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Company Nurse Expands Its Injury Hotline for Workers’ Compensation

Posted on December 13, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: Company Nurse

The Expanded Nurse Call Center Will Address Growing Number of Public and Private Employers Who Want to Make the “Right Call” for Their Injured Workers

SCOTTSDALE, AZ–(Marketwire – December 13, 2010) – In striving to help a growing number of public and private employers control workers’ compensation costs and foster occupational health and safety, Company Nurse, the premier nurse hotline for workplace injuries, today announced that it has expanded its Scottsdale-based nurse triage call center.

When a workplace injury occurs, client employees and supervisors call Company Nurse to report injuries and to speak with a triage nurse. Unlike nurse case managers, triage nurses get involved at the front end of the claims process, essentially on the day of injury — which is the earliest, most critical point at which to influence medical care, claims costs, return-to-work (RTW) outcomes, and employee satisfaction. Many organizations view nurse injury triage as a vital part of their corporate wellness, employee wellness, and employee health programs.

“Our nurses assess injuries over the phone and refer employees to the most appropriate level of care — whether it’s an urgent care facility, occupational clinic, or simple first aid,” said Paul Binsfeld, CEO of Company Nurse. “As a result, our Injury Hotline facilitates immediate, critical medical decisions that positively impact an employee’s medical care, as well as overall claims’ costs and outcomes.”

The expanded Scottsdale-based call center works in sync with Company Nurse’s second call center in Tennessee. Due to growing nationwide demand for nurse injury triage for workers’ compensation, Company Nurse has grown 200 percent over the last four years and has recently moved into office space double its previous size to accommodate growing call center operations.

“During today’s difficult economy, employers need to minimize the financial impact of rising medical and indemnity costs on their workers’ compensation programs and bottom lines,” said Binsfeld. “Our program provides an effective solution to today’s most pressing workers’ compensation challenges: injuries are often reported late, sometimes five to 10 days after an incident has occurred; supervisors frequently err on the side of caution, sending employees, even those with minor injuries, to the ER for care; and many organizations are not optimally leveraging cost-effective preferred provider networks.”

Company Nurse’s Injury Hotline offers employers a proactive and structured response to each and every workplace injuries — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Triage nurses are highly compassionate and listen closely to each employee’s unique medical needs. Recognizing that organizations have specific workers’ compensation requirements, Company Nurse can customize its injury response and workflow to meet the client’s occupational health and safety needs.

Carol S. Sterling is the Human Resources Manager of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Phoenix. As an early adopter of the Company Nurse program, her organization experienced several key benefits. “First, we receive instant notification of injuries, so we can immediately file our first report of injury forms,” said Sterling. “Second, Company Nurse is extremely flexible. We were able to include our local network of preferred providers in their referral process. Third, Company Nurse helps to control medical expenses, as triage nurses often refer injured workers to urgent care clinics, rather than the ER, which saves costs and still ensures quality care. Fourth, supervisors experience ‘peace of mind’ in knowing injured employees are immediately assessed and referred for appropriate treatment, and we also experience smooth processing of claims and medical bills among the provider, insurance company, and employer.”

Company Nurse’s Injury Hotline delivers proven value. By providing injured workers with first aid and self-care guidelines, 20 to 40 percent of incoming calls are “report only” incidents and do not result in compensable claims. With appropriate care and optimal injury management, employers reduce unnecessary ER visits by as much as 300 percent. By integrating RTW coordination, many employers have reduced lost time and temporary labor costs. And with prompt, open communication, injured employees have an overwhelmingly positive experience, resulting in reduced litigation. Due to these benefits, many clients have experienced as much as a 200 percent return on investment within the first year of program implementation. These benefits have driven Company Nurse’s continued success and growth in the workers’ compensation market.

About Company Nurse
The Company Nurse Injury Hotline enables organizations to make the “Right Call” for workplace injuries. As an independent facility, our triage nurses are compassionate and objective when assessing employee injuries and medical needs. Our injury-triage process is founded on three important elements for workers’ compensation success: 1) Right Time — we respond on the Day of Injury, the earliest point at which to influence costs, outcomes, and employee satisfaction; 2) Right Care — our nurses refer employees to an appropriate level of care, whether ER, clinic or first aid; 3) Right Results — clients reap optimal savings and a return on investment, while employees benefit from a prompt, compassionate response to their workplace injuries. For more information, go to www.companynurse.com or call (888) 817-9282.

Media Contact:
Tammy Delatorre
661-775-0550

Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

Metropolitan Anesthesia Consultants Appoint Amanda O’Neal, FACHE as Chief Operating Officer

Posted on December 13, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: Metropolitan Anesthesia Consultants

Healthcare Executive to Lead Operations and Business Development at Leading Physician-Only Anesthesia Group

DALLAS, TX–(Marketwire – December 13, 2010) – Metropolitan Anesthesia Consultants (www.metroanesthesia.com), one of the largest physician-only anesthesia groups in North Texas, today announced that is has appointed Amanda O’Neal, FACHE as its Chief Operating Officer.

O’Neal will oversee business development, operations, and process improvement at the group, which has nearly 60 member physicians. Metro Anesthesia services a variety of major hospitals and hospital systems in the area, including HCA, Tenet and Baylor.

“We are pleased to have Amanda join our management team,” said Norman Rice, MD, Chairman of Metro Anesthesia. “She is a distinguished healthcare executive and active member of the community. She will help us further our mission of providing the highest quality healthcare possible.” 

O’Neal has a wealth of experience spanning physician recruitment, physician sales, marketing, corporate wellness, business planning, strategic development and more. She was previously the president and founder of Coppell-based The Brummitt Group, a boutique healthcare consulting firm. Prior to that, she held positions at Trinity Healthcare Services and HCA, Inc. O’Neal has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Stephen F. Austin State University and a master’s degree in health administration from the University of Southern California.

O’Neal is also a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, the nation’s leading professional society for healthcare leaders. Only 7,500 healthcare executives hold this elite distinction nationwide. O’Neal is also active in her community, having recently been named chairperson of Irving Healthcare Foundation’s TexasFest gala, scheduled for next spring.

“Metro Anesthesia is one of the top physician-only anesthesia groups in the country in terms of recruiting the best doctors and providing the highest quality healthcare possible,” O’Neal said. “I’m thrilled to join their team.”

About Metropolitan Anesthesia Consultants
With nearly 60 physicians, Metropolitan Anesthesia Consultants is one of the largest physician-only anesthesia groups in North Texas. The organization prides itself on an unprecedented commitment to quality, excellence, and service. For more information, please visit http://www.metroanesthesia.com/.

Press Contact:
Erik Bratt
Defakto Group
858-737-3200
[email protected]

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Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

Radient Pharmaceuticals Signs Full Service Distribution Agreement With Naroo Ditech Inc. in Korea: Minimum Order Commitment of 3,352 Onko-Sure(R) Test…

Posted on December 13, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: Radient Pharmaceuticals Corporation

TUSTIN, CA–(Marketwire – December 13, 2010) – Through its subsidiary AMDL Diagnostics Inc., Radient Pharmaceuticals Corporation (NYSE Amex: RPC), a US-based company specializing in the research, development, and international commercialization of In Vitro Diagnostic (IVD) cancer tests, announced today it has entered into a five-year full-service distribution agreement with Naroo Ditech Inc. to expand the Company’s Onko-Sure® IVD cancer test throughout the Korean healthcare market.

Under the terms of the agreement, Naroo Ditech has committed to purchase a minimum of 3,352 Onko-Sure® test kits over the duration of the partnership. Naroo Ditech will represent RPC while obtaining regulatory clearances and providing marketing, sales, and distribution services for Onko-Sure® in diagnostic centers and clinical labs throughout the Korean market.  Marketing, sales and distribution services include developing product localization strategies; representing Radient Pharmaceuticals and its Onko-Sure® IVD cancer test at relevant healthcare conferences and events; incorporating relevant product information on the Naroo corporate website. Additionally, Naroo Ditech will provide a dedicated customer service team to respond to customer inquiries and technical questions.

RPC’s Chairman and CEO Douglas MacLellan commented on today’s news, stating, “We are extremely pleased to have finalized our sales, marketing and distribution partnership with Naroo and anticipate this agreement will significantly expand the commercialization of Onko-Sure® in the Korean market. One of Naroo’s key strategies is to market Onko-Sure® as a screening test for industrial workers at Korea’s largest manufacturers, such as Hyundai. This latest agreement adds to our expanding list of global distributors, through which RPC is working to grow product sales and revenues.”

Onko-Sure® is a simple, noninvasive, patent-pending and regulatory-approved in vitro diagnostic test that enables physicians and their patients to effectively monitor and/or detect certain types of cancers by measuring the accumulation of specific breakdown products in the blood called Fibrin and Fibrinogen Degradation Products (FDP). FDP levels rise dramatically with the progression of cancer. Onko-Sure® is approved by the US FDA for the monitoring of colorectal cancer and by Health Canada for lung cancer detection and treatment monitoring.

RPC Contact Information:
For additional information on Radient Pharmaceuticals, ADI and its portfolio of products visit the Company’s corporate website at www.radient-pharma.com. For Investor Relations information contact Kristine Szarkowitz at [email protected] or 1.206.310.5323.

About Radient Pharmaceuticals:
Headquartered in Tustin, California, Radient Pharmaceuticals is dedicated to saving lives and money for patients and global healthcare systems through the deployment of its FDA-cleared In Vitro Diagnostic Onko-Sure® Test Kits for colon-rectal cancer recurrence monitoring The company’s focus is on the discovery, development and commercialization of unique high-value diagnostic tests that help physicians answer important clinical questions related to early disease-state detection, treatment strategy and the monitoring of disease progression or recurrence. To learn more about our company, people and potentially life-saving cancer test, visit www.radient-pharma.com.

Forward Looking Statements:
Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: The statements contained in this document include certain predictions and projections that may be considered forward-looking statements under securities law. These statements involve a number of important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially including, but not limited to, the performance of joint venture partners, as well as other economic, competitive and technological factors involving the Company’s operations, markets, services, products, and prices. With respect to Radient Pharmaceuticals Corporation, except for the historical information contained herein, the matters discussed in this document are forward-looking statements involving risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements.

RPC Contact:
Kristine Szarkowitz
Director-Investor Relations
Email Contact
(Tel: ) 206.310.5323

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Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

MMRGlobal Names Sunil Singhal Executive Vice President and Adds Two Members to Board of Advisors

Posted on December 13, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: MMRGlobal, Inc.

LOS ANGELES, CA–(Marketwire – December 13, 2010) –  MMRGlobal, Inc. (OTCBB: MMRF) (“MMR”) today announced that Sunil Singhil has been named Executive Vice President and a member of the Executive Committee, succeeding Rich Teich, who will focus on the sales, marketing and installation support for MMRPro and MMRPatientView, the Company’s professional health IT products for physicians, small hospitals and healthcare professionals. Mr. Singhal was introduced to the Company by Nihilent Technologies, where he was Co-founder and served as Chief Operating Officer of North America. In addition, Michael J. Finley, Vice President, Worldwide Carrier Relations at Qualcomm, and John R. Seitz, CEO of Spalding Surgical Center of Beverly Hills, have agreed to join MMRGlobal’s Board of Advisors. 

Robert H. Lorsch, MMRGlobal Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, said, “Since September of this year, Sunil has been working alongside Rich and I overseeing the integration and development of MMRGlobal’s MyMedicalRecords.com Personal Health Record, the MyEsafeDepositBox.com online vault, and the MMRPro suite of professional products and services. In his new position as Executive Vice President, Sunil will also work with me and Ingrid Safranek, MMR’s Chief Financial Officer, on the day-to-day management of the Company.”

Mike Finley, who Lorsch has known for nearly 18 years since he was a President of Verizon Wireless, has been advising the Company since its initial meetings with Sprint Nextel in Kansas City, where he was President of the West Region and Senior Vice President of Sprint Corporation. A widely respected executive in the telecommunications and wireless industry, necessary to the MMR operating system and MMRGlobal’s future growth in wireless, Mr. Finley’s success in selling wireless technologies to consumers is a timely addition as the Company goes deeper into mobile health opportunities for MyMedicalRecords and MMRPro. With the addition of John Seitz to the Board of Advisors, management has the expertise of a recognized leader in the Ambulatory Surgical Center industry. Mr. Seitz heads one of the most advanced surgical centers in the U.S. and will advise on the Company’s strategy for sales of MMRPro into surgery centers and other healthcare specialty groups.

