAGO, IL–(Marketwire – August 19, 2010) – Sullivan, Cotter and Associates, Inc., a healthcare compensation and human resource management consulting firm, is in the process of publishing the 2010 Survey of Manager and Executive Compensation in Hospitals and Health Systems now in its eighteenth edition. This year, 288 health systems and 906 hospitals participated in the survey, a respected industry resource. Participants submitted data for nearly 22,000 executives and managers between February and June 2010. SullivanCotter’s national healthcare survey provides not only cash compensation data for executive and management jobs in hospitals and health systems, but also data on pay practices, annual incentive plans, supplemental benefits, perquisites, nonqualified retirement plans, and much more. Modern Healthcare, the nation’s leading healthcare weekly magazine, released portions of Sullivan, Cotter and Associates survey in its annual issue on healthcare executive compensation this week.

When comparing the data from 211 health systems and 642 hospitals that participated in both 2009 and 2010, base salaries increased on average 2.9% and 2.6%, respectively. These increases are consistent with the projected 2010 salary increase budgets, which were 3.2% for health systems and 2.8% for hospitals.

“Salary increases continue to be moderate,” noted SullivanCotter Managing Principal Tom Pavlik. “We continue to see this moderation in the reported executive and manager projected salary increase budgets for next year; the preliminary data indicate budgets of 3.0% for health systems and 2.7% for hospitals. However, we did see around a 5.5% increase in total cash compensation levels.”

The 2010 Survey of Manager and Executive Compensation in Hospitals and Health Systems will be available for purchase in September. The cost to healthcare organizations agreeing to participate in next year’s survey is $950; for those not wishing to participate, the cost is $1,950. The survey is also available to non-healthcare organizations. To order a copy, please visit the Sullivan, Cotter and Associates website at www.sullivancotter.com or contact Mary Kowalczyk, survey manager, at 312/739-2000, toll-free at 888/739-7039, or email [email protected].

Sullivan, Cotter and Associates, Inc. specializes in the development and implementation of strategic total compensation and reward programs for the healthcare industry. Since 1992, SullivanCotter has worked closely with healthcare organization executives, boards, and compensation committees to devise innovative compensation solutions that attract and retain leadership talent while satisfying not-for-profit missions and regulatory requirements. A leader in independent consulting, benchmarking, trends, and analyses, SullivanCotter has developed the most widely recognized physician and executive compensation surveys in the United States. SullivanCotter has offices in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Minneapolis, New York City, Parsippany, San Francisco, Washington DC, and Westport. For more information, visit www.sullivancotter.com or call 888-739-7039.

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Symantec Health Successfully Validates With Siemens Healthcare PACS

Posted on August 19, 2010 Written by Editor

SOURCE: Symantec

Enhanced Third-Party Support Enables Healthcare Providers to Confidently Move Images to the Cloud

MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA–(Marketwire – August 19, 2010) – Symantec Corp. (NASDAQ: SYMC) today announced the successful compatibility testing between Symantec Health, a cloud-based medical image archiving solution, and Siemens Healthcare’s picture archiving and communication system (PACS) solutions. The Siemens SYNGO Connectivity Competence Center (CCC), in collaboration with Symantec, conducted connectivity tests between Symantec Health and several Siemens imaging IT applications — syngo.plaza and syngo Imaging for Radiology, and syngo Dynamics for Cardiology. Symantec is the first DICOM archive — a standard for handling, storing, printing and transmitting information in medical imaging — to complete validation testing with Siemens’ new syngo.plaza agile PACS solution where 2D, 3D and 4D reading come together in one place.

Symantec Health helps lower storage costs by enabling healthcare providers to pay only for the storage capacity they use. Additionally, Symantec Health customers receive disaster recovery and business continuity capabilities through Symantec’s geographically distributed, highly available data centers. Symantec Health supports a healthcare organization’s existing workflow and serves as a complement to a provider’s existing PACS infrastructure, such as Siemens PACS solutions.

“Siemens places a high value on rigorous testing of third-party applications that interact with our PACS,” said Rik Primo, director of marketing and strategic relationships for SYNGO Americas at Siemens Healthcare. “Connectivity testing in our CCC lab with technologies like Symantec Health ensures that our customers can confidently use the two solutions without the need for onsite connectivity customization.”

