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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

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

St. Clair Hospital Replaces Scheduling System With Versus RTLS

Posted on December 7, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: Versus Technology, Inc.

TRAVERSE CITY, MI–(Marketwire – December 7, 2010) – St. Clair Hospital Outpatient Surgery Center in Pittsburgh, PA has selected the Versus Advantages Real-time Locating System (RTLS) from Versus Technology, Inc. (Versus) (PINKSHEETS: VSTI) to improve nurse-to-patient assignment and continue automated nurse call cancellation functionality throughout the 34,000 sq. ft. same-day surgical center. The center anticipates an increase in patient volume and looked to RTLS automation to enhance workflow processes.

Versus has provided location information, call cancellation and patient flow to St. Clair for many years. This was primarily to automate a separate system (part nurse call, part scheduling) provided by a nurse call vendor that no longer fully supports the product. The Outpatient Surgery Center genuinely relied on this system for displaying patient and nurse location, assigning nurses to patients and patient readiness. However, the system required manual data entry and is no longer supported.

Working with Intelligent Electronic Systems, Inc. (IES), the local Pittsburgh GE Telligence dealer, Versus designed a new solution for St. Clair which utilizes much of their existing RTLS network, retains well-liked features from their old system and automates several additional features to improve patient care and efficiency. The most notable of these features is Versus’ new Schedule View, which offers caregivers a consolidated view of scheduled appointments and other applicable data. It can be sorted by provider or date, allowing users to filter information relevant to their own responsibilities. This view is an extension of Versus’ Enterprise View, which provides real-time, Glance-and-Go™ clinical information on Floorplans, List Views, Wait Views, etc.

Versus automates nurse-to-patient assignments based on a nurse’s physical presence in the patient room. However, St. Clair’s process required assignment of nurses to patients the night before based on the patient’s acuity and the nurse’s expertise or skill level. The current day’s appointments and assignments are then displayed in a single view. St. Clair’s current system was not equipped to address their pre-staffing requirement, so Versus developed and delivered this capability. Versus receives an inbound HL7 message from St. Clair’s Account Manager Patient Financial Management system allowed current scheduling procedures to be maintained while extending necessary features for nurse pre-assignment and automated nurse notification upon patient arrival.

Additionally, St. Clair’s staff will transition from relying on nurse call lights to determine patient readiness to the web-based Versus Advantages solution. This allows all staff, including those in other departments like radiology or surgery, to determine patient readiness and room availability. Staff will continue to benefit from real-time locating of patients, staff and equipment, as well as wait time alerts and the traditional automated nurse registry and call cancellation that results from Versus’ integration to any nurse call system.

Versus is working closely with St. Clair’s HIS staff (contracted Allscripts employees) and IES to finalize the workflow process that will drive their Enterprise interfaces and communication configurations to pagers.

About St. Clair Hospital
St. Clair Hospital is an independent, acute care facility that provides advanced, high quality health care to more than 400,000 residents of southwestern Pennsylvania. With 525 physicians and more than 2,000 employees, St. Clair is the largest employer in Pittsburgh’s South Hills. Providing virtually every health care service that residents might need throughout their lives, the Hospital combines advanced technologies with exceptional medical expertise to ensure that the community’s health needs are met. For more information, please visit www.stclair.org.

About IES
IES is a life safety sales and service company. They provide Fire Alarm Systems, Nurse Call Systems, CCTV/Security Systems, Access Control Systems, and Fire Alarm Testing/Service Agreements. IES has been chosen by GE Healthcare above all others as their preferred healthcare communication systems company in Southwestern Pennsylvania.

About Versus Technology, Inc.
Established in 1988, Versus Technology, Inc. specializes in real-time location systems (RTLS) for healthcare. Used for enterprise patient tracking, bed management, asset tracking, and nurse call automation, Versus Advantages™ improves patient flow and documentation of caregiver and patient interactions, while enhancing communication and efficiency. Exclusively endorsed by the American Hospital Association, the Versus Advantages infrared (IR) and Active RFID solution is responsible for clinical-grade location and automation at a number of hospitals, clinics and long-term care facilities worldwide. To learn more about Versus Technology, Inc. (PINKSHEETS: VSTI), our technology and client successes, visit www.versustech.com and take the Advantages Tour.

Safe Harbor Provision
This release may include forward-looking statements which “bespeak caution,” and which are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements. The statements are made only as of the date of this release, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update them to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.

Media Contact:
Versus Technology, Inc.
Stephanie Bertschy
Director of Marketing
877.983.7787
Email Contact

Investor/Analyst Contact:
Versus Technology, Inc.
Joseph Winowiecki
Chief Financial Officer
231.946.5868
Email Contact

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Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

StepStoneMed Announces Web-Based Virtual Patient Cases — Transforming Medical Education

Posted on December 7, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: StepStoneMed

Medical Educators Endorse the Virtual Patient Approach as a Highly Effective, Innovative Way to Bridge the Learning Gap Between Textbook and Patient Bedside

HOUSTON, TX–(Marketwire – December 7, 2010) – StepStoneMed™, the emerging leader in innovative solutions for medical education, today announced a new and innovative virtual patient module, Classic Cardiac Codes©. Designed to teach the latest advancements in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Classic Cardiac Codes is a series of web-based interactive lessons designed to teach clinical medicine to students and physicians. The module features ten virtual-patient encounters specifically created to advance learning and retention of some of the most urgent conditions faced by healthcare professionals, regardless of their area of specialization. Traditional resources in medical education and CME are text-based and often dry and boring. StepStoneMed lessons feature memorable, well-developed characters designed to personify the medical conditions they each represent. Learners are guided by the “StepStones,” a navigational progress bar and electronic flashcard system, designed to teach and reinforce the correct sequence of evidence-based medical management decisions. Each case ends with a review of the appropriate protocols, standards of care, and additional resources for the learner. Preliminary studies have demonstrated that medical students using StepStoneMed test at significantly higher levels of mastery and retain their knowledge longer than students depending on traditional methods alone.

Medicine is best learned at the bedside, where book-based facts about diseases, symptoms, and appropriate interventions are translated into patient-based knowledge. Unfortunately, exposure to patients with a variety of conditions is severely limited during traditional medical education. The result is insecure young doctors, inefficient patient care, and escalating costs for diagnostic testing. StepStoneMed has been designed specifically to address this limitation, using the proven educational psychology principles and the latest e-learning technologies.

“This novel approach to medical education incorporates the best of how students, residents and practicing physicians learn. It is interactive, accurate, and simulates the complex way that doctors learn to make decisions in emergency situations. This is a great way to learn how to navigate emergency situations, or to practice these scenarios from time to time to keep these critical skills up to date,” said Mary L. Brandt, MD, Professor and Vice Chair, Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine.

According to one of StepStoneMed’s founders, David Eagleman, PhD, Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, “This is the future of learning. As neuroscience demonstrates, we learn best when we’re presented with active decision-making, emotional salience, and memorable narrative. These patients — and the lessons they teach — are impossible to forget.”

Caroline Popper, MD, MPH, President, BCM Technologies, Inc., said, “StepStoneMed combines great medical education with innovation in information technology. The confluence of Healthcare and Technology is a major market trend, and BCM Technologies is very excited to work with terrific Baylor entrepreneurs in this company.”

“StepStoneMed bridges the gap from books to bedside with our virtual patients, cleverly designed to personify disease in a memorable way. Our structured guidance through correct diagnosis and intervention protocols ensures effective learning for every medical specialty,” said Cynthia Sheridan, Chief Executive Officer, StepStoneMed. “This new module of cases has been proven to dramatically increase med students’ understanding and long term retention of information.”

StepStoneMed’s interactive learning module, Classic Cardiac Codes, is available today. The module is cost-effective and priced specifically for medical students. For a limited time, students can get two of the cases at no charge by using their medical school email address when they register at www.stepstonemed.com. StepStoneMed modules are also available for academic institutions on a departmental or campus-wide basis.

About StepStoneMed

StepStoneMed was created by a medical student at Baylor College of Medicine, under the mentorship of Professors of Surgery and Neuroscience. Their application is the only virtual patient case tool that offers structured, evidence-based learning in the form of case modules for all the medical specialties. StepStoneMed provides a memorable connection between patient and disease, is readily available to every student over the web, and contains the most current protocols and standards of care.

StepStoneMed is led by a team of seasoned professionals with a unique blend of experience in medicine, medical education, e-learning, software commercialization and serious game design. For more information, visit www.stepstonemed.com.

Media Contact:

Ruth Davidson
StepStoneMed, Inc.
713-795-0105
Email Contact

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Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

Santa’s on His Way… Santa Claus Isn’t Just Bringing Toys This Holiday Season, He’s Also Bringing Happiness to Kids and Families That Are Stricken…

Posted on December 7, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: Hair Fairies

LOS ANGELES, CA–(Marketwire – December 7, 2010) – Announced today, Santa Claus and some very special helpers will be visiting Hair Fairies salons (www.hairfairies.com) nationwide. Santa will be on site every Saturday in December through Christmas to deliver cheer, take photos, listen to wish lists and hand out special treats. The holiday season is upon us and nobody wants it ruined by having to deal with head lice. So, if these bugs happen to find their way into your home, what better way to get rid of them then at one of Hair Fairies unique salons, with the added benefit of meeting jolly ol’ St. Nick. The friendly technicians will work their magic with special techniques and 100% natural, non-toxic products. They will also be discounting many of their all natural Nit-Zapping™ head lice treatment products and up to 50% off your final treatment.

“The holiday season is an important time of year and we want families to be able to enjoy it the best way possible with fun, laughter, and free of lice!” stated Maria Botham, Founder and President of the Hair Fairies brand. “This is also a fun way to give back to the community.”

Hair Fairies, The Head Lice Helpers, the country’s leading head lice brand, has been helping millions of families that are stricken with head lice since 1999. To learn more about Hair Fairies salons and locations, their natural products and to order online, visit www.hairfairies.com. Even if you do not have head lice stop by and visit Santa and learn how you can prevent an outbreak in the future! 

HoHoHo… Happy Holidays from the Hair Fairies staff. 

For more information on the festivities you can
contact one of their salons at their toll free number,
Hair Fairies
1-877-285-0069

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Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

Allied Healthcare International Inc. Reports Fiscal 2010 Fourth Quarter and Year-End Results

Posted on December 7, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: Allied Healthcare International Inc.

Fiscal 2010 Revenues Increased 8.0%, at Constant Exchange Rates; Fiscal 2010 Operating Income Increased 7.7%, at Constant Exchange Rates & Excluding Acquisition Costs

NEW YORK, NY–(Marketwire – December 7, 2010) – Allied Healthcare International Inc. (NASDAQ: AHCI), a leading provider of flexible healthcare staffing services in the
United Kingdom, today issued financial results for its fiscal 2010 fourth
quarter and year-ended September 30, 2010.

To provide investors with a better understanding of the Company’s
performance and because of fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, Allied
is discussing its revenues, gross profit, selling, general & administrative
(SG&A) expenses and operating income at constant exchange rates, which are
calculated using the comparable prior period weighted average exchange
rates. In addition, as the Company’s revenues and gross profit from our
principal operations are denominated in pounds sterling but reported in
United States dollars, an analysis, which is contained in the Historical
Revenues and Gross Profit table at the end of this press release, is
included of the last eight quarters’ revenues and gross profit in pounds
sterling to enable investors to fully understand the underlying trends over
these periods without the effects of currency exchange rates.

Fiscal Fourth Quarter Results

              Three Months Ended
                 September 30,         Three Months Ended September 30,
            -----------------------  -------------------------------------
                                %                                     %
              2010     2009   Change   2010     %      2009     %   Change
            -------- -------- ------ -------  -----  -------- ----- ------
                    Revenues                     Gross Profit
            ------------------------ -------------------------------------

(Amounts in
 thousands)
Homecare    $64,244  $ 58,388  10.0% $19,934   31.0% $ 17,893  30.6%  11.4%
Nursing
 Homes        4,998     6,568 -23.9%   1,641   32.8%    2,070  31.5% -20.7%
Hospitals     5,120     4,889   4.7%   1,326   25.9%    1,233  25.2%   7.5%
            -------  -------- -----  -------         --------        -----
Total, at
 constant
 exchange
 rates       74,362    69,845   6.5%  22,901   30.8%   21,196  30.3%   8.0%
Effect of
 foreign
 exchange    (3,945)        -  -5.6%  (1,189)               -         -5.6%
            -------  -------- -----  -------         --------        -----
Total, as
 reported   $70,417  $ 69,845   0.8% $21,712         $ 21,196          2.4%
            =======  ======== =====  -------         --------        -----


                                                     SG&A
                                     -------------------------------------
SG&A, at
 constant
 exchange
 rates &
 excluding
 acquisition
 costs                               $19,033         $ 17,010         11.9%
Acquisition
 costs, at
 constant
 exchange
 rates                                   157                -          0.9%
                                     -------         --------        -----
SG&A, at
 constant
 exchange
 rates                                19,190           17,010         12.8%
Effect of
 foreign
 exchange                               (946)               -         -5.6%
                                     -------         --------        -----
Total SG&A,
 as reported                         $18,244         $ 17,010          7.3%
                                     -------         --------        -----


                                               Operating Income
                                     -------------------------------------
Operating
 income, at
 constant
 exchange
 rates &
 excluding
 acquisition
 cost                                $ 3,868         $  4,186         -7.6%
Acquisition
 costs, at
 constant
 exchange
 rates                                  (157)               -         -3.8%
                                     -------         --------        -----
Operating
 income, at
 constant
 exchange
 rates                                 3,711            4,186        -11.3%
Effect of
 foreign
 exchange                               (243)               -         -5.8%
                                     -------         --------        -----
Operating
 income, as
 reported                            $ 3,468         $  4,186        -17.2%
                                     =======         ========        =====


                                       Net Income Attributable to Allied
                                     -------------------------------------
                                              Basic           Basic
                                               and             and
                                             Diluted         Diluted
                                               EPS             EPS
                                     -------------------------------------
Income from continuing
 operations attributable
 to Allied, excluding
 acquisition costs                   $ 2,858  $0.07  $  2,937 $0.07
Acquisition Costs                       (146) -0.01         -     -
                                     -------  -----  -------- -----
Income from continuing
 operations attributable
 to Allied                           $ 2,712  $0.06  $  2,937 $0.07
                                     =======  =====  ======== =====

For the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010, total revenue increased 6.5%, to
$74.4 million, compared with $69.8 million reported during the same period
in fiscal 2009. Allied’s Homecare revenue grew 10.0% to $64.2 million. The
acquisition completed in our third fiscal quarter contributed 7.5%, or $4.4
million, to the increase in Homecare revenues. Nursing Homes revenue
declined 23.9% to $5.0 million and Hospitals revenue increased 4.7% to $5.1
million. After the unfavorable impact of currency exchange of $3.9 million,
revenue increased 0.8% year over year to the reported $70.4 million.

Total gross profit for the fourth fiscal quarter increased 8.0% to $22.9
million, from $21.2 million for the comparable quarter in fiscal 2009.
Homecare gross profit grew 11.4% to $19.9 million. The acquisition
completed in our third fiscal quarter contributed 7.6%, or $1.4 million, to
the increase in Homecare gross profit. Nursing Homes gross profit declined
20.7% to $1.7 million and Hospitals gross profit increased 7.5% to $1.3
million. Gross profit as a percentage of revenue was 30.8%, compared with
30.3% for the comparable prior-year period. Foreign exchange decreased
gross profit by $1.2 million to the reported $21.7 million for the 2010
fourth fiscal quarter.

SG&A, excluding acquisition costs, for the fourth fiscal quarter was $19.0
million (25.6% of revenues), an increase of 11.9%, from $17.0 million
(24.4% of revenues) reported last year. The acquisition completed in our
third fiscal quarter contributed 6.4%, or $1.0 million, to the increase in
SG&A. The Company also incurred acquisition costs of $0.1 million.
Foreign exchange decreased costs by $0.9 million to the reported $18.2
million for the 2010 fourth fiscal quarter.

Operating income, before acquisition costs, for the fourth quarter of
fiscal 2010 decreased by 7.6% to $3.9 million from $4.2 million a year ago.
Acquisition costs decreased operating income by $0.1 million. Foreign
exchange decreased operating income by $0.3 million to the reported $3.5
million for the 2010 fourth fiscal quarter.

Income from continuing operations attributable to Allied, excluding
acquisition costs, for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010 was $2.9 million,
or $0.07 per diluted share. Income from continuing operations attributable
to Allied for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010 was $2.7 million, or $0.06
per diluted share, compared with $2.9 million, $0.07 per diluted share,
reported during the 2009 fourth fiscal quarter.

Fiscal 2010 Full Year Results

            Year Ended September 30,       Year Ended September 30,
            ------------------------ -------------------------------------
                                %                                     %
              2010     2009   Change   2010     %      2009     %   Change
            -------- -------- ------ -------  -----  -------- ----- ------
                    Revenue                      Gross Profit
            ------------------------ -------------------------------------

(Amounts in
 thousands)
Homecare    $231,718 $203,885  13.7% $71,314   30.8% $ 63,176  31.0%  12.9%
Nursing
 Homes        18,469   25,863 -28.6%   5,971   32.3%    8,097  31.3% -26.3%
Hospitals     19,571   20,062  -2.4%   4,618   23.6%    5,075  25.3%  -9.0%
            -------- -------- -----  -------         --------       ------
Total, at
 constant
 exchange
 rates       269,758  249,810   8.0%  81,903   30.4%   76,348  30.6%   7.3%
Effect of
 foreign
 exchange      1,321        -   0.5%     402                -          0.5%
            -------- -------- -----  -------         --------       ------
Total, as
 reported   $271,079 $249,810   8.5% $82,305         $ 76,348          7.8%
            ======== ======== =====  -------         --------       ------


                                                    SG&A
                                     -------------------------------------
SG&A, at
 constant
 exchange
 rates &
 excluding
 acquisition
 costs                               $67,776         $ 63,234          7.2%
Acquisition
 costs, at
 constant
 exchange
 rates                                   752                -          1.2%
                                     -------         --------        -----
SG&A, at
 constant
 exchange
 rates                                68,528           63,234          8.4%
Effect of
 foreign
 exchange                                318                -          0.5%
                                     -------         --------        -----
Total SG&A,
 as reported                         $68,846         $ 63,234          8.9%
                                     -------         --------        -----


                                                 Operating Income
                                     -------------------------------------
Operating
 income, at
 constant
 exchange
 rates &
 excluding
 acquisition
 cost                                $14,127         $ 13,114          7.7%
Acquisition
 costs, at
 constant
 exchange
 rates                                  (752)               -         -5.7%
                                     -------         --------        -----
Operating
 income, at
 constant
 exchange
 rates                                13,375           13,114          2.0%
Effect of
 foreign
 exchange                                 84                -          0.6%
                                     -------         --------        -----
Operating
 income, as
 reported                            $13,459         $ 13,114          2.6%
                                     =======         ========        =====


                                       Net Income Attributable to Allied
                                     -------------------------------------
                                              Basic            Basic
                                               and              and
                                             Diluted          Diluted
                                               EPS              EPS
                                     -------------------------------------
Income from continuing
 operations attributable to
 Allied, excluding
 acquisition cost                    $10,624  $0.24  $  9,936 $0.22

Acquisition costs                       (756) -0.02         -     -
                                     -------  -----  -------- -----
Income from continuing
 operations attributable to
 Allied                              $ 9,868  $0.22  $  9,936 $0.22
                                     =======  =====  ======== =====

For the year ended September 30, 2010 total revenue increased 8.0%, to
$269.8 million, compared with $249.8 million for the same period in fiscal
2009. Allied’s Homecare revenue grew 13.7% to $231.7 million. The
acquisition completed in the third quarter of fiscal 2010 contributed 3.2%,
or $6.5 million, to the increase in Homecare revenues. Nursing Homes
revenue declined 28.6% to $18.5 million and Hospitals revenue declined 2.4%
to $19.6 million. After the favorable impact of currency exchange of $1.3
million, revenue increased 8.5% year over year to the reported $271.1
million for fiscal 2010.

Total gross profit for the year ended September 30, 2010 increased 7.3% to
$81.9 million, from $76.3 million for the comparable period in fiscal 2009.
Homecare gross profit grew 12.9% to $71.3 million. The acquisition
completed in our third fiscal quarter contributed 3.1%, or $2.0 million, to
the increase in Homecare gross profit. Nursing Homes gross profit declined
26.3% to $6.0 million and Hospitals gross profit declined 9.0% to $4.6
million. Gross profit as a percentage of revenue was 30.4%, compared with
30.6% for the comparable prior-year period. Foreign exchange increased
gross profit by $0.4 million to the reported $82.3 million for fiscal 2010.

SG&A, excluding acquisition costs, for the year ended September 30, 2010
was $67.8 million (25.1% of revenues), an increase of 7.2%, from $63.2
million (25.3% of revenues) reported last year. The acquisition completed
in our third fiscal quarter contributed 2.4%, or $1.5 million, to the
increase in SG&A. We also incurred acquisition costs of $0.7 million.
Foreign exchange increased costs by $0.3 million to the reported $68.8
million for fiscal 2010.

Operating income, before acquisition costs, for the year ended September
30, 2010 increased by 7.7% to $14.1 million from $13.1 million a year ago.
Acquisition costs decreased operating income by $0.7 million. Foreign
exchange increased operating income by $0.1 million to the reported $13.5
million for fiscal 2010.

Income from continuing operations attributable to Allied, excluding
acquisition costs, for the year ended September 30, 2010 was $10.6 million,
or $0.24 per diluted share. Income from continuing operations attributable
to Allied for the year ended September 30, 2010 was $9.9 million, or $0.22
per diluted share, compared with $9.9 million, $0.22 per diluted share,
reported during fiscal 2009.

At September 30, 2010 and September 30, 2009, Allied cash balance was $39.0
million (£24.7 million) and $35.3 million (£22.2 million), respectively,
represent an underlying increase in the cash balance of $3.7 million (£2.5
million).

For the year ended September 30, 2010, depreciation and amortization was
$4.4 million (£2.8 million), capital expenditures were $2.8 million (£1.8
million). Days Sales Outstanding was 26 days at September 30, 2010 (43 days
including unbilled account receivables), and 25 days at September 30, 2009
(40 days including unbilled account receivables).

Management Discussion

Sandy Young, Chief Executive Officer of Allied, commented, “Allied’s
financial performance during the fourth quarter reflects tightening in the
U.K. government’s spending and challenging macroeconomic factors. The
acquisition of Homecare business in Ireland contributed $4.4 million to
Allied’s top line during the quarter, resulting in 10% growth of our
Homecare revenue compared to the fourth quarter a year ago. Excluding the
acquisition, our Homecare revenue grew 2.5% year over year, with an 11.5%
increase in continuing care.

“In order to reduce the U.K. government’s fiscal deficit, following its
Comprehensive Spending Review, HM Treasury announced in October 2010 its
plans to achieve a significant reduction in public spending. While the U.K.
government has stated that it will increase spending in the National Health
Service over the next four years to support healthcare, we note the
increase will be partially offset as the NHS have increased obligations and
cost of treatments going forward due to the growing population and demand
for better healthcare. However, the Comprehensive Spending Review will
also allocate £2 billion a year of additional funding by 2014-15 to support
social care. Combined with a program of reform and efficiency savings,
such as greater use of personal budgets, the U.K. government believes this
should mean local authorities should be able to improve outcomes and should
not need to reduce eligibility for services.

“The Comprehensive Spending Review also announced significant cuts in
funding to local authorities, the main providers of social care, and other
public bodies, which are a key source of revenue to Allied. Individual
local authorities will decide which of their back office costs and front
line services to allocate savings to.

“Based on the current and anticipated changes in the U.K. government’s
policies, we believe that it is possible that demand will be flat on a
consecutive basis for the near term. However, due to Allied’s favorable
position in the industry, strong reputation and innovative business
approach, we expect to return to growth in the mid-term.

“Allied is in a good position to benefit from joint commissioning of health
and social care. For example:

-- Within our homecare revenue, we have over $159 million (£102 million) in
   social care revenue, $57.7 million (£37 million) in continuing care
   revenue and $13.3 million (£8.5 million) in learning disability revenue;
-- We are introducing new Primary Care Trust services this year. They will
   include our night roaming service, our end of life services and other
   specialist health services;
-- We are winning extra care contracts, a potentially new revenue stream;
-- We are looking at new homecare solutions, including
   Telecare/Telehealth; and
-- We are extending the boundaries of the care and supported living we
   provide to include children's services and services for drug and alcohol
   abuse.  Some of these require rental housing to be part of the package.

“Although we anticipate that there will be continuing tension in spending,
we believe that councils and PCTs are likely to:

-- Outsource more than they do at present, particularly in Scotland, Wales
   and Ireland;
-- Have the ability to get incremental savings by directing greater volumes
   to providers of scale like Allied;
-- Keep individuals out of hospital and in their own homes;
-- Favor lower cost homecare over more  expensive residential care;
-- Pursue new and quite entrepreneurial services around the end of life
   pathway; and
-- Still need to provide for the increasing numbers of elderly each year.

“So today, Allied can claim to be one of the leading providers of health
and social care in the U.K., and we continue to expand our market
footprint. During the fourth quarter and in subsequent months we won a
number of domiciliary care framework contracts, the two largest being:

-- East Sussex County Council -- Up to 2,000 hours per week for four years,
   which commenced November 2010.
-- Cardiff City Council -- Up to 2,000 hours per week for three years,
   commencing April 2011.

“In addition we have won a community homecare contract with Leeds City
Council and NHS, and a contract for nursing supplied with Welsh Health
Supply. We have also seen a number of positive wins in continuing care from
framework agreements, including Doncaster and an additional opportunity in
Sheffield.

“In a consistent pursuit of improving and expanding our value proposition,
we continued to make investments in our operational infrastructure. To
date, 55 of our branches are live on Coldharbour, and the software rollout
is continuing according to plan. Our customer complaints and risk
management system, which was built in house, is currently under testing and
is planned to go live at the beginning of calendar 2011. Additionally, we
are actively working on several other projects, such as call monitoring,
carer retention and the centralization of our on-call out of hours service.
We also piloted our recruitment screening and compliance department project
in Wales and have received very positive feedback. Our recruitment pipeline
tracker is undergoing design changes for full rollout to the business in
the near future.

“In summary, Allied is well positioned to capitalize on the growing elderly
population, shift from residential to homecare services and the move
towards joint commissioning of health and social care,” concluded Mr.
Young.

Dr. Jeffrey Peris, Chairman of Allied, commented, “The Board remains
confident in the opportunities for growth through management actions on
innovative initiatives. Based on our identified strategies for growth
being successfully implemented, our financial track record over the last
few years, our focus and results in improving operating efficiencies, and
the recruitment and retention of talented people — we continue to strive
to enhance shareholder value.”

Conference Call Information: December 7, 2010 at 10:00 AM Eastern Time /
3:00 PM UK Time

Allied will host a call and webcast today at 10:00 AM Eastern Time / 3:00
PM UK Time, to discuss its financial results. To join the call, please dial
(877) 407-8031 for domestic participants and (201) 689-8031 for
international participants. Participants may also access a live webcast of
the conference call through the “Investors” section of Allied Healthcare’s
Website: www.alliedhealthcare.com. A telephone replay will be available for
two weeks following the call by dialing (877) 660-6853 for domestic
participants and (201) 612-7415 for international participants. When
prompted, please enter account number 286 and conference ID number 360782.
A webcast replay will also be available and archived on the Company’s
website for ninety days.

Reconciliation of GAAP and Non-GAAP Data

In addition to disclosing results of operations that are determined in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), this
press release also discloses non-GAAP results of operations that exclude or
include certain charges. These non-GAAP measures adjust for foreign
exchange effects and acquisition costs. Management believes that the
presentation of these non-GAAP measures provides useful information to
investors regarding the Company’s results of operations, as these non-GAAP
measures allow investors to better evaluate ongoing business performance.
Investors should consider non-GAAP measures in addition to, and not as a
substitute for, financial measures prepared in accordance with GAAP. A
reconciliation of the non-GAAP measures disclosed in this press release
with the most comparable GAAP measures are included in the financial tables
included in this press release.

ABOUT ALLIED HEALTHCARE INTERNATIONAL INC.

Allied Healthcare International Inc. is a leading provider of flexible
healthcare staffing services in the United Kingdom. Allied operates a
community-based network of approximately 115 branches with the capacity to
provide carers (known as home health aides in the U.S.), nurses, and
specialized medical personnel to locations covering approximately 90% of
the U.K. population. Allied meets the needs of private patients, community
care, nursing and care homes, and hospitals. For more news and information
please visit: www.alliedhealthcare.com.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain statements contained in this news release may be forward-looking
statements. These forward-looking statements are based on current
expectations and projections about future events. Actual results could
differ materially from those discussed in, or implied by, these
forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to
differ from those implied by the forward-looking statements include:
general economic and market conditions; the effect of the change in the
U.K. government and the impact of proposed changes in recent policy making
related to health and social care that may reduce revenue and
profitability; the impact of the HM Treasury Comprehensive Spending Review
2010 setting out the U.K. government’s plans to reduce spending; Allied’s
ability to continue to recruit and retain flexible healthcare staff;
Allied’s ability to enter into contracts with local government social
services departments, NHS Trusts, hospitals, other healthcare facility
clients and private clients on terms attractive to Allied; the general
level of demand and spending for healthcare and social care; dependence on
the proper functioning of Allied’s information systems; the effect of
existing or future government regulation of the healthcare and social care
industry, and Allied’s ability to comply with these regulations; the impact
of medical malpractice and other claims asserted against Allied; the effect
of regulatory change that may apply to Allied and that may increase costs
and reduce revenues and profitability; the effect of existing or future
government regulation in relation to employment and agency workers’ rights
and benefits, including changes to National Insurance rates and pension
provision; Allied’s ability to use net operating loss carry forwards to
offset net income; the effect that fluctuations in foreign currency
exchange rates may have on our dollar-denominated results of operations;
and the impairment of goodwill, of which Allied has a substantial amount on
the balance sheet, may have the effect of decreasing earnings or increasing
losses. Other factors that could cause actual results to differ from those
implied by the
forward-looking statements in this press release include those described in
Allied’s most recently filed SEC documents, such as its most recent annual
report on Form 10-K, all quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and any current
reports on Form 8-K filed since the date of the last Form 10-K. Allied
undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking
statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or
otherwise.

