Hospitals and Health Systems News

MUNDELEIN, IL–(Marketwire – November 29, 2010) – Medline Industries, Inc., the nation’s largest privately held manufacturer and distributor of healthcare supplies, announced today the signing of a cost-management prime vendor agreement with Cleveland, Ohio-based St. Vincent Charity Medical Center. The five year agreement is anticipated to save the hospital an estimated $2.5 million over the term of the contract.

St. Vincent’s patient-centered focus on quality has earned them the HealthGrades Distinguished Hospital Award for Clinical Excellence for five consecutive years (2006-2010). In keeping with their focus, the hospital plans to take advantage of the many clinical programs Medline offers including the Pressure Ulcer Prevention Program, the Perioperative Pressure Ulcer Prevention Program and the ERASE CAUTI (catheter-associated urinary tract infection) Program. Each of these evidenced-based programs was designed to help improve quality and safety outcomes, increase patient satisfaction and reduce errors for healthcare facilities.

Under the terms of the contract, Medline is expected to generate more than $10 million in annual medical and surgical product sales from the partnership over the term of the agreement. Under the agreement, Medline will provide its broad array of Medline brand medical and surgical products, including surgical procedure trays, patient care products, disposable protective gowns, exam gloves and bandages.

Cost savings and customer service were two key factors in making Medline St. Vincent Charity Medical Center’s prime vendor. Medline will drive cost savings to St. Vincent through delivering Medline manufactured products direct to the healthcare facility from Medline’s newly built 300,000 square foot, state-of-the-art distribution facility in Canton, OH. Medline will also deliver cost savings by reducing distribution fees on other national brand products and product standardization. In addition, Medline will provide enhanced reporting capabilities and offer comprehensive product utilization, education and practical solutions to help the facility control costs and improve patient care. 

About Saint Vincent Charity Hospital
St. Vincent Charity Medical Center is Cleveland’s faith-based, high-quality healthcare provider, with distinguished doctors and caregivers devoted to treating every patient with clinical excellence and compassionate care. St. Vincent Charity Medical Center is home to the renowned Spine and Orthopedic Institute and the Center for Bariatric Surgery. Owned by the Sisters of Charity Health System, St. Vincent Charity Medical Center delivers health for the heart of Cleveland. The Sisters of Charity Health System is a family of hospitals, grant-making foundations, elder care and outreach organizations devoted to healing individual, families and communities. For more information, visit www.stvincentcharity.com.

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 hospitals, extended-care facilities, surgery centers, home care dealers and agencies. Headquartered in Mundelein, Ill., Medline has more than 900 dedicated sales representatives nationwide to support its broad product line and cost management services.

Over the past five years, Medline has been the fastest-growing distributor of medical and surgical supplies in the U.S., serving as the primary distributor to over 450 major hospitals and healthcare systems. As a leading distributor, Medline offers a comprehensive array of consulting and management services encompassing the supply chain and logistics, utilization and standardization, business tools and enhanced reporting capabilities and on-staff clinicians.

CHICAGO, IL–(Marketwire – November 29, 2010) – Sami Bittar, M.D., has added a new, noninvasive fat-trimming procedure — known as CoolSculpting by ZELTIQ™ — to the aesthetic services he offers patients.

Recently seen on The Dr. Oz show, the CoolSculpting procedure is completely noninvasive, using no needles and no incisions, to selectively reduce fat bulges. The procedure uses a non-invasive applicator, applied to the skin surface, to deliver a controlled cooling to target areas. After exposure to the cooling, fat cells begin to be gradually eliminated, using the body’s normal metabolic processes. Most patients can read, listen to music or relax during the procedure and return to their normal activities on the same day as the procedure.

Benefits of the CoolSculpting by ZELTIQ™ include:

• A reduction in fat bulges in about two to four months, with the most dramatic results occurring after two months.

• A 20 percent reduction in the fat layer.

The CoolSculpting procedure is based on a science called Cryolipolysis™, a groundbreaking discovery by Drs. Dieter Manstein and R. Rox Anderson of Harvard Medical School and the Wellman Center for Photomedicine at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston that subcutaneous fat cells are more vulnerable to the effects of cold than the surrounding tissue and that fall cells will be reduced after exposure to cold through a process called “induced apoptosis.”

Dr. Bittar works collaboratively with his patients to help create a more aesthetically pleasing physique. His practice currently offers liposuction, abdominoplasty, breast augmentation, reduction and reconstruction as well as face lifts and nose surgery.

More information about CoolSculpting™ by ZELTIQ™ is available at www.coolsculpting.com. Visit http://www.samibittarmd.com or call (708) 354-4667 for more information about Dr. Bittar and the services he provides.

Sami M. Bittar, MD, FACS is a board-certified Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon with extensive experience in the field of aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgery of the face, breast, and body. Visit http://www.samibittarmd.com or call (708) 354-4667 for more information.

MONTVALE, NJ–(Marketwire – November 29, 2010) – SRS, the leading provider of productivity-enhancing technology and services for high-performance specialty practices today announced that Indiana Hand to Shoulder Center has selected the SRS Unified Desktop™ for its 35 providers. Indiana Hand to Shoulder Center has 6 office locations providing specialized upper extremity treatment to the greater Indianapolis area.

“The value of an integrated package far exceeds the sum of the benefits of the individual parts,” says James J. Creighton, Jr., M.D., Indiana Hand to Shoulder Center. “Accessing PACS images directly from the patient’s chart in the EMR — without having to open another application and toggle back and forth — will be a huge time-saver for me.”

“The efficiency and ease of use produced by incorporating three vital core technologies into one product is invaluable,” says Audra Frezza, Chief Information Officer, Indiana Hand to Shoulder Center. “One of the reasons we chose SRS is its reputation for the highest levels of customer satisfaction, as well as its drive to stay at the cutting edge of technology. The success level achieved by SRS in the Orthopaedic arena is unparalleled.”