“While the cost of raw storage is decreasing, providers have to factor in costs for personnel and data center space, software and maintenance agreements, backup and disaster recovery systems, and energy to power all of this. These contributing costs are often overlooked and are soaring,” said Lori Wright, vice president and general manager for Symantec Health. “Healthcare providers on average can achieve a savings of 25 to 50 percent by hosting image archives with Symantec Health.”

To help all healthcare providers regain control of their burgeoning storage requirements, Symantec designed Symantec Health to leverage existing standard protocols to interact with any PACS/RIS system. Symantec Health offers secure, affordable long-term image archiving to accommodate the growing number and size of medical images. Simultaneously, Symantec Health brings transparency to the storage environment through an on-demand dashboard showing storage consumption by modality and site. “This has been eye opening to many organizations that have a much more opaque view of this today,” Wright added.

Symantec Health image archiving also complements solutions from other third-party PACS vendors to augment a provider’s PACS infrastructure and provide business continuity in the event of a disruption or disaster.

About Symantec
Symantec is a global leader in providing security, storage and systems management solutions to help consumers and organizations secure and manage their information-driven world. Our software and services protect against more risks at more points, more completely and efficiently, enabling confidence wherever information is used or stored. More information is available at www.symantec.com.

About Siemens Healthcare
The Siemens Healthcare Sector is one of the world’s largest suppliers to the healthcare industry and a trendsetter in medical imaging, laboratory diagnostics, medical information technology and hearing aids. Siemens offers its customers products and solutions for the entire range of patient care from a single source — from prevention and early detection to diagnosis, and on to treatment and aftercare. By optimizing clinical workflows for the most common diseases, Siemens also makes healthcare faster, better and more cost-effective. Siemens Healthcare employs some 48,000 employees worldwide and operates around the world. In fiscal year 2009 (to September 30), the Sector posted revenue of 11.9 billion euros and profit of around 1.5 billion euros. For further information please visit: www.siemens.com/healthcare.

NOTE TO EDITORS: If you would like additional information on Symantec Corporation and its products, please visit the Symantec News Room at http://www.symantec.com/news. All prices noted are in U.S. dollars and are valid only in the United States.

Symantec and the Symantec Logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Symantec Corporation or its affiliates in the U.S. and other countries. Other names may be trademarks of their respective owners.

CONTACT:
Pamela Reese
Symantec Corp.
+1 (424) 750 7858
[email protected]

Lacey Manning
Connect Public Relations
+1 (801) 373-7888
[email protected]

NCSBN Raises Passing Standard for the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP(R)) Exam

Posted on August 18, 2010 Written by Editor

SOURCE: NCSBN

CHICAGO, IL–(Marketwire – August 18, 2010) – The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN^®)(www.ncsbn.org) is raising the passing standard for the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP^®) Written and Oral Examination. The new passing standard is 1.57 logits, 0.24 logits higher than the current standard of 1.33 logits. The new passing standard will take effect on Jan. 1, 2011.

The updated passing standard was set during a standard-setting workshop, held April 21-22, 2010. A panel of 10 registered nurses (RNs) representing a variety of practice settings across the country volunteered as subject matter experts (SMEs) for the workshop. After consideration of all available information, the SMEs determined that safe and effective certified entry-level nurse aide/nursing assistant (NA) work requires a greater level of knowledge, skills and abilities than was required in 2006, when the current standard was implemented. The passing standard was increased in response to changes in U.S. health care delivery that have resulted in a wider range of knowledge required by certified entry-level NAs to perform their authorized duties. The SMEs used multiple sources of information, including the results of a criterion-reference standard-setting workshop, to guide their evaluation and discussion regarding the change in passing standard.

In accordance with contractual agreements with client jurisdictions, NCSBN is responsible for evaluating the passing standard of NNAAP every five years to protect the public by assuring minimal competence for entry-level certified NAs. NCSBN coordinates the passing standard analysis with the five-year cycle of test plan evaluation. This five-year cycle was developed to keep the test plan and passing standard current and reflective of entry-level work expectations for certified NAs. The 2011 NNAAP^® Examination Test Plan/Test Specifications Report is available to download free of charge at www.ncsbn.org/2011_NNAAP_Test_Plan-Test_Specifications_Report_links.pdf.

The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN^®) is a not-for-profit organization whose members include the boards of nursing in the 50 states, the District of Columbia and four U.S. territories — American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands and the Virgin Islands. There are also seven associate members.

Mission: NCSBN provides education, service and research through collaborative leadership to promote regulatory excellence for patient safety and public protection.