In addition to the new appointments, MMRGlobal has increased its presence at Associated Television International’s headquarter building in Los Angeles, adding an additional 3,000 sq. ft. for sales training, outbound telesales, and a videoconferencing center.

Management

Sunil Singhal: Mr. Singhal, 55, has over 25 years experience in the IT products and services industry where he is recognized for strategically implementing innovative technologies. He has expertise in all facets of the IT products and services business, including executive management, information strategy planning, cross-border operations, business development, sales and marketing, R&D, project management, and mergers and acquisitions. From 2005 until 2010, he was head of North American Sales in the Energy, Resources, and Utilities industry for Tata Consultancy Services (TCS). Prior to that, from 2001 to 2005, he was Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer, North America of Nihilent Technologies, which is MMRGlobal’s technology partner.

Mr. Singhal started his IT services career with Tata Consultancy Services in 1979 and was involved in products and tools development, project management, and business development until 1991. From 1991 to 2001, he held a series of senior technical, business development and executive management positions with entrepreneurial companies. These included International Informatics Solutions (now Xansa) as Technical Director and Member of the Board; IMRglobal Corp. (now CGI, Inc.) as Vice President of Southwest Region and Vice President of Northeast Region; and Hexaware Technologies, Inc. as Senior Vice President for Business Development. Throughout his career, Mr. Singhal has established long-term business relationships with clients in North America, the United Kingdom, Europe, India and Singapore.

Mr. Singhal holds a Bachelor’s degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering from the University of Roorkee (now IIT, Roorkee) and a Masters degree in Digital Electronics from NUFFIC/PII, Eindhoven in the Netherlands.

Board of Advisors

Mike Finley: Prior to his current position as Vice President, Worldwide Carrier Relations for Qualcomm, Mr. Finley was President of the West Region for Sprint Nextel from 2006 to 2008 and a Senior Vice President of Sprint Corporation. He joined Nextel in 2002 as Area Vice President of Southern California and was promoted to Senior Vice President of General Business for the U.S. following the Sprint Nextel merger. Before joining Nextel, he was a Senior Vice President of Wingcast, a JV between Ford Motor Company and Qualcomm which developed telematic products for Ford vehicles. From 1993 to 2001, Mr. Finley served as President of Verizon Wireless in Southern California, Vice President and General Manager in Sacramento and was Vice President of Sales in Ohio for Airtouch Cellular. Prior to joining Airtouch, he held positions with Cellular One and McCaw Cellular. He began his career in communications in 1985 as a Co-founder of Celluland, a national franchise which created an alternative distribution approach in advance of consumer marketing of wireless products. 

John Seitz: Mr. Seitz is Chief Executive Officer of Ambulatory Surgical Group (ASG), an Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) development and management company headquartered in El Segundo, California. In his leadership role, he oversees business development and operational and financial management of all ASG surgery centers, and his financial management skills are widely sought throughout the industry. For over 25 years, Mr. Seitz has focused on healthcare, gaining an extensive network of contacts and earning the respect of physicians and industry executives as a developer and manager of ASC projects. Prior to Ambulatory Surgical Group, he has been a founder and either the CEO or president of three successful start-up companies in the healthcare industry. Most recently, he was one of the founders and President of Surgem, LLC, where he was responsible for building the ASC company from start-up to success in less than three years. During his time at Surgem, he recruited the management team, directed the development and operation of eight ASC projects and was responsible for the acquisition and turnaround of an underperforming center. Prior to Surgem, he was founder and CEO of Cornerstone Physicians, a nationally recognized medical practice management company.

About MMRGlobal, Inc.

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

Forward-Looking Statements

Any statements contained in this press release that refer to future events or other non-historical matters are forward-looking statements, and some can be identified by the use of words (and their derivations) such as “need,” “possibility,” “offer,” “development,” “if,” “negotiate,” “when,” “begun,” “believe,” “achieve,” “will,” “estimate,” “expect,” “maintain,” “plan,” “help” and “continue,” or the negative of such terms and other comparable terminology. MMRGlobal, Inc. disclaims any intent or obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on MMRGlobal, Inc.’s reasonable expectations as of the date of this press release and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations. The information discussed in this release is subject to various risks and uncertainties related but not limited to changes in MMRGlobal, Inc.’s business prospects, its results of operations or financial condition, government regulation and changes in healthcare initiatives, and such other risks and uncertainties as detailed from time to time in MMRGlobal, Inc.’s public filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

CONTACT:
Bobbie Volman
MMRGlobal, Inc.
(310) 476-7002, Ext. 7015
[email protected]

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

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Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

Zweena(R) Revolutionizes Personal Health Records With New Internet Service for Individuals and Their Families

Posted on December 13, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: Zweena

Partnered With Microsoft HealthVault®, Zweena Eliminates the Complexity of Creating and Managing a PHR for Use in Self-Care, Family Care, and Protection Against Medical Errors

SKILLMAN, NJ–(Marketwire – December 13, 2010) – Zweena® today launched its revolutionary new Personal Health Record (PHR) web service, featuring a proven proprietary platform that eliminates the complexity of creating and managing an online health record. Partnered with Microsoft HealthVault®, Zweena enables consumers to create and maintain a personally controlled patient health record for meaningful use in self-care, care of family members, and to share medical records directly with healthcare providers, via the Internet. Zweena’s innovative platform collects medical records on behalf of individuals, creates a PHR based on the Continuous Care Record (CCR) guidelines outlined by the American Academy of Family Practice, then stores both scanned and discreet data within the individual’s own secure Personal Health Community (PHC) for sharing with family members, and directly with providers.

“Eighty-six percent of Americans or higher say that PHRs could help them avoid duplicated tests, keep doctors informed, check the accuracy of medical records, and track personal health expenses, yet only seven percent use PHRs today, due to the complexity in creating and maintaining a PHR with existing services,” said John Phelan, CEO of Zweena. “Recognizing the urgency and need for consumers to have accurate and current PHRs, Zweena developed a revolutionary electronic health record system that makes personal digital health records easy to set up, keep current, and share in a secure network for use in self-care and care of family members.”

About Zweena
Zweena®, taken from the Moroccan name meaning “beautiful,” connects individuals and their family members to the medical community of doctors and providers they rely on to manage and maintain their health. Zweena powers the leading Internet-based platform for creating and managing a Personal Health Record (PHR). Partnered with Microsoft HealthVault®, Zweena transforms paper medical records into scanned and organized discreet data files, eliminating the complexity of creating and managing a PHR on one’s own. The Zweena Personal Health Record is accurate, current, and can be used in self-care, the care of family members, and shared with healthcare providers via an individual’s secure Personal Health Community (PHC), anywhere in the world. For information on Zweena, visit: www.zweenahealth.com.

Media Contacts:
Mark Hall
EGOEAST Inc.
Email Contact
609-477-3475

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Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

DentalPlans.com Launches Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida FamilyBlue Discount Plan

Posted on December 13, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: DentalPlans.com

Leading Dental Plan and Healthcare Provider to Offer Savings on Dental Care and More

PLANTATION, FL–(Marketwire – December 13, 2010) – DentalPlans.com, the definitive source of discount dental plans in the United States, continues to grow as they announce the addition of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida FamilyBlue Discount Plan. The plan joins the already extensive list of 30+ affordable regional and national dental plans on DentalPlans.com. 

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida FamilyBlue Discount Plan grants members access to a network of providers across the state of Florida, each agreeing to offer their dental services at a discount of 10% to 50%. Plan members will find sizeable savings on everything from cleanings and checkups, to root canals, braces, crowns and some cosmetic procedures. For the first time, individuals and families can join the FamilyBlue Discount Plan for an entire year on DentalPlans.com and receive 3 additional months of membership for free. These turnkey plans start at $134.95 a year for individuals and $179.95 a year for adults.

“Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida is one of the most trusted and recognizable healthcare providers in the country,” says Buddy Johnson, CEO of DentalPlans.com. “We’re excited to announce this addition to our diverse offering of discount dental plans, so we can make dental care more affordable and accessible to people throughout the state of Florida.”

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida FamilyBlue Discount Plan does not have health restrictions or annual limits, and can be used as often as needed. In addition to dental care, the plan also provides discounts on other health services such as vision care, hearing care, diabetic supplies, chiropractic services and prescription drugs. A 24-Hour NurseLine and vitamins (including beauty, wellness and pet products) are also offered at a discount for the convenience of its members.

Interviews with DentalPlans.com representatives and network practitioners are available. For editorial inquiries, please contact Kelly Downey of Shamin Abas Public Relations at 561.366.1226 or [email protected].

About DentalPlans.com (www.DentalPlans.com)

DentalPlans.com is dedicated to improving oral health nationwide by making quality dental care affordable and accessible to everyone. DentalPlans.com proudly offers the freedom to choose from an extensive selection of discount dental plans designed to save members money on their dental care needs. With more than 40 years of experience in the dental industry, their devoted team quickly transformed DentalPlans.com into a trusted industry leader and the largest online provider of discount dental plans. Since 1999, DentalPlans.com has offered great value and convenience with an extensive choice of money-saving discount dental plans in one user-friendly website.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Kelly Downey
Shamin Abas Public Relations
561.366.1226

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Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

FONAR UPRIGHT MRI Customer Wins Jury Decision in Federal Court for Antitrust Lawsuit Versus CareCore National

Posted on December 13, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: FONAR Corporation

MELVILLE, NY–(Marketwire – December 13, 2010) – FONAR Corporation (NASDAQ: FONR), The Inventor of MR Scanning™, announced today that a provider of outpatient diagnostic services (a FONAR customer) and several Stand-Up MRI diagnostic imaging professional corporations (PCs) received a jury verdict in their favor in an anti-trust lawsuit against CareCore National, LLC, a radiology benefits management (RBM) company (www.carecorenational.com).

This antitrust lawsuit involved CareCore National’s exclusion of the plaintiffs, all of them providers of MRI services using Stand-Up MRI scanners (FONAR UPRIGHT® Multi-Position™ MRIs), from utilization by its member subscribers. CareCore Radiology, a division of CareCore National, covers more than 30 million member subscribers in all 50 states. The diagnostic service provider and the PCs were represented by Constantine Cannon LLP, New York, NY, (www.constantinecannon.com). 

After more than a two-week trial, the verdict was reached November 30, 2010 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York. The case is Stand-Up MRI v. CareCore National, E.D.N.Y. Case No: 08 Civ. 2954 (LDW) (ETB). The eight members of the jury were unanimous in their decision and awarded over $11 million in damages to the diagnostic service provider and the PCs in the case, which are to be trebled by law. The total judgment with costs and attorney fees is expected to be close to $40 million.

In a press release, (http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/constantine-cannon-attorneys-win-important-healthcare-antitrust-jury-trial-against-carecore-national-llc-111128319.html) lead Constantine Cannon trial attorney Matthew Cantor said: “This verdict is not just important for my clients, but for patients everywhere. The evidence in this case showed that even CareCore considered the Upright MRI to be medically necessary and that, nonetheless, CareCore and its owners denied patients the ability to benefit from these important diagnostic procedures. The actions of benefits managers (RBMs) that are owned and controlled by physicians, like CareCore, must be scrutinized to ensure that patient welfare is not compromised. Constantine Cannon expects that the defendants will attempt to overturn the jury award either in post-trial motion practice or on appeal. If that occurs, Constantine Cannon will vigorously defend the decision of the jury.”

“The jury found that CareCore, in league with New York-area radiologists and radiology practices that owned and/or governed CareCore, conspired to unreasonably restrain trade in the market for commercially-insured outpatient radiology procedures. The jury also found that these restraints harmed the plaintiffs — several New York radiology practices and their medical management company — that offer unique and medically necessary Upright MRI services. The Upright MRI is the only MRI that can scan patients in the weight-bearing positions that patients actually feel their pain. By doing so, Upright MRIs diagnose patient ailments, including those related to the spine, that no other MRI can,” said Cantor.