“The Unified Desktop is unique in the EMR industry,” according to Evan Steele, CEO of SRSsoft. “The open architecture upon which our EMR software is built allows us to deliver all clinical and business applications through one seamless user interface. The Unified Desktop is just one of the many ways that SRS boosts productivity for high-performance practices like Indiana Hand to Shoulder Center.”

About SRS
SRS is the leading provider of productivity-enhancing EMR technology and services for high-performance specialty practices — with a successful adoption rate unparalleled in the industry. Offered via the Unified Desktop™, the robust EMR, SRS CareTracker PM, and SRS PACS increase speed, free physicians’ time, boost revenue, and heighten patient care and satisfaction. For more information on SRS, visit www.srssoft.com, e-mail [email protected], fax 201.802.1301, or call 800.288.8369.

About Indiana Hand to Shoulder Center
Indiana Hand to Shoulder Center began in 1971 as a private hand surgery practice. Since then, it has grown to become a renowned center of excellence, recognized across the world for their specialization in problems and injuries of the hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder. Now located on the northwest side of Indianapolis, Indiana Hand to Shoulder Center is the largest free-standing facility of its kind in the world. For more information, visit www.indianahandtoshoulder.com.

OMAHA, NE–(Marketwire – November 29, 2010) – RadTrac, an informatics and biotech solutions firm, has created breakthrough radiation dosage tracking technology that will track and prevent unnecessary radiation exposure for patients and limit liability for hospitals. 

Overexposure to radiation can lead to serious health problems including cancer. There are currently standards set by the American Medical Association for radiation limits but no way exists to track how much cumulative radiation a patient receives. 

Patient radiation levels are tracked and monitored through RadTrac’s proprietary Radiation Dosage Tracking System (RDTS) software engine. Before a patient’s exposure level reaches an unsafe amount, health care providers are alerted and can review diagnostic options before exposing that patient to more radiation, making facilities aware of the potential for overexposure. RDTS allows the physician and medical team to concentrate on practicing medicine and make informed decisions about radiation exposure in real-time.

“The RDTS will not only prevent overexposure and track cumulative exposure, but can also be used as a research tool in the future,” said Gena Kriewald, Co-founder and Vice President of Clinical Development. “The educational benefits that come from creating a national database of radiation exposure on a variety of modalities are immeasurable. By sharing dosage level information across a network of hospitals throughout the nation, facilities can learn not only how to limit exposure but also what modalities are most effective while offering the least amount of radiation.”

“We are currently tracking several facilities with various modalities in regions throughout the United States,” said RadTrac Chief Executive Officer Jesse Fisher. “The RadTrac system takes a proactive approach to preventing radiation exposure by tracking the amount of radiation patients are exposed to — both at the procedure level and cumulatively — and alerting medical professionals before high levels of radiation exposure are reached.”

RadTrac implemented the initial phase of RDTS testing in March of 2010, and completed beta testing in June. The product is now available for release.

About RadTrac: RadTrac is a joint venture of Binovia, Inc., an informatics and biomedical services firm, and Study Overflow Solutions, Inc., (SOS), a teleradiology and practice management firm. RadTrac, a radiology software solutions firm, provides systems and implementation to medical facilities including hospitals, radiology departments and clinics to prevent radiation overexposure and promote x-ray and radiation safety. 

WOBURN, MA–(Marketwire – November 29, 2010) – Yankee Alliance (www.yankeealliance.com), a Group Purchasing Organization for Healthcare industry member organizations, has approved Service Point USA (www.servicepointusa.com) as a vendor for the provision of Large Format Graphics and Signage.

There are 69 YA member organizations which consist of Hospitals and Medical Centers. These are located primarily in the Northeast region of the U.S. where Service Point USA’s service center locations are concentrated.

In addition, YA has thousands of Affiliate Members throughout the U.S. that include Long Term Care Facilities, Clinics, Rehabilitation Facilities, and other Healthcare related businesses. These are potential users of Service Point’s products and services as well.

Member buyers include multiple professionals from each organization in departments of Marketing and Communications, Public Relations, Purchasing, Training and Education, and Facilities Management groups.

Service Point is unique among YA vendors with its specialization in Large Format Graphics, Signage, and Way Finding Systems. Example applications of these products and services for the Healthcare industry include:

• Facility Way / Finding signage systems, interior and exterior
• Educational / Public Relations Displays
• Environmental Graphics / Murals / Posters
• Eco-Friendly Display Graphics
• Information Graphics / HIPAA Communication Posters
• Clean Room / Laboratory moisture-resistant posters and safety signs
• Floor Graphics and Way Finding visual aids
• Event Banners and Flags
• ADA Compliant Signage
• Vehicle Graphics, Vinyl Lettering

YA buyers may send orders and graphic files for production electronically via their unique, online Digital Storefront site established by Service Point for the use of YA members only. Service Point’s Digital Storefront product provides authorized users a secure and efficient means to transmit and store files for future access within a custom branded environment.

The Yankee Alliance agreement augments Service Point USA’s continued pursuit of business within the Healthcare industry, one of its focus markets.

About Service Point
Service Point provides tools and services for greater efficiency in document, print, and information management via networked service centers, online, and through On-Site Services programs with client firms nationwide.

Service Point USA is a subsidiary of Service Point Solutions. It employs 2,400 people across 8 countries through a network of 127 service centers and 794 facilities management programs. SPS is headquartered in Spain and listed on the Madrid and Barcelona stock exchanges (ticker: SPS.MC).

MANCHESTER, UNITED KINGDOM–(Marketwire – Nov. 29, 2010) – Bromsgrove based cosmetic surgery provider The Hospital Group, has announced the acquisition of Manchester based cosmetic surgery clinic, SurgiCare, after it bought the company out of administration.

The move secures The Hospital Group as the number one cosmetic surgery provider in Europe, with a network of 27 clinics situated across the UK and Ireland plus over 10 in Spain. The Group also expanded into the USA in 2009 with a base in Los Angeles.