The statements and opinions expressed are those of NCSBN and not the individual member state or territorial boards of nursing.

National Council of State Boards of Nursing, Inc.
111 E. Wacker Drive, Suite 2900
Chicago, IL 60601-4277

Contact:
Dawn M. Kappel
Director, Marketing and Communications
312.525.3667 direct
312.279.1034 fax
Email Contact

The Hemophilia Foundation of Michigan Invites You to Take a Walk on the Wild Side… With Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh My!

Posted on August 18, 2010 Written by Editor

SOURCE: Hemophilia Foundation of Michigan

YPSILANTI, MI–(Marketwire – August 18, 2010) – The Hemophilia Foundation of Michigan is pleased to announce: Walkin’ on the Wild Side for Hemophilia, its second annual fundraising walk at the Detroit Zoo. Walkin’ on the Wild Side for Hemophilia takes place on Sunday, August 29, 2010. Join hundreds of walkers to raise money to support the many programs of the HFM while taking in the beauty of the Detroit Zoo.

Form a team, walk by yourself, or be a virtual walker — support the cause without actually walking! Adults, children, families, co-workers, and friends; people of all ages are encouraged to join. Registration (with breakfast) begins at 7:45 am; the 2.1 mile Walk kicks off at 8:45 am. There will be entertainment, prizes, and fun for all ages. 93.9 The River will be there with music and giveaways. Everyone is invited to stay and enjoy a day at the zoo after the Walk.

In 2009, Walkin’ on the Wild Side for Hemophilia raised over $100,000 — just about the annual cost of treatment for a person with hemophilia; had 64 walk teams, 770 walkers and 50 volunteers. This year, HFM is aiming to increase the numbers in all those categories!

NEW for 2010: For every contribution of $100 made by Wednesday, August 25th, the individual donor’s name will be put in a drawing for three exciting prizes! These prizes include: A 50″ plasma TV, an Apple iPad, and an Amazon Kindle. Winners will be drawn immediately after the Walk ends at 10:30 am on the Grassy Knoll at the Detroit Zoo. Winners need NOT be present.

For a minimum donation of $15, an individual will receive admission to the event, refreshments, a Walk t-shirt, and the rest of the day at the zoo. There is no admission charge for children under 2 years of age. Please keep in mind this event is a FUNDRAISER — we need everyone’s help to exceed last year’s amount of $101,000 to support services for individuals with bleeding disorders and their families.

Will you be Walkin’ on the Wild Side for Hemophilia? To form a team online or donate to a team, go to www.hfmich.org or contact Dawn at 1-800-482-3041.

Contact:
Hemophilia Foundation of Michigan
1921 W. Michigan Avenue
Ypsilanti, Michigan 48197
Phone: 734-544-0015
FAX 734-544-0095
Website: www.hfmich.org

Ivan C. Harner
Executive Director
734-544-0015 ext. 26
[email protected]

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Good Neighbor Community Health Center Selects Sage Intergy CHC to Streamline Practice Efficiency and Improve Patient Care

Posted on August 18, 2010 Written by Editor

SOURCE: Sage

TAMPA, FL–(Marketwire – August 18, 2010) – Sage North America Healthcare Division, which provides practice management software and services to approximately 80,000 physicians in North America, today announced that Good Neighbor Community Health Center, based in Columbus, Neb., has selected Sage Intergy CHC as its electronic health records system. Sage products are used by approximately 25 percent of all Community Health Centers throughout the U.S. to manage their practices.

Sage Intergy CHC is an integrated, scalable practice management and electronic health records system, specifically designed for community health centers. Patient data can be shared or isolated across practices and locations, allowing access from anywhere for clinical, financial and administrative management.

Sage Intergy easily tracks the details of a patient’s clinical history, shares and manages clinical information and combines complex medical practice functions into easy-to-navigate menus and buttons, and fully integrates with EDI services to manage payments, Intergy Practice Portal to manage secure patient communications, Sage Intergy RIS to manage medical images and Sage Intergy Practice Analytics to report on practice efficiency and patient trends that can help to improve patient care.

“Good Neighbor Community Health Center is a data-driven clinic and we feel the analytic capabilities of the Sage Intergy system will allow us to best care for our patients while helping us track key health trends in the population we serve,” said Becky Rayman, Executive Director of Good Neighbor Community Health Center.