Raymond Damadian, president and founder of FONAR said, “We are pleased that the Federal Court and Jury understands the medical necessity of the FONAR UPRIGHT® Multi-Position™ MRI aka STAND-UP® MRI. This is important for FONAR, its customers, future customers and particularly the patients who need the UPRIGHT® MRI so they can be correctly diagnosed and not be given the wrong treatment which often involves surgery. We expect this to help those patients across our nation who have been previously denied these critical examinations by the RBMs.”

“FONAR’s UPRIGHT® MR technology is vital to patient needs nationwide,” said Dr. Damadian. “Back pain is the second most common reason for visiting the doctor’s office after the common cold. Close to one million spine surgeries are performed each year, but the outcomes are not good with a failure rate that varies from 10% to 40% depending on the reported study (1). Alf Nachemson, MD refers to the saddest group of these patients, those who have undergone 4, 5, or 6 spine surgeries as “multiply operated surgical cripples” (2). The surgical failure is commonly the result of operating on the wrong spinal segment (i.e. not the one responsible for the patient’s pain). This occurs because the origin of the pain is often attributed to the wrong degenerative change in the spine when the patient is imaged on a recumbent-only MRI. Degenerative changes in the adult spine are frequently multiple in number. The suspected pain generating anatomy is conventionally identified from recumbent (conventional) MRI images while the patient’s pain often occurs only when the patient is upright and when the pathology generating it is visible only when the patient is upright and fully weight-loaded.”

Dr. Damadian continued, “The FONAR UPRIGHT® Multi-Position™ MRI enables the patient to place himself in the position that generates his pain so that an MRI picture can be taken in the same position that generated the patient’s pain. Correctly identifying the pain generating pathology markedly improves patient surgical outcomes. In addition, it enables the surgeon to see ALL the pathology he has to address, not just the single position non-weight-bearing image provided by the conventional MRI. This enables the surgeon to see the full extent to which the disk herniation of his patient increases when he/she flexes or extends, or the extent to which the patient’s vertebra is sliding back and forth with body position and generating pain. Approximately 1 million spine surgeries are performed in the U.S. each year and technology to improve the surgical outcomes for these patients is a serious need.”

“In addition, there are a wide range of other needs that patients have for FONAR’s UPRIGHT® Multi-Position™ MR imaging technology,” said Dr. Damadian. “Patients who have been hospitalized, for example, with congestive heart failure, cannot lie down. In the absence of UPRIGHT ® MRI these patients are unable to receive MRI examinations when they are needed.”

“Patients with scoliosis, which most commonly arises for the first time in young adolescent girls, have been reported by the National Cancer Institute (3) to experience a 70% higher incidence of breast cancer as adults than the non-scoliotic population. The increased incidence is attributed to the multiple annual chest x-rays (2-3 times per year) needed to monitor the child’s scoliosis until adulthood in order to assure satisfactory treatment.” Dr. Damadian added, “the FONAR UPRIGHT® MRI provides the same necessary vertebral angle (“Cobb angle”) measurements as the x-ray (plus the needed measurements of vertebra rotation not supplied by x-ray), thereby avoiding the annual radiations of the x-ray procedure and eliminating the danger of subsequent adult breast cancer.”

“Women patients, for example, as a result of the inherent trauma of childbirth to their pelvic floor anatomy, will commonly suffer the consequences of PFD (pelvic floor dystrophy) later in life. The symptoms of PFD are cystic prolapse (“falling urinary bladder”) and its chronic cystitis symptoms of urinary frequency, burning on urination, fever, and if unaddressed, chronic kidney inflammation (pyclonephritis). The patient must be upright to see it. It commonly returns to its normal position when the patient is recumbent and therefore is not diagnosed by the patient’s physician who examines her in the recumbent position. It affects 10 million women. The UPRIGHT® MRI readily visualizes the fallen bladder when these patients are upright, so that the surgeon has full image visualization of the anatomy that has to be repaired.

“Another serious present need for the FONAR UPRIGHT® Multi-Position™ MRI is the rising body of patients who are sustaining dislocations of the cervical spine from automobile collision whiplash injuries of the head and neck. The UPRIGHT® MRI is needed to assess the extent to which the brain has been dislocated [descent of the tonsils of the cerebellum] into the opening in the bottom of the skull (foramen magnum). This critical assessment of the extent of brain herniation into the opening at the base of the skull (cerebellar tonsil ectopia, or CTE) can only be determined with the patient in the upright position so that the surgical repair of this herniation and the patient’s “drop attacks” can be eliminated. (4)”

(1) The Failed Spine, M. Szpalski and R. Gunzburg, eds., Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2005, p. 123.
(2) Alf L. Nachemson, MD, “The Lumbar Spine An Orthopaedic Challenge”, Spine, Vol. 1, Number 1, March 1976, p. 65.
(3) National Cancer Institute, “Scientists Find Link Between Pre-1970’s Diagnostic X-rays for Scoliosis and Breast Cancer Mortality,” www.cancer.gov, 8/15/2000. “Breast Cancer Mortality  After Diagnostic Radiography: Findings from the U.S. Scoliosis Cohort Study”, Michele Morin Doody, et al., Spine, Aug. 15, 2000, Vol. 25, No. 16.
(4) Michael D. Freeman, et al., Brain Injury, July 2010:24(7-8):988-994.

About Constantine Cannon LLP

Constantine Cannon LLP represented the plaintiffs in the case. They have deep expertise in practice areas that include antitrust and complex commercial litigation, government relations, employment matters, securities and e-discovery. With offices in New York, NY and Washington, DC, the firm’s antitrust practice is among the largest in the nation, with more than 30 attorneys representing both plaintiffs and defendants in complex antitrust litigation.

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.

Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

Medistem Co-Authors Scientific Publication Detecting Neurodegeneration Before Symptoms Develop

Posted on December 13, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: Medistem Inc.

MRI Study in Sheep Shows Changes in Brain Structures Associated With Scrapie Infection

SAN DIEGO, CA–(Marketwire – December 13, 2010) – Medistem Inc. (PINKSHEETS: MEDS) reported today peer-reviewed publication of a research project using MRI to assess brain changes in sheep infected with scrapie (sheep form of Mad Cow Disease) before symptoms of the fatal brain disease appear. 

The study, whose senior author was Dr. Joel Stutman and funded by the Louis and Lena Minkoff Foundation, compared 37 sheep that were positive for the infectious protein associated with scrapie, called PrPSc, to 80 sheep that had no evidence of the disease-causing protein. It was found that all sheep possessing the protein, whether symptomatic or non-symptomatic, exhibited a unique change in the anatomy of the brain as detected by MRI. Specifically, a greater ventricle to cerebrum area ratio was found in MRI images of infected sheep compared to healthy sheep.

“We are extremely grateful to Dr. Stutman and his team for allowing us to collaborate on this important project which integrated computer-based image analysis techniques with molecular diagnostics to demonstrate a very important finding: that in sheep with scrapie specific MRI changes can be indicative of neurodegeneration before symptoms appear,” said Vladimir Bogin, MD, Chairman and President of Medistem. “One of the major findings in the published stem cell clinical trials has been that some patients respond extremely well, while others do not. Medistem believes that development of disease-assessing techniques such as the one reported, will allow for better selection of patients that would respond to stem cell-based interventions.”

Medistem has filed an IND with the FDA for human trials of its universal donor stem cell, the Endometrial Regenerative Cell (ERC). The first product in development is a treatment for critical limb ischemia, a condition that causes approximately 150,000 amputations per year in the US. Published research demonstrates that Endometrial Regenerative Cells can generate lung, liver, pancreas, bone, muscle, heart, fat, and brain tissue, thus the company is currently exploring other disease indications. 

“Medistem collaborators have already used Endometrial Regenerative Cells in the treatment of patients with multiple sclerosis, a neurodegenerative condition which creates similar brain alterations as seen in the current study,” said Thomas Ichim, CEO of Medistem and co-author of the publication. “The reason for our participation in the sheep scrapie project is to be at the cutting edge of imaging studies in the neurosciences. This, in our opinion, allows us to: a) Select better inclusion/exclusion criteria for our future multiple sclerosis studies; and b) Objectively analyze effects of our intervention in humans.”

Endometrial Regenerative Cells are currently available for sale as a research reagent through General Biotechnology LLC at http://www.gnrlbiotech.com/?page=catalog_endometrial_regenerative_cells.

The study, entitled “Generalized cerebral atrophy seen on MRI in a naturally exposed animal model for Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease” can be found online at http://www.translational-medicine.com/content/pdf/1479-5876-8-125.pdf.

About Medistem Inc.

Medistem Inc. is a biotechnology company developing technologies related to adult stem cell extraction, manipulation, and use for treating inflammatory and degenerative diseases. The company’s lead product, the endometrial regenerative cell (ERC), is a “universal donor” stem cell being developed for critical limb ischemia. A publication describing the support for use of ERC for this condition may be found at http://www.translational-medicine.com/content/pdf/1479-5876-6-45.pdf. ERC can be purchased for scientific use through Medistem’s collaborator, General Biotechnology http://www.gnrlbiotech.com/?page=catalog_endometrial_regenerative_cells.

Cautionary Statement

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of our securities. This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which cannot be predicted or quantified. Future events and actual results could differ materially from those set forth in, contemplated by, or underlying the forward-looking information. Factors which may cause actual results to differ from our forward-looking statements are discussed in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Contact:
Vladimir Bogin, MD
Chairman of the Board
Medistem Inc.
9255 Towne Centre Drive
Suite 450
San Diego
CA 92122
858 349 3617
858 642 0027
www.medisteminc.com

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Filed Under: Medical And Healthcare

Assisted Living Concepts, Inc. Reports the Completion of Restructuring at Scotia Investments Limited

Posted on December 10, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: Assisted Living Concepts, Inc.

MENOMONEE FALLS, WI–(Marketwire – December 10, 2010) – Assisted Living Concepts, Inc. (NYSE: ALC) reported that the previously announced reorganization of its largest shareholder, Scotia Investments Limited, has been completed and that the shares of Class A and Class B Common Stock of Assisted Living Concepts, Inc. previously held by Scotia Investments Limited and its subsidiaries have been transferred to a former affiliate of Scotia Investments, Thornridge Holdings Limited. Thornridge, a privately-held limited company existing under the laws of Nova Scotia with its head office in Bedford, Nova Scotia, is wholly owned by private holding companies owned by members of the extended family of Jean Hennigar, a daughter of the late R.A. Jodrey, including her son David J. Hennigar, who is chairman of Assisted Living Concepts, Inc.’s Board of Directors. Prior to the reorganization, Scotia Investments Limited was also owned by members of the R.A. Jodrey family.

On December 6, 2010, Thornridge filed a statement on Schedule 13D with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission reporting that on November 5, 2010 Blomidon Investments Limited, the ultimate parent of Scotia Investments Limited, and three holding companies of Blomidon that owned all of the common shares of Blomidon, including Thornridge, completed a reorganization pursuant to which, among other things, Thornridge acquired all of the shares of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock of Assisted Living Concepts, Inc. previously owned directly or indirectly by Scotia Investments Limited.

“We are pleased that the restructuring of Scotia Investments has resulted in the continued ownership commitment by the Hennigar family,” commented Laurie Bebo, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Based upon their past commitment and their recent Schedule 13D filing, we believe this restructuring of Scotia will have no material impact on ALC and reinforces the support for ALC’s strategic direction.”

About Us

Assisted Living Concepts, Inc. and its subsidiaries operate 211 senior living residences comprising 9,305 units in 20 states. ALC’s senior living residences typically consist of 40 to 60 units and offer residents a supportive, home-like setting and assistance with the activities of daily living. ALC employs approximately 4,100 people.