ALLIED HEALTHCARE INTERNATIONAL INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands, except per share data)


                                         Year Ended  Year Ended  Year Ended
                                         September   September   September
                                          30, 2010    30, 2009    30, 2008
                                         ----------  ----------  ---------
Revenues:
    Net patient services                 $  271,079  $  249,810  $ 298,577
                                         ----------  ----------  ---------

Cost of revenues:
    Patient services                        188,774     173,462    208,192
                                         ----------  ----------  ---------

          Gross profit                       82,305      76,348     90,385

Selling, general and administrative
 expenses                                    68,846      63,234     77,655
                                         ----------  ----------  ---------

          Operating income                   13,459      13,114     12,730

Interest income                                 361         537        935
Interest expense                                (30)       (110)      (542)
Foreign exchange loss                          (210)       (197)      (586)
                                         ----------  ----------  ---------

          Income before income taxes
           and discontinued operations       13,580      13,344     12,537

Provision for income taxes                    3,524       3,408      3,751
                                         ----------  ----------  ---------

          Income from continuing
           operations                        10,056       9,936      8,786
                                         ----------  ----------  ---------

Discontinued operations:
Income from discontinued operations,
 net of taxes                                     -         367          -
                                         ----------  ----------  ---------

Net income                                   10,056      10,303      8,786

Less:  Net income attributable to
 noncontrolling interest                       (188)          -          -
                                         ----------  ----------  ---------

Net income attributable to Allied
 Healthcare International Inc.           $    9,868  $   10,303  $   8,786
                                         ==========  ==========  =========

Amounts attributable to Allied
 Healthcare International Inc.:
          Income from continuing
           operations, net of tax        $    9,868  $    9,936  $   8,786
          Discontinued operations,
           net of tax                             -         367          -
                                         ----------  ----------  ---------
          Net income                     $    9,868  $   10,303  $   8,786
                                         ==========  ==========  =========

Basic earnings per share - attributable
 to Allied Healthcare International Inc.
 common shareholders
          Income from continuing
           operations                    $     0.22  $     0.22  $    0.20
          Income from discontinued
           operations                             -        0.01          -
                                         ----------  ----------  ---------
Net income attributable to Allied
 Healthcare International Inc. common
 shareholders                            $     0.22  $     0.23  $    0.20
                                         ==========  ==========  =========

Diluted earnings per share - attributable
 to Allied Healthcare International Inc.
 common shareholders
          Income from continuing
           operations                    $     0.22  $     0.22  $    0.19
          Income from discontinued
           operations                             -        0.01          -
                                         ----------  ----------  ---------
Net income attributable to Allied
 Healthcare International Inc. common
 shareholders                            $     0.22  $     0.23  $    0.19
                                         ==========  ==========  =========

Weighted average number of common
 shares outstanding:
          Basic                              44,796      44,986     44,986
                                         ==========  ==========  =========
          Diluted                            45,009      45,011     45,078
                                         ==========  ==========  =========





ALLIED HEALTHCARE INTERNATIONAL INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except per share data)

                                              September 30,  September 30,
                                                  2010           2009
                                              -------------  -------------
                          ASSETS

Current assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents                   $      39,031  $      35,273
  Accounts receivable, less allowance for
   doubtful accounts of $732 and $839,
   respectively                                      20,092         19,594
  Unbilled accounts receivable                       13,393         11,572
  Deferred income taxes                                 552            389
  Prepaid expenses and other assets                   1,943          1,188
                                              -------------  -------------
         Total current assets                        75,011         68,016

Property and equipment, net                           8,924          7,756
Goodwill                                            102,945         95,649
Other intangible assets, net                          3,501          1,646
                                              -------------  -------------
         Total assets                         $     190,381  $     173,067
                                              =============  =============

       LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

Current liabilities:
  Accounts payable                            $       1,581  $       1,186
  Current maturities of debt and capital leases         614              -
  Accrued expenses, inclusive of payroll and
   related expenses                                  25,897         24,304
  Taxes payable                                       2,310            201
                                              -------------  -------------
         Total current liabilities                   30,402         25,691

Long-term debt and capital leases, net of
 current maturities                                     389              -
Deferred income taxes                                 1,534            103
Other long-term liabilities                             308              -
                                              -------------  -------------
         Total liabilities                           32,633         25,794
                                              -------------  -------------

Commitments and contingencies

Noncontrolling interest                               4,358              -
                                              -------------  -------------

Shareholders' equity:
  Preferred stock, $.01 par value; authorized
   10,000 shares, issued and outstanding - none           -              -
  Common stock, $.01 par value; authorized
   80,000 shares, issued 45,721 and 45,571
   shares, respectively                                 457            456
  Additional paid-in capital                        242,478        241,555
  Accumulated other comprehensive loss              (15,267)       (14,418)
  Accumulated deficit                               (68,158)       (78,026)
                                              -------------  -------------
                                                    159,510        149,567
  Less cost of treasury stock (2,150 and 585
   shares, respectively)                             (6,120)        (2,294)
                                              -------------  -------------
         Total shareholders' equity                 153,390        147,273
                                              -------------  -------------
         Total liabilities and shareholders'
          equity                              $     190,381  $     173,067
                                              =============  =============





ALLIED HEALTHCARE INTERNATIONAL INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)

                                        Year Ended  Year Ended  Year Ended
                                        September   September   September
                                         30, 2010    30, 2009    30, 2008
                                        ----------  ----------  ----------
Cash flows from operating activities:
  Net income                            $   10,056  $   10,303  $    8,786
  Adjustments to reconcile net income
   to net cash provided by operating
   activities:
    Income from discontinued operations          -        (367)          -
    Depreciation and amortization            3,108       2,590       3,231
    Amortization of intangible assets        1,324       1,252       1,634
    Foreign exchange (gain) loss               (43)          7           -
    Increase (decrease) in provision for
     allowance for doubtful accounts            30         360        (167)
    Loss on sale of fixed assets                31          20         166
    Stock based compensation                   636         537         812
    Deferred income taxes                       61         117          88
  Changes in operating assets and
   liabilities, excluding
   the effect of businesses acquired
   and sold:
    Decrease (increase) in accounts
     receivable                                 82      (4,281)      1,579
    (Increase) decrease in prepaid
     expenses and other assets              (1,544)      2,318      (3,488)
    Increase (decrease) in accounts
     payable and other liabilities           2,260       2,867      (3,779)
                                        ----------  ----------  ----------

      Net cash provided by continuing
       operations                           16,001      15,723       8,862
      Net cash used in discontinued
       operations                                -           -        (561)
                                        ----------  ----------  ----------
      Net cash provided by operating
       activities                           16,001      15,723       8,301
                                        ----------  ----------  ----------

Cash flows from investing activities:
  Capital expenditures                      (2,768)     (2,850)     (3,344)
  Acquisition of controlling interest,
   net of cash acquired                     (5,680)          -           -
  Proceeds from sale of business held in
   escrow and designated for debt
   repayment                                     -         116      53,638
  Proceeds from sale of property and
   equipment                                    73           1          50
  Payments on acquisitions payable               -      (1,082)          -
                                        ----------  ----------  ----------

      Net cash (used in) provided by
       investing activities                 (8,375)     (3,815)     50,344
                                        ----------  ----------  ----------

Cash flows from financing activities:
  Repayments of debt and capital lease
   obligations                                (152)          -           -
  Payments under revolving loan, net             -           -     (24,664)
  Borrowings (payments) under invoice
   discounting facility, net                   255           -      (4,458)
  Principal payments on long-term debt           -           -     (23,678)
  Proceeds from sale of interest rate
   swap agreements                               -           -         617
  Treasury shares acquired                  (3,826)          -           -
  Stock options exercised                      288           -           -
                                        ----------  ----------  ----------

      Net cash used in financing
       activities                           (3,435)          -     (52,183)
                                        ----------  ----------  ----------

Effect of exchange rate on cash               (433)     (2,834)       (504)
                                        ----------  ----------  ----------

Increase in cash                             3,758       9,074       5,958

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of
 year                                       35,273      26,199      20,241
                                        ----------  ----------  ----------

Cash and cash equivalents, end of year  $   39,031  $   35,273  $   26,199
                                        ==========  ==========  ==========

Supplemental cash flow information:
  Cash paid for interest                $       30  $      405  $    1,143
                                        ==========  ==========  ==========

  Cash paid for income taxes, net       $    1,459  $    1,102  $    4,872
                                        ==========  ==========  ==========

Supplemental disclosure of non-cash
 investing and financing activities:
  Capital expenditures included in
   accrued expenses and other long-term
   liabilities                          $      609
                                        ==========

  Details of business acquired in
   purchase transactions:
    Fair value of assets acquired       $   12,319
                                        ==========

    Liabilities assumed or incurred     $    2,715
                                        ==========

    Noncontrolling interest             $    3,888
                                        ==========

    Cash paid for acquisitions          $    5,716
    Cash acquired                               36
                                        ----------

    Net cash paid for acquisitions      $    5,680
                                        ==========





ALLIED HEALTHCARE INTERNATIONAL INC.
HISTORICAL REVENUES AND GROSS PROFIT
(In thousands, except foreign exchange rate)
(Unaudited)


                                             Revenues

                             Q4           Q3           Q2           Q1
                            2010         2010         2010         2010
                        ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------

Homecare                  GBP 39,255   GBP 38,323   GBP 35,860   GBP 35,903
Nursing Homes                  3,048        2,731        2,864        3,261
Hospitals                      3,114        2,933        3,235        3,330
                        ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Total                     GBP 45,417   GBP 43,987   GBP 41,959   GBP 42,494
Foreign Exchange rate           1.55         1.49         1.56         1.63
                        ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
                        $     70,417 $     65,748 $     65,530 $     69,384
                        ============ ============ ============ ============


                                           Gross Profit

                              Q4           Q3           Q2           Q1
                             2010         2010         2010         2010
                        ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------

Homecare                  GBP 12,188   GBP 11,651   GBP 11,083   GBP 11,041
Nursing Homes                  1,002          882          931        1,033
Hospitals                        812          696          755          712
                        ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Total                     GBP 14,002   GBP 13,229   GBP 12,769   GBP 12,786
Foreign Exchange rate           1.55         1.49         1.56         1.63
                        ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
                        $     21,712 $     19,768 $     19,948 $     20,877
                        ============ ============ ============ ============


                                             Revenues

                             Q4           Q3           Q2           Q1
                            2009         2009         2009         2009
                        ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------

Homecare                  GBP 35,763   GBP 34,162   GBP 30,858   GBP 30,620
Nursing Homes                  3,986        3,716        4,159        4,808
Hospitals                      2,956        2,914        3,448        3,612
                        ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Total                     GBP 42,705   GBP 40,792   GBP 38,465   GBP 39,040
Foreign Exchange rate           1.64         1.55         1.44         1.58
                        ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
                        $     69,845 $     63,103 $     55,334 $     61,528
                        ============ ============ ============ ============


                                           Gross Profit

                             Q4           Q3           Q2           Q1
                            2009         2009         2009         2009
                        ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------

Homecare                  GBP 10,951   GBP 10,525    GBP 9,753    GBP 9,487
Nursing Homes                  1,257        1,187        1,298        1,477
Hospitals                        745          679          874          973
                        ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Total                     GBP 12,953   GBP 12,391   GBP 11,925   GBP 11,937
Foreign Exchange rate           1.64         1.55         1.44         1.58
                        ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
                        $     21,196 $     19,173 $     17,166 $     18,813
                        ============ ============ ============ ============

Allied Healthcare International Inc.
Sandy Young
Chief Executive Officer
Paul Weston
Chief Financial Officer
+44 (0) 17 8581 0600

Or

ICR, LLC
Sherry Bertner
Managing Director
+1 646 277 1200
[email protected]

Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

The Global Awards Announces 2010 Winners; Grand Global Awards Go to Taxi Canada & McCann Healthcare Worldwide Japan

Posted on December 7, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: New York Festivals

The Global Awards Hosts Award Presentations in New York City and Sydney, Australia

NEW YORK, NY–(Marketwire – December 7, 2010) –   The Global Awards®, honoring the “World’s Best Healthcare Advertising™,” announced its 2010 award winners Monday, December 6th at a cocktail party held at the Eli Klein Gallery in New York. The competition will host two award presentations this year, taking the celebrations globally to New York, USA and Sydney, Australia. This year’s GrandJury® awarded two prestigious Grand Global Awards, one to Taxi Canada, and the second to McCann Healthcare Worldwide Japan, as well as 31 Global Awards and 115 Finalist Certificates. 

The Global Awards presentation in New York began with a cocktail reception and hors d’oeuvres; attendees viewed a print and video showcase of the “World’s Best Healthcare Advertising™.” Global Awards Executive Director Michael Demetriades and Global Awards Advisory Board Chairman & Draft FCB Healthcare Chairman Emeritus Tom Domanico presented the trophies to the 2010 award winners. Mr. Domanico commented on this year’s entries, “Each year I’m more impressed with the quality of the work submitted for judging. It speaks volumes about the talent in the Healthcare industry.”

The GrandJury awarded Taxi, of Toronto Canada, the prestigious Grand Global Award for “Antiquing/Strolling/Reading” for client Viagra, winning in Television Advertisement “Communication to the Consumer/Patient.” The premise of the award-winning commercials — when couples stop having sex, they fill the void with other couple activities that can end up taking over their lives; with the help of Viagra, these couples were able to get back into the bedroom again. 

Taxi’s Chief Creative Officer Steve Mykolyn accepted the award in New York and commented, “It’s great to win a Grand Global Award. This win is doubly great for TAXI and Pfizer because the work being recognized for Viagra had two things going for it; a fantastic insight, plus the power to entertain, even with repeated viewings. Make that three things. The campaign also had a positive impact on sales.”

Creative credits for “Antiquing/Strolling/Reading” include: Darren Clarke, Executive Creative Director; Nathan Montieth, Art Director/Writer; Stefan Wegner, Writer/Art Director; and Eugene Marchio, Agency Producer. In addition to the Grand Global Award, Taxi also received a Global Award for “Antiquing” for client Viagra.

McCann Healthcare Worldwide Japan was awarded the coveted Grand Global Award for “It’s Easy” for client Saizen (easy pod) Merck Serono, winning in New Product Launch “Communication to the Healthcare Professional.” The award-winning video illustrates a simple delivery device to administer human growth hormone and features a young girl dancing as she evolves into a woman. Creative credits include: Hajime Nakazawa, Creative Director & Copywriter; Yasutoshi Yamamoto, (Aoyama Creative Studio) Agency Producer; as well as Dee Drive’s Director Wataru Takeishi and Producer Yuko Niwa.

The United States was awarded 10 Global Awards: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons for “Wounded in Action: An Art Exhibition of Orthopaedic Advancements”; Blue Shield of California for “Shield Helps”; CAHG for “Takeda Unbranded Convention Booth” for client Takeda Pharmaceuticals; Crowley Webb and Associates for “Risk Files Poster Campaign” for client Praxis; DeSantis Breindel for “Improving the Health and Health Care of All Americans: A Film About the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation” for client The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation; GSW Worldwide for “When the Body Attacks Itself Campaign” and “When the Body Attacks Itself Photography” for client Kalbitor; PALIO and ZEMOGA for “The Health Tweeder” for client The Health Tweeder. And Seiden was awarded two Global Awards, one for “The Book of Brave” for client Shire Pharmaceuticals, and a second for “Working Harder” for client Visiting Nurse Service of New York.

The 2010 Global Awards GrandJury recognized winners from 17 countries around the world. The United Kingdom received 5 Global Awards: Langland took the lead and was awarded 4 Global Awards receiving trophies for “Kogenate Self Infusion Mailer” for client Kogenate; “Real Danger” for client Pfizer; “Stalevo Dose Tool” for client Stalevo; and “Let’s Work” for Boehringer Ingelheim Oncology. In addition, Random42 Medical Animation was awarded the Global Award for “A Biotechnology Pioneer” for client Amgen Oncology; and RTC Europe was honored for “Siemens Global POS System” for Siemens Audiologische Technik GmbH.

In addition to Taxi Canada receiving both the Grand Global Award and Global Award for client Viagra, LXB Canada was also awarded a Global Award for “Sydney” for client Synagis.

Belgium, Germany, India, Italy, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland each were honored with one Global Award. Norvell Jefferson Productions Belgium was honored with the Global Award for “The Making of Protein Therapies” for client Genzyme; Young & Rubicam GmbH Germany was awarded the Global Award for “Stairs” for BFF (Counseling for sexually abused or threatened women); McCann Healthcare Mumbai, India was awarded the Global Award for “Marriage/Study/Drive/Fly/Pleasure/Mother” for client Epilex Chromo; Sudler & Hennessey Italy garnered a Global Award for “From Science to Life” for client MIO, i.e. Milano International Oncology; HC BCN Spain was honored with a Global Award for “Bubbles” for client Aerored; Animech Sweden was acknowledged for “The Unknown Mr. Parkinson” for client EPDA; and Euro RSCG Zürich, Switzerland was recognized for “Quick Sex” for Swiss Health Department.

A Global Awards ceremony will also be held on Wednesday, December 8th in Sydney, Australia presented by The Global Awards and Bravo!, a group of Australian healthcare professionals, with representation from healthcare agencies, and the Communications Council of Australia. The evening will begin with a cocktail reception and canapés at Sydney’s Simmer on the Bay, located on historic Walsh Bay. Award winners and their guests will view a showcase of 2010’s winning work, followed by an award ceremony presented by International Awards Group President, Michael O’Rourke. Award Winners will be posted at www.theglobalawards.com following the event.

Judging sessions for this year’s Global Awards were hosted by the following prominent international agencies: McCann Erickson Sydney, Australia; Ogilvy Healthworld London, England; Pharmacom Barcelona, Spain; Topin & Associates Chicago, USA; Trademark DM Melbourne, Australia; and at The Global Awards headquarters in New York, USA. 

Now in its 16th year, The Global Awards receives entries from healthcare corporations, hospitals, advertising agencies, production companies, and design studios that produce communications for medical, pharmaceutical, and healthcare related products. The Global Awards Advisory Board and GrandJury are comprised of a panel of prominent international industry experts, representing the top creative minds in the field of healthcare advertising. 

All winning entries are featured at: www.theglobalawards.com, and are promoted by our network of representatives in 75 countries around the world.

All press inquiries are welcome and should be directed to Gayle Mandel: [email protected]. Phone 212 643 4800.

About the Global Awards
Now in their sixteenth year, The Global Awards are recognized as the only awards dedicated to excellence in healthcare communications on an international basis. 

International Awards Group International Awards Group (IAG) organizes advertising and programming competitions for the following brands: AME Awards® for the World’s Most Effective Advertising™; Midas Awards® for the World’s Best Work in Financial Marketing & Advertising™; The Global Awards® for the World’s Best Healthcare Advertising™; New York Festivals®; World’s Best Advertising™; World’s Best Radio Programs™ and World’s Best Television & Films™. Entries to each of the competitions are judged around the world by panels of peers in their respective industries. Founded in 1957, IAG and their brands now have representation in 75 countries. For more information, go to www.InternationalAwardsGroup.com.

Contact:
Gayle Mandel
International Awards Group
260 West 39
th Street, 10th Floor
New York, NY 10018
212 643-4800
[email protected]

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Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

CONMED Corporation Awarded Multiple Contracts With HealthTrust Purchasing Group

Posted on December 7, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: CONMED Corporation

UTICA, NY–(Marketwire – December 7, 2010) – CONMED Corporation (NASDAQ: CNMD) announced today that HealthTrust Purchasing Group, LP (HealthTrust), a leading healthcare group purchasing organization, recently awarded three separate, multi-year purchasing agreements with two of CONMED’s business units, Linvatec and Endoscopic Technologies.

CONMED Linvatec’s agreement enables HealthTrust members to purchase CONMED’s advanced endoscopic imaging products featuring state-of-the-art True HD™ technology. Products included in this agreement include the IM4000 autoclavable camera and image capture systems. 

CONMED reached a separate agreement with HealthTrust for its high-quality line of Enteral Feeding systems that feature the Entake™ family of products. In addition, the parties extended an existing agreement for CONMED Endoscopic Technologies’ extensive line of Gastroenterology (GI) products. Key products covered in this agreement include the Beamer™ System CE600, which is a GI specific electrosurgical/argon plasma generator with related accessories, as well as advanced biliary products such as the Gore Viabil® and Flexxus® metal stents.

“HealthTrust is nationally recognized for its membership’s strong commitment to purchasing products that consistently deliver enhanced clinical outcomes,” said Mr. Joseph J. Corasanti, President and CEO of CONMED. “We are extremely pleased that this large, high-quality group purchasing organization has recognized the unique advantages of our imaging, feeding and GI product offerings.”

ABOUT HEALTHTRUST PURCHASING GROUP

HealthTrust Purchasing Group, LP, headquartered in Brentwood, Tenn., is a group purchasing organization that supports nearly 1,400 not-for-profit and for-profit acute care facilities, as well as 10,600 ambulatory surgery centers, physician practices, and alternate care sites. With an annual purchasing volume by its members of more than $17 billion, HealthTrust is committed to obtaining the best price for clinically recommended products, ensuring their timely delivery, and continuously evaluating and improving its services to the patients, physicians and clinicians it serves. The website is www.healthtrustpg.com.

ABOUT CONMED CORPORATION

CONMED is a medical technology company with an emphasis on surgical devices and equipment for minimally invasive procedures and monitoring. The Company’s products serve the clinical areas of arthroscopy, gastroenterology, powered surgical instruments, electrosurgery, cardiac monitoring disposables, endosurgery and pulmonology. They are used by surgeons and physicians in a variety of specialties including orthopedics, general surgery, gynecology, neurosurgery, and gastroenterology. Headquartered in Utica, New York, the Company’s 3,300 employees distribute its products worldwide from several manufacturing locations. The website is www.conmed.com.

Forward Looking Information

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

CONTACT:
CONMED Corporation
Robert Shallish
Chief Financial Officer
315-624-3206

FD
Investors:
Brian Ritchie
212-850-5600

Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

MYA Moves Into its AMAZING New Clinic in Bristol!

Posted on December 7, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

LEEDS, UNITED KINGDOM–(Marketwire – Dec. 7, 2010) – Cosmetic surgery is booming all over the UK, especially in the thriving West Country. MYA have seen a good level of new enquiries for the Bristol region over the last couple of years and with over five thousand enquiries since the launch of the company, MYA have decided to open a flagship clinic in the area.

John Ryan, Chairman of MYA and key industry figurehead, comments, “We’re really happy to move into our own building. This will really allow us to deliver the quality of care we’re famous for and put the ‘MYA touch’ on the new clinic.”

Amy Lansdown, manager of MYA Bristol said, “We’re really excited to have our new clinic. We’ve settled in nicely and since it’s just off Whiteladies Road, it’s a place that everyone knows about!”

Breast enlargement continues to be the most popular procedure enquired about in Bristol with other procedures following closely behind.

The top five procedure enquiries for Bristol are:

  • Breast Enlargement
  • Fat Removal/Liposuction
  • Nose Re-shaping
  • Tummy Tuck
  • Breast Uplift

With MYA’s successful Advanced Laser Liposuction launch in late October, the company is continually expanding and the new Bristol clinic is a great example of this. The new clinic is in a traditional Victorian-style building, boasting four floors, nine consulting rooms and a spacious reception area. “The new clinic and consulting rooms really allow for a cosy, personal feel when we’re meeting and chatting with our patients. The patients who have visited us in our new clinic absolutely love the traditional exterior and the modern, contemporary décor. It all adds to the truly amazing MYA experience” says Amy.

“We pride ourselves on providing a patient orientated service and we strive to offer the best care possible which includes having modern, comfortable clinics filled with helpful, friendly MYA staff” Says John. “We’re glad to be a part of this historic city’s culture and lifestyle and we hope you come and visit us soon.”

For more information about MYA Cosmetic Surgery visit the website www.mya.co.uk.

Notes to editors:

MYA Profile

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

Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

Sunshine Heart Successfully Completes $9.5 Million Capital Raising With Close of Non-Renounceable Rights Offer

Posted on December 2, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: Sunshine Heart Inc.

Cash to Continue Rapid Advance of Commercial and Regulatory Programs

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA–(Marketwire – December 2, 2010) –  Sunshine Heart Inc. (ASX: SHC), a global medical device company focused on innovative technologies for moderate to severe heart failure, today announced the successful completion of its non-renounceable rights issue to existing shareholders, raising a total of A$9.5 million.

88 per cent of entitlements were taken up under the rights issue including the shortfall facility, leaving 44,761,462 shares unsubscribed.

The rights issue follows the Company’s recent successful placement to US institutional investors raising A$3.7 million (announced 16 September 2010), bringing the total proceeds to A$13.2 million before deducting fees and expenses.

Majority Australian shareholders, GBS Venture Partners and CM Capital, both continued their strong support for the Company, taking up their full entitlements and also some of the shortfall, for an aggregate amount of $6.6 million

Sunshine Heart Chief Executive Officer Dave Rosa said, “We are delighted to have such strong support from existing shareholders and welcome new US institutional investors during this exciting and pivotal period for Sunshine Heart.”

The capital will be used to fund the key activities of the Company. The most important of these is to advance the regulatory trials in the US by completing the current 20-patient feasibility trial and six-month patient follow up, then preparing the application for the larger FDA pivotal trial which is the precursor for marketing approval in the USA. The Company expects to have approval for this trial and to start implants during 2011.

The money will also be used to apply for CE Mark approval in 2011 which will allow the C-Pulse heart assist device to be marketed in Europe and parts of Asia.

The Company will continue its development of a new, single unit C-Pulse driver as well as introducing product changes to facilitate minimally invasive implant procedures.

The successful US placement was managed by specialist healthcare investment firm Summer Street Research Partners Inc. The non-renounceable rights issue was managed by RBS Morgans in Australia.

About Sunshine Heart Inc.
Sunshine Heart Inc. (ASX: SHC), a global medical device company focused on innovative technologies for the treatment of moderate heart failure, is commercializing the C-Pulse® Heart Assist System, a minimally invasive, implantable, non-blood contacting, heart assist therapy for the treatment of moderate heart failure. The C-Pulse System is designed to relieve the symptoms of heart failure through the use of counterpulsation technology which enables an increase in cardiac output, an increase in coronary blood flow and a reduction in the heart’s pumping load. The Company has received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to conduct a 20-patient U.S. feasibility clinical trial with the C-Pulse System and the study has achieved eighty percent enrolment as of November 2010. Sunshine Heart, Inc. is a Delaware-based Corporation headquartered in Minneapolis with a subsidiary presence in Australia.

About the C-Pulse® Heart Assist System
The C-Pulse Heart Assist System uses proprietary balloon counterpulsation technology to increase the amount of blood pumped by the heart and to reduce the workload on the heart. The C-Pulse System is implanted in the patient’s chest through a sternotomy or through a small incision when performed as a minimally invasively procedure. During the procedure, there is no need to place the patient on a heart-lung machine as the patient’s heart remains beating continuously. 

Once implanted, the C-Pulse cuff is positioned on the outside of the patient’s ascending aorta above the aortic valve. An ECG sense lead is then attached to the heart to determine timing for cuff inflation and deflation in synchronization with the heartbeat. The C-Pulse cuff and lead are connected to a single line that is run through the abdomen to connect to a power driver outside the body. Because the C-Pulse System remains outside the blood system, there is potentially less risk of blood clots and stroke in comparison to other mechanical devices, such as left ventricle assist devices (LVADs).

This press release contains forward-looking statements that are based on current management expectations. These statements may differ materially from actual future events or results due to certain risks and uncertainties from time to time in the Company’s filings with the Australian Securities Exchange. The shares of Sunshine Heart have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933 (US Securities Act) and may not be offered, sold or delivered in the United States, or to, or for the account or benefit of, any US Person, as such term is defined in Regulation S of the US Securities Act. In addition, hedging transactions with regard to the shares may not be conducted unless in accordance with the US Securities Act.

For further information, please contact:
Dave Rosa
Chief Executive Officer
+1 952 345 4200
[email protected]

Rowena Hubble
Company Secretary
+61 2 8424 7700
[email protected]

Andrew Geddes
CoActive Health Communications
+ 61 2 9555 4453 or 0408677734
[email protected]

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Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

HIMSS and ASC X12 Collaborate on Education & Training

Posted on December 2, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: ASC X12

CHICAGO, IL–(Marketwire – December 2, 2010) – Based on mutual interest in the use of effective and productive electronic data interchange standards in the health care industry, the Healthcare Information and Management Systems (HIMSS) and the Accredited Standards Committee X12 (ASC X12) signed a Memorandum of Understanding formalizing their decision to collaborate on activities and offerings that improve or enhance the implementation of EDI standards in the health care industry.

“ASC X12 and HIMSS have established a cooperative relationship, taking advantage of each organization’s strengths. We look forward to many productive joint initiatives,” said Cathy Sheppard, Chair, ASC X12.

The two organizations intend to collaborate in the development of educational materials, conference presentations, webinars, white papers, articles and reports.

Such cooperative efforts are not new between the organizations, HIMSS and ASC X12 have developed and presented a comprehensive overview of ASC X12 005010 migrations in the Webinar HIPAA 005010 Road to Success — A Prescription for a Healthy and Successful ASC X12 005010 Implementation. HIMSS also published the article ASC X12’s Emerging 5010 Activities, by Cathy Sheppard, in their August 2010 Business Edge online newsletter.

January 1, 2012 is the deadline for health care organizations to be compliant with the ASC X12 005010 transactions mandated by the Health Insurance Reform: Modifications to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Electronic Transaction Standards Final Rule (also known as the 005010 Final Rule). ASC X12 and HIMSS are committed to aiding stakeholders in compliance preparation. 

ASC X12N (Insurance) Vice Chair, Bob Poiesz, will serve on an ASC X12 005010 migration panel at the HIMSS11 Annual Conference and Exhibition. The Ninth National Medical Banking Institute, to be held in conjunction with HIMSS11, features national experts and cross-industry leaders from health care, banking, financial systems, government and academia for an interactive dialogue of critical issues and next steps on building the future of medical banking. At the HIMSS Medical Banking Boot Camp ASC X12 will describe 005010 health data transactions mandated by HIPAA and identify the steps a provider will need to take as part of the ASC X12 005010 transition.

“HIMSS and our medical banking and financial systems community welcome the opportunity to work with the Accredited Standards Committee X12 to build awareness and better educate our diverse audiences, on the value of efficient data exchange in health care,” said John Casillas, HIMSS Senior Vice President, Business-Centered Systems. “With this MoU, our organizations can work together to build relationships and develop educational programming that improves the delivery of health care.”