Additionally, Rayman’s experience with Sage’s customer support won her over. “Sage continues to provide us with great responses, and great customer service. We’re not a networked clinic, it’s us here alone, and if it were not for Sage and their support, we might not be able to implement the EHR,” Rayman added.

Good Neighbor Community Health Center is a multi-specialty clinic offering medical, pediatric, dental and mental health services, with seven physicians serving more than 8,000 patients annually. Sage Intergy CHC enables Good Neighbor Community Health Center to customize its system to adapt to existing workflows throughout the clinic and enables clinic staff to access the entire medical record online, in real time.

Currently, all patient records are paper based. Sage Intergy CHC will allow for a seamless transition to an electronic health record and propel the clinic closer to its goal of meeting the federally-backed meaningful use.

Sage has been providing ambulatory healthcare systems for almost 30 years, serving approximately 80,000 physicians in the United States with practice management, electronic health records, and other services to streamline patient care.

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About Good Neighbor Community Health Center
Good Neighbor Community Health Center works to increase access to primary preventive healthcare and to improve the health of the underserved and vulnerable populations. Since 1998, Good Neighbor Community Health Center has been providing primary care to anyone in the community who desires to visit our clinic.

About Sage North America
Sage North America is part of The Sage Group plc, a leading global supplier of business management software and services. Sage North America employs 4,000 people and supports 3.1 million small and midsized business customers including approximately 80,000 physicians. The Sage Group plc, formed in 1981, was floated on the London Stock Exchange in 1989 and now employs 13,100 people and supports 6.2 million customers worldwide. For more information, please visit the website at www.sagenorthamerica.com.

© 2010 Sage Software, Inc. All rights reserved. Sage, Sage Software, Sage logos and the Sage product and service names mentioned herein are registered trademarks or trademarks of Sage Software, Inc. or its affiliated entities. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Press Contact:
Scott Rupp
Sage
(813) 249-4264
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GetWellNetwork Unveils the First Interactive Patient Care Solution Designed for Senior Patients

Posted on August 18, 2010 Written by Editor

SOURCE: GetWellNetwork

New GetWellNetwork for Seniors to Enhance Patient Experience and Improve Outcomes

BETHESDA, MD–(Marketwire – August 18, 2010) – GetWellNetwork, Inc., the leader in interactive patient care solutions, today announced a new solution — GetWellNetwork for Seniors — designed to improve senior patients’ hospital experience and outcomes. Based upon extensive patient and caregiver research, GetWellNetwork for Seniors addresses the impact of aging and the ability of the senior population to use technology in a hospital setting. Using the bedside TV, GetWellNetwork for Seniors enables elderly patients to easily take part in their care process and to affect their own health outcomes.

“Our hospital participated in the testing of the new GetWellNetwork for Seniors, and I was immediately impressed,” said Barb Ochsner, RN, clinical director, Medical Center of the Rockies, “Our patients really get it — they knew who their care team would be and appreciated having all the information available at their fingertips.”

Elderly patients often leave the hospital with incomplete knowledge of their medications, diagnosis, dietary regimens and safety information, all of which impact their overall health and recovery. The GetWellNetwork solution is a proven way to engage patients and to increase learning opportunities by giving patients the option to review medical information at their own pace and return to specific health information as many times as needed throughout their hospital stay. In addition, GetWellNetwork for Seniors supports important patient care priorities by providing easy and reliable access to information on medication, safety, health education, and services right from the patient’s bedside TV.

In addition to the vast array of care features, GetWellNetwork for Seniors accommodates the broad range of familiarity seniors have with consumer technology devices. It is specially designed so that little or no knowledge of computing is necessary to interact comfortably with the GetWellNetwork system. Design elements include large, high-contrast text and generous spacing between buttons so that it creates a friendly, comfortable experience for elderly patients. In addition, a subtle, audible tone notifies users when they have made a selection and on-screen messages alert patients when a task is complete.

“Coming off the R&D success of our GetWell Town for children, we took a similarly deep approach to understanding the senior population over the past two years to better meet their needs. We are proud to introduce GetWellNetwork for Seniors, which we believe will make a dramatic improvement in patient outcomes and quality of life for elderly patients,” said Michael O’Neil, CEO and founder, GetWellNetwork. “Effective patient education is the first step in ensuring a successful hospital stay and, more importantly, the critical link in promoting a full recovery and a healthy lifestyle when they return home.”