Forward-looking Statements

Statements contained in this release other than statements of historical fact, including statements regarding anticipated financial performance, business strategy and management’s plans and objectives for future operations, including management’s expectations about improving occupancy and private pay mix, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements generally include words such as “expect,” “project,” “point toward,” “intend,” “will,” “indicate,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “plan,” “strategy” or “objective.” Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied. In addition to the risks and uncertainties referred to in the release, other risks and uncertainties are contained in ALC’s filings with United States Securities and Exchange Commission and include, but are not limited to, the following: changes in the health care industry in general and the senior housing industry in particular because of governmental and economic influences; changes in general economic conditions, including changes in housing markets, unemployment rates and the availability of credit at reasonable rates; changes in regulations governing the industry and ALC’s compliance with such regulations; changes in government funding levels for health care services; resident care litigation, including exposure for punitive damage claims and increased insurance costs, and other claims asserted against ALC; ALC’s ability to maintain and increase census levels; ALC’s ability to attract and retain qualified personnel; the availability and terms of capital to fund acquisitions and ALC’s capital expenditures; changes in competition; and demographic changes. Given these risks and uncertainties, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on ALC’s forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements contained in this report are necessarily estimates reflecting the best judgment of the party making such statements based upon current information. ALC assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement.

Filed Under: Medical And Healthcare

American Diabetes Association Applauds Two-Year Re-Authorization of Special Diabetes Program

Posted on December 9, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: American Diabetes Association

ALEXANDRIA, VA–(Marketwire – December 9, 2010) – The American Diabetes Association®, the nation’s leading voluntary health organization in the fight to Stop Diabetes®, praises Congress for reauthorizing the Special Diabetes Program. The renewal, which was part of the Medicare and Medicaid Extenders Act of 2010, will ensure the Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI) and the Special Diabetes Programs for Type 1 Diabetes (SDP-Type1) continue through September 2013. The measure will provide $150 million in funding per year to each program. Nearly 24 million Americans are living with diabetes and another 57 million have prediabetes. Recently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a report stating that if current trends continue, one in three Americans will have diabetes by the year 2050. Diabetes is among the leading causes of death by disease in the United States. It is a leading cause of heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney disease, and amputation.

SDPI provides prevention, education and treatment programs in Native American communities. American Indians and Alaska Natives have the highest age-adjusted prevalence of diabetes among all U.S. racial and ethnic groups, where diabetes is four to eight times more common than in the general population. Studies have demonstrated that SDPI’s prevention and treatment efforts have contributed to significant reductions in diabetes complications in these targeted populations.

“We applaud the extension of the Special Diabetes Programs,” said Gale Marshall, Chair, American Diabetes Association’s Awakening the Spirit Native American initiative. “The Special Diabetes Program for Indians provides for more than 450 community-directed programs, allowing local tribes and health programs to set priorities that meet their needs, including prevention activities or treatment. Because of these education and treatment programs, the American Indian and Alaskan Native communities have stories of hope and progress in facing the battle against diabetes.” 

The Special Diabetes Programs for Type 1 Diabetes provides funding for groundbreaking type 1 diabetes research. Clinical research supported by this program has demonstrated tangible results — from delaying the full onset of type 1 diabetes in newly diagnosed patients to gaining insight on the underlying causes of diabetes and halting or reversing costly complications such as diabetic eye disease.

“The Special Diabetes Programs for Type 1 Diabetes is a vital federal effort that is bringing us closer to a cure for this epidemic,” said Janel Wright, National Chair, Advocacy Committee, American Diabetes Association. “This cost-effective program provides crucial funding for research and results in real advances for people living with type 1 diabetes.”

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

Contact:
Lauren Gleason
(703) 549-1500 Ext. 2622
[email protected]

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Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

Fresh Start Private Naltrexone Implant Procedure Shows Excellent Potential for Reduction in Alcoholism

Posted on December 9, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: Fresh Start Private Management Inc.

Naltrexone Reduces the Number of Occasions During Which a Person Is Likely to Drink

LOS ANGELES, CA–(Marketwire – December 9, 2010) – Fresh Start Private (OTCQX: CEYY) (PINKSHEETS: CEYY), a leader in the alcohol treatment and rehabilitation industry, provided data today showing that Naltrexone is effective in the treatment of alcoholism.

According to published results in the Oxford Journals, research indicated that “Naltrexone is superior to placebo. Subjects treated with Naltrexone experience significantly fewer episodes of relapse, and significantly more remain abstinent when compared to placebo-treated subjects {risk difference of relapse rates = -14% [95% confidence interval (CI): -23%, -5%]; and risk difference of abstinence rates = 10% (95% CI: 4%, 16%)} after 12 weeks of treatment. The Naltrexone-treated subjects also consume significantly less alcohol over the study period than do placebo-treated subjects.” See http://alcalc.oxfordjournals.org/content/36/6/544.full for the complete results of the study.

A study by Joseph R. Volpicelli, MD, PhD; Arthur I. Alterman, PhD; Motoi Hayashida, MD, ScD; Charles P. O’Brien, MD, PhD, yielded other significant findings as follows:

“Seventy male alcohol-dependent patients participated in a 12-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of Naltrexone hydrochloride (50 mg/d) as an adjunct to treatment following alcohol detoxification. Subjects taking Naltrexone reported significantly less alcohol craving and days in which any alcohol was consumed. During the 12-week study, only 23% of the Naltrexone-treated subjects met the criteria for a relapse, whereas 54.3% of the placebo-treated subjects relapsed. The primary effect of Naltrexone was seen in patients who drank any alcohol while attending outpatient treatment. Nineteen (95%) of the 20 placebo-treated patients relapsed after they sampled alcohol, while only eight (50%) of 16 Naltrexone-treated patients exposed to alcohol met relapse criteria. These results suggest that Naltrexone may be a safe and effective adjunct to treatment in alcohol-dependent subjects, particularly in preventing alcohol relapse.”

Fresh Start Private (FSP) is the only alcohol treatment program to offer a single-administration, licensed long-acting, Naltrexone implant procedure. Naltrexone has been approved for use by the FDA within the United States for the treatment of alcohol.

Trained medical doctors insert a specially formulated, biodegradable Naltrexone implant just beneath the skin below the patient’s lower abdominal area. The procedure is rapid and requires only local anaesthetic.

FSPs revolutionary procedure works instantly to block the receptors in the brain that crave alcohol. This one-time treatment is affordable and so fast a patient can be back to work the very next day, free from the physical cravings for alcohol.

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 the alcohol addiction treatment. The Company has licensed a highly effective treatment delivers target therapeutic levels of Naltrexone that significantly reduce patients’ cravings for alcohol. Please visit www.freshstartprivate.com

Statements in this press release may be “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about the company’s business based, in part, on assumptions made by management. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Actual outcomes and results may, and probably will, differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in such forward-looking statements due to numerous factors, including those described above and those risks discussed from time to time in Fresh Start filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Contact
Tom Kennedy
Phone: 949.209.8964
Email Contact

Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

The Children’s Medical Center of Dayton Partners With Medicity for Health Information Exchange in Ohio’s Miami Valley

Posted on December 9, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: Medicity

Bidirectional Exchange Will Connect Hospital Systems, Physician EHRs and Allied Care Providers to Improve Care Delivery

SALT LAKE CITY, UT–(Marketwire – December 9, 2010) –  The Children’s Medical Center of Dayton (Dayton Children’s), a not-for-profit, freestanding children’s hospital serving 20 counties in Ohio and Eastern Indiana, has selected Medicity to power bidirectional health information exchange (HIE) between the medical center, affiliated physicians and other partners in its healthcare community.

Dayton Children’s will implement Medicity’s Novo Grid infrastructure — patented technology for connecting care teams and integrating with electronic health records (EHRs) — to distribute results, reports, and face sheets from the hospital’s Epic clinical systems and McKesson registration systems to community providers. The same Grid infrastructure will power laboratory and radiology orders back to the hospital.

“Our partnership with Medicity enables us to meet the HIE needs of Dayton providers while addressing our hospital’s unique business objectives,” said Beth Fredette, Dayton Children’s CIO. “By sponsoring the secure flow of health information in our community, we aim to improve clinical workflow, enhance patient care and improve affinity with our affiliated physicians by supporting their efforts to achieve meaningful use requirements.”

“The Grid enables secure electronic exchange regardless of which EHR a physician practice has adopted or whether the practice is paper-based,” said Kipp Lassetter, MD, Medicity CEO, “which means that Dayton Children’s now has a single solution that adapts to a wide variety of practice needs. Significantly, the Grid also provides the flexibility and control for the hospital to connect with state and regional HIE initiatives as they come along.”

About The Children’s Medical Center of Dayton
The Children’s Medical Center of Dayton is the region’s only medical facility dedicated to children. Consistently recognized as one of the country’s best pediatric hospitals, Dayton Children’s provides medical treatment, advice and information for children and families from 20 Ohio counties and eastern Indiana. Dayton Children’s accreditation by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations ensures the regions’ infants, children and teens receive excellent pediatric care. For more children’s health and safety information, visit our web site at www.childrensdayton.org.

About Medicity
Medicity, the industry standard for health information exchange (HIE), is the leading innovator and largest provider of HIE technology — with more than 700 hospitals and 250,000 physicians in its connected ecosystem. Medicity’s solutions empower hospitals, physicians and HIEs with secure access to and exchange of health information — improving the quality and efficiency of patient care locally, regionally and nationally. For more information, please visit us or follow us on Twitter.

Contact:
Amendola Communications for Medicity
Janet Cabibbo
480-664-8412 ext. 15
[email protected]

Moira Alter
Marketing Manager, Dayton Children’s
937-641-3618
[email protected]

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Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

Marathon Health Engagement Rates Exceed Prediction for Health Improvement

Posted on December 9, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: Marathon Health

BURLINGTON, VT–(Marketwire – December 9, 2010) – Marathon Health today announced that health program engagement rates achieved for Accellent, Inc exceeded prediction by 27%. Marathon Health achieved a 97% engagement rate of the target population identified in March 2009 as being at high risk for a chronic condition or who had an existing chronic condition. The Marathon Health definition of engagement is any person who has met with the nurse health coach and selected a risk- or condition-related goal to work on with health coaching as appropriate.

Accellent, a leading supplier of supply chain solutions to the medical device industry, offers its employees face-to-face health assessments and health risk reduction coaching at their 15 US locations. Marathon Health provides these services with traveling nurses who visit Accellent sites at regularly scheduled intervals. Marathon Health also provides onsite health services at three of Accellent’s sites.

“Achieving this rate of engagement with a distributed workforce can be attributed to several factors,” said Tricia McCall, Accellent Vice President of Human Resources. “We have strong program champions at the local level to coordinate the activities. We offer an incentive program to get people involved with the screenings and assessments. And through Marathon Health, we provide high-quality coaching and outreach programs. Together, these factors combine to create the level of involvement we are seeing. This effort is one more way we are staying true to our company vision of ‘Helping People Live Better Lives’.”

The focus on engaging individuals with health risk factors has played an important role in the -3% medical trend experience at Accellent.

“It is well documented that individuals with high risk factors, such as hypertension, smoking, and obesity, will consume healthcare resources at two — five times the rate of a healthy person,” said David Demers, MPH, director of strategic planning at Marathon Health. “And while the numbers speak volumes, the real success is found in the hundreds of individual stories of employees who have improved their health. That is what we are most proud of at Marathon Health.”

About Accellent
Accellent provides fully integrated outsourced manufacturing and engineering services to the medical device industry in the cardiology, endoscopy and orthopaedic markets. Accellent has broad capabilities in design and engineering services, precision component fabrication, finished device assembly and complete supply chain management solutions. These capabilities enhance our customers’ speed to market and their return on investment by allowing them to focus their internal resources more efficiently. For more information, please visit www.accellent.com .

About Marathon Health
Marathon Health of Colchester, VT, offers a proven solution for helping employers reduce the total cost of healthcare. The Marathon Health approach integrates the best practices of onsite primary care, health assessment with risk identification, coaching and advocacy, and disease management for high cost chronic conditions. Marathon Health supports its unique model with an eHealth Portal delivering medical content, interactive diet and fitness tools, a personal health record, and an electronic medical record to manage care. For more information, please visit www.marathon-health.com.

Contact:
Tracey Moran
802-857-0459
Email Contact

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Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

InoLife Technologies, Inc. Retains John O’Maley and Associates to Launch Aggressive Retail Sales & Marketing Program for Company’s DNA-Based…

Posted on December 9, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: InoLife Technologies Inc.