About HIMSS
HIMSS is a cause-based, not-for-profit organization exclusively focused on providing global leadership for the optimal use of information technology (IT) and management systems for the betterment of healthcare. Founded 50 years ago, HIMSS and its related organizations have offices in Chicago, Washington, DC, Brussels, Singapore, Leipzig, and other locations across the United States. HIMSS represents more than 30,000 individual members, of which two thirds work in healthcare provider, governmental and not-for-profit organizations. HIMSS also includes over 470 corporate members and more than 85 not-for-profit organizations that share our mission of transforming healthcare through the effective use of information technology and management systems. HIMSS frames and leads healthcare practices and public policy through its content expertise, professional development, and research initiatives designed to promote information and management systems’ contributions to improving the quality, safety, access, and cost-effectiveness of patient care. To learn more about HIMSS and to find out how to join us and our members in advancing our cause, please visit our website at www.himss.org.

About X12
ASC X12, chartered by the American National Standards Institute more than 30 years ago, develops and maintains EDI and CICA standards along with XML schemas which drive business processes globally. The diverse membership of ASC X12 includes technologists and business process experts, encompassing health care, insurance, transportation, finance, government, supply chain and other industries. For more information, visit the ASC X12 website at www.x12.org

For HIMSS information contact:
Joyce Lofstrom
HIMSS
(312) 915-9237
Email Contact

For ASC X12 information contact:
ASC X12
(703) 970-4480
Email Contact

Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

CMU’s College of Medicine Teams Up With Saginaw Medical Providers

Posted on December 2, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: Central Michigan University

MOUNT PLEASANT, MI–(Marketwire – December 2, 2010) – Following more than two years of exploration, comprehensive study and due diligence, Central Michigan University will establish a relationship with Synergy Medical Education Alliance, Covenant Healthcare and St. Mary’s of Michigan in Saginaw, Mich., through its College of Medicine.

The CMU Board of Trustees, at its Dec. 2 meeting, voted unanimously to establish a new 501(c)(3) Michigan nonprofit corporation, Central Health Advancement Solutions, to serve as the University’s participant in clinical practice entities and medical education relationships.

The boards of St. Mary’s of Michigan and Synergy Medical Education Alliance must approve the agreement. It is anticipated that the required board approvals will be secured by mid-December. Covenant Healthcare’s board has already approved the agreement.

Under the terms of the agreement, if approved, CMU will join in the Synergy Medical Education Alliance partnership and the organization will be renamed CMU Medical Education Partners.

CMU has been engaged in the Saginaw community since the 1970s providing extended and distance learning programs and remains committed to enhancing its engagement through a facility in the Saginaw area to support medical education and clinical practice needs.

In other College of Medicine action, CMU trustees established a Doctor of Medicine degree. The four-year curriculum, with an emphasis on placing doctors in rural settings, will focus on evidence-based practice, patient-centered care, team-based learning and practice, and self-directed lifelong learning.

To view today’s PowerPoint presentation to the board visit http://www.cmich.edu/documents/college_of_medicine/collegeofmedicinepresentation_120210.pdf.

To learn more about CMU’s College of Medicine visit http://www.cmich.edu/med.

For additional news from Central Michigan University, visit the CMU Media Channel at http://www.cmich.edu/mediachannel.

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Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

University of Chicago Medical Center Runs Critical Patient Applications on Oracle’s Sun SPARC Enterprise Servers and Oracle Solaris

Posted on December 2, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: Oracle Corporation

Mission-Critical Servers Deliver Record-Breaking Performance and Scalability

REDWOOD SHORES, CA–(Marketwire – December 2, 2010) – Oracle (NASDAQ: ORCL)

News Facts

  • To provide the best patient care, the University of Chicago Medical Center is running its critical patient care applications on Oracle’s Sun SPARC Enterprise M-Series Servers with Oracle Solaris.
  • The University of Chicago Medical Center (UCMC) is an academic medical center comprised of numerous hospitals, including Bernard A. Mitchell Hospital, Comer Children’s Hospital, Chicago Lying-in Hospital, Duchossois Center for Advanced Medicine and the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, as well as physician offices in several Chicago locations.
  • UCMC chose Oracle’s Sun SPARC Enterprise M-Series servers running Oracle Solaris for their high level of performance, scalability and availability to run its mission-critical applications, including the Epic Electronic Medical Record (EMR) and Computerized Physician Order Entry (CPOE) systems.
  • More than 6,000 clinical staff rely on the Epic EMR system to deliver 24×7 secure access to all relevant information necessary to provide high-quality patient care, including lab results, orders, documentation on care plans, operating room management and scheduling, reporting and patient portals.
  • With Oracle’s Sun SPARC Enterprise M-Series servers running Oracle Solaris, UCMC has increased performance by 40 percent, decreased maintenance costs and reduced power and cooling by 63 percent in the datacenter.
  • With the new platform, nurses and physicians experience rapid response times, enabling them to provide patient care in a more timely and efficient manner, which is key in hospital and critical-care environments.
  • Part of UCMC’s strategic five-year plan, the SPARC servers provide the capacity to support new initiatives and continued growth, including the deployment of new EMR modules and technology to support a new hospital coming online in 2013.
  • UCMC invested in Oracle’s Sun SPARC Enterprise M-Series servers with Oracle Solaris in March 2010.

Supporting Quote

  • “Oracle’s Sun SPARC Enterprise servers provide us with a secure and reliable platform to run our mission-critical patient care applications and the ability to easily scale to accommodate future growth,” said Michael Sorensen, Executive Director and CTO, IT Services, the University of Chicago Medical Center. “The new platform has delivered dramatic results, including significantly faster response times, which is instrumental in our ability to provide patients with the best care.”

Supporting Resources

  • University of Chicago Medical Center
  • Oracle’s Sun SPARC Enterprise M-Series Servers
  • Oracle Solaris
  • Oracle in Healthcare
  • Follow Oracle Health Sciences on Twitter
  • Join the Oracle Health Sciences Community on Facebook

About Oracle
Oracle (NASDAQ: ORCL) is the world’s most complete, open and integrated business software and hardware systems company. For more information about Oracle, please visit http://www.oracle.com.

Trademarks
Oracle and Java are registered trademarks of Oracle and/or its affiliates. Other names may be trademarks of their respective owners.

Contact Info

Nicole Maloney
Oracle
+1.650.506.0806
Email Contact

Susan Vander May
Blanc and Otus for Oracle
+1.415.341.3529
Email Contact

Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

UPDATE: Cardiothoracic Surgeons Group and The Toledo Hospital Recognized Among Nation’s Top Hospitals for Heart Surgery

Posted on December 2, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: ProMedica Health System

TOLEDO, OH–(Marketwire – December 2, 2010) – Cardiothoracic Surgeons for Northwest Ohio and The Toledo Hospital are now in the nation’s top 12% of hospitals for heart surgery. This is according to a three-star comprehensive rating system, developed by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS), which compares the quality of heart surgery in hospitals across the country. A three-star rating is the highest designation that a hospital can attain for quality and clinical excellence. Cardiothoracic Surgeons for Northwest Ohio was compared to more than 1,000 surgical groups.

Hospitals are scored on performance in the following four categories — patient survival, absence of surgical complications, recommended medications, and optimal surgical technique. The ratings reflect results from isolated heart-bypass operations called coronary artery bypass grafting to newer versions, which include minimally invasive bypass and other complex cardiac procedures.

“I am grateful to my partners and colleagues at The Toledo Hospital who have worked diligently for years to reach this incredible milestone,” said Michael Moront, MD, senior partner, Cardiothoracic Surgeons for Northwest Ohio. “When patients enter our doors, they can feel confident that they will be receiving the very best care from one of the nation’s leading medical groups.”

Consumers can easily see how surgical groups compare with national benchmarks for survival, complications, and other measures by visiting www.consumerhealthreports.org.

About STS
The Society of Thoracic Surgeons is a not-for-profit organization representing more than 6,000 surgeons, researchers and allied health care professionals worldwide who are dedicated to ensuring the best possible outcomes for surgeries of the heart, lung, and esophagus as well as other surgical procedures within the chest. Founded in 1964, the mission of STS is to enhance the ability of cardiothoracic surgeons to provide the highest quality patient care through education, research, and advocacy. Its National Adult Cardiac Surgery Database includes more than 4 million surgical records and covers roughly 90% of the more than 1,000 surgical groups in the U.S. that perform cardiac surgery, making it the largest such registry in the world.

About Cardiothoracic Surgeons for Northwest Ohio
Cardiothoracic Surgeons for Northwest Ohio is a member of ProMedica Heart and Vascular Institutes, a collaboration of physicians, technology and specialty services. The group provides a comprehensive scope of leading edge patient care and state-of-the-art surgical procedures, including minimally invasive procedures, bloodless surgery, pediatric cardiac surgery, aortic valve repair and replacement and more. Its team of board-certified physicians, specialists and medical staff make up the largest cardiothoracic surgical program in northwest Ohio.

For more information about cardiac services at ProMedica Health System, visit www.promedica.org

Cardiothoracic Surgeons for Northwest Ohio and The Toledo Hospital are members of ProMedica Health System. ProMedica, a mission-based organization, was formed in 1986 and is a Toledo, Ohio-based, not-for-profit healthcare organization with more than 14,000 employees; 3,000 physicians and more than 306 facilities in Ohio and Michigan. ProMedica serves more than 2.73 million patients annually and includes 11 hospitals; ProMedica Continuum Services with senior, hospice, rehabilitation, and integrative services; ProMedica Physician Group, a network of more than 315 primary care and specialty physicians; and Paramount Health Care, the largest HMO in northwest Ohio. For more information, please visit www.promedica.org.

Contact:
Tedra White
Office: 419-469-3716
Cell: 419-262-0371

Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

SRSsoft to Attain Government Certification for EMR Delivering Productivity-Focused Meaningful Use

Posted on December 2, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: SRSsoft

MONTVALE, NJ–(Marketwire – December 2, 2010) – SRS, the leader in productivity-enhancing EMR technology and services for high-performance specialty practices, today announced that it will seek certification of its EMR by the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). Physicians will be able to use the EMR to successfully demonstrate meaningful use and qualify for the government’s incentives. SRS is unique among EMRs in its approach to meaningful use — combining the government’s requirements and desire for data with the acknowledged productivity and efficiency benefits that over 5,000 providers are already experiencing, and for which SRS is valued.

“SRS is unwavering in its adherence to a set of principles that are physician-based and productivity-driven,” says Evan Steele, CEO of SRSsoft. “Our product-development resources are consistently focused on providing physicians with tools that enable them to deliver the highest quality patient care in the most efficient manner. We listen to our customers, and we represent ‘the voice of the physicians,’ which includes advocating for their interests in Washington.

“We have been analyzing the legislation since its passage in February 2009 and continue to evaluate the impact that meeting meaningful use measures will have on physician productivity. In addition, we have challenged the program’s relevance for specialists. Since the release of the Final Rule on meaningful use a few months ago, the landscape has shifted, and several factors have influenced our decision to move forward with certification. Most recently, David Blumenthal’s clarification of the exclusions that can be claimed by many specialists has made participation more inviting. Our clients — primary care and specialists — who are interested in pursuing meaningful use want to have the assurance that the capability will be available to them.”

According to Steele, “The development team at SRS has been working diligently to incorporate the government’s data and communication requirements into our workflow-driven EMR. The uniqueness of the SRS approach to electronic medical records software — Unified Desktop™, open architecture, and browser-based platform — is the key to our ability to deliver productivity-focused meaningful use.”

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

Media Contact
Jeremy Duca
SRSsoft
800.288.8369
Email Contact

Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

Proteonomix, Inc. (PROT) Announces Investor Update and New Company Website

Posted on December 2, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: Proteonomix

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ–(Marketwire – December 2, 2010) – Proteonomix, Inc. (OTCBB: PROT) (“Proteonomix” or the “Company”) announced today that it has updated its corporate website (http://www.proteonomix.com/) to reflect the dynamic growth and investment opportunity that exists today.

Michael Cohen, CEO stated: “The mission of Proteonomix, Inc. is to achieve a leadership position in life enhancing regenerative stem cell therapies, services, and products through a combination of first to market technologies and innovative clinical trial strategies. Stem cell treatment provides much promise for the treatment of diseases previously regarded as incurable. Through years of research and development, Proteonomix has developed breakthroughs in stem cell therapies for disease and injury, identification biomarkers and reproductive cell/tissue laboratory services.”

“Proteonomix is now actively negotiating strategic partnerships and opportunities for its breakthrough products and technology. We are currently in negotiations to joint venture our patents and intellectual properties with various entities and will be updating the investment community as these milestones are completed,” concluded Mr. Cohen.

About Proteonomix, Inc.
Proteonomix is a biotechnology company focused on developing therapeutics based upon the use of human cells and their derivatives. Proteoderm, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Proteonomix that has recently opened its retail web site, Proteoderm.com, and begun accepting pre-orders for its anti-aging line of skin care products. StromaCel, Inc.’s goal is the development of therapeutic modalities for the treatment of Cardiovascular Disease (CVD). StromaCel, Inc. is pursuing the licensing of other technologies for therapeutic use. National Stem Cell, Inc. is Proteonomix’s operating subsidiary. The Sperm Bank of New York, Inc. is a fully operational tissue bank. Proteonomix Regenerative Translational Medicine Institute, Inc. (“PRTMI”) intends to focus on the translation of promising research in stem cell biology and cellular therapy to clinical applications of regenerative medicine. Proteonomix intends to create and dedicate a subsidiary to each of its technologies. Please also visit http://www.proteonomix.com/, http://www.proteoderm.com/, http://www.otcqb.com/ and http://www.sec.gov/.

Forward-looking statements: Certain statements contained herein are “forward-looking statements” (as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995). Proteonomix, Inc. cautions that statements made in this press release constitute forward-looking statements and makes no guarantee of future performance. Actual results or developments may differ materially from projections. More specifically, the investment may never occur negating the agreement, product performance and/or side effects may necessitate termination of the joint venture, the implementation of the agreement may not succeed and inadequate or no business may develop causing the failure of the joint venture and there are inherent risks in foreign operations, particularly those in the Mideast. Forward-looking statements are based on estimates and opinions of management at the time statements are made.

Contact:
Public Relations:
Constellation Asset Management, LLC
415-524-8500

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Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

CRC Health Group, New Life Lodge Drug and Alcohol Addiction Treatment Center Expand Services With Multi-Facility Acquisition

Posted on December 2, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: CRC Health Group

Additional Five Facilities to Provide Outpatient and In-Home Treatment Services, Options for the One Hundred Thousand-Plus TN Residents Who Need but Do Not Currently Receive Addiction Treatment

BURNS, TN–(Marketwire – December 2, 2010) – New Life Lodge drug and alcohol addiction treatment center, in conjunction with parent company CRC Health Group, the nation’s largest provider of behavioral health and addiction treatment services, today announced the completion of the multi-facility acquisition of Recovery Living Services (RLS) in Tennessee. 

“We are pleased to acquire RLS, which has been providing high quality addiction treatment services for over five years, and to expand the outreach and breadth of services of New Life Lodge,” said Jerry Rhodes, President of the Recovery Division of CRC Health Group. “There are a number of Tennesseans who are dependent on drugs or alcohol and are in desperate need of quality recovery services. We want to help these individuals in their pursuit to reclaim their lives.”

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) most recent National Survey on Drug Use and Health, approximately 444,000 (9%) of Tennessee citizens ages 12 or older reported past month use of an illicit drug, with 151,000 citizens reporting dependence or abuse of an illicit drug within the past year. Yet in 2008 (most recent year of data), there were only 9,806 admissions to drug/alcohol treatment centers in Tennessee. Approximately 129,000 Tennessee citizens reported needing but not receiving treatment for illicit drug use.

RLS provides substance abuse treatment for adults and adolescents as well as in-home behavioral health counseling services for at-risk youth. The acquired facilities — located in Downtown Knoxville, West Knoxville, Cookeville, Jamestown and Jacksboro — will continue to provide intensive outpatient program (IOP) services, outpatient opiate (Suboxone-based) detoxification services, and intensive in-home services. In addition, plans are underway to open two additional facilities in Chattanooga and Memphis.

Rebecca Gaskin, LCSW, CAC, MSW, MBA and current Executive Director of New Life Lodge, will oversee the additional facilities. Current CEO of Recovery Living Services, George Massengill, will stay on with CRC Health Group.

“I am very excited to have Recovery Living Services join the New Life Lodge family to serve persons struggling with substance abuse disorders throughout the state of Tennessee,” said Gaskin. “New Life Lodge is committed to providing high quality, effective treatment and RLS has demonstrated the same commitment in outpatient treatment settings throughout the eastern Tennessee area. This partnership will allow New Life Lodge to offer a seamless array of treatment opportunities for individuals to optimize their residential treatment experience and support them as they integrate back into their home environments.”

Gaskin added, “We hope to make our services widely available to those struggling with addiction by expanding our outpatient facilities across the state.”

New Life Lodge has been providing rehabilitation and treatment services for adults and adolescents struggling with alcohol and drug dependency for over 25 years. The treatment center acknowledges that addiction affects the entire family and therefore embraces the family as well as the individual to provide personalized treatment services. Under the supervision of licensed professionals, New Life Lodge has built a nationally recognized reputation and established long-standing relationships within the medical and mental health communities. The program is licensed by the Tennessee Department of Health and the Tennessee Department of Healthcare Facilities, and is CARF-accredited. For more information, visit www.newlifelodge.com.

New Life Lodge is a member of CRC Health Group, the most comprehensive network of specialized behavioral care services in the nation. CRC offers the largest array of personalized treatment options, allowing individuals, families and professionals to choose the most appropriate treatment setting for their behavioral, addiction, weight management and therapeutic education needs. CRC is committed to making its services widely and easily available, while maintaining a passion for delivering advanced treatment. Since 1995, CRC has been helping individuals and families reclaim and enrich their lives.
For more information, visit www.crchealth.com or call (877) 637-6237.

CONTACT:
Kristen Hayes, Communications Director
CRC Health Group
Email Contact
(949) 589-1765

Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

MMRGlobal Enters Into Agreement With MMX Holdings

Posted on December 2, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: MMRGlobal, Inc.

MMRPro to Be Offered as Part of Manage My ASC Dashboard Technology

LOS ANGELES, CA–(Marketwire – December 2, 2010) – MMRGlobal, Inc. (OTCBB: MMRF) (MMR) and Texas-based MMX Holdings, LLC, today announced integration of MMRPro into the MMX dashboard-based financial and operating management tool for ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs) (www.managemyasc.com). The Company’s MMRPro electronic document management system for healthcare professionals will be featured on the Manage My ASC dashboard and as a result marketed to thousands of surgery centers located throughout the United States.

The Manage My ASC system was specifically designed to increase productivity and profitability in surgery centers which should help drive sales of MMRPro. As part of the transaction, MMRGlobal became a minority equity holder of MMX Holdings and MMX acquired 750,000 warrants in MMRF at terms and conditions that include purchase prices up to 18 cents per share.

“This transaction demonstrates how MMR can use its equity to create relationships that will allow us to expand our Electronic Medical Record product and service offerings in a coordinated effort to deliver meaningful use to healthcare professionals,” said Robert H. Lorsch, MMRGlobal Chairman and CEO. “It is the most recent example of the Company’s plan to deliver a suite of health information products and services through strategic alliances, partnerships and acquisitions. In addition to MMRPro and the MyMedicalRecords Personal Health Record, these could include one or more Electronic Medical Record products that run on different platforms including the iPad.”

“The opportunity for MMR to sell its services to a targeted market such as surgery centers offers a unique revenue opportunity for the Company,” Lorsch added. “We will continue to explore similar relationships in radiology, hospital systems, veterinary medicine and other specialties.” Lorsch is already a major shareholder and board member of Dancing Paws, a manufacturer of veterinary vitamins, supplements and treats including green bones.

According to John R. Seitz, CEO of Manage My ASC, “The relationship with MMR is one example of how our Manage My ASC Dashboard can streamline the operations of a surgery center and make it operate more effectively and profitably. Surgery centers receive a lot of different types of documents from referring physicians and MMRPro integrated with the dashboard can help manage and consolidate all patient records from any EMR or plain paper-based system employed by the center.”

The relationship with MMX evolved as a result of MMR’s installation of MMRPro at the Spalding Surgical Center of Beverly Hills. Installing MMRPro at Spalding exposed the system to more than 20 physician groups operating at the center at any given time. The Company quickly realized that selling through surgery centers represented a cost-effective way to market MMRPro to physicians. The Manage My ASC Dashboard creates the opportunity to provide a hands-on experience to tens of thousands of physicians referring to or operating at surgery centers when compared to the cost of selling offices of individual healthcare professionals one by one. 

“With over 6,000 in the U.S., ambulatory surgery centers are one of the fastest-growing elements of medical care across the country. Surgery centers will generally support 20 to 30 doctors, each with a patient list of 2,000 or more. The surgery center environment presents a distinctive market for MMR to offer its MMRPro solutions to significant physician populations. We are pleased that MMR is joining other well-known entities, including Kerlan-Jobe, one of the world’s foremost sports medicine destinations,” Seitz added.

MMRPro allows physicians working out of a surgery center to have electronic access to patient documentation, regardless of the system currently used in their offices, and enables the ASC to receive medical records securely from all their treating physicians. The system also cost-effectively digitizes and securely uploads medical records and makes them available to patients in real time while generating stimulus money to referring physicians.

The MMRPro solution is supported by Kodak’s Scan Station 520MDP. Surgery centers may also participate in the MMRPro Stimulus Program. As a result, a surgery center can participate in potentially hundreds of thousands of dollars of recurring upgrade revenue annually coming from the thousands of patients treated at the surgery centers at any given time when contrasted to the number of patients in a typical MMRPro group practice installation. The MMRPro Stimulus Program provides funds to physicians, hospitals and alternative care facilities for patient upgrades to a full-featured MyMedicalRecords Personal Health Record in addition to stimulus monies that may be provided by the federal government.

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. The Company’s professional offering, MMRPro, is designed to give physicians’ offices an easy and cost-effective solution to digitizing paper-based medical records and sharing them with patients in real time through an integrated patient portal. MMR is an Independent Software Vendor Partner with Kodak to deliver an integrated turnkey EMR solution for healthcare professionals. MMR is also an integrated service provider on Google Health. To learn more about MMRGlobal, Inc. and its products, visit www.mmrglobal.com.

About Manage My ASC

Manage My ASC combines timely and focused management reporting, backed-up by our team of industry experts, to deliver management solutions to ASC owners and operators. Our easy to understand on-line dashboard is a powerful management tool and serves as a central reference point for you to view and track your ASC’s activities. Plus, your dashboard is the main meeting point for you and our experts who are there to help you interpret results and take action.

The Manage My ASC solution works for any ASC, regardless of size or geographic location. Manage My ASC customers receive periodic reviews of operation performance, including assessments based on our comprehensive benchmarking database, that lead to specific recommendations to capture improvement opportunities. www.managemyasc.com

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements in this press release that are not strictly historical in nature, including future performance, management’s expectations, beliefs, intentions, estimates or projections, constitute “forward-looking statements.” Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the Company’s actual results to be materially different from historical results or from any results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Some can be identified by the use of words (and their derivations) such as “need,” “possibility,” “offer,” “development,” “if,” “negotiate,” “when,” “begun,” “believe,” “achieve,” “will,” “help,” “estimate,” “expect,” “maintain,” “plan,” and “continue,” or the negative of these words. . Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, the risk the Company’s products are not adopted or viewed favorably by the healthcare community; risks related to the current uncertainty and instability in financial and lending markets, including global economic uncertainties; product integration in physician practices, surgery centers and hospitals; timing and volume of sales and installations; length of sales cycles and the installation process; market acceptance of new product introductions; ability to establish and maintain strategic relationships; ability to identify and integrate acquisitions; relationships with licensees; competitive product offerings and promotions; changes in government laws and regulations and future changes in tax legislation and initiatives in the healthcare industry; undetected errors in our products; possibility of interruption at our data centers; risks related to third party vendors; risks related to obtaining and integrating third-party licensed technology; acceptance of the Company’s marketing and promotional campaigns; risks related to a security breach by third parties; maintaining, developing and defending our intellectual property rights including those pertaining to our biotechnology assets; risks associated with recruitment and retention of key personnel; uncertainties associated with doing business internationally across borders and territories; and additional risks discussed in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Additionally, we are a developing early-stage company and many variables can affect revenues and/or projections, including factors out of our control. MMRGlobal, Inc. is providing this information as of the date of this release and, except as required by law, does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this release as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

CONTACT:

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

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Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

Premier Diagnostic Health Services Inc. (CNSX:PDH) Announces Its CEO-China Operations Is Travelling to China to Negotiate Contracts With Hospitals

Posted on December 2, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA–(Marketwire – Dec. 2, 2010) – Premier Diagnostic Health Services Inc. (CNSX:PDH) (“PDH”) announces Denis Tusar, CEO – China Operations for PDH, is departing to China, on Saturday, December 4, 2010 to meet with the on-the-ground China Development Team. 

The Team will work under his supervision to negotiate and finalize four to six contracts with qualifying hospitals for the establishment of Centers for Advanced Diagnostics that will utilize PET-CT technology for detection and evaluation of cancer. 

Working from the model established by PDH in collaboration with the No. 3 Armed Police Hospital in Beijing where the first Center has been operating an MRI scanner for three months, PDH will provide and own the PET-CT scanners. The Centers will be operated in collaboration with the hospitals over a 10 – 12 year period with positive revenues expected to be generated from the outset.

PDH is retaining the services of a senior executive from a major Chinese Trading Company to head up the China Development Team. 

About Premier Diagnostic Health Services Inc. (CNSX:PDH)

As leaders in advanced health and education with the international medical community, PDH is rolling out its global strategy of establishing a network of Centres for Advanced Diagnostics in Canada and China. By utilizing MRI and PET-CT, the most advanced medical diagnostic imaging technology available and the production of FDG, the radiopharmaceutical tracer used in oncology PET procedures; PDH is uniquely positioned to deliver continued innovation, growth and profitability.

Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

SullivanCotter Debuts Philadelphia Office

Posted on December 2, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: Sullivan, Cotter and Associates, Inc.

PHILADELPHIA, PA–(Marketwire – December 2, 2010) – Sullivan, Cotter and Associates, Inc., a health care compensation and human resource management consulting firm, has announced the opening of its newest business location in Philadelphia. With offices in the major markets of Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Detroit, New York, Parsippany, San Francisco and Westport, Philadelphia was a natural additional market for the nationally regarded compensation consulting firm. The new location is at 200 Barr Harbor Drive, Suite 400, West Conshohocken, PA 19428.

“We are enthusiastic about our continued growth in the east coast. Our presence in Philadelphia will allow us to meet our commitment to superior client service and accessibility for local health care organizations,” notes SullivanCotter Managing Director, Chris Terranova. “SullivanCotter’s compensation strategies ensure that organizations are in compliance with a myriad of regulatory matters while also being sensitive to the concerns of their boards,” Terranova adds.

Bruce Greenblatt will open the Philadelphia office as a Principal of the Firm. Greenblatt has more than 14 years of consulting experience with particular expertise in executive compensation in the health care industry, as well as the consumer products, manufacturing and communications industries. He has advised the senior management and boards of nonprofit, publicly-traded and private companies on compensation strategy as well as in the design and implementation of executive incentive and other programs.

Sullivan, Cotter and Associates, Inc. specializes in the assessment and development of total compensation and reward programs for executives and physicians in the health care industry. Since 1992, SullivanCotter has worked closely with health care organization executives, boards and compensation committees to devise innovative compensation solutions that attract and retain leadership talent while satisfying not-for-profit missions and regulatory requirements. A leader in independent consulting, benchmarking, trends and analyses, SullivanCotter has also developed the most widely recognized physician and executive compensation surveys in the United States. For more information, visit www.sullivancotter.com or call 888-739-7039 toll-free. In Philadelphia, please call 484-534-2922.

Contact:
Karolyn Raphael
Winger Marketing
312/494-0422
[email protected]

Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

ALDA Pharmaceuticals Corp.: T36(R) Antiseptic Hand Sanitizer Kills "Superbugs" in 15 Seconds

Posted on December 2, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA–(Marketwire – Dec. 2, 2010) – ALDA Pharmaceuticals Corp. (TSX VENTURE:APH)(OTCQB:APCSF) (the “Company”) announces that new tests have shown that T36® Antiseptic Hand Sanitizer is completely effective against two types of new “superbugs” within 15 seconds. The testing was conducted at BioScience Laboratories in Bozeman, MT against antibiotic-resistant strains of E. coli and Klebsiella. These strains have taken genes from other bacteria that have developed the ability to digest nearly all antibiotics, including penicillin-like antibiotics that possess broad spectrum antibacterial properties and are typically used as a last resort. Such genetic “swapping” is common among bacteria and is a major cause of antibiotic resistance.

Dr. Terrance Owen, President & CEO comments, “T36® Antiseptic Hand Sanitizer works in a completely different way than antibiotics. It kills infectious organisms by disrupting their cell walls so the presence of antibiotic-digesting enzymes does not stop it from working. Since these infections are so dangerous, it is important to prevent them from happening in the first place. Proper hygiene, including the use the of hand sanitizers and disinfectants such as T36® Antiseptic Hand Sanitizer and T36® Disinfectant, is a very important step in preventing the spread of potentially incurable diseases.”

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.
www.aldacorp.com

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: Facilities And Providers

CBLPath and Sonic Healthcare Limited Finalize Acquisition

Posted on December 2, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: CBLPath

Deal Closes in Conjunction With Naming New CEO

RYE BROOK, NY–(Marketwire – December 2, 2010) – CBLPath today announced that it is now officially part of Sonic Healthcare Limited’s federation of laboratories.

CBLPath will work closely with Sonic’s clinical laboratory divisions to cross sell services to their respective referrer bases. Significant revenue synergies are expected to be realized from the cross sell opportunities in FY2012 and following years. In addition, there are a number of cost synergies which Sonic can offer CBLPath, particularly in the areas of logistics, purchasing and billing.

CBLPath has been operating under the direction of the Office of the CEO comprised of David W. Bryant, President and Chairman of the Board; Dr. Carlos D. Urmacher, Chief Medical Officer; and Joe Sinicropi, Chief Operating Officer. At this time, the Office of the CEO will be disbanded and Mr. Bryant will assume the role of CBLPath’s Chief Executive Officer. Dr. Urmacher will continue in his role as Chief Medical Officer and Mr. Sinicropi in his role as Chief Operating Officer.

The company will continue to operate under the CBLPath name.

About CBLPath
CBLPath is a national specialty lab offering a full convergence of anatomic, molecular and digital pathology services. The company provides a one-stop solution for comprehensive sub-specialized diagnostics, and timely, accurate, patient-centered disease management guidance. Through its Best Practice™ Partnership Program, CBLPath partners with pathologists to help them grow their practices, while giving them the ability to stay independent and “keep medicine local.” The company also provides sub-specialty physicians access to comprehensive, high-quality testing in their local market. Founded in 1988, CBLPath established a reputation for providing timely, highly accurate diagnoses along with extraordinary customer service and a true patient-centered commitment. For more about the company, please visit www.CBLPath.com.