Choosing to retain the SurgiCare brand independently, The Hospital Group and SurgiCare will tackle different areas of the market to gain a complimentary business strategy.

The deal has secured the jobs of 37 workers and follows the group’s recent acquisition of NU Age medical Spa in Newcastle Upon Tyne.

David Ross, Chief Executive at The Hospital Group, said: “This business deal shows the company’s commitment to consolidating and building our position in the UK and international market.

“Many people are struggling to find work in this tough economic climate but this partnership has helped to save jobs as well as open doors and create more opportunities.

“We are really excited about the potential that this opportunity has given us. There will doubtless be synergy and development on both sides.”

The Hospital Group are one of the UK’s leading providers of cosmetic surgery, providing cosmetic, dental and weight-loss solutions for thousands of patients every year. 

Since The Hospital Group was established in 1992, it has grown to become one of the world’s foremost cosmetic and weight loss surgery providers.

The flagship hospital, Dolan Park, is the largest specialist facility of its kind in the UK, dedicated to cosmetic and obesity surgery. All surgeons are GMC registered and cosmetic consultations are performed free of charge, with a lifetime free aftercare package included.

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA–(Marketwire – Nov. 26, 2010) – The BC Medical Journal, BC doctors’ flagship medical journal, has completely revitalized its online presence. Beginning today, www.bcmj.org will not only continue with its tight focus on medical stories and advancements that occur in British Columbia, but will be adding the more dynamic qualities that the web is known for. 

BCMJ.org expanded upon its current website, which historically has simply provided the new monthly printed journal in an online method, by also including: 

• Video content linked to clinical articles in the journal that will incorporate related surgical videos and author interviews
• Health Notes for doctors and patients that will provide printable tips to improve your health on topics such as dealing with depression, reducing stress, and dementia, as well as reliable patient information related to clinical articles published in the BCMJ.
• Interactive content such as a blog in which physicians can interact with each other and members of the public and the ability to comment directly on published articles.
• A “people” section focusing on physician authors in the BCMJ, physicians who go above and beyond the call of duty, and stories about physicians’ own experiences in life.

“With the launch of our new website, the BCMJ takes giant leap forward in the brave new world of electronic communication. As the online home of BC physicians, we strive to keep doctors connected while providing them with fresh and relevant medical content,” says the BCMJ’s editor, Dr. David Richardson. 

The new interactive website is open to physicians in BC – and physicians around the globe – as well as all members of the public.

The British Columbia Medical Journal is a general medical journal featuring primarily scientific research, review articles, and updates on contemporary clinical practices written by British Columbian physicians or focused on topics likely to be of interest to them, such as columns from the BC Centre for Disease Control and ICBC. The print BCMJ is issued ten times each year, while bcmj.org will release stories throughout the month. The journal is peer reviewed and edited by an Editorial Board consisting of physicians from varying disciplines. Although it is published by the BC Medical Association (BCMA), it maintains distance from the BCMA in order to encourage open debate. It also hosts an online database for all BCMJ issues dating back to 2000.

PANAMA CITY–(Marketwire – November 25, 2010) – The Stem Cell Institute (www.cellmedicine.com) reported today recovery of a spinal cord injury patient that was treated with a unique combination stem cell treatment. The patient suffered a crush fracture of the L1 vertebral body on May 13^th, 2008 after a single propeller engine airplane crash. As a result of the spinal cord injury, the patient had severe neuropathic pain, loss of sexual and bladder function, as well as loss of movement and sensation in the legs. 

He was treated on Oct 31-Nov 20, 2008, Jan 21-30, 2009, and July 1-10, 2009 with an adult stem cell protocol. The patient underwent a progressive recovery of sensation, mobility, and sexual and bladder function subsequent to each cycle of stem cell administration. Currently the patient is capable of walking and neuropathic pain diminished substantially.

“The doctors at the Stem Cell Institute have changed my life. After the accident there was no hope. Now I have a new lease on life,” said Juan Carlos Murillo Rodriguez, the patient who was treated. “I have recently passed my physical and am flying again as a commercial pilot.”

Details of the scientific rationale for the treatment, as well as protocols and outcomes may be found in the peer-reviewed paper “Feasibility of combination allogeneic stem cell therapy for spinal cord injury: a case report” which was published in the International Archives of Medicine and is available online at http://www.intarchmed.com/content/pdf/1755-7682-3-30.pdf.

“It is my honor that such a team of internationally recognized opinion leaders in the area of stem cells such as Doctors Amit Patel, Michael Murphy and Thomas Ichim have co-authored this publication,” said Dr. Jorge Paz Rodriguez, Medical Director of the Stem Cell Institute and co-author of the publication. “By combining our clinical experience with cutting-edge advances in molecular and cellular biology, we believe we have put forth a very innovative protocol that we anticipate will be attempted by other groups.”

About Stem Cell Institute

Stem Cell Institute is one of the leading adult stem cell research and treatment centers in the world. Using our pioneering treatment methods and utilizing partnerships with universities and physicians across the world, Stem Cell Institute has already treated over 800 patients with stem cell therapy and the company continues to expand. Stem Cell Institute is located in Panama City, Panama.

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POWAY, CA–(Marketwire – November 24, 2010) – Lex Lee is a canine commemorative Purple Heart recipient who was a Marine Corps bomb-sniffing canine stationed in Fallujah. Lex survived a rocket-propelled grenade blast in March of 2007 that left him severely injured and took the life of his handler, Corporal Dustin J. Lee. 

Since that time, Lex has struggled with several problems related to his injuries including chronic arthritis. Dr. Lee Morgan of the Georgetown Veterinary Hospital teamed up with K9 Soldiers and Jerome and Rachel Lee in order to provide Lex with relief from the pain of his war injuries.