30 Years of Experience and 40-Plus Successful Product Launchings Greatly Contributed to the Decision

RALEIGH, NC–(Marketwire – December 9, 2010) – InoLife Technologies, Inc. (OTCBB: INOL), a service based healthcare products development, integration and marketing Company, announced today that it has retained John O’Maley and Associates to manage its retail sales & marketing program and aggressively place the Company’s current and future DNA-based products into the consumer market.

John O’Maley and Associates (JOA) provide over 30 years of experience in successfully launching over 40 consumer products into nearly every trade channel of the market. This company has a long-standing and trusted reputation in the retail industry in providing world-class sales presentations on products that result in significant sales and brand awareness.

John O’Maley, President of JOA, contributes his success from his training in sales and marketing, advertising and business development at Proctor & Gamble. That experience has proven to be instrumental in generating outstanding results for his clients. JOA also uses a proven national broker network that consists of over 30 key senior account sales executives who were trained in fortune 500 companies. This ensures continuity and excellent national coverage. For more information on JOA visit www.omaley.com

InoLife has considered many companies to use for this important aspect for the success in placing its current and future DNA-Based products into the consumer market. Management feels that John O’Maley and Associates has the experience and proven success record to get the job done. We look forward to working with John’s company.

About InoLife Technologies, Inc.
InoLife is poised to become one of the premier U.S. marketers of state-of-the-art DNA-based test products. Positioned for growth and success in a burgeoning market, InoLife Technologies, www.inolifetech.com, is primarily focused on products, services and solutions that will enable state-of-the-art healthcare for today and the future for a diverse base of customers and end users. The Company’s mission is to identify, develop, integrate and bring to market innovative healthcare-based products and services that provide timely and practical solutions. The primary products and services that InoLife is currently addressing focuses upon those specific products and services that provide key solutions through the innovative use of specific DNA testing and Genetic analysis systems.

The principal customers of InoLife’s products and services are healthcare providers, physicians, practitioners, hospitals and outpatient facilities. InoLife will be marketing and distributing its products through traditional distribution channels. Additionally InoLife has developed certain products that can be sold directly to consumers and has created specific programs to reach those customers including e-commerce, direct sales, healthcare providers, pharmacies, distributors, retail sellers and specialty retailers.

Forward-Looking Statements
Safe Harbor Statement under the Private securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: The statements contained herein, which are not historical, are forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements including, but not limited to, certain delays beyond the Company’s control with respect to market acceptance of new technologies, products and services, delays in testing and evaluation of products and services, and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

Manchester Manor Health Care Center Distinguished With Highest Level National Award

Posted on December 9, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: Manchester Manor Health Care Center

Achievement in Excellence Awarded for Exemplary Delivery of Quality Long Term Care

MANCHESTER, CT–(Marketwire – December 9, 2010) – Manchester Manor Health Care Center has been recognized as a 2010 recipient of the National Quality Award at the level of Gold – Excellence in Quality presented by the American Health Care Association/National Centers for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL), a Washington D.C. based trade organization with approximately 11,000 nursing facility members nationwide. Manchester Manor is the only 2010 recipient of this distinguished national award. Over the 15 years of the Quality Award program, only 4 companies, owning 10 facilities, have ever received an award at this level. The award was formally presented to Manchester Manor during AHCA’s 61st Annual Convention and Exposition, October 10-13, 2010 in Long Beach, CA.

“The staff and leadership of Manchester Manor Health Care Center have demonstrated that they can sustain a high level of performance across a broad spectrum of services, and have set themselves apart as a health care organization of the highest distinction,” stated Bruce Yarwood, President and CEO of AHCA. “We applaud this outstanding achievement that honors their commitment to a rigorous journey of continuous improvement.”

Implemented by AHCA/NCAL in 1996, the National Quality Award Program is based on the core values and criteria of the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award Program. It provides a pathway for providers of long term and post-acute care services to journey towards performance excellence. Applicants for the prestigious Gold – Excellence in Quality award demonstrate by approach, deployment and consistency of results that they are achieving high levels of performance in health care, customer satisfaction, market, workforce, process and leadership outcomes over time. At the Gold level, applicants must successfully address the Malcolm Baldrige Program’s Health Care Criteria for Performance Excellence. Gold applications are reviewed by teams of Master Examiners with extensive qualifications and special training to qualify as judges. A ten member Board of Overseers provides oversight of the award program.

“No one knows better than the staff at Manchester Manor that their quality journey never ends, but this award level is a significant achievement,” stated Bernie Dana, Chair, AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Board of Overseers. “Clearly Manchester Manor is one of the very best long term care providers in the entire nation.”

Manchester Manor Health Care Center previously received the Silver – Achievement in Quality Award (2008) and the Bronze – Commitment to Quality Award (2007).

Contact:
Mary Ellen Gaudette
Administrator
Email Contact
385 West Center St.
Manchester, CT
Tel. 860-533-2532
Fax. 860-645-0841

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Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

What 2010 Planning Will Mean for Pharma and Biotech in 2011

Posted on December 9, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: Cutting Edge Information

Top Research Topics in 2010 Point Spotlight on Where Companies Will Be Taking Action Next Year and Beyond, Says Management Consulting Firm Cutting Edge Information

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC–(Marketwire – December 9, 2010) – As many companies put the finishing touches on their 2011 Action Plans, the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors are looking to create opportunities from the challenges of recent years.

Cutting Edge Information, Inc. analyzed what issues its clients have studied most closely in 2010 and the resulting decisions and strategies they are likely to implement in 2011. “The popularity of each topic shows the areas that companies consider most important as they enter 2011,” said Jason Richardson, president of Cutting Edge Information.

“These are the areas executives believe offer both challenges and opportunities that can provide competitive advantage if managed well in the next year.”

The lists below include both the subject areas identified by industry executives and the top project conducted by Cutting Edge Information (http://www.cuttingedgeinfo.com/) for that functional group.

Top 3 Medical Affairs Reports
#1 Thought Leader Fair-Market Value: Compensation Benchmarks and Procedures
#2 Medical Science Liaison Programs — The New MSL Profile: Internal Thought Leader, External Voice and Clinical Catalyst
#3 Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Regulatory Affairs

Top 3 Clinical Development Reports
#1 Benchmarking Drug Safety and Pharmacovigilance
#2 Streamlining Clinical Trials
#3 Clinical Trial Patient Recruitment

Top 3 Decision Support and Forecasting Reports
#1 Oncology Market Forecast to 2015
#2 Strategic Pharmaceutical Competitive Intelligence
#3 Diabetes Market Forecast to 2015

Top 3 Market Access Reports
#1 Health Economics and Outcomes Research
#2 Securing Market Access: Reimbursement, Payer Relationships and Healthcare Reform
#3 Outcomes-Based Pharmaceutical Pricing: Meeting Stakeholder Needs

Top 3 Portfolio Planning and Business Development Challenges
#1 Lifecycle Management: Strategy, Selection and Execution
#2 Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Business Development: Accelerating the Deal
#3 Pharmaceutical Alliance Management

Top 3 Marketing and Commercialization Reports
#1 Countering Generics and Biosimilar Threats
#2 Pharmaceutical Speaker Programs
#3 Driving Successful Pharmaceutical Brands

Cutting Edge Information will continue to analyze key trends emerging from 2010 and impacting 2011 and beyond. More detail and background about Cutting Edge Information is available through the pharmaceutical Twitter feed, the life sciences research and consulting LinkedIn page, and a set of complimentary newsletters providing new management analysis monthly.

For media inquiries, please contact
Stephanie Swanson
919-403-6583
Email Contact

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Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

Surrex Announces Strategic Partnership With gloStream

Posted on December 9, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: Surrex EHR Solutions

EL SEGUNDO, CA–(Marketwire – December 9, 2010) –  Surrex EHR Solutions (www.surrex-ehr.com), a rapidly growing US based Healthcare IT Consulting firm, and gloStream (www.glostream.com), the world’s only provider of a Meaningful Use ready Electronic Health Records system (EHR) with MS Office built directly in, today announced the formation of a strategic partnership through which Surrex will perform sales, implementation and system integration of the gloStream platform for physician offices around the United States. 

Recognizing the need for a powerful, effective, and highly efficient EHR and Practice Management solution in small and medium sized medical offices, Surrex selected gloStream for their easy-to-use MS Office based technology, state of the art integration with Voice Recognition software, and top tier customer support. gloSuite, an integrated EHR and PM platform, allows Physicians to dictate directly into a patient’s Electronic Medical Record, ePrescribe, and perform other critical day to day tasks. Medical office staff can rapidly customize templates and documents, file insurance claims, interface with 3rd billing services, and much more.

“Our team evaluated dozens of meaningful use certified EHR platforms as we sought to identify viable Partners,” said Tristan Carey, President of Surrex EHR Solutions. “gloStream was one of a very small number of organizations that met our criteria for product quality, process management, solutions integration, pricing, and ongoing customer support. We’re very pleased to be one of the newest members of the gloStream Partner community.”

“We are proud and excited to welcome Surrex to the gloStream community,” said Brenda Hodge, gloStream’s Executive Vice President for Partners and Practices. “Their level of commitment to the gloStream Partner Program ensures that physicians all over the U.S. will have access to not only the best EMR and PM software, but also to an IT advisor that can implement and support entire networks and essential data.”

Both companies anticipate a highly successful partnership and look forward to serving the physician marketplace across the United States. 

Surrex EHR Solutions specializes in the selection, implementation, integration, and support of Electronic Medical Records (EMR / EHR) and Practice Management (PM) solutions. Contact Surrex at www.surrex-ehr.com, or by calling 1-877-4SURREX (877-478-7739).

gloStream provides doctors with certified, voice-enabled electronic medical record and practice management solutions delivered and supported through a nationwide community of local technology Partners. gloStream products are secure, easy-to-use applications and the only solutions on the market with Microsoft Office built right in. 

Contact:
Michael Junge
949-202-5839

Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

ALDA Pharmaceuticals Corp.: Private Placement

Posted on December 8, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA–(Marketwire – Dec. 8, 2010) – ALDA Pharmaceuticals Corp. (TSX VENTURE:APH)(OTCQB:APCSF) (the “Company” or “ALDA”) announces that it is undertaking a non-brokered private placement of up 2,000,000 units of the Company (the “Units”) at a price of $0.10 per Unit for proceeds to the Company of up to $200,000. Each Unit will consist of one common share of ALDA and one non-transferable share purchase warrant entitling the holder to acquire one additional common share of ALDA at a price of $0.20 per common share for a period of 24 months from the date of the issuance of the purchase warrant with a forced exercise provision attached to each warrant commencing on the day following the expiry of any applicable hold period on the underlying Common Share, stating that if, for ten consecutive trading days, the closing price of the listed shares of the Company exceeds $0.40 then the exercise period of the warrants will be reduced to a period of 10 days following such trading days.

Certain insiders of the Company have been selling common shares of ALDA through the facilities of the TSX Venture Exchange in connection with this private placement and will reinvest up to $175,000 of the proceeds in the private placement. Accordingly, insiders of ALDA will be subscribing for over 25% of the offering, constituting a related party transaction pursuant to Multilateral Instrument 61-101 and TSX Venture Exchange Policy 5.9 which is exempt from the requirement to obtain an independent valuation pursuant to Section 5.5(b) of MI 61-101 and the requirement to obtain minority shareholder approval pursuant to Section 5.7(1)(b) of MI 61-101.

The offering is being made on a private placement basis pursuant to registration and prospectus exemptions of applicable securities laws and is subject to acceptance by the TSX Venture Exchange. All securities issued will be subject to a four month restricted period and will bear a restrictive legend accordingly. Net proceeds from the offering will be used for working capital purposes.

About ALDA Pharmaceuticals Corp.

ALDA is focused on the development of infection-control therapeutics derived from its patented T36® technology. The company trades on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol APH and on the OTCQB under the symbol APCSF. The Company was the Official Supplier to the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games and the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games and is the Official Supplier to the Canadian Olympic Committee, the 2010 Canadian Olympic Team and the 2012 Canadian Olympic Team for antiseptic hand sanitizer, disinfectant and disinfectant cleaning products. The Company was also selected as one of the TSX Venture 50 companies in the Technology and Life Sciences sector for 2010.

Terrance G. Owen, Ph.D., MBA, President & CEO

ALDA Pharmaceuticals Corp.