About Sonic Healthcare Limited
Sonic Healthcare is one of the world’s largest medical diagnostics companies, providing laboratory and radiology services to medical practitioners, hospitals, community health services, and their collective patients. Sonic Healthcare Limited is the parent company of the many operating companies around the world comprising the Sonic Healthcare group. It is a public company, listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX), where it is classified as one of Australia’s “Top 100” companies. Sonic Healthcare has its head office at Macquarie Park in Sydney, Australia, in the same building as the main Douglass Hanly Moir Pathology laboratory. In the medical arena, their success is based on the fact that Sonic Healthcare companies are recognized as quality diagnostic practices that have remained true to the ethical principles of the medical profession. For more about the company, please visit www.sonichealthcare.com.

Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

MediMedia Announces Consolidation of Krames and StayWell Custom Communications to Create Industry-Leading Healthcare Communications Firm

Posted on December 2, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: StayWell Custom Communications

CHATHAM, NJ–(Marketwire – December 2, 2010) – Today, MediMedia announced the consolidation of two of its largest divisions: Krames Patient Education and StayWell Custom Communications. Industry-leaders in their respective fields, the two organizations will join forces to create a combined company that will be the largest provider of interactive and print patient education solutions and consumer health information in the country. The Krames StayWell team will have an unmatched market presence including nearly 80 sales and account executives, more than 80 product developers and designers, nearly 45 interactive solution developers and technology specialists, and 25 dedicated client services professionals. The two companies will combine into one organization effective January 1, 2011, to be called Krames StayWell.

“There is really only one reason we are taking this action, and it is a powerful one,” said MediMedia CEO Steve Simcox. “We believe that by consolidating our extensive technology and content assets, product development expertise, and client services resources, we can drive greater value for our clients.”

The consolidation is designed to build on the combined strengths of both organizations, allowing Krames StayWell to more easily offer seamless access to a wider breadth of products, consultative professional expertise, technology, and content assets. “There is no question that we can serve client needs better together than separately,” said Patrick Clifford, StayWell Company Chairman.

“Our goal is to make it even easier for our clients to do business with us,” said George Parker, President and CEO of Krames, who will serve as CEO of Krames StayWell. “We will be able to provide enterprise-wide and market-specific solutions designed to drive consumer engagement, improve health outcomes, and lower healthcare costs with unmatched ability to integrate print and interactive solutions. Krames StayWell is uniquely positioned to deliver ROI to our clients across all healthcare markets.”

The executive leadership teams of Krames and StayWell Custom Communications will remain intact, and will combine in new roles. “This is a team that has worked together for an extensive period of time, knows each other well, and thrives on the spirit of collaboration and innovation offered by this consolidation,” said Trent Sterling, President and CEO of StayWell Custom Communications, who will serve as President for the new organization. The company will have more than 330 employees located throughout the country. 

Krames StayWell will represent best-in-class health communication solutions across the entire spectrum of consumer engagement. Products from the combined organizations are used by more than 85% of American hospitals, as well as leading health plans, employers, pharmaceutical companies, retail organizations, and thousands of healthcare professionals in multiple care settings.

Krames Patient Education has a long history of creating exceptional patient education solutions, in print and interactive formats, rooted in patient-centric content created in consideration of health literacy design principles. Krames flagship products designed to initiate positive patient health self-management at the point of care include:

  • Krames On-Demand™ — an electronic, print on-demand system featuring more than 5,300 single topic HealthSheet™ articles covering 38 medical specialty areas and spanning 12 languages.
  • Krames Exit-Writer™ — an electronic emergency department discharge instruction program featuring more than 1,400 discharge instruction covering the most common diagnoses addressed in the ER/Urgent care environment plus a prescription writer and medication reconciliation tool.
  • Krames Video Solutions™ — A suite of tools enabling delivery of more than 430 Patient Education videos spanning nine languages via websites, point of care tools, kiosks, CCTV systems and DVDs.
  • Krames Patient Consent™ — An electronic system designed to standardize and streamline the informed consent process. Via the creation of personalized, procedure specific legal forms and companion patient education written in plain language, Krames Patient Consent™ ensures better patient-provider communication improving outcomes while mitigating legal risk.
  • Krames Go-to-Guides™ — A suite of interactive, multimedia disease management workbooks featuring narrated text, embedded video, and quizzes for learning verification designed to match the learning preferences of almost any patient.
  • Krames Print Materials™ — An award-winning library of more than 1,300 booklets, brochures, tear sheets, and other formats featuring Krames signature art-text synergy.

StayWell Custom Communications has a legacy of creating print and interactive health information and health management communications designed to help healthcare organizations engage and motivate consumers, and deliver measurable ROI. The company will contribute a wide range of award-winning solutions to the new organization, ranging across digital, mobile, print, SEO and professional services:

  • Digital — interactive health libraries and health portals offer more than 30,000 interactive content assets, and include the widely used StayWell Solutions Online™ and StayWell Engage™; microsites, video, email, animations, podcasts and symptom checkers;
  • Mobile — text messaging programs, mobile sites, symptom checker for the iPhone, event promotion, contact center solutions and custom applications;
  • Custom Print Solutions — more than 100 million copies each year of award-winning publications and other print communications for community, member, disease management and client-selected audiences;
  • Search Engine Optimization (SEO) — local search, keyword optimization and conversion optimization; and
  • Professional Services — content integration consultation, Return-on-Investment (ROI) measurement, media integration strategy, and consultative strategy support for creating comprehensive multi-media communications solutions that engage consumers and deliver results.

Both organizations have been committed to helping their clients achieve better health outcomes for consumers for decades. Now united, Krames StayWell is uniquely positioned to provide comprehensive, multimedia health information and communication solutions across multiple consumer touch points — delivering the engaging healthcare information patients and consumers want, when they want it and how they want it, and with a focus on generating measurable results for their clients.

About Krames

Krames (a MediMedia Company) is the market leader in patient education and consumer health information solutions. More than 85 percent of American hospitals, as well as leading health plans, employer groups, private practices and pharmaceutical companies use Krames’ solutions to improve quality of care, streamline workflow and lower healthcare costs. Krames also brings health literacy expertise to American Heart Association/ American Stroke Association and American Lung Association patient education through exclusive partnerships with these respected organizations. Founded in 1974, Krames remains at the leading edge of patient education with innovative programs that utilize a comprehensive suite of print, electronic and video content.

For more information, please visit www.krames.com

About StayWell Custom Communications

StayWell Custom Communications (a MediMedia Company) is the leader in custom health content solutions delivered via a variety of sophisticated technology platforms. Our interactive offerings include robust web platforms, online health libraries, e-mail and mobile marketing programs, an extensive range of multimedia tools including video, podcasts and animations, and health management tools and programs. StayWell Custom Communications also offers a comprehensive range of print and print/interactive integrated solutions to meet a broad range of clients’ marketing and communication needs. The company serves hundreds of clients representing several channels in the healthcare industry: hospitals and health systems; health plans; employers; and retail organizations.

For more information, please visit www.staywellcustom.com

About MediMedia

Headquartered in Yardley, PA, with 1,700 employees in offices throughout the U.S., MediMedia changes consumer and professional behaviors through superior engagement, education and end-user preferences. Our health information services group creates, publishes, distributes, and syndicates on and off-line health information to help consumers make informed health decisions on behalf of a variety of sponsors, including providers — both hospitals and physicians, payers, and online media companies. Our health management services group provides population health management services which help consumers lower their health risk, enabling employers to lower their risks, utilization and ultimately their health care expenses. And finally, our professional segment derives its revenues from providing online/off-line professional promotion, engagement, and education services targeted to healthcare professionals and their patients

MediMedia is a Vestar Capital Partners portfolio company.

For more information contact:
Renee Verrastro
973-378-5133

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Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

WellTek Expands Into the Virtual Event Market

Posted on December 1, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: WellTek Incorporated

ORLANDO, FL–(Marketwire – December 1, 2010) – WellTek, Inc. (OTCBB: WTKN), a global health, fitness and wellness company, announced today that it plans to expand into the virtual event market, specializing in the healthcare and wellness niche, by launching a new wholly-owned company, WellTek Events, Inc. This next-generation virtual event platform will serve as the foundation in allowing WellTek and other brands to actively reach, engage and influence health and wellness conscious consumers with new and existing brand assets, technologies, products and services.

According to the Virtual Conference and Trade Show Market Study 2010-2015, the worldwide virtual conference and trade show market is forecasted to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 56% between the period of 2010 and 2015 and to generate $18.6 billion in revenues over the period 2010 – 2015. While the virtual event market is still in its infancy, WellTek intends to launch into the virtual event business.

WellTek Events is looking to become the industry leader in producing and delivering powerful virtual events for the healthcare and wellness market — linking exhibitors, attendees, and thought leaders together in a fully immersive and engaging virtual environment. 

Without the costs, hassles and time involved in a physical event, participants navigate through the 3D game-like world booth by booth via an avatar. Advances in technology allow exhibitors to actively reach, engage and influence a highly targeted global audience, create and customize virtual booths, communicate with prospects via video conferencing and live chat, convert leads to customers in real-time with the Ecommerce platform, generate reports and analytics to tract ROI and many more features that ultimately turn prospects into buyers and customers into raving fans.

The integration of virtual events, social networking and social gaming permits attendees to overcome the challenges facing the traditional trade show market, as well as take advantage of the benefits of social media: staying in constant contact, sharing opinions, recommendations and links, getting answers right away and feeling connected to the information they care most about — all while being entertained.

Randy Lubinsky, Chairman and CEO of WellTek, stated, “With over 40 years experience in the medical industry and interacting with physicians, we believe we can leverage our expertise to establish WellTek Events as the premiere company for virtual medical conferences and wellness events.”

In an effort to focus time and capital on WellTek Events, the company has decided to rescind the acquisition of its 51% interest in WellCity, Inc. As part of the rescission, 14,500,000 shares of WellTek common stock will be returned to WellTek and the financial position of both companies will return to that prior to the May 1, 2010 acquisition.

In addition, WellTek has also effectuated a 50 to 1 reverse split as of December 2, 2010 in order to facilitate raising additional growth capital.

About WellTek Incorporated
WellTek is a global health, fitness and wellness company that provides proven solutions to help address some of the world’s most pressing and costly health and wellness challenges. The Company owns and operates WellTek Events, Inc., a fully engaging virtual event platform specializing in the healthcare and wellness market. The Company’s subsidiary, MedX Limited, manufactures, markets and distributes the most advanced medical exercise equipment to the medical and fitness markets. Through its wholly owned subsidiary Pure HealthyBack, Inc., WellTek is redefining healthcare delivery by providing health plans, self-insured employer groups, and consumers with a viable non-surgical, lower cost treatment for patients who are seeking lasting relief from chronic neck and back pain. For more information on the Company, please contact [email protected] or visit www.WellTekinc.com. 

Certain statements contained in this press release, which are not based on historical facts, are forward-looking statements as the term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and are subject to substantial uncertainties and risks in part detailed in the respective Company’s Securities and Exchange Commission filings, that may cause actual results to materially differ from projections. Although the Company believes that its expectations are reasonable assumptions within the bounds of its knowledge of its businesses, expectations, representations and operations, there can be no assurance that actual results will not differ materially from their expectations. Important factors currently known to management that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include the Company’s ability to execute properly its business model, to raise additional capital to implement its continuing business model, the ability to attract and retain personnel — including highly qualified executives, management and operational personnel, ability to negotiate favorable future debt facilities and capital raises, and the inherent risk associated with a diversified business to achieve and maintain positive cash flow and net profitability. In light of these risks and uncertainties, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking information contained in this press release will, in fact, occur. 

WellTek, Inc.
[email protected]

Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

PPMIS Launches The Practice Readiness Roadmap

Posted on December 1, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: PPM Information Solutions

MISSION, KS–(Marketwire – December 1, 2010) – PPM Information Solutions, Inc. (PPMIS) (www.ppmconnect.com) publishes “The Practice Readiness Roadmap — your route to a successful start.” Dedicated to serving the anesthesia community, PPMIS is forging its presence in the medical community and delivering its guide for assisting physicians who are considering starting a practice or moving to a new software vendor or billing service. Download a free copy.

For over a decade, PPMIS has developed first-rate software for medical billing solutions. Formed by anesthesiologists to serve the anesthesia specialty, the company’s goal is providing its clients with industry-leading software products and services. Because PPMIS understands the complexity of billing for anesthesia, its products and services take the everyday complications out of medical billing.

The company’s newest platform, a SaaS model, is medical billing software with flexibility, a full range of reporting options, and strictly enforced exception edits, ensuring claim accuracy that result in prompt reimbursement. The fully integrated Connect platform provides accelerated claims processing, streamlined collections management, and reporting capabilities.

RCM Services, its full-service medical billing service, offers multi-specialty billing, certified coding, SaaS technology, demographic and EMR downloads, payer credentialing, and practice advocacy. Proven metrics ensure the success of the client’s practice. The company believes when the client succeeds, it succeeds. Learn more about PPMIS practice management services.

About PPM Information Solutions, Inc.
PPMIS is a medical billing provider that helps clients recognize revenue faster by submitting clean claims. The company offers both billing software and billing services as its medical billing solutions. This U.S. based company does 100% of its software development at its headquarters in Mission, KS. Its staff is dedicated to delivering the most comprehensive solutions available for medical billing. PPMIS billing solutions and the Practice Readiness Roadmap free practice assessment can be found at www.ppmconnect.com.

Direct inquiries to [email protected], or contact Manolito Jones or Dan Olin at 913-262-2332 to request a product demonstration.

Contact:
Manolito Jones
or Dan Olin
913-262-2332
Email Contact

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Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

International Alzheimer’s Researcher and Inventor to Speak at Quietmind Foundation

Posted on November 29, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: Quietmind Foundation

Quietmind Foundation: Promoting Research of Drug-Free, Noninvasive Treatments for Brain Disorders and Trauma

PLYMOUTH MEETING, PA–(Marketwire – November 29, 2010) – In advance of the first randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial in the world of its type for Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, Quietmind Foundation (QMF), Plymouth Meeting, Pa., is honored to host two presentations by Gordon Dougal, M.D., a National Health Service physician, inventor, and dementia researcher from Durham, U.K. Dr. Dougal will discuss the application of 1072nm infrared light therapy in the treatment of dementia. The presentations will include the pioneering research findings from studies conducted by Dr. Dougal’s colleagues at Durham University on the effects of this type of phototherapy on neuroprotection and beta amyloid plaque deposition and abeta42 oligomer levels.

Professional colleagues, caregivers, and family members of people struggling with neurodegenerative disorders are cordially invited. The free programs will take place on Sunday, December 12, from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Monday, December 13, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at the QMF offices, 521 Plymouth Rd., Suite 111, Plymouth Meeting, Pa., 19462. Light refreshments will be served.

Each program will begin with a brief scientific overview by Dr. Dougal directed toward professionals working in research and clinical care of people struggling with dementia. Marvin Berman, Ph.D., QMF’s president, will then discuss the foundation’s previous research in dementia and current clinical work. Following will be a demonstration of the 1072nm infrared light therapy and overview of parameters of the clinical trial to be conducted at the QMF offices.

For a fuller description of the upcoming clinical trial utilizing the 1072nm technology for the treatment of early stage dementia: http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01059877?term=1072&rank=3

About Quietmind Foundation

Quietmind Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit founded in 2000, is an international center for cutting-edge research and consultation in the use of brainwave (EEG) biofeedback and related technologies. Its ongoing research agenda — and the nondrug, noninvasive treatments offered through its affiliate, Quietmind Associates — focuses on the spectrum of neurodegenerative disorders, including dementia, Parkinson’s, ALS, and MS as well as traumatic brain injury, PTSD, and learning disabilities. Its goal is to integrate innovative technologies and evidence-based behavioral interventions into governmental, public health, and educational service delivery systems.

QMF’s prior research on Alzheimer’s disease was accepted for presentation at the July 2009 International Conference on Alzheimer’s Disease (ICAD) in Vienna, Austria. This research demonstrated improvements in subjects’ memory, executive function, and psychiatric symptoms, and a reduction in medications.

For further information and reservations for either presentation: 610-940-0488 or [email protected]

Press Contact:

For more information, contact:
Marvin H. Berman, Ph.D., CBT, BCN
Principal, Quietmind Associates
President, Quietmind Foundation
Psychotherapy, Assessment, Neurofeedback, Consultation,
and Applied Clinical Research
521 Plymouth Road, Suite 111
Plymouth Meeting PA 19462
T: 610-940-0488
F: 215-359-0630
E: Email Contact

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Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

Sami Bittar, MD, Adds CoolSculpting by ZELTIQ(TM) to Patient Services

Posted on November 29, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: Dr. Sami Bittar

Trim Fat in Time for the Holidays With Revolutionary, Noninvasive Technique

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

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

Benefits of the CoolSculpting by ZELTIQ™ include:

  • A reduction in fat bulges in about two to four months, with the most dramatic results occurring after two months.
  • A 20 percent reduction in the fat layer.

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

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

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

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

Contact:
Tammy Petersen
Luxury Marketing Partners International
Phone: (312) 988-4811
E-Mail: Email Contact

Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

Quantum Health Recognized as One of America’s Best Places to Work

Posted on November 23, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: Quantum Health, Inc.

COLUMBUS, OH–(Marketwire – November 23, 2010) – The adage “Choose a job you love and you will never have to work a day in your life” may well be true at Quantum Health. The company, after all, was recently recognized both locally and nationally as of one of America’s best places to work by two different publications.

In the 2010 Great Place to Work® Rankings of the Best Small & Medium Workplaces presented by Entrepreneur® magazine, Quantum Health ranked 23rd among the “50 Best” companies nationally. Columbus’s Business First also highlighted the company as a 2010 “Best Places To Work” in its small companies category. Quantum Health is a four-time recipient of this award and earned second place honors in this year’s competition — one spot higher than its third place finish in 2009.

“Quantum Health’s success in delivering value to its clients rests solely on recruiting, hiring and retaining the area’s best employees,” said Kara Trott, CEO. “We’re thrilled to be recognized as a great place to work by our employees and believe that it translates into great service to the people we serve every day.”

The Entrepreneur “50 Best” are selected and ranked by Great Place to Work® Institute, Inc., a workplace research and consulting firm. The determination of the best 50 companies is guided by a methodology that places the greatest weight on their responses to the survey, which accounts for two-thirds of the total score. The remaining one-third of the score comes from the Institute’s evaluation of each company’s culture. Companies are scored in five distinct areas: credibility, respect, fairness, pride and camaraderie.

Columbus Business First’s 2010 “Best Places To Work” honorees were chosen using an independent firm’s proprietary employee survey methodology and software to evaluate nominees. Companies were judged solely upon quantitative measurement of employee input.

ABOUT QUANTUM HEALTH
Quantum Health is an award-winning and fundamentally different healthcare company headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, serving employers nationally.

Quantum Health guarantees its clients a 5-8% reduction in total claims spend. By reorganizing benefits delivery and creating a “virtual medical home” for each member, Quantum Health maximizes each service opportunity to intercept patients when they have a problem to solve or questions about their benefits or healthcare. Real time, informed involvement allows our Care Coordinators to help patients, their families, and their physicians to work together to ensure proper care, eliminating redundant, delayed and questionable care — literally driving unnecessary medical events and cost out of the system. All with a 100% guarantee.

Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

Mi-Co Releases ICD9 Windows Phone 7 Reference Application for Physicians, Nurses and Other Healthcare Professionals

Posted on November 23, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: Mi-Co

DURHAM, NC–(Marketwire – November 23, 2010) – Mi-Co announced today the release of a new application for the Windows Phone 7 platform from Microsoft that will allow physicians, nurses and other healthcare professionals to lookup ICD9 codes for various disease conditions on the go. Documentation in healthcare frequently requires lookups of diagnosis codes for various disease states and the entry of those codes on forms for reimbursement, patient processing and more.

With Mi-Co’s ICD9 application, healthcare professionals using Windows Phone 7 devices can have access to the various codes literally anywhere, fitting their mobile workflow. As of this date, this is the only ICD9 reference application on the Windows Phone Marketplace. Chris DiPierro, Director of Software Development for Mi-Co, says “We see various app-based smartphone marketplaces as important in the future, for enterprises as well as consumers. This ICD9 application showcases the versatility of Mi-Co’s ability to design mobility-oriented healthcare software for a variety of different platforms and needs.“

To get Mi-Co’s ICD9 application, search for “ICD9” in the Windows Phone Marketplace.

Learn more about how applying electronic mobility to your data collection processes can streamline and positively impact workflows in your enterprise. Visit us at: www.mi-corporation.com or email us at [email protected].

About Mi-Co

Mi-Co, a leading provider of mobile data collection solutions, provides software to automate paper forms-based business processes. Mi-Co’s enterprise Mi-Forms Software System provides flexible electronic forms design for data capture using digital ink and has proven capabilities for the communication of forms-based data. Mi-Forms support Tablet PCs, Digital Pens, iPads, Pocket PCs, signature capture devices and industry standard software technologies. Mi-Co reaches historically paperwork intensive markets such as healthcare and government and supports an extensive network of channel partners. For more information on Mi-Co, visit www.mi-corporation.com

Media Contact:
Gautham Pandiyan
Email Contact
919-485-4819 x 1973

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Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

OtterBox Increases "Strength" of BlackBerry Torch 9800 Smartphone

Posted on November 23, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: OtterBox

FORT COLLINS, CO–(Marketwire – November 23, 2010) – Available for various BlackBerry® smartphones, the pink OtterBox® “Strength” line now offers protection for the BlackBerry® Torch™ 9800 smartphone. These innovative Commuter Series® cases are a stylish way to keep the BlackBerry Torch smartphone pristine while supporting a good cause. OtterBox donates 10 percent of the purchase price from each “Strength” case to the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade to support research to find a cure for breast cancer and programs that provide access to breast health care, regardless of a person’s ability to pay.

“Supporting the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade has been an amazing opportunity for OtterBox and our customers,” said OtterBox founder and CEO Curt Richardson. “We’ve enjoyed the reveal of each new ‘Strength’ case and to date have donated more than $80,000 to the cause.”

The OtterBox Commuter Series case for the BlackBerry Torch smartphone is unlike any other case on the market, providing customized layers for extra protection. First, a white silicone skin fits snuggly around the back with plugs that fit precisely into all ports to prevent damage from dirt and dust. Second, a pink polycarbonate shell snap onto the front and another piece to the back allowing full functionality of the phone’s sliding feature and touch screen. The case also includes a self-adhering screen protector to keep the display scratch free.*

See the complete pink line for all you BlackBerry smartphones, available at www.otterbox.com/strength. 

Additional information for OtterBox Commuter Series for the BlackBerry Torch 9800 smartphone:

Environmental Protection:

  • Added protection against bump and shock

Colors:

  • Silicone: white
  • Polycarbonate: pink

Dimensions (case only):

  • 4.56″ (115.71 mm) x 2.64″ (67.11 mm) x 0.72″ (8.28 mm)

Approximate Weight (case only):

  • 0.80 oz (22.68 g) 

About the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade:

The Avon Foundation for Women’s Avon Breast Cancer Crusade has supported programs in more than 50 countries since its creation in 1992 and to date has raised and awarded more than $640 million worldwide for advancing access to care and finding a cure for breast cancer, with a focus on the medically underserved. Funding supports five areas: awareness and education; screening and diagnosis; access to treatment; support services; and scientific research. For more information or free printable breast cancer information, visit www.avonfoundation.org. For information about participating in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer events, visit www.avonwalk.org.

About OtterBox:

Built upon fundamentals of hard work, innovation and perseverance, OtterBox is a leader in the production of premier protective solutions for global handheld manufacturers, wireless carriers and distributors.

Incorporating creativity and cutting-edge design into every product, OtterBox creates sleek and durable cases that offer reliable device protection to complement any lifestyle.

OtterBox was founded in 1998 and is headquartered in Fort Collins, Colo.

For more information, visit www.otterbox.com or call 888-695-8820. We’ve Got Technology Covered.

Notes:

*Commuter Series cases NOT protected against water. Will provide some added protection against bump and shock.

The BlackBerry and RIM families of related marks, images and symbols are the exclusive properties and trademarks of Research In Motion Limited.

©2010 Otter Products, LLC. All rights reserved. OtterBox and all OtterBox logos, trademarks and symbols are the property of Otter Products, LLC.

Contact:
Kristin Golliher
(970) 372-6232
[email protected]

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Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

GoHealthInsurance.com Reminder for Flexible Spending Account Users

Posted on November 23, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: GoHealthInsurance

GoHealthInsurance.com Is Reminding Users of Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) to Use Their Account Funds on Medical Expenses Before They Expire at the End of the Year

CHICAGO, IL–(Marketwire – November 23, 2010) – GoHealthInsurance.com, the online marketplace for health insurance comparison shopping, is offering consumers a friendly reminder and help for how they can use their Flexible Spending Account (FSA) funds before they expire at the end of December.

“It’s getting towards the end of the year and any funds leftover in a Flexible Savings Account will be forfeited for 2011. Consumers should make sure they check their FSA balances and utilize any savings before it’s lost,” said Mark Colwell, Consumer Marketing Analyst at GoHealthInsurance.com.

Have a FSA but don’t know how to use the saved funds before they expire? Here are a few tips:

  • With the flu season right around the corner, one easy way to spend leftover money is to get flu shots and any vaccinations that are not up to date.

  • Schedule physicals, wellness and routine care visits with your family doctor to ensure that everyone in the family gets an annual check-up.

  • Purchase over-the-counter medication that you and your family typically use. Starting in 2011, FSA funds can longer be used on over-the-counter medications without a prescription. Medications that will require a prescription from a doctor include allergy and asthma, cold and flu, pain relief, anti-itch, antacids and acne medication.

  • Next year, consider the benefits of Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) with high-deductible health plans. The funds in HSAs roll over every year and earn interest.

Consumers can compare individual health insurance options, including plans compatible with Health Savings Accounts, at www.gohealthinsurance.com.

About GoHealthInsurance

GoHealthInsurance.com makes buying health insurance simple. GoHealthInsurance explains health coverage options in plain English, provides free health insurance quotes, connects shoppers with local agents, and helps consumers choose plans that meet their health and budget needs — making it the most robust health exchange.

Contact:
Michael Mahoney
GoHealthInsurance
888-250-3409
Email Contact

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Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

For Millions With Untreated Hearing Loss, the Holiday Season Can Be Especially Difficult

Posted on November 23, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: HearUSA

HearUSA Audiologist Offers Strategies for Dealing With “Invisible Handicap”

WEST PALM BEACH, FL–(Marketwire – November 23, 2010) – For many of the millions of hearing impaired Americans, especially the 27 million living with untreated hearing loss, the holidays may not be all that happy, says audiologist Dr. Cindy Beyer.

Dr. Beyer, senior vice president of HearUSA, Inc. (NYSE Amex: EAR), one of America’s largest hearing care and hearing aids companies, said, “Studies have linked hearing loss to stress, frustration, and social isolation, which can easily be intensified at holiday gatherings with families and friends, when many of those with hearing impairment may find conversations both difficult and isolating.”

“Hearing loss is often labeled ‘the invisible handicap’ because there are no outward signs of a handicap or limitations,” said Dr. Beyer. “As a result, we are unlikely to be aware that accommodations may be necessary to avoid a breakdown in communication.”

Dr. Beyer offers suggestions for making holiday meals and celebrations more comfortable and enjoyable for those with hearing impairment, as well as for the people around them.

  • Speak clearly and distinctly, but not too fast — and never shout.
  • If you are asked to repeat something, do so without raising your voice and appearing annoyed.
  • If your comment or question is still not being understood after repetition, reword it. Some words are easier to understand than others.
  • In a group situation, be sure the hearing-impaired person is included in the conversation. If not, bring them back in.
  • When speaking, look directly at the person and try not to be more than five feet away. 
  • Your facial expressions, gestures and overall body language are important aids in communicating, so try to be sure you have the listener’s attention and that the room is well lit.
  • Conversation is greatly enhanced when there is no distracting background noise from a radio or television.
  • Dining out? Choose a quiet restaurant. Noisy conversations and the clatter of dishes and tableware in a crowded dining area are barriers to effective communication.
  • Ask if there is anything you can do to make communication easier. For example, conversation will be much easier to understand in a room with carpeting and well-upholstered furniture than in a room with tiled floors, high ceilings or wooden furniture.

While almost all hearing loss can be successfully treated with hearing aids, only 25% of the 36 million Americans with hearing loss have hearing aids, according to the Better Hearing Institute. They note that most hearing aids users report significant improvement in their interpersonal relationships and social lives.

“Today’s digital hearing aids are smaller, smarter and more comfortable than ever before,” added Dr. Beyer. “During this holiday season, I can think of no kinder act than encouraging a loved one or a friend with untreated hearing loss to consider the positive impact hearing aids could have on their lives, and help them arrange for an evaluation by a licensed hearing care practitioner.”

About HearUSA
HearUSA, Inc. (NYSE Amex: EAR) is the recognized leader in hearing care for the nation’s top managed care organizations through its network of more than 2,000 hearing care providers and 176 company-owned centers. HearUSA is the nation’s only hearing care network accredited by URAC, an independent, nonprofit health care accrediting organization dedicated to promoting health care quality through accreditation, certification and commendation. HearUSA is also the administrator of the AARP Hearing Care program, designed to help millions of Americans aged 50+ who have untreated hearing loss. For more information about HearUSA visit www.hearusa.com.

Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

ECG Management Consultants, Inc. Releases Findings From Its Eleventh Annual Northwest Provider Compensation, Production, and Benefits Surveys

Posted on November 23, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: ECG Management Consultants, Inc.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

Toronto’s Newest Family Day Out Offers Something for Everyone

Posted on November 23, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

TORONTO, ONTARIO–(Marketwire – Nov. 23, 2010) – The ultimate family funfest Funday Sunday arrives on November 28, 2010 to entertain Torontonians of all ages in support of Sunnybrook’s Women & Babies Program and the Canadian Hadassah-WIZO Toronto (CHW), which is dedicated to the health care of women and children in Israel. The event will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Metro Convention Centre, and with family passes priced at only $39, this is one event that Toronto families will not want to miss!

Presented by Dancap Productions, Funday Sunday offers something for everyone:

  • a marketplace with designer goods and deep discounts
  • a Children’s Village with bouncy castles, face painting, games and talented performers 
  • a fun zone with an arcade and a skateboard park for teens
  • an “ask an health expert” booth hosted by Sunnybrook staff

“We are honoured to have the support of this joint partnership between Sunnybrook and the CHW,” says Dr. Andrew Shennan, chief of the Women & Babies Program. “A part of the proceeds from Funday Sunday will help our world-class staff continue to deliver the highest level of care in what is now one of the most advanced maternity wards in North America.”