Dr. Morgan elected to use Vet-Stem Cell therapy to treat Lex’s arthritis and to hopefully regenerate damage from injuries sustained while serving in Fallujah. Dr. Morgan collected of a small amount of fat, sent it to Vet-Stem where the fat was processed, then Vet-Stem sent the isolated stem cells for injection two days later.

In honor of the contributions that Lex and the Lee family have made to the safety and freedom of people here and abroad, Vet-Stem will provide a free lifetime supply of Lex’s stem cells for as long as Lex might benefit from them. Approximately half the dogs treated with stem cell therapy will need to be re-treated within two years. Vet-Stem has over 18,000 doses of stem cells stored for thousands of animals and can create more by using stem cell culture technology. 

“We are pleased to be a part of this great effort and to do our small part in providing comfort to Lex and the Lee family and we appreciate Dr. Morgan’s contribution and discounted services,” says Vet-Stem Founder and CEO Robert Harman.

Dr. Morgan noted, “This is one of the most important patients that I have seen in 14 years of practice. I was surprised to see how quickly Lex was responding to the stem cell therapy. His owners and I are excited about the possibility of giving him an improved quality of life.”

About Vet-Stem, Inc.

Vet-Stem, Inc. was formed in 2002 to bring regenerative medicine to the veterinary profession. In January of 2004, Vet-Stem introduced the first veterinary stem cell service in the United States. The privately held company is working to develop therapies in veterinary medicine that apply regenerative technologies while utilizing the natural healing properties inherent in all animals. Vet-Stem has exclusive licenses to over 50 patents including world-wide veterinary rights for use of adipose derived stem cells.

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TORONTO, ONTARIO–(Marketwire – Nov. 24, 2010) – The Excellent Care for All Act (ECFAA) is the Ontario government’s first step in putting patients first by improving the quality and accountability of the province’s health care system. Health care providers and executives will be held directly accountable for patient safety and will have added responsibilities to ensure that the patient is at the centre of the health care system. They will be required to develop quality improvement plans and report to their boards on the progress they are making. To help ensure that this new act is implemented effectively, executive compensation will be linked to performance improvements and satisfaction surveys will be utilized to monitor progress.

According to Toronto Grace Health Centre’s Shirley Atkinson, current Chair of the Canadian Healthcare Risk Management Network, “Compliance with the Excellent Care for All Act is top of mind for all hospital boards, healthcare executives and quality and risk management leaders in Ontario. Electronic tools like ComplyTrack can help hospitals manage quality improvement plans and other requirements stemming from the Act, to reduce errors and improve overall performance.”

ComplyTrack, published by CCH (www.cch.ca), a part of Wolters Kluwer Law & Business, supports a compliance and risk management team’s efforts to standardize and/or eliminate manual and redundant processes, and can help to quantitatively demonstrate a process’ effectiveness to a health care facility’s management and board. Tools like ComplyTrack will be essential to the successful implementation of the quality improvement plans mandated by the ECFAA. 

About ComplyTrack

ComplyTrack is the #1 healthcare compliance and risk management software solution in North America, used by more than 1,000 hospitals. ComplyTrack delivers a comprehensive enterprise risk management software solution for the healthcare industry. It addresses 3 key problems:

• Which statutes, regulations, rules, best practices, standards and licensure requirements need to be complied with
• How to assess and quantify compliance with legislation, rules and best practices
• How to successfully manage and mitigate identified non-compliance and risk

For more information visit www.cch.ca/complytrack

About Wolters Kluwer Law & Business

Wolters Kluwer Law & Business is a leading provider of research products and software solutions in key specialty areas for legal and business professionals, as well as casebooks and study aids for law students. Its major product lines include MediRegs, Aspen Publishers, CCH, Kluwer Law International and Loislaw. Its markets include health care organizations, law firms, law schools, corporate counsel and professionals requiring legal and compliance information.

Wolters Kluwer is a leading global information services and publishing company providing products and services for professionals in the health, tax, accounting, corporate, financial services, legal, and regulatory sectors. Wolters Kluwer had 2008 annual revenues of €3.4 billion, employs approximately 20,000 people worldwide, and maintains operations in over 35 countries across Europe, North America, Asia Pacific, and Latin America. Wolters Kluwer is headquartered in Alphen aan den Rijn, the Netherlands. Its shares are quoted on Euronext Amsterdam (WKL) and are included in the AEX and Euronext 100 indices. Visit www.wolterskluwer.com for information about our market positions, customers, brands, and organization.

UTICA, NY–(Marketwire – November 23, 2010) – CONMED Corporation (NASDAQ: CNMD), a medical technology company specializing in medical devices for surgical and patient monitoring markets, announced today that the Company will participate in the 22^nd Annual Piper Jaffray Health Care Conference, on Wednesday, December 1, 2010 at 11:00 AM Eastern time. The event will be held in New York at the New York Palace Hotel.

Mr. Joseph J. Corasanti, President and Chief Executive Officer of CONMED, will discuss the Company’s business. The live webcast of CONMED’s presentation will be available at www.conmed.com in the Investor Relations – Events Calendar section of the website and will be available for replay through December 10, 2010.

CONMED Profile

CONMED is a medical technology company with an emphasis on surgical devices and equipment for minimally invasive procedures and patient monitoring. The Company’s products serve the clinical areas of sports medicine-arthroscopy, powered surgical instruments, electrosurgery, cardiac monitoring disposables, endosurgery and endoscopic technologies. Surgeons and physicians in a variety of specialties including orthopedics, general surgery, gynecology, neurosurgery, and gastroenterology use the Company’s medical devices. Headquartered in Utica, New York, the Company’s 3,300 employees distribute its products worldwide from several manufacturing locations.