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

Media Contact:
Jenny Song
Corporate Communications
(703) 338-8434
Email Contact

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GetWellNetwork Introduces QuickCare for Clinicians and Care Staff

Posted on August 18, 2010 Written by Editor

SOURCE: GetWellNetwork

QuickCare Provides Fast, One-Click Access to Six Key Nursing Tools

BETHESDA, MD–(Marketwire – August 18, 2010) – GetWellNetwork, Inc., the leading provider of interactive patient care solution, today announced the availability of QuickCare, a new feature that provides clinicians and staff with the ability to order patient education and execute service requests at the point of care using the patient’s bedside TV. QuickCare assists clinicians and staff by enabling them to log-in to a secure GetWellNetwork system menu to perform six frequent care tasks for patients. Ultimately, this will help clinicians and staff to deliver better, more efficient care and to improve patient satisfaction.

By executing key nursing tasks directly from the patient’s room, clinicians optimize their time with patients and can take advantage of valuable teachable moments to initiate patient education without waiting to get back to the nurse’s station or computer terminal. Patients also feel confident that their service requests are quickly handled because clinicians and staff are initiating the orders right from their bedside. These service requests are then directed to the appropriate department, thereby off-loading non-clinical tasks from the clinician’s busy schedule.

“Using QuickCare, our nurses are able to easily complete important medication teaching without ever leaving the patient’s room. This helps expedite care and our patients feel more involved and personally cared for; ultimately, making a positive impact on patient satisfaction,” said Katherine E. Pereira-Ogan, RN, BSN, BC, MSSL, director of service excellence at Christiana Care Health System.

The bedside tools available in QuickCare assist clinicians in delivering timely, consistent education that yields better patient comprehension and provides better patient care through more efficiently managed service requests.

QuickCare provides fast, one-click access in six key care areas:

Patient Safety: Clinicians can prescribe safety education for their patients at the point of care, such as falls prevention information or hand hygiene, which also helps meet The Joint Commission requirements for patient safety.
Patient Education: QuickCare enables clinicians to consistently and effectively engage patients in learning about their condition by initiating patient-specific education sessions at optimal teachable moments from the point of care. Improving patient education leads to improved patient outcomes.
Medication Teaching: Clinicians can improve patient satisfaction by helping to engage patients in learning more about the importance of their medication regimen. QuickCare lets clinicians access the full medication database and retrieve real-time list of their patients’ prescribed medications.
Patient Care Plan: Clinicians can reduce the number of readmission by guiding their patients through a comprehensive multi-phase care plan such as heart failure or asthma on the GetWellNetwork system.
Admissions and Discharge: Helping patients complete the steps for discharge ensures that patients can go home on time and reduce the length of stay. It also gives clinicians the ability to keep patients well informed about any aftercare instructions to ensure better patient outcomes.
Service Requests: Makes it easy for clinicians to contact the right department for non-clinical service requests such as notifying environmental services for room cleaning or sending a message to dietary services for their patients.

“We have put more control in the hands of caregivers at the point of care — QuickCare gives clinicians and staff the ability to assess patients’ needs and act on them immediately,” said Carrie Hallock, RN, BSN, product line director, nursing practice at GetWellNetwork. “The more we can do to optimize nursing workflows, the more time clinicians have for delivering the kind of patient care that inspired them into the nursing profession.”

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

Media Contact:
Jenny Song
(703) 338-8434
Email Contact

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Analysis Shows Hospitals Can Double Revenue From Their Own Employee Health Plans

Posted on August 18, 2010 Written by Editor

SOURCE: CoreSource

LAKE FOREST, IL–(Marketwire – August 18, 2010) – Hospitals and health systems can double revenue from their own employee health plans by implementing the right benefit strategies, according to research released today by CoreSource, one of the nation’s leading administrators of employee benefit plans for self-funded hospitals, health systems and other employers.

“When deciding how to offer medical benefits to their employees, hospitals and health systems embark on a complex process because they serve as both a health plan sponsor and a provider of healthcare services. For a hospital, offering an employee health plan and managing its costs require the institution to balance the need to grow patient volume and revenue with the need to control labor costs,” said Rob Corrigan, Vice President of Product Management and Planning, CoreSource.

A comprehensive analysis of the employee benefit strategies of nearly 70 CoreSource hospital and health system clients from across the country shows that a hospital using its domestic network of healthcare providers can increase its revenue, on average, by more than $1,200 per employee per year compared to a hospital that outsources its network to a commercial PPO contracting with all health system providers.