The new Women & Babies facility at Sunnybrook officially opened its doors to the public in September 2010. This 120, 000 square foot facility, which has received international acclaim for its leading-edge design, will now be able to accommodate up to 4,250 births each year – 500 more births than the previous facility.

“CHW Toronto’s partnership with Sunnybrook allows us to continue the important work of supporting our most vulnerable women and children,” says Sarah Granatowicz, president of the Canadian Hadassah-WIZO Toronto. “CHW has a long and rich history of supporting children, healthcare, and women both here in Toronto and in Israel.” 

For more information about Funday Sunday or to register online, visit fundaysunday.ca or email [email protected].

About CHW

Founded in 1917, Canadian Hadassah-WIZO (CHW) Organization of Canada is a non-political women’s volunteer organization dedicated to the support of education, career training, healthcare, women and youth services in Israel and Canada.

About Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre’s Women & Babies Program

At Sunnybrook, women and babies get the very best care available, delivered in a family-centred environment. With a focus on high-risk pregnancy and critically premature babies, Sunnybrook accepts more emergency maternal transfers than any other hospital in Ontario.

Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

Keeping Our Youth and Our Future Healthy: Building Resilience to Substance Abuse and Mental Health Issues

Posted on November 23, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

Transax International Reports Third Quarter Results

Posted on November 23, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: Transax International

PLANTATION, FL–(Marketwire – November 23, 2010) – Transax International Limited (Transax) (PINKSHEETS: TNSX), a network solutions company for healthcare providers and health insurance companies, today reported financial results for the first nine months of 2010 and third quarter ended September 30, 2010.

For the quarter ended September 30, 2010, Transax generated net revenues of $1,211,511 compared to $1,155,060 in net revenues during third quarter of 2009, a 4.9% increase. The increase in revenues is principally due to the continued roll out of new contracts signed during the previous year and organic growth from existing clients. Transaction volume increased to 2.61 million for the third quarter of 2010 with some 66% of transactions being performed by the company’s proprietary Web based solution compared with 50% during the same period in 2009.

Loss from operations in the third quarter of 2010 was $332,240 compared with a $448,694 loss during the same period in 2009 a decrease of 26%. The Company recorded a loss prior to income taxes, for the third quarter of 2010 of $460,823 compared with Income prior to income taxes of $1,781,821 in the third quarter of 2009. The increase in loss was principally due to a reversal from the gain in the fair value of the recording of derivative liabilities.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2010 revenues increased by 2.5% to $3,280,772 from $3,201,083 during the same period in 2009. The increase in revenue is predominantly due to increase in roll out of the additional solutions. The Company recorded a loss from operations of $1,271,420 for the nine months ending September 30, 2010 compared to a $1,009,865 loss from operations during the same period in 2009. The increase in loss is primarily attributed to increases in general and administrative costs and compensation expenses. Net Loss for the first nine months of 2010 was $1,828,306 compared to Net Loss of $1,939,994 during the same period in 2009.

At the end of the third quarter 2010 the Company had 24,833 solutions operational in Brazil including over 3,100 Point of Sales (POS) Solutions. During the nine months ended September 30, 2010 the company installed approximately 7800 Web solutions and disconnected over 100 Interactive Voice Response (IVR) Solutions allowing for greater operational flexibility and increased functionality for the client. The Company undertook 7.1 million real-time transactions during the nine months ending September 30, 2010 compared to 6.3 million transactions during the same period in 2009. The Company has twelve contracts in place in Brazil eleven of which were generating revenues and one under a pilot test environment. At the end of the third quarter 2010 approximately 68% of the Company’s transactions were being undertaken by the Company’s Web solution compared to 52% at the start of 2010.

In announcing the results Stephen Walters, President & CEO, stated, “Since January 2010 revenues have increased approximately 19% in line with the transaction volume which has increased from 2.2 million in the first quarter of 2010 up to 2.6 million transactions for the third quarter 2010. The company continues to seek operating efficiencies to reduce costs and operational losses while undertaking continued development of its product in the Brazil market place.” 

About Transax International Limited

Transax International is an emerging network solutions provider for the healthcare sector. Utilizing its proprietary MedLink™ technology, Transax provides a service similar to credit card processing for the health insurance and providers industries. A transaction consists of: approving eligibility, authorization, auto-adjudication of the health claim and generating the claim payable files — provided instantaneously in “real time” — regardless of method of claim generation.

Transax’s solutions have been proven to significantly decrease health insurance claim expenditures and healthcare provider costs. Based in Plantation, Fl, Transax maintains a major operations office in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil with approximately 40 staff and a Sales Office in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The Company has contracts in place with major health insurers in Brazil and currently undertakes approximately 850,000 transactions per month.

SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT: “THIS NEWS RELEASE MAY INCLUDE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS WITHIN THE MEANING OF SECTION 27A OF THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, AND SECTION 21E OF THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934, AS AMENDED, WITH RESPECT TO ACHIEVING CORPORATE OBJECTIVES, DEVELOPING ADDITIONAL PROJECT INTERESTS, THE COMPANY’S ANALYSIS OF OPPORTUNITIES IN THE ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT OF VARIOUS PROJECT INTERESTS AND CERTAIN OTHER MATTERS. THESE STATEMENTS ARE MADE UNDER THE ‘SAFE HARBOR’ PROVISIONS OF THE UNITED STATES PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995 AND INVOLVE RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES WHICH COULD CAUSE ACTUAL RESULTS TO DIFFER MATERIALLY FROM THOSE IN THE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS CONTAINED HEREIN.”

Contacts:
Stephen Walters
President & CEO
Tel: 888.317.6984
http://www.transax.com

Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

First Annual Grayson’s Gift Foundation Event Raises Over $150,000 for Pediatric Brain Cancer Research

Posted on November 23, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: Grayson’s Gift Foundation

SANTA MONICA, CA–(Marketwire – November 22, 2010) – The first annual Grayson’s Gift Foundation Event, hosted on November 11, 2010, was a huge success, raising more than $150,000. The charity event took place in the ballroom at Hotel Casa del Mar in Santa Monica.

Grayson’s Gift Foundation is a non-profit committed to raising money for the brain cancer research department at the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles. Money was raised through ticket sales, an extravagant silent auction, and generous donations made by attendees.

The Grayson’s Gift Foundation was founded in 2010 by Leslie and Cliff Katab, whose son Grayson died from a brain tumor just over two years ago. Cliff Ketab said, “We went through many surgeries and chemo and countless days in hospitals, as well as traveling to Europe for experimental treatments. Although we did everything humanly possible, we lost our beloved baby boy two years ago.

“Pediatric brain cancer is the second leading cause of children’s death only behind social causes (car accidents, etc). Being immersed in this world taught us many life lessons. One thing we know is that we must help find a cure for these children. We created Grayson’s Gift Foundation just for this reason. Our charity donates its contributions directly to support research and training for pediatric brain cancer.”

A festive evening, it was a fusion of determined oncologists, compassionate celebrities, friends and family. Thrown into the mix were individual demonstrations of state-of-the-art brain-computer controlled games using NeuroSky technology. The day before the event, NeuroSky donated several games to the pediatric cancer ward at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. At the event, David Westendorf, Vice President of NeuroSky, talked about how Children’s Hospital LA saved his niece’s life, and then he gave away NeuroSky-powered Mindflex games from Mattel as table prizes.

Celebrity guests included: actor Jonathon Goldsmith, recognized as “The Most Interesting Man in the World” in recent Dos Equis commercials; Corey Feldmen of “The Goonies”; Taylor Armstrong of Bravo’s “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills”; Vienna Girardi who starred in ABC’s “The Bachelor”;” Jennifer Elise Cox, known for her appearance in The Brady Bunch Movie; actress Delphine Chaneac; and actor James Preston of “The Gates.”

Photos: http://www.ballantinesbiz.com/Green_Oct_2010/CHLA/CHLA_GraysonsGift_112210.html

Contact:
Kelley Coughlan
Email Contact
Ballantines PR
LA Office:
Tel: 310 454 3080
Cell: 310 570 9970

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Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

Assisted Living Concepts, Inc. Responds to New Jersey Actions

Posted on November 22, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: Assisted Living Concepts, Inc.

MENOMONEE FALLS, WI–(Marketwire – November 22, 2010) – Assisted Living Concepts, Inc. (NYSE: ALC) stated today that it is disappointed with recent actions taken by the New Jersey Department of Health and Human Services and disputes allegations in an order issued by the Department on Friday, November 19, 2010. ALC will pursue appropriate legal remedies for dismissal of the order and related penalties.

“While at certain of our New Jersey buildings we have removed the assisted living licenses and changed our operations over to independent living communities, we are still in the process of registering those buildings with the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs as either multiple dwellings or boarding homes,” stated Laurie Bebo, President and Chief Executive Officer. “This registration process can be lengthy. In the interim, we have demonstrated that seniors living in these retirement communities either receive no health care services or receive services from a variety of home health or personal companion service companies just like many senior living communities in New Jersey. We are not marketing these buildings as assisted living facilities and the staff employed by these communities provides no health care services. We believe the communities will become registered as multiple dwellings or boarding homes under New Jersey’s Department of Community Affairs.

“We are disappointed with the recent actions by the Department of Health and Human Services as they are fully aware of our ongoing participation in the administrative registration process with the Department of Community Affairs. We hope the bureaucratic process will move along more quickly and look forward to an open dialogue with the Department of Community Affairs to accomplish the registrations. We continue to meet the expectations of the tenants who reside with us and believe last Friday’s action by the Department of Health unnecessarily creates disruption for the peace of mind and well being of our tenants and their families.” 

About Us

Assisted Living Concepts, Inc. and its subsidiaries operate 211 senior living residences comprising 9,305 residents 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.

Contact:
Assisted Living Concepts, Inc.
262-257-8800

Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

Educational Packaging for Wound and Skin Dressing Improves Nurses’ Accuracy and Confidence: New Study in Journal of Wound Ostomy and Continence…

Posted on November 22, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: Medline Industries, Inc.

71% of Nurses Would Change Practice Based on New Packaging With Education

MUNDELEIN, IL–(Marketwire – November 22, 2010) – Educational guides on wound dressing packages can lead to increased patient safety and greater accuracy when applying the product, according to a just-released study in the Journal of Wound Ostomy and Continence Nursing (Journal of WOCN).  Published in the November/December issue of the peer-reviewed Journal of WOCN, the study included 173 clinicians and found that the nurses who used wound care dressings that had educational instructions attached to the outer package were 88 percent more likely to apply the products correctly than nurses who used the dressings in a traditional package.

“The results clearly show that just-in-time education in the form of educational instructions on a dressing package improves nurses’ confidence and accuracy when applying the dressing,” said Dea Kent, MSN, RN, NP-C, CWOCN, the author of the study and the manager of the Wound Ostomy Clinic at Riverview Hospital in Noblesville, Indiana. “The implication for manufacturers of wound dressings is that they should make it hard for the nurse to do the wrong thing by providing clear, easy-to-understand instructions that are accessible on the outside of the package so the nurse can review the process before treating the patient.”

The study used a wound dressing packaging system from Medline Industries, Inc. based on a concept of “just-in-time” education. Instructions for appropriate dressing use are attached to each package. The study was undertaken to assess the effects of this educational resource. The wound dressing used in the study was not familiar to the participants in order to more accurately assess the effect of the educational packaging and self-reported confidence with application.

The participants were randomly divided into two groups: a control group receiving the traditional wound education and an “intervention” group using Medline’s just-in-time educational packaging. None of the 62 nurses in the control group (using the traditional packaging) were able to apply the dressing correctly as compared to 68 of the 77 (88%) in the intervention group.

Similarly, 88% of the nurses in the intervention group reported that the educational packaging gave them confidence that they can correctly apply the dressing. Moreover, 71% in this group said they would change their nursing practice in relation to application of wound dressings based on the education on the package.

“The study findings provide evidence that manufacturers of wound dressings should apply just-in-time education techniques by placing an educational guide on all wound dressing packages in order to enhance the accuracy and safety of application and, ultimately, its efficacy in wound healing,” said Kent in the study’s conclusion.

Kent attributed the application failures by the nurses in the control group to a lack of knowledge about dressing application, since no information was available on the dressing package itself.

The study included nurses from a variety of backgrounds possessing all levels of education ranging from licensed practical nurse to Master of Science in nursing. Both novice and seasoned nurses were included. The study was conducted at eight facilities in central Indiana, including community hospitals, critical access hospitals, long-term care acute units, long-term care facilities and home health agencies.

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

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

Media Contacts:
Jerreau Beaudoin
(847) 643-3011

John Marks
(847) 643-3309

Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

Healthmed Services, Ltd. Enters Into Software Development Contract With Veritas Software Systems

Posted on November 22, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: Healthmed Services, Ltd.

SUNNYVALE, CA–(Marketwire – November 22, 2010) – Healthmed Services, Ltd. (PINKSHEETS: HEME) announced that it has entered into a software development agreement with Veritas Software Systems. Veritas will produce for Healthmed 10 exclusive healthcare software suite systems by December 2011. “Healthmed is committed to bridging the information technology gap that plagues doctor, patient, and practice related issues that keep professionals and patients from experiencing the highest level of care and efficiency,” stated CFO Dale Paisley. Healthmed will continue to be committed to expanding its inventory of products to meet every aspect of efficiency and care, in additional to maximizing internal corporate growth and profitability.

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

Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

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

Contact:
Financial Highlights
888-572-7934

Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

Midwest Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases Combats Epidemic Outbreaks

Posted on November 22, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: University of Cincinnati Foundation

The University of Cincinnati’s Collaborative Research Center Identifies Effective Treatments for Epidemic and Bio-Terrorism Attacks

CINCINNATI, OH–(Marketwire – November 22, 2010) – In the midst of flu season, millions of Americans are rushing to get vaccinated before becoming one of the approximately 200,000 flu victims the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates are hospitalized every year. They aren’t the only ones suffering: according to study findings presented in a 2006 CNN story, the flu and other infectious disease outbreaks cost the nation’s employers about $10 billion a year.

That’s why the University of Cincinnati’s Midwest Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases (MI-CEID) exists. The center serves as a touchstone for advanced medical breakthroughs to provide protection and preparedness for biological events throughout the country — including bioterrorism, biological threats, pandemic outbreaks and even seasonal flu viruses.

“The best way to head off potential public health disasters is to have a targeted means to prevent, quickly diagnose, contain and treat infections. This can only be possible through diligent and comprehensive interdisciplinary research,” said Malak Kotb, Ph.D., chair of the department of molecular genetics, biochemistry and microbiology at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, and senior career research scientist at the VA Medical Center.

The MI-CEID is a unique model for collaboration across diversified medical disciplines, including:

  • UC Academic Health Center;
  • Local hospitals including the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center;
  • Environmental Protection Agency (EPA);
  • VA Medical Center;
  • Regional health department;
  • Public safety agencies;
  • Community leaders;
  • Professional associations.

“Solutions to disease treatment and prevention require innovation — and you can’t be innovative and be in silos. We achieve the best outcomes by utilizing teams of people who are skilled in their areas of knowledge,” said Kotb. “By doing this, we create something novel and effective. We need to be ahead of the curve, and at UC we have the capabilities and technology to be able to make these strides in healthcare.”

Kotb credits the cross-disciplinary nature of UC’s research facility as key to the center’s early and continued successes. Whereas similar research centers rely on collaborators that may be spread across the country, the MI-CEID brings researchers from each of the organizations above, plus the university’s College of Medicine, under one roof for optimal communication and exchange of ideas and expertise.

To combat potential health threats, the collaborative team uses a state-of-the-art approach to identify and study different types of infectious bacteria, viruses and toxins to improve their detection. The team is also conducting research to identify genetic markers that may predict disease severity in individual patients and inform the most beneficial treatment for each based on genotypes of their DNA. 

“Once we find which genes are engaged in the disease process, we can determine how they are connected through the biological networks that influence disease,” said Kotb. “This allows us to create a roadmap that can predict responses, increase protection, reduce the severity or prevent the illness or disease altogether. This helps save time, money and lives when outbreaks occur.”

Organizations have been quick to realize the potential of the MI-CEID: the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Department of Defense and Homeland Security, the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) and other government agencies have tapped the center for research projects with national implications. In addition, Kotb cites the importance of private support via UC’s billion-dollar Proudly Cincinnati fundraising campaign. The center also relies on corporations that contribute to the research center’s ability to remain operational year-round and expand on its research capabilities.

But while this support can fund specific research initiatives, Kotb says that funding for truly cutting-edge research can sometimes be scarce. Financial support and partnerships are always being sought to further support research and discovery, build a stronger infrastructure, and attract high caliber scientists to effectively fight existing and emerging pathogens. These activities create jobs and boost the economy.

“Private industry is an essential ingredient to successful disease-mitigation and prevention strategies. Without private support to spur on ground-breaking research, essential studies –including those that can predict infection severity in different patients and/or can help suggest the best treatment strategies, and/or predict adverse reactions to certain drugs or vaccines can certainly save lives and reduce medical costs,” Kotb said.

There will always be another pandemic disease or public health scare, but with the UC’s MI-CEID program unique vision and collaborative model the treatments will be more timely and effective. For more information on this innovative program, visit www.uc.edu.

About the University of Cincinnati
 
Ranked by the National Science Foundation among the top 20 public, urban research universities in the United States, the University of Cincinnati is the region’s largest employer, with a diverse student population of more than 39,000. UC’s faculty has distinguished themselves worldwide for their creative teaching and research, including members of the National Academy of Science, Institute of Medicine and winners of Tony, Grammy and Pulitzer Prizes. The University’s 15 Colleges set the foundation for a university dedicated to undergraduate, graduate, and professional education, experience-based learning, and research. U.S. News has described UC as one of 15 “up and coming” universities and Forbes Magazine named UC one of the world’s most beautiful campuses.

About the University of Cincinnati Foundation
The University of Cincinnati Foundation is leading Proudly Cincinnati: Tower of Strength, Rock of Truth, the University’s most ambitious campaign in history, supporting the vision for UC to become the finest urban research university in the United States. Proudly Cincinnati’s goal is to raise $1 billion by 2013. To date, approximately $696 million has been raised for scholarships, innovative teaching and groundbreaking research. For more information about the Proudly Cincinnati campaign, visit www.uc.edu/foundation.

The University of Cincinnati Foundation
University Hall, Suite 100
51 Goodman Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45219
www.ProudlyCincinnati.org
www.Twitter.com/ProudlyCincy
www.Facebook.com/ProudlyCincinnati

Media Contact:
Lauren Boettcher
UC Foundation
(513) 556-7703 desk
(513) 460-5648 cell
Email Contact

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Technology Medical Partners Awarded Qualifying Therapeutic Discovery Grant From Federal Government

Posted on November 22, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: Technology Medical Partners

CINCINNATI, OH–(Marketwire – November 22, 2010) – Healthcare information technology solutions and services provider Technology Medical Partners (TMP), today announced that it has been awarded a Qualifying Therapeutic Discovery grant from the Federal government. The $113,000 grant was awarded as part of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010, which was passed by Congress to provide an immediate $1 billion boost to U.S. biomedical research and the small businesses conducting the research. Only companies with less than 250 employees were eligible for the tax credits or grants. TMP’s Clinical Quality Manager (CQM) provides real-time quality of care information allowing real-time actions and improvements to patient outcomes for caregivers.

According to the National Institute of Health’s web site, the Qualifying Therapeutic Discovery tax credit or grants are tax benefits targeted to therapeutic discovery projects that show a reasonable potential to:

  • Result in new therapies to treat areas of unmet medical need or prevent, detect or treat chronic or acute diseases and conditions
  • Reduce the long-term growth of health care costs in the United States
  • Significantly advance the goal of curing cancer within 30 years

“Our CQM solution was created to help improve quality of care, reduce costs of care and improve income for health care providers, including increasing pay-for-performance, value based purchasing and meaningful use incentives,” stated Dr. Sunil Rao, managing partner at TMP. “This federal grant will help enhance our product development efforts so that we can continue to grow the number of patient-centered medical homes, clinics, hospitals, physicians and nurses that can benefit by having access to our system, delivering the right data at the right time. With better, timelier data, healthcare providers can provide more accurate evidence-based medicine and CMS reporting, which will help improve quality measures, patient outcomes and enhance their eligibility for government funds through pay for performance. As we like to say, quality data improves outcomes.”

TMP’s CQM solution allows healthcare providers to abstract quality of care data from any system; provide real time reports and dashboards to anyone; and support quality analytics and process improvement anywhere; functions that are not adequately provided by most electronic health records (EHR) systems to this level of detail. TMP’s CQM solution is built on the Microsoft SharePoint portal platform and abstracts patient information from disparate departments and systems, including EHR systems. Data is automatically abstracted, captured, populated and formatted into the report forms required by the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services. A quality database is maintained to drive all system reports, dashboards, analytics and process alerts.

About Technology Medical Partners
TMP delivers value-added information technology solutions and services to the Healthcare Industry. We focus on the business performance and quality improvement of healthcare providers (Hospitals, Clinics and Physician Practices). We bring a comprehensive array of software solutions, platform products and implementation services together with experience and leadership in Healthcare Solutions delivery. Founded in 2004, Technology Medical Partners is an Independent Software Vendor (ISV) focused on Healthcare Quality Improvement. We build Composite Software Solutions based on several technologies such as SharePoint and other Microsoft products as a Microsoft Certified ISV. We are also a partner with InterSystems and can provide our solutions built on the Cache` or Ensemble platforms. For more information, please visit www.t-m-partners.net. 

Media Contact:
Kevin Wilson
Email Contact
513-898-1008

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Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

BroadcastMed Wins Gold eHealthcare Leadership(R) Award

Posted on November 22, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: BroadcastMed, Inc.

ORLive.com Broadcasting Portal Named Best Overall Internet Site

WEST HARTFORD, CT–(Marketwire – November 22, 2010) – BroadcastMed, Inc., an interactive broadcasting company, has been recognized by the 2010 eHealthcare Leadership® Awards for its ORLive.com broadcasting portal, as a top overall internet site. The ORLive.com site was acknowledged along with The Cleveland Clinic and Mt. Sinai Medical Center. “We are extremely grateful and appreciative to be named a leading internet site by our peers in the health community,” said Ross Joel, CEO and Co-founder. Winners were recognized during a special presentation at the Fourteenth Annual Healthcare Internet Conference held November 15-17, 2010 in Las Vegas. 

Nearly 1,300 entries were received from a wide range of healthcare organizations. Factors considered in selecting the best overall internet site included delivery of strong health content, interactivity, medical care support, as well as strength of Web design and ease of navigation. Another Gold Award was bestowed on the Virtual Brain Tumor Board (MethodistHealth.or-live.com/vbtb) which BroadcastMed has developed for the Methodist University Hospital Neuroscience Institute. The Award was presented in the category of Best Health/Healthcare Content. Additionally, BroadcastMed’s work for CMEducation Resources was also cited with 12 additional awards. “Our commitment to provide comprehensive online solutions to a global audience makes this honor a huge motivator in continuing to educate our audiences with relevant content,” added Peter Gailey, President and Co-founder.

The eHealthcare Leadership Awards program exclusively recognizes the very best Web sites of healthcare organizations, online health companies, pharmaceutical/medical equipment firms, suppliers, and business improvement initiatives. The awards highlight the Internet’s role in achieving an organization’s business objectives and recognize the hard work that has gone into creating outstanding health Web sites. A total of 123 individuals familiar with healthcare and the Internet evaluated entries. Web sites were rated based on a standard of Internet excellence and how they compare with others in their group classification. For a list of winners, see: www.strategichealthcare.com/awards/winners.php. 

About BroadcastMed, Inc.

Since 1994, BroadcastMed has been providing online video solutions to hospitals, device manufacturers, and other health-related organizations. Our audience has access to thousands of hours of surgical broadcasts through our ORLive.com portal along with medical programs in other clinical disciplines, many of which include continuing medical education (CME) credit. 

Contact:

Todd Leddy
Email Contact

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Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

Advancing Diabetes Therapies, Integrium Clinical Research Finds the Sweet Spot

Posted on November 22, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: Integrium

TUSTIN, CA–(Marketwire – November 22, 2010) – November is American Diabetes Month and Integrium LLC, a Contract Research Organization (CRO) with a therapeutic focus on cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, is at the forefront of clinical research to improve diabetes treatment. Eileen McAuley, Chief Operating Officer of Integrium, explains that the company has conducted 18 clinical trials of interventions for diabetes at 557 study sites. In addition to trials targeting diabetes, Integrium has conducted more than 100 cardiovascular and renal disease trials, which have an impact on diabetes care since diabetes is a leading cause of kidney failure and more than two-thirds of people with diabetes die of heart disease or stroke.

Integrium’s dedicated team of clinical researchers specializing in diabetes has pioneered therapies to improve the quality of life for people living with diabetes. Integrium’s Director of Project Management and Field Operations, Liza Moore, heads up a team with special expertise in wound healing. She explains that diabetic foot ulcers are among the most serious complications of the disease and untreated, often result in infection and amputation. “Our experience encompasses not only drugs to help manage blood glucose, but also medical devices such as bioengineered tissue products to speed wound healing. We are interested in preventing complications and effective treatment for those that can not be prevented.”

Integrium founder Dr. David H. G. Smith observes that the diabetes epidemic is not limited to the U.S. “One of our recent diabetes trials followed subjects in India, which has the largest diabetes population in the world, as well as subjects in the United States.” With its global reach, Integrium has completed trials in North America, Central and South America, the European Union and Asia for 12 of the top 20 biopharmaceutical companies.

About Diabetes
The United States is in the throes of a diabetes epidemic. An estimated 24 million children and adults have diabetes. Another 57 million others have pre-diabetes, elevated blood glucose levels that increase their risk of developing diabetes, heart disease and stroke.

One in ten American adults has diabetes and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say that number could triple in the coming decades. The disease is the seventh leading cause of death in the U.S. and it is likely to be underreported as a cause of death.

Diabetes is a leading cause of kidney failure, blindness, amputations and pregnancy complications. Tighter blood glucose control reduces the symptoms and life-threatening complications of diabetes.

About Integrium, LLC
Integrium is a full-service clinical research organization (CRO) designing, conducting, and analyzing clinical trials for pharmaceutical research in dermatology, cardiovascular and metabolic disorders. It is committed to focused, specialized and long-term personalized service to its partners. It has a strong reputation for delivering high-quality management of clinical development programs. Combining the Integrium Clinical Excellence (ICE) study start-up and management methodology and therapeutic expertise leads sponsors to more confident, better-informed drug and device development decisions. For more information please visit www.integrium.com.

For More Information, Contact:
Juli Greenwood
CHEN PR, Inc.
781-672-3137
Email Contact

Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

The Residence on Greenbelt Hosts Open House and Holiday Shoppe Wednesday, December 15, 2010 From 11:00 am – 7:00 pm

Posted on November 22, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: The Residence on Greenbelt

LANHAM, MD–(Marketwire – November 22, 2010) – The Residence on Greenbelt (www.theresidenceongreenbelt.com) will be filled with the holiday spirit when it opens its doors for the 1st Annual Open House and Holiday Shoppe scheduled for Wednesday, December 15, 2010 from 11:00 am – 7:00 pm. The event will feature a variety of quality vendors including handcrafted items, jewelry, food products and more. A bake sale with delicious treats made by the residents will add to the festivities and enjoyment of the event. Hot apple cider, coffee and cookies for all who attend.

Event:
Open House and Holiday Shoppe

Date:
Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Location:
The Residence on Greenbelt
9885 Greenbelt Road, Lanham, MD 20706

Time:
11:00 am – 7:00 pm

Cost:
Free and open to the public

Activities:
More than a dozen vendor booths, bake sale, free treats and property tours

More Info:
Visit www.theresidenceongreenbelt.com or call (301) 486-1590

In conjunction with the Holiday Shoppe, The Residence on Greenbelt is hosting an Open House with guided tours of the property to learn more about living in a modern assisted living community. See first-hand how the community offers charm, extensive care and superior care, while allowing residents to experience its modern set of amenities including a Skype lounge and stately movie theatre equipped for the hearing impaired. Conveniently located on Greenbelt Road, The Residence on Greenbelt has recently undergone a complete renovation that has created a vibrant and interesting senior living residence, where residents can experience unrivaled service in modern and fun surroundings.

Four different service programs exist at The Residence on Greenbelt, providing the right match for the needs of seniors. In addition to Independent and Assisted Living, the community offers a Special Needs living area that provides for residents with higher acuity and mobility needs in an environment with features focused on maximizing independence while offering comfort and service. The Residence on Greenbelt also provides a unique memory care program through the Pathways Memory Care Program, an exceptional option for seniors with memory impairments as it offers a stimulating and engaging environment for residents created by each resident’s individual life story and peace of mind for their families and friends.

For more information about the Open House and Holiday Shoppe please visit www.theresidenceongreenbelt.com or call (301) 486-1590 or follow us on Facebook. For information about move-in opportunities or to set-up a private tour, please contact Patty Bay, Director of Sales and Marketing, at (866) 712-1172. The Residence on Greenbelt is located at 9885 Greenbelt Road, Lanham, MD 20706.

About IntegraCare:

IntegraCare’s mission is to “improve the quality of life for its employees, residents, and their families.” The company’s goal is to create an environment where its primary customer, the employee, experiences respect, dignity, and personal development. By providing this environment for its employees, the second half of our mission, “improve the quality life for our residents and their families,” will be achieved.

Media Contact:
Stephanie Orton Lynch
Delucchi+
Phone: 202.248.5855
E-mail: [email protected]

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DiaMedica Accelerates Warrant Expiry Date

Posted on November 22, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

WINNIPEG, MANITOBA–(Marketwire – Nov. 22, 2010) – DiaMedica (TSX VENTURE:DMA) today announces that in accordance with the terms of the warrant indenture for those warrants issued on June 30, 2010 the Company has provided the required written notice to holders of such warrants that the expiry date has been accelerated to the close of business December 22, 2010.

Under the terms of the indenture and the broker warrant certificates, if the 10-day volume weighted average trading price of the common shares of DiaMedica on the TSX Venture Exchange exceeds $0.75, then at any date subsequent to this date, the expiry date of the warrant shall be the day that is 30 days following the later of (i) the date that written notice of the accelerated expiry is sent to warrantholders; and (ii) the date on which the announcement of the warrant expiry acceleration is made by news release. As of the close of business on November 19, 2010, the 10-day volume-weighted average trading price of the common shares exceeded $0.75. Warrants may be exercised through payment of the exercise amount of $0.50 per full warrant up to the close of business on December 22, 2010. If all of the 6,215,000 outstanding warrants subject to this acceleration are exercised, DiaMedica will receive additional proceeds of $2.8 million. Any warrants not exercised prior to the accelerated expiry date and time will expire without any further action being taken.