Forward Looking Information

Certain statements made in the presentation may constitute forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and relate to the Company’s performance on a going-forward basis. They will be based upon management’s expectations and involve risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results, performance or trends, to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements therein or in previous disclosures. The Company believes that all forward-looking statements made by it have a reasonable basis, but there can be no assurance that management’s expectations, beliefs or projections as expressed in the forward-looking statements will actually occur or prove to be correct. In addition to general industry and economic conditions, factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: (i) the failure of any one or more of management’s assumptions to prove to be correct; (ii) the risks relating to forward-looking statements discussed in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009 and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q; (iii) cyclical purchasing patterns from customers, end-users and dealers; (iv) timely release of new products, and acceptance of such new products by the market; (v) the introduction of new products by competitors and other competitive responses; (vi) the possibility that any new acquisition (and its integration) or other transaction may require the Company to reconsider its financial assumptions and goals/targets; (vii) increasing costs for raw material, transportation, or litigation; and/or (viii) the Company’s ability to devise and execute strategies to respond to market conditions.

LOS ANGELES, CA–(Marketwire – November 23, 2010) – Fresh Start Private Management Inc. (OTCBB: CEYY), a leader in the alcohol treatment and rehabilitation industry, today announced that it has entered into an agreement with Fresh Start Private Inc. that was subsequently filed as an 8K with the SEC.

Under the terms of the agreement, Fresh Start Private Management, Inc. (FSPM) has entered into an Intellectual Property License and Asset Purchase Agreement with Fresh Start Private Inc., a private Nevada Company in the alcohol treatment business.

Under the terms of the Agreement FSPM will own all assets and have exclusive rights in the United States of America for Fresh Start Private Inc.’s alcohol treatment program and methodology.

See the 8K filed with the SEC for more information.

About Fresh Start Private
Fresh Start Private is an alcohol addiction, alcohol withdrawal, alcohol abuse treatment and alcohol detox rehabilitation company on the leading edge of addiction treatment. The Company has developed a patented highly effective treatment delivers target therapeutic levels of Naltrexone that significantly reduce patients’ cravings for alcohol. To date, more than 5,000 patients have received the Fresh Start Private Naltrexone implant.

For more information visit www.freshstartprivate.com

The information in this release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Although the company believes that its expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, actual results may differ materially. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, market demand for, and/or available supplies of products and services; unanticipated delays, risks related to competition, management of growth, new products, services and technologies, potential fluctuations in operating results, commercial agreements, acquisitions and strategic transactions, government regulation and taxation. More information about factors that potentially could affect the Company’s financial results is included in its filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

SEATTLE, WA–(Marketwire – November 23, 2010) – ECG Management Consultants, Inc., one of the nation’s premier healthcare management consulting firms, today announced the release of its eleventh annual Northwest Provider Compensation, Production, and Benefits Surveys.

ECG’s Northwest surveys analyze and report information from over 4,200 healthcare providers representing 56 physician specialties and 8 midlevel provider specialties in the states of Washington and Oregon. The surveys contain critical data such as compensation-to-production ratios, including work and total relative value units (RVUs), procedure code distributions, trends in provider recruiting and retention, and specialty-specific benefit and malpractice comparisons. This information, coupled with ECG’s interpretation of market trends, enables survey participants to assess their performance relative to the competitive local market.

General findings in the 2010 surveys based on 2009 data are as follows:

• Compensation relative to work RVU production increased for Northwest physicians by 6.1 percent as a result of compensation gains of 5.2 percent on declining work RVU production of 1.1 percent.

• Retirement contributions remained flat at $13,351 per physician, while benefit costs overall fell to 17.9 percent of compensation as a result of increased compensation levels, even though actual costs continue to rise.

• The top three recruited specialties in the Northwest for the fourth year in a row include family practice without OB, internal medicine, and internal medicine – hospitalists.

• Health system-employed groups continue to experience significant losses (approximately 23 percent of collections), while independent groups are borrowing funds or accessing reserves equal to 1 percent of collections to cover expenses in excess of revenue.

• Provider organizations are targeting 191 percent of Medicare reimbursement for their commercial contracts for professional services, up from 178 percent in 2009. In reality, organizations are earning 187 percent for these same contracts.

“ECG’s Northwest surveys, now in their eleventh year, have become the most reliable source for physician performance benchmarks and trends in the Northwest,” said Ms. Maria C. Hayduk, Senior Manager at ECG and head of its Custom Survey and Proprietary Research practice. “Our members value receiving the most up-to-date information regarding regional and national trends in physician performance and compensation methodologies. This information is made even more critical as these areas are impacted by healthcare reform.”

“Continuing economic pressures and healthcare reform have been the story of 2010 for physician organizations in the Northwest,” stated Mr. Kevin M. Kennedy, Principal and leader of ECG’s Healthcare – Northwest practice. “The changing strategic landscape means it is more important than ever for both independent and hospital-affiliated practices to build groups of motivated, aligned physicians. Our surveys are the premier source of information organizations need for recruiting and retaining their key providers to accomplish this objective.”

ECG Survey Methodology
The Provider Compensation, Production, and Benefits Surveys are developed in partnership with local healthcare leaders and ECG’s physician compensation and production experts. These experts go to extraordinary lengths to ensure data quality and validity. Raw survey data is reviewed by ECG’s survey analysts, who identify outliers for verification by the surveys’ participants; if data cannot be validated, it is removed. At the conclusion of this process, ECG converts the raw data into succinct, proprietary information.

About ECG Management Consultants, Inc.
ECG offers a broad range of strategic, financial, operational, and technology-related consulting services to healthcare providers. ECG provides specialized expertise in developing and implementing innovative and customized solutions that effectively address hospital/physician relationships, strategic and business planning, specialty program development, information technology, and the complexities of the academic healthcare enterprise. ECG has offices in Boston, San Diego, Seattle, St. Louis, and Washington, D.C. For more information, visit www.ecgmc.com. 