The Units, common shares, warrants and the common shares issuable upon exercise of the warrants have not been registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933 (the “Act”) and may not be offered or sold absent registration under the Act or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements thereof. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction or an exemption therefrom.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Statements: Information in this press release that involves ALDA’s expectations, plans, intentions or strategies regarding the future are forward-looking statements that are not facts and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. ALDA generally uses words such as “outlook”, “will”, “could”, “would”, “might”, “remains”, “to be”, “plans”, “believes”, “may”, “expects”, “intends”, “anticipates”, “estimate”, “future”, “plan”, “positioned”, “potential”, “project”, “remain”, “scheduled”, “set to”, “subject to”, “upcoming”, and similar expressions to help identify forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements in this release are based upon information available to ALDA as of the date of this release, and ALDA assumes no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements believed to be true when made may ultimately prove to be incorrect. These statements are not guarantees of the future performance of ALDA and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond its control and may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations.

Filed Under: Medical And Healthcare

Marketwire Health/Fitness/Wellness Features Package Summary

Posted on December 8, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: Marketwire – Media Relations

CHICAGO, IL–(Marketwire – December 8, 2010) – Marketwire announces that the following releases were included in the Health/Fitness/Wellness Features Package. Below is the list of headlines included in the package.

EmpowHER Offers Resources to Help Women Manage Holiday Stress
http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/EmpowHER-1365614.html

Marketwire’s Media Relations Department serves the information needs of the media. As a liaison between the media and Marketwire clients, our Media Relations team utilizes a variety of means to ensure that journalists, analysts and online communities receive news and information on companies, industries and topics of interest in the formats and via the distribution mechanisms they desire. To that end, our Media Relations staff, located throughout North America, the UK and Asia, manages relationships with media around the world, specializing efforts across 140 vertical industries, traditional and specialty markets, and various media.

Filed Under: Medical And Healthcare

Global Health Care Market Is $5.5 Trillion and Growing Quickly, Says Plunkett Research

Posted on December 8, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: Plunkett Research, Ltd.

HOUSTON, TX–(Marketwire – December 8, 2010) –  Plunkett Research, Ltd. has released its newest market research and competitive analysis report, Plunkett’s Health Care Industry Almanac, 2011 edition, which identifies and analyzes major trends shaping the health care industry.

According to Jack W. Plunkett, CEO of Plunkett Research, Ltd., “While total health expenditures continue to grow in the U.S., health care is spreading rapidly in emerging nations like India and China.”

Major trends affecting the Health Care Industry analyzed in Plunkett’s report include:

  • Continued rise in health care costs.
  • Employers push health care costs onto employees.
  • Medicare and Medicaid spending continue to surge.
  • Health Care Reform Act of 2010 set to bring big changes.
  • Major drug patents expire while generic growth continues.
  • Quality of care and health care outcomes data become available online.
  • Obesity sparks government action.
  • Health care thrives offshore, medical tourism grows.
  • Disease management programs take root.
  • Health care industry to grow rapidly in China and India.

“Eventually, innovative health practices and technologies developed for lower-income nations will migrate to the U.S., helping to contain costs,” said Jack Plunkett.

A complete report with detailed industry trends and statistics analysis is provided in Plunkett’s Health Care Industry Almanac, 2011 edition. This informative reference book gives you the competitive intelligence you need, with a detailed industry overview, industry analysis and market research. Plus, thousands of contacts for business and industry leaders, industry associations and industry sites, as well as statistical tables, an industry glossary and thorough indexes — everything you need all in one value-priced, easy-to-use package.

A complimentary video of Plunkett discussing these trends is now available on the Plunkett Research website, as well as YouTube, and an Introduction to the Health Care Industry can be viewed at Plunkett’s website. 

About Plunkett Research, Ltd.
Plunkett Research is a leading provider of industry trends analysis and market research. Our reports and data services are used by the world’s top corporations, consultants, universities, libraries and government agencies. Plunkett’s products save time and effort when you need competitive intelligence, market research or marketing data. For more from Plunkett Research, become a Fan on Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

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Filed Under: Medical And Healthcare

Accuracy Most Important for DNA Sequencer Users: Kalorama Survey

Posted on December 8, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: Kalorama Information

NEW YORK, NY–(Marketwire – December 8, 2010) – Labs using DNA sequencers are more concerned with accuracy than cost in future purchases, according to a survey conducted by Kalorama Information. The healthcare market research publisher reported the survey findings in its recent report, “DNA Sequencing Market Trends (Kalorama Survey of Labs Using Next-Gen and Capillary Systems).”

“A significant number of respondents chose accuracy over cost, ease-of-use or speed,” said Justin Saeks, Kalorama Information’s biotech analyst and author of the report. “This was true both for labs using first-gen or next-gen systems.”

The Kalorama Information survey of 120 laboratories using next-gen and capillary systems was carried out from July to September of 2010, with the majority in the latter portion. About 70% of the labs were academic; the remainders were hospital, government or independent labs. 70% of the hospitals were in North America, 12% in Europe and 18% in ROW. The bulk of respondents were core labs with more than a third doing contract work. Respondents were asked for the most important criteria in considering a new sequencer purchase. Accuracy rated highest for 78.8% of respondents. Cost per sample run was also important, rating second as a criterion with 63.6% of respondents. 

Kalorama Information found that the preference for accuracy occurred regardless of whether the survey respondent used a 454, SOLID, Illumina or Capillary System. Saeks, who has been analyzing sequencer markets for the past decade, was not surprised at the ranking of accuracy over other qualities in purchasing new sequencers.

“One of the things we heard from respondents was that accuracy is proportionately more important because in sequencing the margin of error is low,” said Saeks. “Even a .01% error rate adds up to a lot. And accuracy drives other areas — a clean sequence, for instance, will enable software algorithms to work well.”

Kalorama Information has been covering developments in the DNA sequencing markets since 2007. More information on this report, “DNA Sequencing Market Trends (Kalorama Survey of Labs Using Next-Gen and Capillary Systems),” can be found at: http://www.kaloramainformation.com/redirect.asp?progid=80130&productid=2657156.

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).

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Filed Under: Medical And Healthcare

KBM Group Acquires Marketing Direct, Inc.; Announces Launch of KBM Group Health Business Unit

Posted on December 8, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: KBM Group

Results in Broader, Deeper Healthcare Expertise, Including Creative Campaign Development and Execution

RICHARDSON, TX–(Marketwire – December 8, 2010) – KBM Group, the global leader in knowledge-based marketing solutions, has agreed to acquire Marketing Direct, Inc. (MDI), the leading provider of agency services to the healthcare industry. MDI is an integrated marketing services company with expertise in strategy, design and execution of marketing campaigns, from go-to-market strategies and sales-lead conversion to media placement, primarily for the healthcare industry. The acquisition strengthens and broadens KBM Group’s existing products and services for the healthcare market, augmenting the company’s core capabilities with a wide array of agency services such as creative and media placement, including digital media channels. Based in St. Louis, MO, MDI is a privately held company. Financial terms of the deal are not being disclosed, and the acquisition is subject to regulatory and shareholder approvals.

Founded in 1997, MDI has been ranked one of America’s fastest-growing private companies by Inc. Magazine in its annual Inc. 5000 survey for 2008, 2009 and 2010. The company’s growth has been driven by providing direct and interactive marketing services primarily to the healthcare industry, but the company has experience in retail and financial services as well. MDI’s capabilities span marketing services end-to-end, including: consulting services, developing and optimizing direct market channels, facilitating the sales process through sales force automation, determining the best mix of online and offline media, performing analytics and testing to ensure results, developing creative campaigns from messages to branding, optimizing websites and online strategies, and media placement and execution. Providing these multichannel marketing services to targeted industries has given MDI industry-specific expertise that has allowed it to help its clients acquire millions of customers and engage them to improve healthcare outcomes.

With the combined strength of the acquisition, KBM Group is also officially announcing the launch of KBM Group: Health Services, a new business practice focused on improving how companies across the healthcare continuum engage with consumers and healthcare professionals. KBM Group: Health Services will immediately intensify its focus on helping organizations within the healthcare ecosystem create more meaningful engagements with consumers for the ultimate goal of improving healthcare outcomes while reducing the overall cost of healthcare services. Dennis Barnes, Jr., President & CEO of MDI, will become President, KBM Group: Health Services. The new unit will remain part of Enterprise Services within KBM Group.

“While KBM Group and MDI have been recognized and established leaders within healthcare for several years now, current and impending changes to healthcare require a more holistic approach to multi-channel engagement if we are to substantially reduce costs while improving outcomes,” says Dennis Kooker, KBM Group’s President & COO for Enterprise Services. “Combining KBM Group’s industry standards for data, analytics, and database services delivered through its Consumer Healthcare Engagement Platform (CHEP) with MDI’s expertise in blending creative content and program design with analytics was an obvious combination. MDI has also invested heavily within innovative digital channels that mark the future of consumer engagement. The fundamental beliefs of our organizations and how to serve the healthcare ecosystem are very much aligned.”

Dennis Barnes, President & CEO of MDI, says, “We look forward to contributing our successful record of growth and healthcare expertise to KBM Group, and to integrating our capabilities with KBM Group’s superb data and analytics capability. As an agency specializing in healthcare, we are impressed with the level of healthcare subject matter expertise and the vision that KBM Group has created for the healthcare ecosystem. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to lead an organization with the combined resources and capabilities that KBM Group Health will possess; not to mention how exciting it is to be able to prove our more fundamental goal of driving down the cost of healthcare in this country without needing to make villains out of the healthcare providers.” 

New York-based mergers & acquisition firm AdMedia Partners acted as exclusive financial advisor to MDI in the transaction (www.admediapartners.com). For information about MDI and its transition to KBM Group: Health Services, go to www.marketingdirect.com.

About KBM Group
KBM Group is the global leader in knowledge-based marketing solutions. Expert in both digital and traditional direct marketing, KBM Group helps companies manage, analyze and optimize marketing data to engage more effectively with their customers and prospects. KBM Group’s integrated, world-class solutions include strategic consulting, digital services, database services, analytics, marketing management, response services, data and marketing outsourcing. The company has 16 offices in nine countries serving global, enterprise and B2B2C-focused companies. KBM Group’s parent company, Wunderman is part of Young & Rubicam Brands and a member of WPP (NASDAQ: WPPGY). www.kbmg.com.

Contact:
Barbara Palmer
(Tel) +1 212 941 3367
(Mob) +1 917 405 8252
[email protected]

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Filed Under: Medical And Healthcare

incentaHEALTH Finds Better Way to Fight Employee Obesity While Reducing Employer Health Care Costs

Posted on December 8, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: incentaHEALTH

Workplace Kiosks Screen and Measure Employee Health, Emails Motivate Increased Participation and Success Is Met by Cash Rewards

DENVER, CO–(Marketwire – December 8, 2010) – Like the scale in the doctor’s office, the numbers can be daunting. Similarly, the statistics that reveal an increasingly overweight America — 67 percent and rising — are sending shivers down the spine of this nation’s health care system, especially in corporate America where the costs of keeping employees healthy are threatening both the bottom line and the country’s economic future.

Today it costs employers an estimated $13,000 annually to provide premium health care benefits for a typical employee and his or her dependents, and that figure has gone up 10 percent each year for the past decade. Of that annual amount, almost $10,000 is paid by the employer. 

In an attempt to stem the tide, Denver-based incentaHEALTH has focused on one of the biggest drivers of health care costs: obesity. Overweight and obese employees incur over $1,500 in additional costs for the employer each year. In response, incentaHEALTH has developed a unique program that pays employees and their families to lose weight, stay healthy and remain productive. Blending technology, ingenuity, medical expertise, and employer resources, it is designed to encourage greater participation by employees in typical company health plans.

According to Todd McGuire, Chief Technology Officer, who co-founded the company in 2002 with CEO Jack Rule, the idea for incentaHEALTH was developed after discovering that among the most pressing issues facing the business world at the time were runaway health care costs and obesity.

“In 2002 we weren’t happy with the wellness programs used by the rest of the industry, so we created our own,” McGuire said. “Our technology authenticates health outcomes instead of relying on people to self-report. Since we are paying cash incentives, you don’t want somebody to send a friend down to weigh in for them.”