About DiaMedica

DiaMedica is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing novel treatments for type I diabetes, type 2 diabetes and other disorders. DiaMedica has completed two successful proof-of-concept II studies with DM-71 and DM-99, which demonstrate human efficacy in lowering blood glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes.

DiaMedica’s lead product DM-199 is a novel next generation recombinant form of DM-99, which has shown the potential to increase insulin sensitivity, reduce the autoimmune attack and trigger proliferation of pancreatic beta cells, neural stem cells and bone marrow cells. DiaMedica is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the trading symbol “DMA”. For further information please visit www.diamedica.com.

Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Information

Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian provincial securities legislation (collectively, the “forward-looking statements“). These forward-looking statements relate to, among other things, DiaMedica’s objectives, goals, targets, strategies, intentions, plans, beliefs, estimates and outlook, and can, in some cases, be identified by the use of words such as “believe,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “will,” “may” and other similar expressions. In addition, any statements that refer to expectations, projections or other characterizations of future events or circumstances are forward-looking statements. Specifically, this press release contains forward-looking statements regarding matters such as, but not limited to, the anticipated use of proceeds from the Offering, management’s assessment of DiaMedica’s future plans, information with respect to the advancement of DiaMedica’s research and development programs, and DiaMedica’s other estimates and expectations. These statements reflect management’s current beliefs and are based on information currently available to management. Certain material factors or assumptions are applied in making forward-looking statements, and actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from these expectations include, among other things: uncertainties and risks related to our research and development programs, the availability of additional financing, risks and uncertainties relating to the anticipated use of proceeds, changes in debt and equity markets, uncertainties related to clinical trials and product development, rapid technological change, uncertainties related to forecasts, competition, potential product liability, additional financing requirements and access to capital, unproven markets, the cost and supply of raw materials, management of growth, effects of insurers’ willingness to pay for products, risks related to regulatory matters and risks related to intellectual property matters.
Additional information about these factors and about the material factors or assumptions underlying such forward-looking statements may be found in the body of this news release, as well as under the heading “Risk Factors” contained in DiaMedica’s 2009 annual information form. DiaMedica cautions that the foregoing list of important factors that may affect future results is not exhaustive. When relying on DiaMedica’s forward-looking statements to make decisions with respect to DiaMedica, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events. Such forward-looking statements are based on a number of estimates and assumptions, which may prove to be incorrect, including, but not limited to, assumptions regarding the availability of additional financing for research and development companies, and general business and economic conditions. These risks and uncertainties should be considered carefully and investors and others should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based upon what management believes to be reasonable assumptions, DiaMedica cannot provide assurance that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. DiaMedica undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement. Additional risk factors, factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations, and assumptions relating specifically to our acquisition of Sanomune may be found in our press releases dated February 18, 2010 and April 20, 2010.

Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

BRIC Countries Present Patient Recruitment and Retention Advantages for Clinical Trials

Posted on November 22, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: Cutting Edge Information

Patient Availability Is a Key Driving Force for Companies Conducting Clinical Studies in Emerging Markets, Finds Cutting Edge Information

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For more information, contact
Eric Bolesh
+1 919-403-6583

For media inquiries, please contact
Stephanie Swanson
+1 919-403-6583
Email Contact

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American College of Radiology Chooses Prometric to Launch Computerized Diagnostic Radiology In-Training Exam

Posted on November 22, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: Prometric

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

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

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

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

About Prometric

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

About the American College of Radiology

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

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

Media Contact:
Jodi Katz
Public Relations Manager
Prometric
+ 1 443.455.6811
Email Contact

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Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

Healthmed Services, Ltd. Announces the Launch of HealthTrac

Posted on November 22, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: Healthmed Services, Ltd.

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

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

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

Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

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

Contact:
Dale Paisley
Email Contact

Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

UPDATE: Phase 2b Study Demonstrates GlobeImmune’s GI-5005 HCV Therapeutic Vaccine Increases Sustained Virologic Response by 12 Percent in Patients Who…

Posted on October 30, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: GlobeImmune Inc.

Additional Data Suggest That Cellular Immunity May Be a Fundamental Deficit in Hardest-to-Treat IL28B T/T Genotype Patients and Is Corrected by GI-5005

Data to Be Presented at Annual Meeting of the American Association for the Study of the Liver Diseases

LOUISVILLE, CO–(Marketwire – October 30, 2010) –  GlobeImmune Inc. today announced additional data from the GI-5005-02 Phase 2b study demonstrating that GI-5005, the Company’s investigational Tarmogen® product, improved sustained virologic response (SVR) by 12% in patients with genotype 1 chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection who had failed prior treatment with standard of care (SOC, pegylated-interferon alpha 2a plus ribavirin). This study suggests that GI-5005 may have the potential to be the first successful therapeutic vaccine for patients chronically infected with HCV. 

Paul J. Pockros, M.D., of Scripps Clinic will deliver the oral presentation of the results in a late-breaker session at 6 p.m. EDT Monday November 1, 2010 at the 61st Annual Meeting of the American Association for the Study of the Liver Diseases (AASLD) in Boston.

On an intent-to-treat basis (subjects who received at least one dose of combination therapy), prior non-responders receiving GI-5005 plus SOC as a triple therapy had an SVR rate of 17%, compared to an SVR rate of only 5% in patients receiving SOC alone. Prior non-responders in this study were defined as patients who did not clear virus after a minimum of 12 weeks of SOC, including null responders, poor responders, and partial responders. Relapsers and on-treatment breakthroughs were not enrolled in the study. The most common adverse events associated with GI-5005 were injection site reactions that were generally mild and transient in nature. Discontinuation rates due to adverse events in the GI-5005 triple therapy arm were comparable to the discontinuation rates in the SOC alone arm.

“Only 4-7% of patients with genotype 1 HCV who were null, poor or partial responders to their first course of pegylated interferon-based therapy would be expected to achieve a sustained virologic response with a second course of treatment,” said Dr. Pockros. “In this study, GI-5005 conferred a three-fold improvement in SVR, an important treatment effect in this challenging patient population.” 

Additional immunology data from the study will be presented in a poster on Tuesday, November 2, 2010 by John M. Vierling, M.D., of Baylor College of Medicine. These data show that GI-5005 improved HCV-specific T cell responses 10-fold over SOC alone in patients with the IL28B T/T genotype (~20% of chronically infected patients), the subgroup most likely to fail treatment with SOC alone. Patients with the IL28B T/T genotype receiving SOC alone had an HCV-specific cellular immune response that was 17-fold lower than patients in the IL28B C/C or C/T subgroups. The improved HCV-specific T cell immunity in IL28B T/T patients receiving GI-5005 plus SOC correlates with previously reported data that demonstrated GI-5005 increased SVR rates by 60% in interferon-naïve T/T patients compared to T/T patients receiving SOC alone.

“These data suggest that the fundamental deficit in patients carrying the T allele of the IL28B gene is a deficit in adaptive cellular immunity, the mechanism that GI-5005 was designed to address,” said David Apelian, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Medical Officer at GlobeImmune. “We are confident that GI-5005 will become a cornerstone of HCV therapy, particularly for difficult to treat populations, such as IL28B T/T patients.”

A 40 patient expansion of this study in patients having the IL28B T/T genotype was initiated last week to further explore the potential treatment effect of GI-5005 in this patient population.

GI-5005 is a therapeutic vaccine candidate designed to generate HCV-specific T-cell responses and improve virologic responses in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection. 

About GlobeImmune

GlobeImmune Inc. is a private company developing therapeutic vaccines called Tarmogens for the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Tarmogens generate activated killer T cells that are designed to locate and eliminate virally-infected cells and/or cancer cells. The Company’s lead product candidate, GI-5005, is a Tarmogen being developed for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. GI-5005 is designed to complement both the current standard of care and emerging novel therapies for HCV. The Company’s lead oncology program, GI-4000, targets cancers caused by mutated versions of the Ras oncoprotein. GI-4000 is being investigated in clinical trials for the treatment of pancreas cancer as well as other cancers that contain mutated Ras, including non-small cell lung cancer and colorectal cancer. In May 2009, the Company announced a global partnership with Celgene focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of multiple product candidates for the treatment of cancer.

For additional information, please visit the company’s website at www.globeimmune.com.

This news release and the anticipated presentation contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including statements relating to initiation and progress of the Company’s clinical trial programs and the results from the clinical trials. Actual results could differ materially from those projected and the Company cautions readers not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in the release and anticipated presentation.

Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

Phase 2b Study Demonstrates GlobeImmune’s GI-5005 HCV Therapeutic Vaccine Increases Sustained Virologic Response by 12 Percent in Patients Who…

Posted on October 30, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: GlobeImmune Inc.

Additional Data Suggest That Cellular Immunity May Be a Fundamental Deficit in Hardest-to-Treat IL28B T/T Genotype Patients and Is Corrected by GI-5005

Data to Be Presented at Annual Meeting of the American Association for the Study of the Liver Disease

LOUISVILLE, CO–(Marketwire – October 30, 2010) –  GlobeImmune Inc. today announced additional data from the GI-5005-02 Phase 2b study demonstrating that GI-5005, the Company’s investigational Tarmogen® product, improved sustained virologic response (SVR) by 12% in patients with genotype 1 chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection who had failed prior treatment with standard of care (SOC, pegylated-interferon alpha 2a plus ribavirin). This study suggests that GI-5005 may have the potential to be the first successful therapeutic vaccine for patients chronically infected with HCV. 

Paul J. Pockros, M.D., of Scripps Clinic will deliver the oral presentation of the results in a late-breaker session at 6 p.m. EDT today at the 61st Annual Meeting of the American Association for the Study of the Liver (AASLD) in Boston.

On an intent-to-treat basis (subjects who received at least one dose of combination therapy), prior non-responders receiving GI-5005 plus SOC as a triple therapy had an SVR rate of 17%, compared to an SVR rate of only 5% in patients receiving SOC alone. Prior non-responders in this study were defined as patients who did not clear virus after a minimum of 12 weeks of SOC, including null responders, poor responders, and partial responders. Relapsers and on-treatment breakthroughs were not enrolled in the study. The most common adverse events associated with GI-5005 were injection site reactions that were generally mild and transient in nature. Discontinuation rates due to adverse events in the GI-5005 triple therapy arm were comparable to the discontinuation rates in the SOC alone arm.

“Only 4-7% of patients with genotype 1 HCV who were null, poor or partial responders to their first course of pegylated interferon-based therapy would be expected to achieve a sustained virologic response with a second course of treatment,” said Dr. Pockros. “In this study, GI-5005 conferred a three-fold improvement in SVR, an important treatment effect in this challenging patient population.” 

Additional immunology data from the study will be presented in a poster on Tuesday, November 2, 2010 by John M. Vierling, M.D., of Baylor College of Medicine. These data show that GI-5005 improved HCV-specific T cell responses 10-fold over SOC alone in patients with the IL28B T/T genotype (~20% of chronically infected patients), the subgroup most likely to fail treatment with SOC alone. Patients with the IL28B T/T genotype receiving SOC alone had an HCV-specific cellular immune response that was 17-fold lower than patients in the IL28B C/C or C/T subgroups. The improved HCV-specific T cell immunity in IL28B T/T patients receiving GI-5005 plus SOC correlates with previously reported data that demonstrated GI-5005 increased SVR rates by 60% in interferon-naïve T/T patients compared to T/T patients receiving SOC alone.

“These data suggest that the fundamental deficit in patients carrying the T allele of the IL28B gene is a deficit in adaptive cellular immunity, the mechanism that GI-5005 was designed to address,” said David Apelian, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Medical Officer at GlobeImmune. “We are confident that GI-5005 will become a cornerstone of HCV therapy, particularly for difficult to treat populations, such as IL28B T/T patients.”

A 40 patient expansion of this study in patients having the IL28B T/T genotype was initiated last week to further explore the potential treatment effect of GI-5005 in this patient population.

GI-5005 is a therapeutic vaccine candidate designed to generate HCV-specific T-cell responses and improve virologic responses in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection. 

About GlobeImmune

GlobeImmune Inc. is a private company developing therapeutic vaccines called Tarmogens for the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Tarmogens generate activated killer T cells that are designed to locate and eliminate virally-infected cells and/or cancer cells. The Company’s lead product candidate, GI-5005, is a Tarmogen being developed for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. GI-5005 is designed to complement both the current standard of care and emerging novel therapies for HCV. The Company’s lead oncology program, GI-4000, targets cancers caused by mutated versions of the Ras oncoprotein. GI-4000 is being investigated in clinical trials for the treatment of pancreas cancer as well as other cancers that contain mutated Ras, including non-small cell lung cancer and colorectal cancer. In May 2009, the Company announced a global partnership with Celgene focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of multiple product candidates for the treatment of cancer.

For additional information, please visit the company’s website at www.globeimmune.com.

This news release and the anticipated presentation contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including statements relating to initiation and progress of the Company’s clinical trial programs and the results from the clinical trials. Actual results could differ materially from those projected and the Company cautions readers not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in the release and anticipated presentation.

Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

MYA Introduce Advanced Laser Lipolysis, One of the Latest Technologies in Laser Lipo!

Posted on October 29, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Notes to editors:

MYA Profile

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

Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

Sun Healthcare Group, Inc. to Present at the Credit Suisse 2010 Healthcare Conference

Posted on October 29, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: Sun Healthcare Group, Inc.

IRVINE, CA–(Marketwire – October 29, 2010) –  Sun Healthcare Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: SUNH) today announced that L. Bryan Shaul, chief financial officer, and Brandi Riddle, treasurer, will be presenting at the Credit Suisse 2010 Healthcare Conference on Thursday, Nov. 11, at 1 p.m. Mountain. 

The conference is being held at the Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa in Phoenix, Ariz., Nov. 10-12. 

A copy of the presentation material will be available on the company’s web site at www.sunh.com immediately prior to Sun’s scheduled presentation.

About Sun Healthcare Group, Inc.  

Sun Healthcare Group, Inc.’s (NASDAQ: SUNH) subsidiaries provide nursing, rehabilitative and related specialty healthcare services principally to the senior population in the United States. Sun’s core business is providing, through its subsidiaries, inpatient services, primarily through 166 skilled nursing centers, 16 combined skilled nursing, assisted and independent living centers, 10 assisted living centers, two independent living centers and eight mental health centers. On a consolidated basis, Sun has annual revenues of $1.9 billion and approximately 30,000 employees in 46 states. At Oct. 1, 2010, SunBridge centers had 23,189 licensed beds located in 25 states, of which 22,407 were available for occupancy. Sun also provides rehabilitation therapy services to affiliated and non-affiliated centers through its SunDance subsidiary, medical staffing services through its CareerStaff Unlimited subsidiary and hospice services through its SolAmor subsidiary.

Contact:
Investor Inquiries
(505) 468-2341

Media Inquiries
(505) 468-4582

Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

Cosmetic Surgery Magazine: Reconstructive Surgeons Essential for Breast Cancer Patients

Posted on October 29, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: New You Publishing

MIAMI BEACH, FL–(Marketwire – October 29, 2010) –  When it comes to breast cancer, removal of the cancerous tissue is only part of the healing process. Reconstructing the breast at the same time can be critical for the wellbeing — and even survival — of the patient.

In support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, New You magazine’s current issue addresses the issue of breast reconstruction at the time of initial surgery. In fact, say experts interviewed by New You, having a cosmetic or plastic surgeon involved right from the start means a more successful outcome for recreating a normal appearance and returning a woman’s sense of self and self-confidence.

“The cosmetic surgeon should be consulted right away, prior to any other surgery, and it should be a joint effort between the plastic or cosmetic surgeon and the breast surgeon,” says Dr. Michael S. Kluska, a board-certified plastic and cosmetic surgeon who practices near Pittsburgh, PA.

According to New You, the national consumer magazine for cosmetic surgery, the reasons for this include making sure the procedure performed by the breast surgeon removing the cancer is done so that optimal reconstruction is possible. The results can make a huge difference for the patient.

“Patients who undergo a mastectomy with simultaneous reconstruction tend to have better results long term than those who have the mastectomy [and] wait a few years,” Dr. Kluska told the magazine.

Kluska’s comments are supported by new research released last week in Toronto at the joint annual scientific meetings of the American Society of Plastic Surgery and the Canadian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, which showed that reconstruction of the breast immediately after mastectomy is associated with significantly improved breast-cancer-specific survival. Analysis of figures from the U.S. National Cancer Institute showed a 26% reduction in breast-cancer specific mortality for patients with immediate reconstruction; reasons included reduced depression and an improved sense of wellbeing.

About New You Magazine

New You is the official magazine of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery (AACS), published by Miami Beach-based New You Publishing, LLC. The mission of New You is to inform readers about the latest cosmetic procedures, to educate them about safety, cost and personal experience, and to locate the best possible cosmetic surgeon. For more information visit: http://newyoumag.com.

About The American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery

The American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery is a professional medical society dedicated to patient safety and physician education in cosmetic surgery. The AACS represents cosmetic surgeons in the American Medical Association through its seat in the AMA House of Delegates. Members of AACS are dermatological, facial plastic, head and neck, oral and maxillofacial, general, plastic, gynecological or ocular plastic surgeons specializing in cosmetic surgery. Founded in 1985, the AACS has over 2,500 members.

For further information please contact:
J.P. Faber
New You editor-in-chief
Email Contact
305-590-8549

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Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

Critical Healthcare Management Reporting Made Possible by Redwood Software’s Report2Web

Posted on October 29, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: Redwood Software

Banner Health Delivers Critical Patient Load, Staffing and Billing Reports

MORRISVILLE, NC–(Marketwire – October 29, 2010) –  Banner Health, one of the largest nonprofit healthcare systems in the United States, with more than 23 hospitals in seven states, uses Redwood Software‘s Report2Web to achieve secure, fast, and efficient delivery and management of clinical, financial, and IT reports throughout the organization. Report2Web gives executives, along with clinical, staffing, and billing managers the specific information they need to keep the hospital system working at optimum levels at all times.

Every day, healthcare organizations rely on up-to-date staffing, patient load, and payment reports to manage the dynamic balance necessary to maintain quality of care. For Banner, these reports were often extremely large and complex. Typically, the final reports were emailed around the organization in their entirety and stored multiple times on multiple networks, creating a bandwidth and storage nightmare. In addition, the reports could not be split apart, which made simply finding key information an inexact, labor-intensive manual process, delaying critical decision making. “Since we have implemented Report2Web, essential reporting processes that once took many people and days to complete, now take one person a few minutes to accomplish,” says Bill Beaver, IT Director, Enterprise Integration Services for Banner Health. “We save time and money every day because of Report2Web.”

Through strict security and control, Report2Web gives managers only the information required for their specific role or task. “Banner has more than 6,000 unique reports, and we store this information indefinitely,” says Beaver. “We currently have more than seven million reports in our system. That’s equivalent to 24,000 four-drawer filing cabinets. These filing cabinets would completely fill 1.3 football fields. We needed a powerful solution to make this information more readily available and useful to us. With Report2Web we have it.”

Report2Web’s flexibility and ease of customizing reports resulted in even greater time savings. Now Banner can automatically create custom report packages and apply business rules to extract totals from specific reports. This allows managers to focus on analyzing key figures rather than just finding them. “This saves us immeasurable time. If the totals are correct, managers often don’t need to see the detail,” says Beaver. “If the totals are incorrect, the manager can quickly get that detail and investigate.”

For Banner, Report2Web was not just an improvement, it is a core solution. It provides the organization with the system they needed to enforce security and make critical, time-sensitive business decisions that directly impact the hospital’s critical care and financial health — every single day. Report2Web offers the flexibility and power to handle high volumes of sensitive information quickly and efficiently. As Banner Health continues to grow, they can focus on providing world-class healthcare while their report management system grows right along with them.

About Redwood
Redwood Software is a global company providing enterprise report management, workload automation, job scheduling, and financial process automation solutions that enable organizations to maximize the value of their information management and technology investments. Serving thousands of customer installations worldwide, Redwood helps companies meet the challenges of today’s competitive environment by delivering solutions that make business operations faster, more effective, and more efficient. Redwood serves businesses worldwide through locations in Europe, North America, and Australia, and through its alliances, including its strategic partnership with SAP AG.

About Banner Health
Headquartered in Phoenix, Banner Health is one of the largest, nonprofit health care systems in the country. The system owns or manages 23 acute-care hospitals, long-term care centers, outpatient surgery centers and an array of other services including family clinics, home care and hospice services, and a nursing registry. Banner Health is in seven states: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Nebraska, Nevada and Wyoming. In 2010, Thomson Reuters named Banner Health one of the Top 10 Hospital Systems in the U.S.

The original press release can be viewed at: www.redwood.com/banner-health

Redwood, Cronacle and Cronacle Mobile are trademarks or registered trademarks of Redwood Software. All other products or company names mentioned are used for identification purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective owners.

Contact Redwood Software:

Patricia Kelly
Director of Analyst and Public Relations
+1 248.628.3563
[email protected]

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Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

Ansell Protects Program Launched to Help Prevent Allergic Contact Dermatitis

Posted on October 29, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About Ansell

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

Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

Spine Centers of America Opening Advanced Spine Surgery Center for Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery in NJ

Posted on October 29, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: Spine Centers of America

Center Offers Innovative Endoscopic Spine Surgery for Faster Recovery, Improved Success Rates

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About Spine Centers of America:

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

CONTACT:
Business Development:
Fernando Vega
201.870.3030

Media:
Julie Shepherd
+1-815-479-1833
Email Contact

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Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

Vangent Wins $3.7 Million Contract From Military Health System to Manage Patient Movement Item Tracking System

Posted on October 28, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: Vangent

Vangent to Manage Award-Winning MHS System That Ensures Medical Equipment Is Accessible and Available for Wounded Warriors

ARLINGTON, VA–(Marketwire – October 28, 2010) –  Vangent, Inc., a leading global provider of information management and strategic business process solutions, today announced it was awarded the Patient Movement Item Tracking System (PMITS) Sustainment contract from the Military Health System in support of the Defense Health Services Systems Program Office.

PMITS is an award-winning MHS system, receiving the Agency Information Technology Award from Government Computer News in 2009. PMITS automatically tracks the storage of patient movement items during peacetime and its movement during contingency and wartime operations. PMITS ensures critical patient-movement equipment is available throughout patient evacuation to save critically injured warfighters’ lives.

Military commanders use PMITS to manage and redistribute patient movement assets to avoid shortages during patient evacuations. PMITS prevents the loss, shortages, and overages of aeromedical equipment by managing the equipment inventory, tracking its movement, and providing valuable information to personnel supporting aeromedical equipment, such as item identification, item location, and status. 

“Vangent is proud to support the Military Health System with a mission-critical system that provides essential equipment for our military’s wounded warriors,” said Kerry Weems, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Vangent’s Health Solutions business. 

Vangent’s subcontractor partner on this contract is Akimeka, LLC.

About Vangent, Inc. 
Vangent, Inc. is a global provider of consulting, systems integration, human capital management, and business process services to the U.S. federal and international governments, higher education institutions, and corporations. Vangent’s 8,500 employees support clients including the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the U.S. Departments of Defense, Education, Health and Human Services, Labor and Veterans Affairs; and the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, the U.S. Census Bureau, as well as Fortune 500 companies. Headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, the company has offices throughout the U.S. and in the U.K and Canada. For more information, visit www.vangent.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are those that do not relate solely to historical fact. They include, but are not limited to, any statement that may predict, forecast, indicate or imply future results, performance, achievements or events. Words such as, but not limited to, “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “targets,” “projects,” “likely,” “will,” “would,” “could” and similar expressions or phrases identify forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. The occurrence of the events described, and the achievement of the expected results, depend on many events, some or all of which are not predictable or within our control. In light of these risks and uncertainties, expected results or other anticipated events or circumstances discussed in this press release might not occur. We undertake no obligation, and specifically decline any obligation, to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Contact:
Eileen Cassidy Rivera
(703) 284-5674
Email Contact

Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

Beach Business Bank Reports Strong Quarter and Record 12 Month Trailing Earnings

Posted on October 28, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: Beach Business Bank

MANHATTAN BEACH, CA–(Marketwire – October 28, 2010) – Beach Business Bank (OTCBB: BBBC) (the
“Bank”) is pleased to report its results of operations for the third
quarter of 2010, the year to date 2010, and the trailing 12 months which
includes the fourth quarter of 2009.

Third Quarter Highlights

-- Improving After-Tax Earnings.  For the trailing 12 months, the Bank
   earned $1,201,000, a historical earnings record for the Bank.
   All three of the Bank's offices: Orange County, Long Beach and
   Manhattan Beach, performed well in the quarter.


                                        Third
(U.S.         Third       Second       Quarter      First 9      First 9
 Dollars)  Quarter 2010 Quarter 2010     2009     Months 2010  Months 2009
           ------------ ------------ -----------  ------------ -----------
Net Income      450,000      256,000  (5,895,000)    1,058,000  (5,693,000)
           ------------ ------------ -----------  ------------ -----------

-- Loan Growth and Improving Funding Quality.  The Bank's niche lending
   businesses to physicians and dental professionals and the Bank's SBA
   lending practice showed strength, resulting in further loan
   originations. Development of non-interest-bearing deposits was strong
   during the quarter. The Bank's non-CD based deposits were 89% of total
   deposits at the end of the third quarter.


                                        9/30/2010   9/30/2010   9/30/2010
                                            vs.         vs.         vs.
% growth                                6/30/2010   12/31/2009  9/30/2009
                                        ---------   ----------  ----------
Net Loans                                    (.04)%      13.51%      30.22%
                                        ---------   ----------  ----------
Total Assets                                 18.7%        18.5%       18.7%
                                        ---------   ----------  ----------
Demand deposits (non-interest-bearing)       11.9%        52.0%       56.5%
                                        ---------   ----------  ----------
Total Deposits                               10.8%       22.71%       23.1%
                                        ---------   ----------  ----------

-- Total new loan commitments in the quarter amounted to more than
   $20 million. Non-interest bearing demand deposits totaled $49.1 million
   at quarter end. Overall deposits totaled $260.3 million at quarter end.
   Total assets increased by $47.6 million, to $302.5 million at
   quarter-end, as compared to $254.9 million for the same quarter end
   last year.

Stronger Operating Performance

                                                                    YTD
                          3Q 2010   2Q 2010   3Q 2009   YTD 2010    2009
                          --------  --------  -------   --------  -------

Return on Average Assets      0.60%     0.38%   (9.08)%     1.52%   (2.30)%
                          --------  --------  -------   --------  -------
Return on Average Common
 Equity                       6.09%     3.50%  (68.21)%    14.41%  (65.81)%
                          --------  --------  -------   --------  -------
Net Interest Margin           3.85%     3.98%    3.33%      3.92%    3.56 %
                          --------  --------  -------   --------  -------
Efficiency Ratio             65.79%    68.52%  144.56%     72.85%  110.35 %
                          --------  --------  -------   --------  -------
Tangible Book Value per
 Common Share             $   7.30  $   7.21  $  7.10   $   7.30  $  7.10
                          --------  --------  -------   --------  -------

“We are pleased to be able to report these strong results,” commented Jim
Gray, the co-chairman of the Bank’s board of directors. He continued, “We
are committed to helping the small businesses in our market area to get
back to hiring new employees and increasing their business again. The
recently passed Small Business Bill that the President signed into law on
September 27 will be a huge benefit for business banks like ours, and for
our small business customers.”

Robert Franko, president and chief executive officer of the Bank,
commented, “Our team of skilled bankers has worked tirelessly to achieve
these results, by continuing to build our franchises among small businesses
in our local market areas and among medical professionals nationwide. To
support further growth we continue to make additional provisions from our
core earnings to give us the necessary balance sheet strength. Our local
community has continued to provide us with strong core deposit
relationships, even as our funding costs have continued to decline. We are
fortunate to be located in the finest market areas in the world, and to
have the support of so many excellent and enduring business relationships.”

Loan Portfolio and Credit Quality

-- The Bank's Allowance for Loan & Lease Losses (ALLL) stood at
   $6.2 million or 2.5% of loans outstanding at the quarter end.
-- As of the quarter end, non-accrual loans stood at $5.0 million, with
   no other loans more than 30 days past due.
-- The Bank had net charge-offs of $361,000 in the quarter. The Bank
   provided $520,000 to the ALLL in the quarter.
-- As of the quarter end, the aggregate of non-accrual loans and OREO
   measured as a percentage of Capital and Reserves (sometimes referred to
   as the Texas Ratio) stood at 12.03%.
-- At the quarter end, the Bank's Total Risk-based Capital Ratio was
   14.89%, compared to the regulatory minimum of 10.0% to be
   "Well Capitalized."
-- The Bank's other regulatory Capital measurements also continued to be
   significantly above the regulatory minimums for Well Capitalized.
   For example, the Bank's Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital was 13.62%, compared
   to the regulatory minimum of 6.0%, and the Bank's Tier 1 Leverage Ratio
   was 11.88%, compared to the regulatory minimum of 5.0%.

Financial statements in the form of the Bank’s Call Report, as filed with
the FDIC, will be available on the Bank’s web site at
www.beachbusinessbank.com, and should be available for review or
downloading from the FDIC web site at www.fdic.gov shortly after the end of
this month.

Beach Business Bank is headquartered at 1230 Rosecrans Avenue, Lobby Level,
in Manhattan Beach, and has two other full-service offices at 180 E. Ocean
Blvd. in Long Beach, CA and at 650 Town Center Drive in Costa Mesa, CA. The
Bank is first and foremost a community business bank serving Los Angeles,
Long Beach, the South Bay and Orange County residents and businesses. The
Bank also has a division named The Doctors Bank®, which serves physicians
and dentists nationwide. In addition, Beach Business Bank provides loans to
small businesses, focused around the SBA 7(a) and Express lending programs.
For more information on the Bank, please visit www.beachbusinessbank.com or
call toll-free to (866) 862-3878.

“Safe Harbor” statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act
of 1995:

The financial information in this press release is based on our unaudited
financial results. Certain statements in this press release, including
statements regarding the anticipated development and expansion of the
Bank’s business, and the intent, belief, and current expectations of the
Bank, its directors, or its officers, are “forward-looking” statements (as
such term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of
1995). Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and
uncertainties and therefore the Bank’s actual results may differ materially
from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The
risks and uncertainties that the Bank is subject to include, but are not
limited to, risks related to the local and national economy, including
fluctuations in interest rates and costs and changes in economic policy;
the ability of the Bank to perform in accordance with its plans;
competition; regulatory matters; and other risks detailed in its filings
with the State of California Department of Financial Institutions and the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. The Bank cautions readers not to
place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. The Bank does not
undertake, and specifically disclaims any obligation, to revise any
forward-looking statements to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or
unanticipated events or circumstances after the date of such statements.