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WATERLOO, ONTARIO–(Marketwire – Nov. 23, 2010) – The Waterloo Wellington community is working diligently to ensure that young people who are struggling with addiction and mental health issues are getting the help they need. But treatment is only one part of the equation. When it comes to addiction and mental health issues and youth, an ounce of prevention really is worth a pound of cure.

The Education and Training Working Group of the Waterloo Wellington Addiction and Mental Health Network is turning the focus to prevention by bringing Dr. David Wolfe, a psychologist and author specializing in issues affecting children and youth at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) Centre for Prevention Science, to Waterloo on November 26th to speak about youth risk and resiliency.

The event being held at Luther Village is at capacity, with over 170 community members registering to attend including City of Waterloo Mayor Brenda Halloran and Kitchener – Waterloo MPP Elizabeth Witmer.

Approximately 26% of Ontario students in grades 7 through 12 used cannabis in the past year, peaking at 46% in grade 12. A quarter of grade 12 students report being drunk or high at school within the past year. These statistics from the Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey (2009, CAMH) are just the tip of the iceberg.

Our young people are also experiencing emotional and mental health issues at disturbing rates. More than 30% of students in grades 7 to 12 reported elevated psychological distress. About 10% of students reported they had seriously considered suicide in the past year.

Being resilient is no guarantee that a person will not experience challenges. Resilience means having the ability to face difficulties and move forward from them. Resilient youth tend to be empathetic and adaptable with good communication and problem solving skills. They tend to have future goals and be hopeful about what they can achieve. Young people’s resilience is determined by a number of things including individual characteristics, the characteristics of their families, and the physical and social environments where they live.

Building resilience in our young people is not easy but we can teach them skills that will help them cope with problems they may encounter. By developing these skills and creating supportive relationships, young people are more likely to be protected from life’s challenges, including substance use and mental health problems.

Dr. Wolfe’s presentation will address coping and resilience, review best practices for development of effective substance use and mental health prevention programs, and provide examples of community and school based initiatives that help youth build healthy relationships.

The Education and Training Working Group intends for this event to be a starting point to increase collaboration, coordination, and impact of youth substance use and mental health prevention in Waterloo Wellington.

To register, please contact Paul Radkowski, [email protected].

The Addiction and Mental Health Network is made up of many people with lived experience, families, agencies and committees within Waterloo Wellington who are committed to working together to develop a seamless and integrated system of mental health and addiction services. The Network works in partnership with the Waterloo Wellington Local Health Integration Network to ensure that the Mental Health and Addiction priorities identified in the Integrated Health Services Plan are achieved. For more details about the vision and objectives of the Network, please visit www.wwamh.ca.

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC–(Marketwire – November 22, 2010) – The population of Brazil, Russia, India and China, roughly three billion people, coupled with these countries’ growing emphasis on strong physician-patient relationships, makes Emerging Markets a hotbed of clinical research activity, according to a new study. 

Emerging Markets Clinical Development Series: Brazil, Russia, India and China (BRIC) provides in-depth analysis on each of these countries’ benefits, advantages and challenges. The study is the latest in a series of studies from Cutting Edge Information about managing clinical trials in Emerging Markets. According to the research, patient availability is one of the top reasons driving drug companies to look to Emerging Markets for clinical trial management.

“Overall, the benefits outweigh the challenges of entering these markets,” said Jason Richardson, president of Cutting Edge Information. “Patients’ respect for their physicians’ recommendations in these markets provides clinical teams with a better chance to finish clinical testing with complete data and on time.”

A scientific advantage of the new clinical model is that much of the patient population is treatment naive, meaning that they have not already used other treatments that could change clinical results. These treatment-naive patients provide clearer effectiveness results when testing new medications. 

Emerging Markets Clinical Development Series: BRIC (http://www.cuttingedgeinfo.com/bric-clinical-trials/) provides quantitative analysis of patient availability and retention within the BRIC countries.

“For example, clinical development executives ranked India as the emerging market with the greatest patient availability, followed closely by China,” said Shaylyn Pike, senior research analyst at Cutting Edge Information. “With regard to patient retention, China, with the largest population of any country, took the top spot, followed by India.”

The new research study analyzes the potential of the BRIC markets to fulfill clinical protocols and ultimately realize significant cost and time savings. It is designed to provide clinical development teams with best practices, strategies and metrics to develop the strongest possible Emerging Markets strategies:

• Eliminate stakeholder confusion about BRIC strategy
• Master trial management in Emerging Markets
• Clarify advantages and disadvantages to boost success rates

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BALTIMORE, MD–(Marketwire – November 22, 2010) – Prometric, the leading provider of testing and assessment services, today announced that it has signed an exclusive long term contract with the American College of Radiology to convert its paper and pencil Diagnostic Radiology In-Training exam (DXIT™) to computer based format for the first time in the exam’s history. Prometric will also manage the final paper based administration for the College, which will occur in February 2011.

Beginning in 2012, physicians in residency training programs served by the American College of Radiology will be able to take the Diagnostic Radiology In-Training exam on a computer at any of Prometric’s hundreds of secure test centers across North America. The computerized test will also be available at select non-U.S. locations. In addition to the increased exam accessibility, computerized delivery will enable candidates to use convenient online registration and their residency programs will receive their scores much more quickly than with the paper based version.

“As a leading test services provider our goal is to work with each client to design a test program that matches their unique needs and requirements,” said Bill Murtagh, senior vice president, sales and client services at Prometric. “The logistical details surrounding paper based exams, such as exam publishing, printing, shipping, scanning, scoring or security, are more manually laborious, and can add time to the overall test process. It also requires a longer turnaround to produce scores, which the residency programs are obviously anxious to get. Offering the test in a modern computerized format will create efficiencies throughout the entire test lifecycle, speeding up the entire process and making it more manageable for the College.”

“Historically, the paper and pencil version of the Diagnostic Radiology In-Training Exam has been offered to candidates once per year,” said Ronald Freedman, assistant executive director, education, marketing, and business development at the American College of Radiology. “Computerizing the test allows us to better leverage technology to enhance security, widen the window of time during which it is available, facilitate easy access for our residents and get the residency programs their scores more quickly.”