The centerpiece of the incentaHEALTH system is the patented HEALTHspot kiosk which, when strategically placed throughout a company’s facilities, provides:

  • Automated biometric measurements of weight, blood pressure and body mass index (BMI) using authenticated measurements (not self-reported)
  • Instant feedback to participants and program administrators
  • 24-hour, low cost operation and remote maintenance
  • Enhanced privacy
  • Full-body digital imaging to keep track of participant progress and create a visual progress report
  • Complete and accurate electronic records for both employee and employer

Supporting the kiosks, the program uses a variety of communication tools to reach all employees and motivate them to participate. Says McGuire, “Behavior change is a daily battle. It won’t occur with an occasional newsletter. A better approach is a daily coaching plan using emails and text messages that shows employees and their dependents exactly how to eat and exercise.” The program incorporates onsite kickoff sessions and printed support materials to reach employees without email access.

“The national view of health and wellness has matured significantly since we started our business,” said McGuire. “After extensive research of the problem and conducting surveys of the workforce, the wellness industry has found that people are inactive, overweight, have high blood pressure and are not eating properly. Employers are now demanding programs that result in real behavioral changes to tackle these issues.”

“Historically, employers have offered $50 to employees just to sign up for a wellness program, whether they used it or not,” he added. “What we do is shift from an incentive for participating to an incentive for measured performance. For example, if an employee signs up for our program and achieves a 15 percent weight loss, they will get paid, in actual dollars on a brightly colored check, when they weigh in at the HEALTHspot kiosk every 90 days.” The program pays incentives ranging from $15 to $150 per quarter to all employees based on the amount of weight they lose, so every level of success is rewarded.

So far, the incentaHEALTH approach to corporate wellness is working. Organizations across the globe are signing up — companies like Jackson National Life Insurance Co., Virginia Tech, Kaiser Permanente, Long Beach Memorial Medical Center, Accident Fund Insurance Company of America, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and others that are concerned about their employees’ health.

“incentaHEALTH has become an integral part of our overall wellness program, which helps our associates make healthier lifestyle choices,” said Cheng Hsu, benefits manager at Jackson National.

And users are noticing a big difference in their health.

“I’ve lost 70 pounds on this program. I am now eating healthy, watching my portion sizes and exercising,” said one employee participant. “It was a true godsend.”

About incentaHEALTH
incentaHEALTH is an innovative health care technology company based in Denver, Colorado. incentaHEALTH’s fully outsourced, employee weight management program is designed to help organizations reduce their health care costs by offering incentives to employees for improving their health. This is achieved by helping employees manage their weight through the use of interactive email coaching, workplace weigh-ins on private kiosks, and cash rewards for maintaining long term health improvements. For more information, visit www.incentahealth.com.

Media Contact:
Les Goldberg
Lages & Associates
(949) 453-8080
[email protected]

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Filed Under: Medical And Healthcare

Radient Pharmaceuticals Onko-Sure(R) In Vitro Diagnostic Cancer Test Potentially Effective as Veterinary Cancer Tumor Marker

Posted on December 8, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: Radient Pharmaceuticals Corporation

TUSTIN, CA–(Marketwire – December 8, 2010) – Radient Pharmaceuticals Corporation (RPC) (NYSE Amex: RPC) today announced it has completed a pilot clinical study to measure the feasibility of using its Onko-Sure® in vitro diagnostic (IVD) cancer test kit as a veterinary tumor marker initially for cancer detection in domestic cats.

Preliminary data from the Onko-Sure® assay pilot study measuring domestic cat serum suggests RPC’s Onko-Sure® IVD cancer test may potentially detect cancer in domestic cats. In this pilot study, RPC ran samples from confirmed normal domestic cats and domestic cats with cancer. For cats with cancer, RPC ran a serum sample obtained first when the cats were cancer-free and another sample subsequently when the cats were confirmed with cancer. The relative levels of Onko-Sure® for the cats were compared using the Onko-Sure assay and showed a 2,853% increase in Onko-Sure levels versus the healthy sample. RPC is currently engaged in full clinical trial including 71 samples, which includes an antigen characterization that involves testing to identify direct evidence that RPC’s Onko-Sure® IVD cancer test kits are effective in cancer detection in domestic felines.

According to Douglas MacLellan, Chairman and CEO of Radient Pharmaceuticals, “This development is anticipated to open the use of our Onko-Sure® assay as a veterinary cancer tool that could play an integral role in the screening and early detection of cancer for veterinary patients and further enhance RPC’s strong portfolio of novel oncology products. This is truly an exciting development for the Company and our valued shareholders.”

Onko?Sure is a simple, non?invasive, patent?pending and regulatory?approved IVD test for use as an aid in early detection of cancer. Onko?Sure enables physicians and their patients to effectively monitor and/or detect certain types of cancers by measuring the accumulation of specific breakdown products in the blood called Fibrin and Fibrinogen Degradation Products (FDP). FDP levels rise dramatically with the progression of cancer. Onko?Sure is approved by the US FDA for the monitoring of colorectal cancer, Health Canada as a lung cancer screen and cancer monitoring tool, and the European Union, Indian government, Korean government, and Taiwanese government as a cancer monitoring or cancer screening test. Onko?Sure test kits are currently sold as a blood test for cancer in Europe, India, Taiwan, Korea, and Vietnam and in Chili for research use.

About Radient Pharmaceuticals:
Headquartered in Tustin, California, Radient Pharmaceuticals is dedicated to saving lives and money for patients and global healthcare systems through the deployment of its FDA-cleared In Vitro Diagnostic Onko-Sure® Test Kits for colon-rectal cancer recurrence monitoring The company’s focus is on the discovery, development and commercialization of unique high-value diagnostic tests that help physicians answer important clinical questions related to early disease-state detection, treatment strategy and the monitoring of disease progression or recurrence. To learn more about our company, people and potentially life-saving cancer test, visit.

Forward-Looking Statements:
Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: The statements contained in this document include certain predictions and projections that may be considered forward-looking statements under securities law. These statements involve a number of important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially including, but not limited to, the performance of joint venture partners, as well as other economic, competitive and technological factors involving the Company’s operations, markets, services, products, and prices. With respect to Radient Pharmaceuticals Corporation, except for the historical information contained herein, the matters discussed in this document are forward-looking statements involving risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements.

RPC Contact:
Kristine Szarkowitz
Director-Investor Relations
Email Contact
Tel: 206.310.5323

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Filed Under: Medical And Healthcare

Appirio Selects RehabCare as Cloud Pioneer of the Year

Posted on December 8, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: Appirio

Healthcare Company, Its CIO and Vice President of Information Services Honored for Using Cloud and Mobile Technologies to Improve Patient Care and Transform an Industry

SAN FRANCISCO, CA–(Marketwire – December 8, 2010) – Salesforce.com Dreamforce Conference — Appirio has selected RehabCare as Cloud Pioneer of the Year, an annual award given by Appirio to companies and individuals that demonstrate leadership in cloud computing initiatives and a commitment to moving their business forward using public cloud platforms. 

RehabCare is a leading provider of physical rehabilitation program management services in more than 1,260 hospitals, skilled nursing facilities and other long-term care facilities in the U.S. They own and operate 35 hospitals, employ more than 18,000 people and report $1.6B in revenue. RehabCare’s commitment to using cloud-based and mobile platforms to improve patient care while growing their business and staying ahead of complex healthcare regulations stood out among more than a dozen nominated organizations.

“We view our technology investments as core to our company’s future and critical for patient care, and we think it can be a model for others in this industry,” said Dick Escue, CIO of RehabCare. “Using cloud computing, we can do things now that we wouldn’t have even thought possible two years ago. We see it as a huge differentiator for our company and the care we can provide.”

Over the past year, RehabCare has invested in building out an integrated technology platform that has dramatically improved their patient intake and referral process, the way they track, benchmark and improve rehabilitation procedures, and the way they report and communicate progress to Medicare, patients and their families. RehabCare has standardized on platforms, such as Salesforce, Force.com, Google Apps, and Google Health, and are in the process of developing a comprehensive cloud-based Electronic Medical Record platform that will begin rolling out next year. They’ve armed thousands of therapists with iPhones and iTouches and have been highlighted by Apple for their use of the iPad in healthcare.

Appirio’s Cloud Pioneer awards program was introduced earlier this year to recognize the champions and change agents among Appirio’s customers — those who recognize the unparalleled benefits of public cloud platforms and drive projects that are not only successful but truly impactful for their organization. Each Cloud Pioneer award winner is chosen by Appirio’s leadership team, based on nominations from the company’s delivery managers and cloud architects. Other 2010 Cloud Pioneer award winners include individuals at AIG Edison, Dolby Laboratories, DeVry University, Dunkin Brands, Japan Post Network and Perceptive Software. 

“The recipients of Appirio’s Cloud Pioneer award illustrate the potential of cloud computing to shape business strategy, accelerate innovation and drive competitive advantage,” said Chris Barbin, CEO of Appirio. “The executives and IT team at RehabCare who are applying cloud and mobile technologies throughout their business exemplify every one of these benefits. We are privileged to work with them and all of our Cloud Pioneers.”

Appirio’s 2010 Cloud Pioneers
Dick Escue and Jayson Chitwood (RehabCare), Tohru Futami (AIG Edison Life), Mary Ann Lusk and John Cunningham (DeVry University), Curtis Hodge and Scott Sullivan (Dolby Laboratories), Michael Wordell, Erik Astin, Greg O’Connor and Jon Cohen (Dunkin Brands), Neale Wooten (Perceptive Software), Yoshihiko Ohta (Japan Post Network)

About Appirio
Appirio (www.appirio.com) is a cloud solution provider offering products and professional services that help enterprises accelerate their adoption of cloud applications and platforms. Appirio’s innovation and expertise has been recognized by BusinessWeek as one of America’s Most Promising Startups and by AlwaysOn as 2010 On-Demand Company of the Year. Appirio has helped more than 180 leading enterprises implement, build and manage mission critical cloud solutions using salesforce.com, Google, Workday and Amazon. We are proud to serve a wide range of customers such as Avago, the City of Los Angeles, Diversey, Dunkin Brands, Flextronics, Japan Post Network, Ltd., IMS Health, Motorola, Qualcomm, RehabCare, Safety Kleen, Starbucks and VMware, as well as the 5,000 companies that use Appirio’s products to connect and extend cloud platforms. Founded in 2006, Appirio has offices in the U.S. and Japan, and is backed by Sequoia Capital and GGV Capital.

Media Contact:
Cara Foley
SHIFT Communications
Phone: 415-591-8416
Email: [email protected]

Filed Under: Medical And Healthcare

Health Options Worldwide Discusses the Rise of Domestic Medical Travel

Posted on December 7, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: Health Options Worldwide

PRINCETON, NJ–(Marketwire – December 7, 2010) – More employers and insurance companies are providing domestic medical travel incentives such as waived deductibles; coinsurance plans and covered travel expenses if employees will simply travel within the United States for healthcare travel or to another region or city for medical care. “The savings are significant and therefore insurers and third party administrators are partnering with healthcare providers for new revenue sources, especially in these times of reduced revenues thanks to healthcare reform,” said David Goldstein, president of Health Options Worldwide (HOW), an online medical tourism agency that provides high-quality low-cost healthcare options domestically and internationally.

In fact, large employers are negotiating with American hospitals located in other states and encouraging employees to seek healthcare for major illnesses and surgeries in other regions of the country. “Employers are partnering with insurance companies and hospitals to save money on their employee health plans,” said Goldstein. “They are accomplishing this by negotiating single rate packages with high-quality hospitals in other states, to include all fees for medical services in a single treatment program.”

Employers who adopt “domestic medical travel” can reduce healthcare costs 20-40% simply by referring employees to American facilities with higher-quality care and lower negotiated prices than in their own hometown. Health industry analysts believe that medical tourism, and more specifically domestic medical travel, could improve overall quality of care and help drive down costs with national competition.

Healthcare savings in domestic medical travel programs are realized from lower prices, which are negotiated between the company and the out-of-state hospital. Reduced complications from procedures performed at these high-quality hospitals also help the bottom line. Follow-up care is handled at the local hospital and covered as part of the treatment program, under the company’s insurance plan.