Summary Financial Information

The following tables present relevant financial data from
Beach Business Bank's recent performance.

                                           September  December   September
                                           30, 2010   31, 2009   30, 2009
                                           ---------  ---------  ---------
Balance Sheet Results (In thousands),
 except per share data:
       Total Assets                        $ 302,465  $ 255,321  $ 254,883
       Gross Loans                         $ 245,496  $ 217,361  $ 193,687
       Loans Held for Sale                 $   1,542  $   1,026  $   4,285
       Allowance for Loan Losses           $   6,188  $   6,870  $   6,819
       Total Net Loans                     $ 237,765  $ 209,465  $ 182,582
       Total Deposits                      $ 260,293  $ 212,083  $ 211,465
       Other Real Estate Owned             $       -  $   2,100  $   2,399
       Preferred Stock                     $   6,078  $   6,033  $   6,018
       Common Stock                        $  29,618  $  28,899  $  28,680
       Total Shareholders' Equity          $  35,696  $  34,932  $  34,698
       Net Loans to Deposits                   91.35%     98.77%     86.34%
       ALLL to Loans HTM                        2.54%      3.18%      3.60%
       Equity to Assets                        11.80%     13.68%     13.61%
       Ending Shares outstanding           4,055,972  4,036,984  4,036,984
       Ending Book Value per Common Share  $    7.30  $    7.16  $    7.10

                                                  Three Months Ended
                                           September  December   September
                                           30, 2010   31, 2009   30, 2009
                                           ---------  ---------  ---------
Quarterly Operating Results (In
 thousands):
       Net Interest Income                 $   2,780  $   2,230  $   2,041
       Non-interest Income                 $      57  $     583  $     302
       Non-interest Expense**              $   1,866  $   1,770  $   3,387
       Income Before Provision & Taxes     $     970  $   1,043  $  (1,045)
       Provision for Loan Losses           $     520  $     900  $   4,850
       Income Tax Expense                  $       -  $       -  $       -
       Net Income                          $     450  $     143  $  (5,895)
       Quarterly Return on Average Assets*      0.60%      0.22%     -9.08%
       Quarterly Return on Average Equity*      5.05%      1.63%    -58.11%
       Quarterly Net Interest Margin*           3.85%      3.46%      3.33%
       Quarterly Efficiency Ratio*             65.79%     62.93%    144.56%

                                            Nine Months Ended
                                           September  September
                                            30, 2010   30, 2009
                                           ---------  ---------
YTD Operating Results (In thousands):
       Net Interest Income                 $   7,909  $   6,410
       Non-interest Income                 $   1,072  $   1,060
       Non-interest Expense                $   6,542  $   8,243
       Income Before Provision & Taxes     $   2,438  $    (773)
       Provision for Loan Losses           $   1,380  $   4,920
       Income Tax Expense                  $       -  $       -
       Net Income                          $   1,058  $  (5,693)
       YTD Return on Average Assets*            0.38%     -2.30%
       YTD Return on Average Equity*            2.99%    -14.24%
       YTD Net Interest Margin*                 3.92%      3.56%
       YTD Efficiency Ratio*                   72.85%    110.35%


       *Percentages are reported on an annualized basis.
       Source: FDIC quarterly Call Reports for Beach Business Bank for the
       periods indicated.

Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

Hunt Regional Medical Center Becomes the First Hospital in Texas to Implement ClearCount to Prevent Retained Surgical Sponges

Posted on October 28, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: Medline Industries, Inc.

SmartSponge System, Distributed by Medline, Provides Counting and Detection

MUNDELEIN, IL–(Marketwire – October 28, 2010) –  ClearCount Medical Solutions and Medline Industries, Inc. today announced that Hunt Regional Medical Center has become the first Texas hospital to deploy the most comprehensive technology for the prevention retained surgical sponge incidents. Hunt Regional Medical Center (HRMC) has implemented the SmartWand-DTX, part of ClearCount’s radio-frequency identification (RFID)-based platform that uniquely identifies each sponge so that they can be easily counted and detected. Medline is the exclusive distributor for the SmartWand-DTX and the SmartSponge System, the first FDA-cleared systems using RFID.

“The deployment of the latest safety technology in our OR is consistent with our commitment to both our community and our employees,” said Richard Carter, chief executive officer at HRMC. “We are pleased to be on the cutting edge of technology in this area, and our deployment reinforces our commitment to bringing the best care to the community we serve.”

“The SmartWand-DTX provides a safety net for human error. Anything that we can do to improve patient safety is extremely crucial. This technology not only allows our staff to operate at an exceptional level of patient safety, but also provides staff with a safer and more efficient method for reconciling our surgical counts,” said Katherine Magee, RN, OR director at Hunt Regional Medical Center.

HRMC has implemented the SmartWand-DTX into its full suite of operating rooms. The hospital is part of Hunt Regional Healthcare which is affiliated with Baylor Health Care System.

“We’re pleased to add Hunt Regional Medical Center to our rapidly expanding customer base,” said David Palmer, chief executive officer of ClearCount. “Their selection of our safety technology demonstrates the trend that many hospitals are now taking action to make retained sponge incidents a true ‘Never Event’ through the use of RFID technology.”

Despite designation as a “never event,” retained items are estimated to occur in one of every 1,000 to 1,500 abdominal surgical procedures, which can lead to hospital inefficiencies, unnecessary costs, serious infections and even death. Hospital infections add an estimated $30.5 billion to the nation’s hospital costs each year. In one study using a retrospective review of medical malpractice claims data from a statewide insurer in Massachusetts, sponge counts had been falsely thought to be correct in 76 percent of non-vaginal surgical cases involving retained sponges. “Falsely correct” sponge counts were attributed to team fatigue, difficult or long operations, sponges “sticking together,” shift changes or procedures with a large number of sponges. In July 2010, new Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN) Recommended Practices for the Prevention of Retained Surgical Items highlighted that membership may consider use of adjunct technologies to enhance surgical count procedures in order to avoid retained incidents.

About ClearCount Medical Solutions
ClearCount Medical Solutions is a medical device company focused on patient safety solutions. ClearCount has assembled an extendable RFID-based platform that provides a comprehensive solution to improve efficiency while preventing medical errors, distributed exclusively by Medline. ClearCount Medical Solutions has been recognized with a Popular Science 2009 Best of What’s New Award, and has received additional recognition from TIME and WIRED magazines, the 2009 Wall Street Journal Technology Innovation Award, the International Design Excellence Award (IDEA) and more. ClearCount’s SmartSponge and SmartWand-DTX systems are the first RFID enabled systems for counting and detecting surgical sponges, thereby improving patient and OR safety, enhancing productivity, and reducing cost. To learn more, visit www.clearcount.com.

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

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

Medline Media Contacts:
Jerreau Beaudoin
(847) 643-3011
John Marks
(847) 643-3309

ClearCount Medical Solutions:
Jennifer Bannan
(412) 580-3675

Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

Joint Commission Center for Transforming Healthcare Establishes Leadership Advisory Council

Posted on October 28, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: The Joint Commission

Supporters, Hospital Leaders to Help Guide Progress

OAKBROOK TERRACE, IL–(Marketwire – October 28, 2010) –  The Joint Commission Center for Transforming Healthcare today announced the establishment of a Leadership Advisory Council to guide the progress of the Center as it addresses and develops solutions to improve health care quality and patient safety. The first meeting of the Center’s Leadership Advisory Council will be held October 29.

Meeting three times a year, members of the Leadership Advisory Council include executives from among the Center’s major sponsors and CEOs representing the participating hospitals. The CEOs will serve on a rotating basis to allow new membership each year. The Council will be chaired by Mark Chassin, M.D., M.P.P., M.P.H., president, The Joint Commission. Council members are:

  • Jack E. Bailey, GlaxoSmithKline
  • Paul Chaffin, Ecolab
  • George Halvorson, Kaiser Permanente
  • Donny C. Lambeth, Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center
  • Alberto Mas, BD
  • Rich Miller, Virtua
  • Andy Mills, Medline Industries
  • Ronald R. Peterson, The Johns Hopkins Hospital and Health System
  • Thomas M. Priselac, Cedars-Sinai Health System
  • Gary Pruden, Johnson & Johnson Company
  • Michael J. Swinford, GE Healthcare
  • Richard Umbdenstock, American Hospital Association
  • Dan Wolterman, Memorial Hermann Healthcare System

“The response from accredited health care organizations to the Center has been extremely positive, a fact due in large part to the ongoing commitment of participating hospitals and health systems and sponsors to address the toughest and most persistent problems facing health care across the country,” says Dr. Chassin. “The perspectives of the Leadership Advisory Council members will help us to bring everyone interested in safe, reliable health care together to create lasting solutions.”

Established in 2009, the Joint Commission Center for Transforming Healthcare aims to solve health care’s most critical safety and quality problems. The Center’s participants — which include some of the nation’s leading hospitals and health systems — use a systematic approach to analyze specific breakdowns in care and discover their underlying causes to develop targeted solutions that solve these complex problems. Center projects include hand hygiene, wrong-site surgery, hand-off communications and the reduction of surgical site infections (SSI) following colorectal surgery. Future projects are expected to focus on preventable hospitalizations, medication errors, and other aspects of infection control.

All Joint Commission-accredited health care organizations can access the solutions on their secure Joint Commission Connect extranet through the Targeted Solutions Tool™ (TST). The TST provides a step-by-step process to measure performance, identify barriers to excellent performance, and implement the Center’s proven solutions that are customized to address an organization’s specific barriers.

The first set of targeted solutions, created by eight hospitals and health care systems working in collaboration with the Center, focuses on improving hand hygiene. The second set of solutions, announced last week, focuses on improving hand-off communications. The targeted solutions for hand-off communications will be pilot tested to prove their effectiveness in demographically diverse hospitals and will be added to the TST in the second half of 2011.

For more information about the Joint Commission Center for Transforming Healthcare, visit www.centerfortransforminghealthcare.org.

Established in 2009, the Joint Commission Center for Transforming Healthcare aims to transform American health care into a high-reliability industry that ensures patients receive the safest, highest quality care they expect and deserve. The Center’s participants — the nation’s leading hospitals and health systems — use a proven, systematic approach to analyze specific breakdowns in care and discover their underlying causes to develop targeted solutions for health care’s most critical safety and quality problems. The Center is a not-for-profit affiliate of The Joint Commission, which shares the Center’s proven effective solutions with its more than 18,000 accredited health care organizations. Learn more about the Center at www.centerfortransforminghealthcare.org.

To view this release in a media-rich format, go to: http://www.pwrnewmedia.com/2010/jointcommission_01028_leadership_council/index.html

Media Contact:
Elizabeth Eaken Zhani
Media Relations Manager
630.792.5914
Email Contact

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Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

Chubb Establishes a Healthcare Information Technology Program

Posted on October 28, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: Chubb Group of Insurance Companies

WARREN, NJ–(Marketwire – October 28, 2010) –  Health care reform has spawned a host of privacy, information security and other liability exposures for the emerging healthcare information technology industry. In response, the Chubb Group of Insurance Companies has established a program to address the industry’s specialized risk needs.

“Chubb has brought together its information and network technology and life sciences expertise to tailor insurance and loss control solutions to this rapidly growing market sector,” said Stephen Harris, a Chubb vice president and co-program manager.

More than 1,000 companies supply information technology products and services to the healthcare and medical research industries in the United States and Canada. The sector is poised for additional growth after the allocation of nearly $20 billion in federal stimulus funds to incentives to create electronic health records and to other investments in the sector.

“Chubb’s Healthcare Information Technology program will provide insurance products and services, on a global basis, that can help this emerging industry face privacy and information security requirements, as well as a host of new professional liability exposures,” said Richard Reed, a Chubb vice president and co-program manager.

An integrated liability solution from Chubb can help protect healthcare information technology companies from:

  • general and products liability when software or hardware that is defective or contains inaccurate or incomplete information causes or contributes to patient injuries;
  • errors and omission liability when a product defect or service deficiency results in economic injury to a customer;
  • third-party liability to patients, healthcare providers and others associated with database security breaches; and
  • costs incurred to comply with state, federal and foreign laws requiring companies to notify consumers of a privacy data breach.

In addition, Chubb can provide these firms with insurance addressing property, business interruption, workers compensation and auto exposures.

The member insurers of the Chubb Group of Insurance Companies form a multi-billion dollar organization providing property and casualty insurance for personal and commercial customers worldwide through 8,500 independent agents and brokers. Chubb’s global network includes branches throughout North America, Europe, Latin America, Asia and Australia.

Chubb Group of Insurance Companies
15 Mountain View Road
P.O. Box 1615
Warren, New Jersey 07059

Contact:
Jodi Dorman
(908) 903-2608
Email: [email protected]

Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

HealthEd Expands Executive Team, Focusing on Future Growth

Posted on October 28, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: HealthEd

CLARK, NJ–(Marketwire – October 28, 2010) –  HealthEd, a specialized agency focused on turning health education into positive outcomes, today announced several key senior-level appointments — Mike Brzozowski as chief strategy officer, Sonja “Sunny” Foster-Storch as executive vice president, managing director for HealthEd, and Paul Steiner as executive vice president, managing director for Encore, a HealthEd company. With these additions to the executive leadership team, HealthEd Group signals its focus on expanding its strategic and consultative services to meet changing client needs.

“We are very excited to have Mike, Sunny, and Paul on board,” said Roy Broadfoot, CEO and president of HealthEd. “The business needs and requirements of our clients are becoming increasingly complex. We have heard them and have responded by recruiting top executives who can strategically lead our cross-functional teams to deliver innovative and engaging solutions.”

Mr. Brzozowski comes to HealthEd with more than 20 years of experience in relationship marketing, strategic planning, and business analysis. He is responsible for leading and expanding strategic marketing and health education consulting services. With Mr. Brzozowski at the helm, the health educators and marketers combine to provide a unique insight into patient motivations and behaviors. Most recently, Mr. Brzozowski worked at Draftfcb as executive vice president of customer relationship marketing and before that was at Ogilvyone Worldwide as senior partner, executive director of relationship marketing strategy.

Ms. Foster-Storch will lead HealthEd’s client services group, while Mr. Steiner will lead Encore’s. The two help form a structured leadership team for both organizations by integrating resources and focusing on client development. Both report directly to Larry Moran, chief operating officer.

Ms. Foster-Storch comes to HealthEd from The CementBloc, where she led the market development and marketing strategy team. Before that, she cofounded Clinical CONNEXION, a medical education company. 

Mr. Steiner joins Encore from Draftfcb, where he was senior vice president, director of customer relationship marketing. Previously, he served as senior vice president, group account director, at Omnicom’s Unit 7 relationship marketing agency. 

“Sunny and Paul both bring over 20 years of strategic planning and healthcare marketing experience to our company,” said Anita St. Clair, HealthEd’s chief client development officer. “And Mike’s success in creating integrated marketing solutions is just what the doctor ordered. His belief that effective relationship marketing helps deliver engaging, individualized, dialog-driven customer experiences aligns perfectly with our clients’ needs and our company mission.”

About HealthEd
HealthEd is a specialized agency that uses education to help people develop the knowledge, skills, motivation, and confidence to manage important health decisions and activities and ultimately achieve better health outcomes. For more information about HealthEd and the services we offer, please visit http://www.HealthEd.com or contact Anita St. Clair, chief client development officer, at 908-389-2133.

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Kindra Harting-Smith
Marketing Communications
HealthEd
Tel: 908-389-2118
Email Contact

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Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

Visionary HealthWare’s Alteer Office Solution Receives 2011 CCHIT(R) Certification

Posted on October 28, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: Visionary HealthWare

Topic: CCHIT Certification Alteer Office Solution Issuing Entity: CompuGroup Medical US, Visionary HealthWare

TAMPA, FL–(Marketwire – October 28, 2010) –  The Certification Commission for Health Information Technology (CCHIT®) today announced that Visionary HealthWare’s Alteer Office 8.0 is a pre-market CCHIT Certified®  2011 Ambulatory EHR. Ambulatory EHRs are designed for physician offices and clinics where most Americans get their healthcare. Alteer Office is part of Visionary HealthWare’s offerings of practice management and electronic healthcare record solutions. Visionary HealthWare is a subsidiary of CompuGroup Medical U.S.

As a CCHIT Certified 2011 product, Visionary HealthWare’s Alteer Office demonstrated compliance with the advanced ePrescribing module requirements and has passed all required criteria in the CCHIT 2011 Ambulatory and Security test scripts for:

  • Functionality (ability to create and manage electronic records for all patients, as well as automating workflow in a physician’s office),
  • Interoperability (ability to receive and send electronic data to other entities such as laboratories), and
  • Security (ability to keep patients’ information safe).

The CCHIT Certified program is an independently developed certification that includes a rigorous inspection of an EHR’s integrated functionality, interoperability, and security using criteria developed by CCHIT’s broadly representative, expert work groups. By looking to products with the CCHIT Certified seal, physicians and other providers can be assured they are making a reliable investment and insurers and other payers know the products meet expected industry standards. This program is intended to serve health care providers looking for greater assurance that a product will meet their complex needs.

“We believe that achieving CCHIT Certification confirms the quality and comprehensiveness of Visionary HealthWare’s Alteer Office as well as validates VHW’s commitment to providing our customers with the most up-to-date advancements in healthcare IT,” said Chris Grady, CIO of Visionary HealthWare. “Alteer Office provides the features, functionality, and ease of use necessary for physicians to adopt the EHR quickly while minimizing disruption to their current workflow.”

“Visionary HealthWare’s solution improves clinical outcomes by providing more comprehensive and timely information for clinical decision-making, and decreases time spent on administrative activities that can better be spent on direct patient care,” adds Jason Patchen, CEO of Visionary HealthWare. “All of these improvements contribute to a safer care environment for patients.”

About Visionary HealthWare
Visionary HealthWare (VHW) is a provider-based healthcare information technology company with operations in Florida, California and Maryland. VHW delivers innovative, effective, easy-to-use, services and software solutions designed to manage patient, clinical and financial information at all levels while helping practices prove “meaningful use”. Solutions include fully integrated Electronic Health Records, Practice Management, Laboratory Information Systems, Revenue Cycle Management, Document Management, e-Prescribing, and services for any size practice. VHW reaches over 60,000 providers nationwide and was ranked by Healthcare Informatics Magazine in the top 100 Healthcare Information Technology companies in America. VHW brands include Visionary Medical Systems, Antek HealthWare, Soft-Aid, USMD, and Alteer Corporation. Visionary HealthWare (www.visionaryhealthware.com). Visionary HealthWare is a subsidiary of CompuGroup Medical U.S.

About CompuGroup Medical

CompuGroup Medical is one of the leading e-health companies worldwide. Its software products, designed to support all medical and organizational activities in doctors’ offices and hospitals, its information services for all parties involved in the healthcare system and its web-based personal health records, contribute towards safer and more efficient healthcare.

The services of CompuGroup Medical are based on its unique customer base of around 370,000 doctors, dentists, hospitals and networks as well as other service providers. CompuGroup Medical is the e-Health company with one of the biggest coverage among e-health service providers worldwide. The company operates in 14 European countries as well as in Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and in the USA and currently employs around 3,000 people.

ABOUT CCHIT
The Certification Commission for Health Information Technology (CCHIT®) is an independent, 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with the public mission of accelerating the adoption of robust, interoperable health information technology. The Commission has been certifying electronic health record technology since 2006 and is recognized by the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as an Authorized Testing and Certification Body (ONC-ATCB). More information on CCHIT, CCHIT Certified® products and HHS certified electronic health record technology is available at http://cchit.org and http://ehrdecisions.com. 

“CCHIT®” and “CCHIT Certified®” are registered trademarks of the Certification Commission for Health Information Technology.

Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

Bay Area Foot & Laser Podiatry Group Receives FDA Approval for Laser Procedure

Posted on October 28, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: Bay Area Foot and Laser Podiatry Group

WALNUT CREEK, CA–(Marketwire – October 28, 2010) –  Dr. Mark Wolpa, founder of the Bay Area Foot & Laser Podiatry Group, is proud to announce that the PinPointe laser has received official FDA clearance for the treatment of toenail fungus. PinPointe™ is the first and only laser to receive this coveted FDA clearance specifically for treating toenail fungus, an embarrassing infection that causes a thickening and yellowing of the toenails. It is estimated that about 10 percent — or nearly 35 million adults in the United States alone have this embarrassing condition.

The PinPointe™ FootLaser™ is the only laser that has been clinically proven and has passed the rigorous testing by the FDA to receive clearance. Dr. Wolpa has successfully treated over 1600 patients and has seen dramatic results. “After many years of not having a successful way to treat my patients suffering with toenail fungus, I am thrilled to see such positive results using this leading edge laser technology,” says Dr. Wolpa.

About Bay Area Foot & Laser Podiatry Group

The Bay Area Foot & Laser Podiatry Group’s Dr. Mark Wolpa is Board Certified by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery and has been in practice in the Bay Area for over 30 years. He was the Chief of Podiatry at Alta Bates-Summit Hospital in Berkeley for the past 10 years and has authored articles, books, and appeared on radio and television programs discussing foot problems.

He has offices in Berkeley, Walnut Creek, Santa Rosa, and Marin. For more information about Dr. Wolpa and The PinPointe FootLaser visit www.BayAreaFootandLaser.com

Contact:
Lisa Patino
For the Bay Area Foot & Laser Podiatry Group
510-849-3800
[email protected]

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Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

XTend Medical Corporation (XMDC) Set to Launch New Website

Posted on October 28, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: XTend Medical Corporation

SUN VALLEY, CA–(Marketwire – October 28, 2010) –  XTend Medical, (PINKSHEETS: XMDC), a company that specializes in delivering life changing medical technology to healthcare organizations globally, announced today that the company will soon be launching a new website within the next few weeks. The company issued the following statement:

“XTend has contracted with GoDaddy’s website design professionals to build a new website for the company. After the issues they ran into last year using an independent web developer, the need for professionally trained web engineers and graphics persons was instrumental in their decision to have the GoDaddy Team of experts build out the site. The information has been sent to the website team and we’re awaiting the Beta version so we can make any last minute changes before launching the new site. We expect to have the site live within the next week or so and feel this new site will properly represent the company in cyberspace.”

In other news, the company is working to position itself so the auditing process for becoming a fully reporting company is met and the company is strategically positioned to attract the proper investment structure to commercialize the BioHarp. Any changes made to the company will be done in accordance with corporate counsel’s advice and with the future of the company and its shareholders securely in the minds of management. 

About XTend Medical
XTend Medical is a company that specializes in the sales, manufacturing and distribution of the latest in medical devices and telemedicine solutions for the healthcare industry. Their dedication to insuring the products and services offered to healthcare organizations, third-world countries, and physician groups are at the forefront of medical technology. Their recent acquisition of the BioHarp medical device will assist the company in becoming known as a leader in the healthcare sector globally. For further information, please contact them at [email protected] or visit their website at www.bioharpunius.com

Forward-Looking Statements

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

CONTACT
XTend Medical
[email protected]

Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

GetWellNetwork Chief Outcomes Officer Speaks on "Pay for Performance" at South Florida Healthcare Trade Faire & Regional Conference

Posted on October 28, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: GetWellNetwork

MIAMI, FL–(Marketwire – October 28, 2010) –  GetWellNetwork, Inc. today announced that David Wright, the Company’s chief outcomes officer, will address the South Florida Healthcare Trade Faire & Regional Conference, sponsored by HIMSS South Florida Chapter on how hospitals can strengthen their position in the “Pay for Performance” provisions of the new health care reform law (1). The fall regional health information symposium is being held today at the Signature Grand hotel.

Mr. Wright is an expert on patient-centered care models and uniquely qualified to help hospitals prepare for “Pay for Performance” provisions by targeting performance areas such as clinical care processes; health outcomes; patient safety; patient experience and satisfaction; and IT investment and use.

Mr. Wright will also explain how leading hospitals and health systems are using interactive patient care technology to achieve evidence-based outcomes and to improve hospital performance in the areas that directly impact “Pay for Performance” provisions.

“Forums such as the regional HIMSS conference provide an opportunity for clinicians and hospitals to engage in important discussions about policy changes that directly impact the patient care factors of the Pay for Performance provision,” said David Wright, chief outcomes officer, GetWellNetwork, Inc. “To ensure continuation of current reimbursement rates from the Federal government, all hospitals should be developing strategic plans that not only elevate patient safety and care but deliver operational efficiencies through the use of technology solutions.”

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

(1) More information about CMS’ Value-Based Purchasing Program is available at http://www.cms.gov/AcuteInpatientPPS/downloads/HospitalVBPPlanRTCFINALSUBMITTED2007.pdf and http://www.cms.gov/QualityInitiativesGenInfo/downloads/VBPRoadmap_OEA_1-16_508.pdf

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

Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

MWI Veterinary Supply, Inc. Announces Its Fiscal Year 2010 Earnings Release Date and Conference Call Information

Posted on October 28, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: MWI Veterinary Supply

MERIDIAN, ID–(Marketwire – October 28, 2010) –  MWI Veterinary Supply, Inc. (NASDAQ: MWIV) announced today that the Company will release financial results for its fourth quarter and fiscal year ended September 30, 2010 and provide its business outlook for its fiscal year ending September 30, 2011 on Thursday, November 4, 2010. MWI will host a conference call the same day at 11 am eastern time to discuss these results and its business outlook.

For calls within the United States you can access the conference call by dialing (877) 638-4561 and international callers can access the conference by dialing (720) 545-0002. Participants will be required to register their name and company affiliation for the conference call. The conference call will also be carried live on the Company’s web site at www.mwivet.com. Audio replay will be made available through November 18, 2010 by calling (800) 642-1687 for calls within the United States or (706) 645-9291 for international calls using the passcode 19698332 or by accessing the Company’s web site.

About MWI Veterinary Supply, Inc.
MWI Veterinary Supply, Inc. is a leading distributor of animal health products to veterinarians across the United States and United Kingdom. The products MWI sells include pharmaceuticals, vaccines, parasiticides, diagnostics, capital equipment, supplies, veterinary pet food and nutritional products. We market these products to veterinarians in both the companion animal and production animal markets.

Contact:
Mary Pat Thompson
Senior Vice President of Finance and Administration, and Chief Financial Officer
(208) 955-8930
Email Contact

Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

Radient Pharmaceuticals Launches New Investor Relations Video Channel

Posted on October 28, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: Radient Pharmaceuticals Corporation

TUSTIN, CA–(Marketwire – October 28, 2010) –  Radient Pharmaceuticals Corporation (RPC) (NYSE Amex: RPC) announced today the launch of the RPC Investor Channel — a new and innovative video website developed to enhance communications and corporate access for key audiences interested in RPC.

Through this dynamic mode of communication everyone from existing and prospective shareholders, the broad investment community at large, healthcare professionals and their patients can learn about Radient Pharmaceuticals and its portfolio of in vitro diagnostic (IVD) cancer tests and products. In addition, financial Advisors have the ability to distribute RPC Investor Channel content to clients and securely track consumption when campaigning to clients about RPC, enhancing Radient’s ability to scale consideration into new investor communities.

The site also features videos communicating RPC’s business model, target markets and international distribution, sales and growth strategy; RPC as an investment opportunity; updates and progress on RPC’s portfolio of cancer diagnostic products, including its FDA-approved Onko-Sure® IVD cancer test kit; and educational information specifically targeted towards patients, physicians and the healthcare community in general.

According to Mr. Douglas Maclellan, Executive Chairman and CEO of RPC, “As a publicly-traded Company, superior investor communications is of utmost importance to our executive management team. With the launch of RPC’s new Investor Relations Video Channel, we are expanding our traditional lines of communication to now include a multi-media platform that offers added flexibility, reach and the ability to disseminate relevant Company information in a ‘high-touch’. We are very excited to offer this service to our valued stakeholders.”

Videos are accessible and viewable through personal computers and handsets with a 3G connection by visiting http://investorchannel.radient-pharma.com. For additional information on Radient Pharmaceuticals and its portfolio of IVD cancer 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 Onko-Sure® In Vitro Diagnostic cancer test. 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 detection; treatment strategy; and the monitoring of disease progression, prognosis, and diagnosis to ultimately improve patient outcomes. Radient Pharmaceutical’s current Onko-Sure® cancer test is used to guide decisions regarding patient treatment, which may include decisions to refer patients to specialists, perform additional testing, or assist in the selection of therapy. 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.

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

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Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

ExamWorks Group, Inc. Announces Pricing of Its Initial Public Offering

Posted on October 28, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: ExamWorks Group, Inc.

Common Stock Will Begin Trading on NYSE

ATLANTA, GA–(Marketwire – October 28, 2010) –  ExamWorks Group, Inc. (NYSE: EXAM), a leading provider of independent medical examinations (IMEs), peer reviews, bill reviews and related services for the insurance and legal industries, today announced the pricing of its initial public offering of 10,300,000 shares of its common stock at a price to the public of $16.00 per share. Of the 10,300,000 shares being offered to the public 7,745,114 shares are being offered by ExamWorks Group and 2,554,886 shares are being offered by selling stockholders. In addition, the underwriters have a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional 1,545,000 shares from the company.

ExamWorks Group’s common stock is expected to begin trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “EXAM” on October 28, 2010. To celebrate the company’s IPO and NYSE listing, ExamWorks Group, led by Richard E. Perlman, Executive Chairman and James K. Price, Chief Executive Officer, will ring the NYSE Opening Bell.

Goldman, Sachs & Co., Credit Suisse and Barclays Capital are joint book runners for the offering. William Blair & Company and Needham & Company LLC are acting as co-managers of the offering.

A registration statement relating to this offering was declared effective by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on October 27, 2010. This offering is being made solely by means of a prospectus. A copy of the prospectus relating to this offering may be obtained from Goldman, Sachs & Co., 200 West Street, New York, New York 10282-2198, Attention: Prospectus Department, telephone (866) 471-2526; or from Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC, 11 Madison Avenue, New York, New York 10010, Attention: Prospectus Department, telephone (800) 221-1037.

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

About ExamWorks Group

ExamWorks Group, Inc. is a leading provider of independent medical examinations, or “IMEs”, peer and bill reviews, and related services, which include, litigation support services, administrative support services, and medical record retrieval services, and which we collectively refer to as IME services or the IME industry. We provide these IME services through our medical panel of independently contracted, credentialed physicians and other medical providers. Our clients include property and casualty insurance carriers, law firms, third-party claim administrators and government agencies that use independent services to confirm the veracity of claims by sick or injured individuals for workers’ compensation, automotive, personal injury liability and disability insurance coverage. We help our clients manage costs and enhance their risk management processes by verifying the validity, nature, cause and extent of claims, identifying fraud and providing fast, efficient and quality IME services. ExamWorks is focused on providing carriers with the national presence they need and with the local service that they have come to expect.