About Prometric

Prometric, a wholly-owned subsidiary of ETS, is the recognized global leader in technology-enabled testing and assessment services. Its comprehensive suite of services, including test development, test delivery and data management capabilities, allows clients to develop and launch global testing programs as well as accurately measure program results and data. Prometric reliably delivers and administers more than nine million tests a year on behalf of approximately 400 clients in the academic, professional, healthcare, government, corporate and information technology markets. It delivers tests flexibly via the Web or by utilizing a robust network of more than 10,000 test centers in 163 countries. For more information, please visit www.prometric.com.

About the American College of Radiology

The 34,000 members of the American College of Radiology include radiologists, radiation oncologists, medical physicists, interventional radiologists and nuclear medicine physicians. For over three quarters of a century, the ACR has devoted its resources to making imaging safe, effective and accessible to those who need it.

The mission of the ACR is to serve patients and society by maximizing the value of radiology, radiation oncology, interventional radiology, nuclear medicine and medical physics by advancing the science of radiology, improving the quality of patient care, positively influencing the socio-economics of the practice of radiology, providing continuing education for radiology and allied health professions and conducting research for the future of radiology.

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SUNNYVALE, CA–(Marketwire – November 22, 2010) – Healthmed Services, Ltd. (PINKSHEETS: HEME) is pleased to announce the launch of “HealthTrac” software. HealthTrac is a Web-based open-source practice management solution for hospitals and physicians focusing on creating practice management as well as sales and marketing. Healthmed is committed to the continued expansion of its state of the art products that meet the demands of the healthcare industry.

According to Compass Intelligence, the U.S. market for health information technology will expand to $85 billion in 2014 from an estimated $73.1 billion in 2010, representing a 4.5 percent compound annual growth rate. Analysts have reported that nearly $2.5 trillion in healthcare was spent in 2009, which was $134 billion more than the previous year, when healthcare consumed 16.2 percent of the gross domestic product.

Please read more about the Company and its product developments on its website: www.healthmedltd.com.

Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains “forward-looking statements” as that term is defined in Section 27A of the United States Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Statements in this press release which are not purely historical are forward-looking statements and include any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release, and we assume no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Although we believe that the beliefs, plans, expectations and intentions contained in this press release are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions will prove to be accurate. Investors should consult all of the information set forth herein and should also refer to the risk factors disclosure outlined in our annual report on Form 10-K for the most recent fiscal year, our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and other periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

LEEDS, UNITED KINGDOM–(Marketwire – Oct. 29, 2010) – MYA Cosmetic Surgery is now offering Advanced Laser Lipolysis as a less invasive way to shape your body compared to conventional liposuction. Advanced Laser Lipo is ideal to remove unwanted deposits of fat that won’t respond to diet and exercise, perfect for those of us looking for quicker recovery times and a less invasive method of fat removal.

MYA is always looking to push forward with new techniques and methods developing in cosmetic surgery and we are proud to announce that we now offer Advanced Laser Lipolysis (A.L.L.) alongside our other popular services. While there are various forms of Liposculpture, A.L.L. is the one chosen by MYA since it actually removes fat from the body giving you the body shape and contour you desire.

John Ryan, MYA Chairman says, “I think it’s amazing. I’ve seen the operation being done myself and I’ve seen the great results that can be achieved. The beauty of this procedure is that it uses local anaesthetic and the procedure is much less disruptive to the patient’s life.” He continues “Liposuction is the number one procedure in the United States and Laser Liposuction is going to be really big in the future”. With over 1.6 million liposuction procedures performed worldwide in 2009*, A.L.L. is destined to be the next big thing for the cosmetic surgery industry.

The Laser Lipo treatment involves making tiny incisions and using the laser technology to ‘melt’ the fat away. After the unwanted fat is removed, the laser is used to encourage contraction to ensure an even, natural looking result is achieved. This is another great advantage of the procedure. Results can usually be seen from day one and the most popular areas for treatment include the abdomen, flanks (love handles), thighs, bra area and arms.

Advanced Laser Lipolysis is proving popular with both men and women as the benefits are comparable to traditional liposuction with a lot less downtime for the patient. The A.L.L. process provides a smooth, uniform result thanks to the accuracy of the Laser Lipolysis machine and our highly skilled surgeons.

One of our recent patients Charlotte comments, “I am a personal trainer and work out five times a week but despite the amount of exercise I do I just couldn’t get rid of the fat around my thighs and hips. I had the procedure over two weeks ago and I can already see a huge difference in my shape. I just wish I had it done sooner!”

Liposuction was the most popular cosmetic surgery procedure in the UK during 2009* with Breast Enlargement following closely behind and with no signs of slowing, Laser Liposuction shows great promise to capture the market and help people shift those stubborn areas of fat in a less invasive way.

For information please call 08000 27 97 76 or visit us at www.mya.co.uk/cosmetic-surgery/laser-liposuction.php

*From The International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery’s “Raw Data – Total Procedures for Top 25 Countries”

Notes to editors:

MYA Profile

MYA (Make Yourself Amazing) Cosmetic Surgery Ltd is a pioneering cosmetic surgery provider brought to you by John Ryan, the former owner of Transform Medical Group and current chairman of Doncaster Rovers. John has over 25 years experience and has returned to cosmetic surgery enlisting the experience of the very best cosmetic surgeons and medical professionals in the industry. MYA pride themselves on their commitment to high quality service and medical supplies and have a comprehensive after-care policy. MYA’s world class expertise, competitive finance and state of the art national consultation centres are designed to ensure that Making Yourself Amazing is a reassuringly unique experience.

RED BANK, NEW JERSEY–(Marketwire – Oct. 29, 2010) – Ansell Healthcare announces the launch of the Ansell Protects Program, a major new initiative aimed at helping healthcare facilities understand the risks associated with chemical allergies and providing solutions for them.