The study finds that hospitals employing this “direct contracting” model for their own employee health plans average about $2,500 in revenue per employee per year, compared to about $1,250 for those who employ the “outsourced PPO” model. The findings are contained in the CoreSource white paper, “Hospitals and Healthcare Systems: An Inside Look at Group Health Plan Strategies To Control Costs and Provide Access to Healthcare.”

According to the CoreSource study, hospitals generally use one of five benefit strategies when offering a self-funded PPO to their employees. The study also found that self-funded hospitals and health systems have, on average, six percent higher health benefit costs per employee than other CoreSource clients.

“The primary driver of the higher benefit costs for hospitals and health systems is their demographics,” Corrigan said. “Our analysis shows that hospitals and health systems typically employ more women, employees older than 40 and individuals with chronic conditions than other self-funded groups. These sectors of the population use healthcare services more often than other groups of individuals.”

The analysis also demonstrates how important employee compliance is for cost control. Compliance with preventive testing and disease management for employees of hospitals is better than for other self-funded employers, according to the research, while the average length of stay is 28 percent lower than other groups. “Without this level of compliance, it is fair to reason that hospital and health systems benefit plan costs would be even higher,” he said.

Understanding how different benefit strategies work is important for any hospital or healthcare system seeking to control costs and boost revenue, but it is critical for a hospital that wishes to become designated an Accountable Care Organization (ACO), a new payment and healthcare delivery system created by healthcare reform legislation.

“An ACO is designed to drive healthcare quality while stepping away from the traditional fee-for-service payment approach. A hospital using a domestic network or contracting directly with providers will have operational mechanisms in place that will help the institution make the transition. A hospital that outsources its network may not have the mechanisms readily available to make the shift easily,” Corrigan said.

Hospitals must look at their employee population, market conditions, reimbursement levels and relationships with physicians, and weigh many other factors before determining how to proceed with their benefit strategy. “Information gleaned from the analysis can help guide them in determining the right plan design for their institution,” Corrigan said. “Regardless of the strategy selected, a hospital must monitor cost and utilization trends so that it maintains the desired balance between competing financial objectives and positive relationships with employees, doctors and other stakeholders.”

For more information on CoreSource and hospital and health system benefit administration, visit this website.

About CoreSource
CoreSource is one of the nation’s leading TPAs, delivering integrated, customized employee benefit solutions to self-funded employers. CoreSource utilizes cutting-edge products and services designed to facilitate effective cost-containment strategies. CoreSource is a subsidiary of Trustmark Mutual Holding Company and has nine sales and customer service offices across the country. Trustmark has assets of more than $1.7 billion and, through CoreSource and other subsidiaries, administers more than $2.5 billion in health and life benefits annually. For more information, visit www.coresource.com.

Contact:
Cindy Gallaher
(847) 283-4065
Email Contact

Urologist Dr. Ridwan Shabsigh, MD Answers Viewers’ Health Questions on His Online Medical Advice and Health Talk Show, "The Dr. Ridwan Show"

Posted on August 17, 2010 Written by Editor

SOURCE: DrRidwan.com

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.

Contact:

Dr. Ridwan Shabsigh
718-283-7746
http://www.DrRidwan.com

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U.S. Healthcare System Viable for the Long Term… If We ‘Get Control of Costs:’ Mark Chassin, President, The Joint Commission

Posted on August 17, 2010 Written by Editor

SOURCE: Medline Industries, Inc.

Speaking Before U.S Hospital Executives, Chassin Outlines Health Reform Strategies

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.

Media Contact:
John Marks
(847) 643-3309

Jerreau Beaudoin
(847) 643-3011

Niche Market for Smartphones in Healthcare: Kalorama

Posted on August 17, 2010 Written by Editor

SOURCE: Kalorama Information

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.

Sacramento Maternal-Fetal Medicine Selects the SRS Hybrid EMR for Its Highly Specialized Providers

Posted on August 17, 2010 Written by Editor

SOURCE: SRSsoft

Patient Care Focus of Hybrid EMR Meets Needs of High-Risk Pregnancy Group

MONTVALE, NJ–(Marketwire – August 17, 2010) – SRS, the leader in hybrid EMRs, today announced that Sacramento Maternal-Fetal Medicine (Sac MFM) has selected the productivity-enhancing SRS hybrid EMR for its high-risk pregnancy practice. With offices located in Sacramento and Chico, Sac MFM provides exceptional care to expectant women in Northern California.