“Domestic medical travel is not a new concept as employers and insurers have always referred patients to high-quality facilities elsewhere for complex procedures,” said Goldstein. As healthcare costs continue to rise nationwide, domestic medical travel is a way for major employees to control escalating costs and provide their employees with the best quality care.

Contact:

David Goldstein
President
Health Options Worldwide
Ph: 1-877-234-1345
www.healthoptionsworldwide.com

Click here to see all recent news from this company

Filed Under: Medical And Healthcare

Two Atlanta Business Leaders Appointed to Board of India-US Business Network

Posted on December 7, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: Morley Research

ATLANTA, GA–(Marketwire – December 7, 2010) – Jane Green, PhD, president of Morley Research Consortium, and Donald Johnson, Chief Operations Officer of Opus Institutional Review Board, have been appointed to the India-US Business Network (IUSBN) Board of Directors.

In this capacity Dr. Green and Mr. Johnson will be integral to shaping the relationship between India and the United States as the two countries explore and develop mutually beneficial opportunities. The initial four areas of interest for the IUSBN are Biotech, Pharma, Diagnostic, Devices and Health Care; Cold Chain; Education; and Renewable Energy. 

The two Atlanta leaders, who both have extensive experience in clinical research, have been asked to sit on the Biotech Committee for the IUSBN. This committee is focused on matching companies from each country with counterparts in research and development.

“This is both an honor and an opportunity,” said Dr. Green. “By furthering cooperation with India, we achieve the ability to improve the level of research and development in the area of biotech in both countries. I believe this exchange of ideas and information can create exponential advances in developing products and technologies that will benefit the entire world.”

Dr. Green’s organization, the Morley Research Consortium, assists device and drug companies to achieve their research goals of bringing a new product to market through its contract research organization which additionally provides research compliance, total trial management, contracting, site identification and training.

“India is a world leader in technology innovations, and expects to achieve similar success in the biotech field,” said Mr. Johnson. “I am pleased to be able to play a role in helping reach that goal, while also strengthening and benefiting U.S. companies.”

Mr. Johnson manages Opus Institutional Review Board (IRB), the ethical overview organization mandated to review clinical research studies worldwide. Opus IRB has a board of directors consisting of the country’s top practicing physicians in a variety of clinical specialties and encompasses over 20 medical disciplines.

Mr. Johnson and Dr. Green are the first two board members of the IUSBN from the southern region of the U.S. and they are planning the initial Atlanta area meeting of the IUSBN in the first quarter 2011 for others interested in the organization.

Learn more about IUSBN at www.iusbn.org. 

Media Contact:
Lynn Hood
Email Contact
678-427-5040

Company Contact:
Jane Green
Email Contact
404-625-0036

Filed Under: Medical And Healthcare

SK&A Launches Web Video Series Featuring Customer Challenges and Solutions

Posted on December 7, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: SK & A, A Cegedim Company

IRVINE, CA–(Marketwire – December 7, 2010) – SK&A, A Cegedim Company, a leading provider of healthcare information solutions and research, today announced the launch of its new web video series, “My Data Dilemma.” The series will feature SK&A clients from industries such as pharmaceutical, biotechnology, healthcare consulting, medical device and others, discussing their specific marketing challenges and how they overcame them through effective targeting and use of SK&A’s healthcare data products.

Episode one of “My Data Dilemma” takes viewers inside a healthcare consulting company that was challenged with identifying and reaching all U.S. blood bank directors and maternity nurses to execute surveys in support of two campaigns. One of the company’s senior vice presidents identifies the challenge the organization faced, the strategy that was executed with SK&A’s help and the results the company received from the project.

“Video is a great medium to effectively deliver the value and insight of successful marketing strategies and tactics to our large base of clients and prospects, and I am excited the SK&A marketing department has provided an insightful and engaging series that will help our customers learn from one another,” said SK&A’s Dave Escalante, Vice President of Data and Information Solutions. “With healthcare marketing strategies changing so rapidly, we feel it is important to embrace our leadership position in this space, connect our community of users, and promote the exchange of ideas.”

SK&A’s commitment to creating a community within the healthcare marketing industry is reflected in its social media outreach efforts, which span across its blog, LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Users can find news articles, discussions and other resources available at SK&A. All of SK&A’s market insight reports, press releases and company announcements can be accessed through these social media channels. The web video series will be posted on SK&A’s website and YouTube, with access from all the social media web pages.

Coming soon in episode two, “My Data Dilemma” cameras visit the office of a global biotech company that was challenged with identifying all the U.S. hospitals that treat a specific disease. Tune in to see how they found a solution for their marketing research challenge.

To view episode one of “My Data Dilemma,” visit http://www.skainfo.com/video_series.php. 

About SK&A, A Cegedim Company:
SK&A is a leading provider of healthcare information solutions and research. SK&A, as part of Cegedim’s global OneKey® offering, researches and maintains contact and profiling information for over two million healthcare practitioners, including 800,000-plus prescribers. SK&A also offers the only 100-percent telephone-verified database of email addresses of U.S. prescribers and professionals working at active healthcare sites. SK&A’s customers include many of America’s most recognized healthcare, life sciences and pharmaceutical companies. Please visit www.skainfo.com for more information or www.skalivecounts.com for counts and ordering.  

About Cegedim:
Founded in 1969, Cegedim is a global technology and services company specializing in the healthcare field. Cegedim supplies services, technological tools, specialized software, data flow management services and databases. Its offerings are targeted notably at healthcare industries, life sciences companies, healthcare professionals and insurance companies. The world leader in life sciences CRM, Cegedim is also one of the leading suppliers of strategic healthcare industry data. Cegedim employs 8,600 people in more than 80 countries and generated revenue of EUR 874 million in 2009. Cegedim SA is listed in Paris (EURONEXT: CGM). To learn more, please visit: www.cegedim.com 

Contacts:

Jack SCHEMBER
SK&A, A Cegedim Company
Director of Marketing
Tel.: (+1) 949.255.1259
Email Contact

Aude BALLEYDIER
Cegedim
Media Relations
Tel.: +33 (0)1 49 09 68 81
Email Contact

Click here to see all recent news from this company

Filed Under: Medical And Healthcare

miCARD(R) Partners With GWRRA: Provides Lifesaving Medical Card to Motorcycle Association

Posted on December 7, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: miCARD

Co-Branded Medical Information Card Gives Emergency Personnel Instant Access to GWRRA Members’ Critical Medical Information, 24/7, Worldwide

SCOTTSDALE, AZ–(Marketwire – December 7, 2010) – miCARD and Gold Wing Road Riders Association, the world’s largest social organization for owners and riders of Honda Gold Wing/Valkyrie motorcycles have partnered to provide GWRRA with a co-branded, medical information card that prepares association member/riders for an unanticipated medical emergency.

“One of the highest priorities at GWRRA is to ensure the health and safety of our 74,000+ members,” said Ed Price, Marketing Director at GWRRA. “We are pleased to join forces with miCARD to ensure our association riders are prepared for any kind of a medical event. No matter where our members go, we know that the lifesaving medical information on miCARD will be with them. I personally carry miCARD in my wallet all the time, as I travel extensively.”

Motorcycle Fatalities on the Rise
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration projects more than 100,000 motorcycle injuries will occur this year alone. Even with the advent of statewide motorcycle safety campaigns to help automobile drivers become more aware of motorcyclists, fatalities continue to rise. Carrying medical information ensures that emergency personnel have the critical information they need to make lifesaving decisions should an accident occur.

miCARD is the only medical information card and online Personal Health Record(PHR) designed by an emergency physician. In less than one minute, miCARD gives medical personnel in the field a readable summary of a member’s vital medical information. This includes: current medical conditions, critical medications, emergency contacts, allergies and more. miCARD’s wallet card is further supported by an online PHR which stores additional member information such as: advance directives, physician contacts, EKG’s, lab results, and current medications. All personal medical information is stored securely online and viewable at the miCARD website 24/7 by treating medical providers worldwide.

“Critical decisions about your health are made in the first few minutes of your emergency care,” said Dr. James Kelley, a practicing ER physician and co-founder of miCARD. “If you are unconscious or incapacitated, medical personnel have no knowledge of your existing medical conditions, critical medications or other important details which could impact your care and save your life.”

miCARD is a low cost solution to the problem of emergency preparedness and care and can be created securely online in minutes. To ensure the health and safety of your association members or to enquire about co-branding opportunities with miCARD please visit www.micard.com/partners or contact us directly at (866)596.2956.

About miCARD
Headquartered in Scottsdale, AZ, miCARD is a physician designed, medical information card and online personal health record designed to optimize emergency medical care. miCARD’s proprietary solution improves the flow of critical care information and ensures medical personnel have immediate and secure access to a user’s vital medical information, 24/7 worldwide. miCARD is registered with the USPTO under patent & trademark protection. For more information about miCARD please visit www.micard.com or contact us at (866)596.2956.

About Gold Wing Road Riders Association
 Founded in 1977, The Gold Wing Road Riders Association (GWRRA) is the world’s largest single-marque social organization for owners and riders of Honda Gold Wing/Valkyrie motorcycles. Dedicated to our motto, Friends for Fun, Safety and Knowledge, GWRRA members enjoy the freedom of belonging to a not-for-profit, non-religious and non-political organization with more than 800 active chapters, serving nearly 80,000 U.S., Canadian and international members in 53 foreign countries.

Contact:
Media Relations
email: [email protected]
Phone: (866)596.2956

Filed Under: Medical And Healthcare

Over 35 Pharma, Biotech Leaders Headline iiBIG’s Pharma, Biotech Licensing & Partnering San Diego Summit

Posted on December 7, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: iiBIG

PORT WASHINGTON, NY–(Marketwire – December 7, 2010) – iiBIG’s Pharma & Biotech Licensing & Partnering — scheduled for March 3-4, 2011 at the Doubletree Hotel San Diego Downtown in San Diego, CA — is designed to bring together EVPs, SVPs, Chief Business Officers, COOs and other Senior Management from Pharmaceutical and Biotech companies involved in licensing, business development and strategic alliances and partnerships. This educational and networking forum will provide insight and guidance to pharmaceutical licensing, business development and deal making executives from across the world — covering issues that will help pharmaceutical companies both large and small to structure the best deals, carefully monitor risks and, perhaps, find their next partner. Executives from across the country will gather together to exchange ideas and information. 

Key issues to be addressed include:

  • What are the best practice strategies in developing an effective win-win licensing deal?
  • Early versus Late Stage Partnering Opportunities
  • Role of Corporate Investors in Today’s Deals
  • The Evolving Business Model of Building a Biotech
  • What Uncertain Financial Markets Mean for Deal-Making
  • Maximizing Your Company Value Through Non-Traditional Alliances

Hear from representatives of large, medium, and small pharmaceutical as well as biotechnology companies as they share their insights on the evolving state of the industry. Some key faculty speakers include:

  • Michael Shih, Senior Director, Business Development, Eisai Inc.

  • Dr. Robert Baughman, PharmD PhD, Vice President Experimental Pharmacology, MannKind Corporation

  • Linda A. Egger, PhD, CLP™, Senior Director, Scientific Liaison External Scientific Affairs – Diabetes and Obesity Licensing, Merck & Co.

  • Dr. Sameeh M. Salama, Senior Director, Business Development, NAEJA Pharmaceutical Inc.

  • Christoph Pittius, Ph. D., Executive Director, Business Development & Licensing, Novartis Oncology

  • Daisy Rivera-Muzzio, Senior Director EP Product Licensing, Portfolio Development, Pfizer

  • Allen Downs, Senior Executive Director, Licensing & Business Development, Purdue Pharma

  • Michael D. Step, Senior VP, Corporate Development, Santarus, Inc.

  • Gwen Melincoff, Senior Vice President of Business Development, Shire Pharmaceuticals

For complete information about this event visit: http://www.iibig.com/P1101.

About iiBIG
iiBIG (International Institute for Business Information & Growth) is an unbiased, independent company dedicated to organizing business-to-business conferences and seminars for senior-level business executives. For more information, visit: http://www.iibig.com. 

Filed Under: Medical And Healthcare

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