It is estimated that hand dermatitis affects up to 33% of all nurses, costing the U.S. an estimated $1 billion per year. The Ansell Protects Program was developed to improve the health of employees and also significantly reduce long-term costs for healthcare facilities.

Chemical allergies – otherwise known as Type IV allergies or allergic contact dermatitis – can cause physical, emotional and occupational issues for those affected. The only treatment is allergen avoidance. The Ansell Protects Program provides the tools to help healthcare facilities understand the impact of chemical allergies, assess their risk level, estimate their potential savings and find the right medical gloves to ensure they promote a healthy workplace.

“The effects of chemical allergies are wide-ranging, and the costs are high,” explained Patty Taylor, RN, BA, Vice President of Marketing – Medical Division, of Ansell Healthcare. “The Ansell Protects Program will help facilities understand the threat of chemical allergies – and will identify solutions that will foster better health and significant long-term savings.”

Costs associated with chemical allergies include diagnosis, workers’ compensation, disability, increased sick leave, decreased job productivity, and medical care costs.

Supporting its Ansell Protects Program are products that help reduce risk for facilities. Ansell is the first manufacturer to offer both a surgical and exam glove that help protect against Type I and Type IV allergies, including Derma Prene^® Ultra neoprene surgical gloves; Derma Prene^® Ultra HydraSoft^® hand friendly neoprene surgical gloves; and Micro-Touch^® NitraFree^™ nitrile examination gloves.

For more information on the physiology and effects of allergic contact dermatitis – including a breakdown of costs – visit www.AnsellProtects.com

About Ansell

Ansell Limited (“Ansell”) is a global leader in protection solutions. With operations in the Americas, Europe and Asia, Ansell employs over 10,000 people in 33 countries. Ansell designs, develops, manufactures and markets a wide range of surgical, examination, industrial and household gloves, protective clothing and condoms. People in over 100 countries around the world put their trust in Ansell’s innovative, high-quality solutions that offer superior protection, combined with high levels of comfort and performance. Operational headquarters are located in Red Bank, NJ.

UNION, NJ–(Marketwire – October 29, 2010) –  Considering that more than 80 percent of Americans will suffer from back pain at some point in their life, it isn’t surprising that Spine Centers of America is opening its second endoscopic spine surgery center in the New Jersey area in early November.

Advanced Spine Surgery Center, at 855 Lehigh Ave, Union, NJ, is a state-of-the-art facility that has been developed under the leadership of Bryan J. Massoud, M.D., a board certified, Fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon. Dr. Massoud founded the New Jersey Back Institute and Spine Centers of America, which currently operates one other spine surgery center in New Jersey. Specializing in minimally invasive endoscopic laser spine surgery, diagnostic, and pain management procedures, Advanced Spine Surgery Center is an ambulatory surgery center that relieves patient neck and back pain when other treatments have failed. 

Key advantages of new endoscopic laser spine surgery over traditional open spine surgery include:

• Less trauma to body
• Reduced post-operative pain
• Less scarring and smaller scars
• Shorter recovery time
• Improved post-surgical function and mobility
• Reduced blood loss
• Reduction/elimination of time under general anesthesia

Advanced Spine Surgery Center has three Class C operating suites featuring the latest equipment and endoscopic spine surgery technologies. The operating suites, pre-op and post-op areas, occupying 10,000 sq. ft., will be staffed with board certified orthopedic spine surgeons, anesthesiologists, pain management physicians and nursing staff to provide outpatient care. The facility includes numerous medical offices for affiliated medical professionals.

The Grand Opening event for healthcare professionals will take place on November 16 with private previews available in advance by appointment. Healthcare professionals interested in attending should call 1.877.722.6008.

Spine Centers of America offers the advantage of numerous advanced endoscopic spine surgery techniques developed by Dr. Massoud and his associates that will be performed at the Advanced Spine Surgery Center. These procedures include:

• Anterior cervical endoscopic foraminotomy for treating bone spurs and foraminal stenosis
• Epiduragram-guided endoscopic discectomy to further enhance safety of discectomy procedures;
• The “between” technique in transforaminal endoscopic lumbar procedures for disc herniations.

Endoscopic laser spine surgery techniques that are employed by Advanced Spine Surgery Center use “twilight” or local anesthesia, which allows patients to remain alert during surgery and usually walk out of surgery under their own power. Dr. Massoud has personally performed more than 1000 endoscopic spine surgeries with a high success rate, enabling patients with debilitating spinal pain to get “back to life” free of pain. 

Spine Centers of America surgeons at Advanced Spine Surgery Center will treat spine conditions including: bone spurs; bulging disc, disc degeneration; disc tear; facet joint disease; failed back and neck surgery; foraminal stenosis; herniated disc; pinched nerve; radiculitis; radiculopathy; sciatica; spinal stenosis and spondylolisthesis. SCA’s surgeons have extensive experience performing the endoscopic spine procedures to diagnose or treat these conditions.

Because Spine Centers of America offers highly successful endoscopic techniques not yet available elsewhere, the new center, located minutes from Newark Airport, is expected to draw patients from across the country. Spine Centers of America hosts monthly seminars to educate the public about spinal conditions and advanced options for spinal pain relief via minimally invasive spine surgery techniques. For more information call 201.870.3030 or visit www.SpineCentersOfAmerica.com.

About Spine Centers of America:

Spine Centers of America offers the newest techniques in endoscopic spine surgery always performed by board certified spine surgeons. Considered a pioneer in minimally invasive spine surgery, SCA’s founder Dr. Bryan J. Massoud is among the most experienced Board certified orthopedic spine surgeons performing endoscopic laser spine procedures in the country. Recognized as an expert by his peers, Dr. Massoud instructs orthopedic residents and colleagues in new procedures such as kyphoplasty and endoscopic techniques. 

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