“Our high-risk OB/GYN patients require complex care from our physicians and staff throughout their pregnancies,” says Lynn K. McLean, M.D., Sac MFM. “The SRS hybrid EMR allows us to deliver more complete care by freeing us to focus our time and energy on our patients. The advantages of SRS also extend beyond the walls of our practice. Having meticulously organized clinical information helps me to more quickly and more completely communicate with referring physicians, which in turn enables them to provide better care to our mutual patients.”

“We explored a wide spectrum of EMR solutions and it was clear that the SRS hybrid EMR would add the most value,” says Deborah Sennett, Administrator of Sac MFM. “One of the important benefits is malpractice risk management — we feel more confident in the protection that digitized, organized, and complete records will deliver in this regard.”

SRS was designed with direct input by its high-performance physicians to provide them with a system that fits their needs, helps them to work more efficiently, and enables them to achieve a rapid return on their investment. SRS, which has built the largest national network of high-performance practices that successfully use an EMR, attributes its unmatched adoption rate to ease of use, fast implementation, and an accelerated timeframe for training physicians and office staff.

“The SRS hybrid EMR provides an efficiency-enhancing solution to practices that do not want to be slowed down by unnecessarily complex point-and-click systems,” says Evan Steele, CEO of SRSsoft. “Sacramento Maternal-Fetal Medicine prides itself on delivering exceptional care to their high-risk patients. We are confident that our solution will enhance their ability to do so, and we are happy that they are part of the growing family of over 5,000 SRS users.”

About Sacramento Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Sacramento Maternal-Fetal Medicine Medical Group is the only comprehensive high-risk pregnancy medical group in the Sacramento region. For over 20 years, their physicians have provided care for women in Northern California, specializing in ultrasound, prenatal diagnosis, genetics, medical and surgical complications of pregnancy, as well as the management of multiple gestations (e.g. triplets, quadruplets). Visit them at: http://sacmfm.com.

About SRSsoft
SRS is the recognized leader in providing healthcare IT solutions to OB/GYN practices nationwide. The award-winning SRS hybrid EMR offers powerful and flexible solutions to the complex requirements of clinical workflows, patient care, and OB/GYN practice operations. Prominent OB/GYN groups overwhelmingly choose SRS because of its unique fit with the demands of their specialty. For more information on SRS, visit www.srssoft.com, e-mail [email protected], fax 201.802.1301, or call 800.288.8369.

Media Contact
Jeremy Duca
SRSsoft
800.288.8369
Email Contact

This Week on ORLive: Surgical Treatments for Type 2 Diabetes

Posted on August 17, 2010 Written by Editor

SOURCE: OR-Live, Inc.

New On-Demand and Live Surgery Video for the Week of August 16, 2010

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.

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

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Paradigm Names Dr. Albert Holt as Chief Medical Officer

Posted on August 17, 2010 Written by Editor

SOURCE: Paradigm Management Services, LLC

Disease Management Leader and Critical Care Physician to Advance Next Phase of Growth

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.

Media Contact

Dana Wolfe
Email Contact
(925) 677-4843

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Kentucky Community Hospital Works Cost-Saving Wonders With Westbrook Fortis

Posted on August 17, 2010 Written by Editor

SOURCE: Westbrook Technologies Incorporated

Marshall County Hospital Uses Document Management Software to Speed Administrative Processes

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.

Contact:
Joan Honig
Product Marketing Manager
Email Contact
203-483-6666. ext. 679

Survey Spotlights Need to Secure Patient Information From Unauthorized Access as Chief Healthcare IT Concern

Posted on August 17, 2010 Written by Editor

SOURCE: Imprivata

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

Contacts:
Jen Ryan
Imprivata, Inc.
(860) 810-7238
Email Contact

Matt Flanagan
fama PR
(617) 758-4141
Email Contact

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Lerner Medical Introduces Levia(R) to Dermatology Professionals

Posted on August 17, 2010 Written by Editor

SOURCE: Lerner Medical Devices, Inc.

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

CONTACTS:

LERNER MEDICAL DEVICES, INC.
John R. Lyon
CEO
(0) 310.914.0091 x 7029
(M) 760 518 1132
Email Contact

Media:
QUANTUMMETHOD
Kelly Rice
(0) 310.601.4377 x 103
(M) 818.312.4006
Email Contact

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