ExamWorks Group, Inc.
J. Miguel Fernandez de Castro
404-952-2400
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
[email protected]

Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

Sun Healthcare Group, Inc. Reports Third-Quarter Operating Results; Meets Analyst Expectations for Diluted Earnings per Share From Continuing…

Posted on October 27, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: Sun Healthcare Group, Inc.

IRVINE, CA–(Marketwire – October 27, 2010) – Sun Healthcare Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: SUNH) today
announced its operating results for the third quarter ended Sept. 30, 2010.

Normalized results for the third-quarter period ended Sept. 30, 2010:

--  consolidated revenues rose 1.1 percent to $476.0 million, compared to
    the same period in 2009;
    --  increased patient acuity resulted in solid reimbursement rates in
        quarter;
    --  hospice and rehabilitation therapy businesses showed revenue
        growth;
--  consolidated adjusted EBITDAR was $60.6 million and adjusted EBITDAR
    margin was 12.7 percent;
--  diluted earnings per share from continuing operations (after giving
    effect to the issuance of 30.76 million shares in the Company's equity
    offering) were $0.18;
--  diluted earnings per share from continuing operations would have been
    $0.23 based on shares outstanding prior to the issuance of
    30.76 million shares in the Company's August equity offering and before
    the application of the offering proceeds, which equals the mean of
    diluted earnings per share from continuing operations estimates for the
    third quarter from analysts who publish on First Call;
--  free cash flow was $21.3 million for the quarter; and
--  results have been normalized to exclude the impact of $4.7 million for
    transaction costs associated with the separation transaction described
    in further detail below in this press release.

Commenting on the Company’s third-quarter results, Richard K. Matros, Sun’s
chairman and chief executive officer, remarked, “Although our sector
continues to experience a tough operating environment, I am pleased with
our ability to turn in a solid quarter, with normalized adjusted EBITDAR
comparable to that achieved in last year’s third quarter.”

Matros added, “With respect to the previously announced separation of our
operating assets and real estate assets, we have completed debt financings
for both the operating company and the real estate company and have
received all necessary regulatory approvals. We look forward to our
stockholders’ meeting on November 4 and to completing the separation
transaction on November 15.”

Segment Updates

On a year-over-year basis for the quarter, revenue growth in Sun’s
inpatient services business totaled $3.8 million, or 0.9 percent, due
principally to revenue growth in its hospice business, SolAmor. SolAmor’s
revenues increased from $7.2 million to $11.3 million, due to census
expansion derived from same store census growth as well as an October 2009
acquisition. SolAmor contributed $2.5 million of adjusted EBITDA for the
quarter and an adjusted EBITDA margin of 22.3 percent. In the quarter,
revenues from SunBridge’s nursing center operations were flat on a
year-over-year basis due to declines in nursing center customer base and
the lingering effect of the October 2009 Medicare rate reduction, partially
offset by acuity-driven rate growth. SunBridge’s acuity growth was
evidenced by its Medicare Rehab RUG use of 91.2 percent, which was up 250
basis points year-over-year, and its Medicare REX utilization of 44.4
percent, which was up 240 basis points year-over-year. On an overall basis,
the inpatient services business reported adjusted EBITDAR of $69.0 million
for the quarter, with an adjusted EBITDAR margin of 16.3 percent.

SunDance, Sun’s rehabilitation therapy services business, experienced
revenue growth of $6.8 million, or 15.0 percent, in the quarter on the
strength of growth in revenue per contract of 8.5 percent and growth in
total non-affiliated contracts of 4.9 percent. Given the strong revenue
results, adjusted EBITDA margin also expanded in the quarter by 190 basis
points, producing an 8.0 percent adjusted EBITDA margin.

Industry demand for temporary medical staffing continues to be down as a
result of the slow economy. Accordingly, revenues from CareerStaff, Sun’s
medical staffing services business, were down compared to revenues in the
same quarter of 2009, resulting in adjusted EBITDA margin of 6.2 percent
for the quarter.

Bill Mathies, president and chief operating officer of SunBridge and chief
operating officer over Sun’s operating subsidiaries, commented on the
segment results: “Our early assessment of the implementation of RUG IV, the
changes to concurrent therapy and the elimination of the look-back period
is that they are neutral on a consolidated basis, with the market basket
rate increases we received on October 1 being accretive to our results. Our
experience to date affirms our positive view of the opportunity that these
changes in the reimbursement system afford us, given our strategy of
serving
clinically-complex patients, as well as the savings the changes will
achieve for the Medicare program. Continuing our focus on short-stay
high-acuity patients requires the expansion of our portfolio of Rehab
Recovery Suites® (RRS). At the end of the quarter, our RRS centers
aggregated 1,647 beds, an increase of 44.6 percent over the number of RRS
beds in service in the third quarter of 2009. Our rehabilitation business
achieved solid revenue growth in the quarter, driven by the increase in
contracts as well as the increase in revenue per contract. Our hospice
business continues to perform consistently with our expectations. Our
medical staffing business, as noted, continued to show a decline in
revenues, EBITDA, and margins but the revenue decline has slowed and
billable hours were actually up for the quarter.”

Conference Call

As previously announced, investors and the general public are invited to
listen to a conference call with Sun’s senior management on Thursday, Oct.
28, 2010, at 10 a.m. Pacific / 1 p.m. Eastern to discuss the Company’s
earnings for the third quarter of 2010.

To listen to the conference call, dial (888) 437-9364 and refer to Sun
Healthcare Group. A recording of the call will be available from 4 p.m.
Eastern on Oct. 28, 2010, until midnight Eastern on Nov. 28, 2010, by
calling (888) 203-1112 and using access code 4118106.

About Sun Healthcare Group, Inc.

Sun Healthcare Group, Inc.’s (NASDAQ: SUNH) subsidiaries provide nursing,
rehabilitative and related specialty healthcare services principally to the
senior population in the United States. Sun’s core business is providing,
through its subsidiaries, inpatient services, primarily through 166 skilled
nursing centers, 16 combined skilled nursing, assisted and independent
living centers, 10 assisted living centers, two independent living centers
and eight mental health centers. On a consolidated basis, Sun has annual
revenues of $1.9 billion and approximately 30,000 employees in 46 states.
At Oct. 1, 2010, SunBridge centers had 23,189 licensed beds located in 25
states, of which 22,407 were available for occupancy. Sun also provides
rehabilitation therapy services to affiliated and non-affiliated centers
through its SunDance subsidiary, medical staffing services through its
CareerStaff Unlimited subsidiary and hospice services through its SolAmor
subsidiary.

In May 2010, Sun announced a plan to restructure its business by separating
its real estate assets and its operating assets into two separate,
publicly-traded companies (the “Separation”), subject to the approval of
stockholders and other conditions. The Separation will be accomplished by
distributing to stockholders the stock of SHG Services, Inc., a Sun
subsidiary that will own and operate the operating subsidiaries.
Substantially all of Sun’s owned real estate assets will continue to be
owned by Sun, which will, after the Separation, merge into its subsidiary,
Sabra Health Care REIT, Inc. Following this merger, SHG Services, Inc. will
change its name to Sun Healthcare Group, Inc. The common stock of both
companies is expected to trade on the NASDAQ Global Select Market. The
Separation is expected to be completed on Nov. 15, 2010.

Forward-looking Statement

Statements made in this release that are not historical facts are
“forward-looking” statements (as defined in the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995) that involve risks and uncertainties and are
subject to change at any time. These forward-looking statements may
include, but are not limited to, statements containing words such as
“anticipate,” “believe,” “plan,” “estimate,” “expect,” “hope,” “intend,”
“may” and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements in this release
include all statements regarding the Company’s expected future financial
position and results of operations, business strategy, the impact of
reductions in reimbursements and other changes in government reimbursement
programs, the timing and impact of the Separation and transactions related
thereto, growth opportunities and plans and objectives of management for
future operations. Factors that could cause actual results to differ are
identified in the public filings made by the Company with the Securities
and Exchange Commission and include changes in Medicare and Medicaid
reimbursements; the impact that any healthcare reform legislation will have
on the Company’s business; the ability to maintain the occupancy rates and
payor mix at the Company’s healthcare centers; potential liability for
losses not covered by, or in excess of, the insurance; the effects of
government regulations and investigations; the significant amount of the
Company’s indebtedness; covenants in debt agreements that may restrict the
Company’s activities, including the Company’s ability to make acquisitions,
incur more indebtedness and refinance indebtedness on favorable terms;
Sun’s ability to accomplish the Separation and the transactions related
thereto; the impact of the current economic downturn on the business;
increasing labor costs and the shortage of qualified healthcare personnel;
and the Company’s ability to receive increases in reimbursement rates from
government payors to cover increased costs. More information on factors
that could affect the Company’s business and financial results are included
in Sun’s public filings made with the Securities and Exchange Commission,
including its Annual Report on Forms 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form
10-Q, copies of which are available on Sun’s web site, www.sunh.com. There
may be additional risks of which the Company is presently unaware or that
it currently deems immaterial.

The forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks,
uncertainties and other factors that are, in some cases, beyond the
Company’s control. Sun cautions investors that any forward-looking
statements made by Sun are not guarantees of future performance and are
only made as of the date of this release. Sun disclaims any obligation to
update any such factors or to announce publicly the results of any
revisions to any of the forward-looking statements to reflect future events
or developments.

Adjusted EBITDA, adjusted EBITDAR and free cash flow, as used in this press
release and in the accompanying tables, which are non-GAAP financial
measures, are each reconciled to their respective GAAP-recognized financial
measures in the accompanying tables. In addition, the normalizing
adjustments to adjusted EBITDAR and earnings per share as discussed in this
press release and shown, together with normalizing adjustments to other
financial measures, in the accompanying tables, are non-GAAP adjustments,
and are reconciled to GAAP financial measures in the accompanying tables.

Additional Information

In connection with the Separation, SHG Services, Inc. has filed with the
SEC a Registration Statement on Form S-1 and Sabra Health Care REIT, Inc.
has filed with the SEC a Registration Statement on Form S-4, each
containing an identical proxy statement/prospectus for the special meeting
of stockholders to be held on Nov. 4, 2010. The definitive proxy
statement/prospectus was mailed to Sun stockholders on or about Oct. 4,
2010. Before making any voting or investment decision, Sun stockholders and
investors are urged to read the proxy statement/prospectus and other
documents filed with the SEC carefully and in their entirety because they
contain important information about the proposed transactions.
Stockholders will be able to obtain these documents free of charge at the
SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. In addition, investors and stockholders of
Sun may obtain free copies of the documents filed with the SEC by
contacting Sun’s investor relations department at (505) 468-2341 (TDD
users, please call (505) 468-4458) or by sending a written request to
Investor Relations, Sun Healthcare Group, Inc. 101 Sun Avenue N.E.,
Albuquerque, N.M. 87109. Investors and stockholders may also obtain a copy
of these documents by requesting them in writing from Sun’s proxy
solicitation agent, Innisfree M&A, at 501 Madison Avenue, New York, NY
10022, or by telephone at (212) 750-5833.

Sun and its directors and executive officers and other members of its
management and employees may be deemed participants in the solicitation of
proxies from the stockholders of Sun in connection with the transactions
described in this release. Information about the directors and executive
officers of Sun and their ownership of shares of Sun common stock are set
forth in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2009,
filed with the SEC on March 5, 2010, and in the definitive proxy
statement/prospectus for the special meeting of stockholders filed with the
SEC on Sept. 29, 2010. These documents may be obtained free of charge from
the sources indicated above. Additional information regarding the interests
of these participants is also included in the definitive proxy
statement/prospectus for the special meeting.

                SUN HEALTHCARE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                       KEY INCOME STATEMENT FIGURES
                               CONSOLIDATED
                  (in thousands, except per share data)


                                           For the            For the
                                         Three Months       Three Months
                                             Ended              Ended
                                         September 30,      September 30,
                                             2010               2009
                                       ----------------   ----------------

Revenue                                $        475,997   $        470,644

Depreciation and amortization                    12,733             11,457

Interest expense, net                            10,614             12,231

Pre-tax income                                   13,557             17,759

Income tax expense                                5,559              7,220

Income from continuing operations                 7,998             10,539

Loss from discontinued operations                  (442)              (881)
                                       ----------------   ----------------

Net income                             $          7,556   $          9,658
                                       ================   ================


Diluted earnings per share             $           0.13   $           0.22
                                       ================   ================


Adjusted EBITDAR                       $         55,858   $         60,509
Margin - Adjusted EBITDAR                          11.7%              12.9%

Adjusted EBITDAR normalized            $         60,605   $         60,509
Margin - Adjusted EBITDAR normalized               12.7%              12.9%


Adjusted EBITDA                        $         36,904   $         42,319
Margin - Adjusted EBITDA                            7.8%               9.0%

Adjusted EBITDA normalized             $         41,651   $         42,319
Margin - Adjusted EBITDA normalized                 8.8%               9.0%


Pre-tax income continuing operations -
 normalized                            $         18,304   $         18,631

Income tax expense - normalized        $          7,505   $          7,578

Income from continuing operations -
 normalized                            $         10,799   $         11,053

Diluted earnings per share from
 continuing operations - normalized    $           0.18   $           0.25

Net income - normalized                $         10,357   $         10,172

Diluted earnings per share -
 normalized                            $           0.17   $           0.23


See definitions of Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDAR in the table
"Reconciliation of Net Income to Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDAR."

See normalizing adjustments in the table "Normalizing Adjustments -
Quarter Comparison."





                SUN HEALTHCARE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                       KEY INCOME STATEMENT FIGURES
                               CONSOLIDATED
                  (in thousands, except per share data)


                                           For the            For the
                                         Nine Months        Nine Months
                                             Ended              Ended
                                         September 30,      September 30,
                                             2010               2009
                                       ----------------   ----------------

Revenue                                $      1,423,443   $      1,406,949

Depreciation and amortization                    37,732             33,329

Interest expense, net                            34,366             37,422

Pre-tax income                                   49,205             56,066

Income tax expense                               19,990             22,795

Income from continuing operations                29,215             33,271

Loss from discontinued operations                (1,488)            (3,275)
                                       ----------------   ----------------

Net income                             $         27,727   $         29,996
                                       ================   ================


Diluted earnings per share             $           0.55   $           0.68
                                       ================   ================


Adjusted EBITDAR                       $        177,609   $        182,485
Margin - Adjusted EBITDAR                          12.5%              13.0%

Adjusted EBITDAR normalized            $        184,604   $        186,785
Margin - Adjusted EBITDAR normalized               13.0%              13.3%


Adjusted EBITDA                        $        121,303   $        127,730
Margin - Adjusted EBITDA                            8.5%               9.1%

Adjusted EBITDA normalized             $        128,298   $        132,030
Margin - Adjusted EBITDA normalized                 9.0%               9.4%


Pre-tax income continuing operations -
 normalized                            $         56,200   $         61,238

Income tax expense - normalized        $         22,858   $         24,916

Income from continuing operations -
 normalized                            $         33,342   $         36,322

Diluted earnings per share from
 continuing operations - normalized    $           0.66   $           0.83

Net income - normalized                $         31,854   $         33,395

Diluted earnings per share -
 normalized                            $           0.63   $           0.76


See definitions of Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDAR in the table
"Reconciliation of Net Income to Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDAR."

See normalizing adjustments in the table "Normalizing Adjustments -
Quarter Comparison."





                SUN HEALTHCARE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                        CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                    (in thousands, except share data)



                                         September 30,      December 31,
                                             2010               2009
                                       ----------------   ----------------
                                          (unaudited)        (unaudited)
                ASSETS

Current assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents            $        138,350   $        104,483
  Restricted cash                                21,961             24,034
  Accounts receivable, net                      216,391            220,319
  Prepaid expenses and other assets              15,093             21,757
  Deferred tax assets                            71,940             68,415
                                       ----------------   ----------------
    Total current assets                        463,735            439,008

Property and equipment, net                     622,355            622,682
Intangible assets, net                           51,428             53,931
Goodwill                                        338,364            338,296
Restricted cash, non-current                        350              3,317
Deferred tax assets                              89,818            108,999
Other assets                                      5,157              4,961
                                       ----------------   ---------------- 
    Total assets                       $      1,571,207   $      1,571,194
                                       ================   ================


 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

Current liabilities:
  Accounts payable                     $         47,799   $         57,109
  Accrued compensation and benefits              60,898             58,953
  Accrued self-insurance obligations,
   current                                       45,610             45,661
  Income taxes payable                            1,605                  -
  Other accrued liabilities                      58,234             55,265
  Current portion of long-term debt and
   capital lease obligations                     39,796             46,416
                                       ----------------   ----------------
  Total current liabilities                     253,942            263,404

Accrued self-insurance obligations,
 net of current portion                         127,040            121,948
Long-term debt and capital lease
 obligations, net of current portion            410,145            654,132
Unfavorable lease obligations, net               10,518             12,663
Other long-term liabilities                      60,016             69,983
                                       ----------------   ----------------
  Total liabilities                             861,661          1,122,130


Stockholders' equity:
  Preferred stock of $.01 par value,
   authorized 10,000,000 shares, no
   shares were issued and outstanding
   as of September 30, 2010 and
   December 31, 2009                                  -                  -
  Common stock of $.01 par value,
   authorized 125,000,000 shares,
   74,788,448 and 43,764,240 shares
   issued and outstanding as of
   September 30, 2010 and
   December 31, 2009, respectively                  748                438
  Additional paid-in capital                    885,083            655,667
  Accumulated deficit                          (176,285)          (204,012)
  Accumulated other comprehensive loss,
   net                                                -             (3,029)
                                       ----------------   ----------------
                                                709,546            449,064
                                       ----------------   ----------------
    Total liabilities and
     stockholders' equity              $      1,571,207   $      1,571,194
                                       ================   ================





                SUN HEALTHCARE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                      CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS
                  (in thousands, except per share data)


                                           For the            For the
                                         Three Months       Three Months
                                             Ended              Ended
                                         September 30,      September 30,
                                             2010               2009
                                       ----------------   ----------------
                                         (unaudited)        (unaudited)

Total net revenues                     $        475,997   $        470,644
                                       ----------------   ----------------
Costs and expenses:
  Operating salaries and benefits               270,052            265,597
  Self-insurance for workers'
   compensation and general and
   professional liability insurance              14,621             14,162
  Operating administrative costs                 13,343             12,462
  Other operating costs                          98,089             97,015
  Center rent expense                            18,954             18,190
  General and administrative expenses            14,146             15,586
  Depreciation and amortization                  12,733             11,457
  Provision for losses on accounts
   receivable                                     5,141              5,313
  Interest, net of interest income of
   $59 and $106, respectively                    10,614             12,231
  Transaction costs                               4,747                  -
  Restructuring costs                                 -                872
                                       ----------------   ----------------
Total costs and expenses                        462,440            452,885
                                       ----------------   ----------------

Income before income taxes and
 discontinued operations                         13,557             17,759
Income tax expense                                5,559              7,220
                                       ----------------   ----------------
Income from continuing operations                 7,998             10,539
                                       ----------------   ----------------

Discontinued operations:
  Loss from discontinued operations,
   net of related taxes                            (442)              (862)
  Loss on disposal of discontinued
   operations, net of related taxes                   -                (19)
                                       ----------------   ----------------
Loss from discontinued operations, net             (442)              (881)
                                       ----------------   ----------------

Net income                             $          7,556   $          9,658
                                       ================   ================


Basic income per common and common
 equivalent share:
  Income from continuing operations    $           0.13   $           0.24
  Loss from discontinued operations,
   net                                                -              (0.02)
                                       ----------------   ----------------
Net income                             $           0.13   $           0.22
                                       ================   ================

Diluted income per common and common
 equivalent share:
  Income from continuing operations    $           0.13   $           0.24
  Loss from discontinued operations,
   net                                                -              (0.02)
                                       ----------------   ----------------
Net income                             $           0.13   $           0.22
                                       ================   ================

Weighted average number of common and
 common equivalent shares outstanding:
  Basic                                          59,516             43,923
  Diluted                                        59,538             44,015





                SUN HEALTHCARE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                      CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS
                  (in thousands, except per share data)


                                           For the            For the
                                         Nine Months        Nine Months
                                             Ended              Ended
                                         September 30,      September 30,
                                             2010               2009
                                       ----------------   ----------------
                                          (unaudited)       (unaudited)

Total net revenues                     $      1,423,443   $      1,406,949
                                       ----------------   ----------------
Costs and expenses:
  Operating salaries and benefits               804,302            789,744
  Self-insurance for workers'
   compensation and general and
   professional liability insurance              43,702             45,617
  Operating administrative costs                 38,932             38,231
  Other operating costs                         291,348            287,233
  Center rent expense                            56,306             54,755
  General and administrative expenses            44,570             48,057
  Depreciation and amortization                  37,732             33,329
  Provision for losses on accounts
   receivable                                    15,985             15,582
  Interest, net of interest income of
   $222 and $310, respectively                   34,366             37,422
  Transaction costs                               6,995                  -
  Loss on sale of assets, net                         -                 41
  Restructuring costs                                 -                872
                                       ----------------   ----------------
Total costs and expenses                      1,374,238          1,350,883
                                       ----------------   ----------------

Income before income taxes and
 discontinued operations                         49,205             56,066
Income tax expense                               19,990             22,795
                                       ----------------   ----------------
Income from continuing operations                29,215             33,271
                                       ----------------   ----------------

Discontinued operations:
  Loss from discontinued operations,
   net of related taxes                          (1,488)            (2,941)
  Loss on disposal of discontinued
   operations, net of related taxes                   -               (334)
                                       ----------------   ----------------
Loss from discontinued operations, net           (1,488)            (3,275)
                                       ----------------   ----------------

Net income                             $         27,727   $         29,996
                                       ================   ================


Basic income per common and common
 equivalent share:
  Income from continuing operations    $           0.58   $           0.76
  Loss from discontinued operations,
   net                                            (0.03)             (0.08)
                                       ----------------   ----------------
Net income                             $           0.55   $           0.68
                                       ================   ================

Diluted income per common and common
 equivalent share:
  Income from continuing operations    $           0.58   $           0.76
  Loss from discontinued operations,
   net                                            (0.03)             (0.08)
                                       ----------------   ----------------
Net Income                             $           0.55   $           0.68
                                       ================   ================

Weighted average number of common and
 common equivalent shares outstanding:
  Basic                                          50,184             43,807
  Diluted                                        50,251             43,926





                SUN HEALTHCARE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                  CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                              (in thousands)


                                           For the            For the
                                         Three Months       Three Months
                                             Ended              Ended
                                         September 30,      September 30,
                                             2010               2009
                                       ----------------   ----------------
                                         (unaudited)        (unaudited)

Cash flows from operating activities:
  Net income                           $          7,556   $          9,658
  Adjustments to reconcile net income
   to net cash provided by operating
   activities, including discontinued
   operations:
     Depreciation and amortization               12,736             11,460
     Amortization of favorable and
      unfavorable lease intangibles                (504)              (474)
     Provision for losses on accounts
      receivable                                  5,289              5,318
     Loss on sale of assets, including
      discontinued operations, net                    -                 31
     Stock-based compensation expense             1,661              1,476
     Deferred taxes                               3,286              5,500
  Changes in operating assets and
   liabilities, net of acquisitions:
     Accounts receivable                         (1,307)             1,079
     Restricted cash                              2,769               (710)
     Prepaid expenses and other assets            5,399                382
     Accounts payable                            (4,909)            (6,762)
     Accrued compensation and benefits           (2,117)             4,561
     Accrued self-insurance obligations             199                  4
     Income taxes payable                         1,267                  -
     Other accrued liabilities                    4,429              9,355
     Other long-term liabilities                   (676)            (1,004)
                                       ----------------   ----------------
       Net cash provided by operating
        activities                               35,078             39,874
                                       ----------------   ----------------

Cash flows from investing activities:
  Capital expenditures                          (13,774)           (16,456)
                                       ----------------   ----------------
     Net cash used for investing
      activities                                (13,774)           (16,456)
                                       ----------------   ----------------

Cash flows from financing activities:
  Borrowings of long-term debt                   20,500             20,822
  Principal repayments of long-term
   debt and capital lease obligations          (234,116)           (22,562)
  Proceeds from issuance of common
   stock                                        226,001                 55
  Deferred financing costs                       (2,312)                 -
                                       ----------------   ----------------
     Net cash used for financing
      activities                                 10,073             (1,685)
                                       ----------------   ----------------

Net (decrease) increase in cash and
 cash equivalents                                31,377             21,733
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning
 of period                                      106,973             95,672
                                       ----------------   ----------------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of
 period                                $        138,350   $        117,405
                                       ================   ================

Reconciliation of net cash provided by
 operating activities to free cash
 flow:

  Net cash provided by operating
   activities                          $         35,078   $         39,874
  Capital expenditures                          (13,774)           (16,456)
                                       ----------------   ----------------
    Free cash flow                     $         21,304   $         23,418
                                       ================   ================

Free cash flow is defined as net cash flow provided by operating activities
less cash used for capital expenditures.  Free cash flow is used by
management to evaluate discretionary cash flow potentially available for
debt service and other financing activities.





                SUN HEALTHCARE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                  CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                              (in thousands)


                                           For the            For the
                                         Nine Months        Nine Months
                                             Ended              Ended
                                         September 30,      September 30,
                                             2010               2009
                                       ----------------   ----------------
                                         (unaudited)        (unaudited)

Cash flows from operating activities:
  Net income                           $         27,727   $         29,996
  Adjustments to reconcile net income
   to net cash provided by operating
   activities, including discontinued
   operations:
     Depreciation and amortization               37,744             33,336
     Amortization of favorable and
      unfavorable lease intangibles              (1,452)            (1,350)
     Provision for losses on accounts
      receivable                                 16,428             15,599
     Loss on sale of assets, including
      discontinued operations, net                    -                607
     Stock-based compensation expense             4,748              4,385
     Deferred taxes                              14,976             18,019
  Changes in operating assets and
   liabilities, net of acquisitions:
     Accounts receivable                        (12,500)           (20,588)
     Restricted cash                              5,040              8,811
     Prepaid expenses and other assets            8,012                144
     Accounts payable                            (3,628)           (11,825)
     Accrued compensation and benefits            1,945              4,927
     Accrued self-insurance obligations           5,041              1,255
     Income taxes payable                         1,605                  -
     Other accrued liabilities                    4,442              8,530
     Other long-term liabilities                 (5,775)               177
                                       ----------------   ----------------
       Net cash provided by operating
        activities                              104,353             92,023
                                       ----------------   ----------------

Cash flows from investing activities:
  Capital expenditures                          (41,488)           (41,458)
  Purchase of leased real estate                      -             (3,275)
  Proceeds from sale of assets held for
   sale                                               -              2,174
                                       ----------------   ----------------
     Net cash used for investing
      activities                                (41,488)           (42,559)
                                       ----------------   ----------------

Cash flows from financing activities:
  Borrowings of long-term debt                   20,500             20,822
  Principal repayments of long-term
   debt and capital lease obligations          (271,093)           (44,249)
  Payment to non-controlling interest            (2,025)              (311)
  Distribution to non-controlling
   interest                                         (69)              (549)
  Proceeds from issuance of common
   stock                                        226,001                 75
  Deferred financing costs                       (2,312)                 -
                                       ----------------   ----------------
     Net cash used for financing
      activities                                (28,998)           (24,212)
                                       ----------------   ----------------

Net increase in cash and cash
 equivalents                                     33,867             25,252
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning
 of period                                      104,483             92,153
                                       ----------------   ----------------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of
 period                                $        138,350   $        117,405
                                       ================   ================

Reconciliation of net cash provided by
 operating activities to free cash
 flow:

  Net cash provided by operating
   activities                          $        104,353   $         92,023
  Capital expenditures                          (41,488)           (41,458)
                                       ----------------   ----------------
    Free cash flow                     $         62,865   $         50,565
                                       ================   ================

Free cash flow is defined as net cash flow provided by operating activities
less cash used for capital expenditures.  Free cash flow is used by
management to evaluate discretionary cash flow potentially available for
debt service and other financing activities.





                SUN HEALTHCARE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

            RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME TO EBITDA and EBITDAR
                              (in thousands)


                                           For the           For the
                                         Three Months      Three Months
                                             Ended            Ended
                                         September 30,    September 30,
                                             2010              2009
                                       ----------------   ----------------
                                          (unaudited)        (unaudited)

  Total net revenues                   $        475,997   $        470,644
                                       ----------------   ----------------

  Net income                           $          7,556   $          9,658
                                       ----------------   ----------------


    Income from continuing operations             7,998             10,539

    Income tax expense                            5,559              7,220

    Interest, net                                10,614             12,231

    Depreciation and amortization                12,733             11,457
                                       ----------------   ----------------

  EBITDA                               $         36,904   $         41,447

    Restructuring costs                               -                872
                                       ----------------   ----------------

  Adjusted EBITDA                      $         36,904   $         42,319


    Center rent expense                          18,954             18,190
                                       ----------------   ----------------

  Adjusted EBITDAR                     $         55,858   $         60,509
                                       ================   ================

EBITDA is defined as earnings before loss on discontinued operations,
income taxes, interest, net, depreciation and amortization.  Adjusted
EBITDA is defined as EBITDA before restructuring costs and loss on sale of
assets, net.  Adjusted EBITDAR is defined as Adjusted EBITDA before center
rent expense.  Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDAR are used by management
to evaluate financial performance and resource allocation for each entity
within the operating units and for the Company as a whole.  Adjusted EBITDA
and Adjusted EBITDAR are commonly used as analytical indicators within the 
healthcare industry and also serve as measures of leverage capacity and
debt service ability.  Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDAR should not be
considered as measures of financial performance under generally accepted
accounting principles.  As the items excluded from Adjusted EBITDA and
Adjusted EBITDAR are significant components in understanding and assessing
finance performance, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDAR should not be
considered in isolation or as alternatives to net income, cash flows
generated by or used in operating, investing or financing activities or
other financial statement data presented in the consolidated financial
statements as indicators of financial performance or liquidity.  Because
Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBTIDAR are not measurements determined in
accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and are thus
susceptible to varying calculations.  Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDAR
as presented may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of
other companies.





                SUN HEALTHCARE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

   RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME TO ADJUSTED EBITDA and ADJUSTED EBITDAR
                              (in thousands)


                                           For the            For the
                                         Nine Months        Nine Months
                                             Ended             Ended
                                         September 30,     September 30,
                                             2010               2009
                                       ----------------   ----------------
                                          (unaudited)        (unaudited)

  Total net revenues                   $      1,423,443   $      1,406,949
                                       ----------------   ----------------

  Net income                           $         27,727   $         29,996
                                       ----------------   ----------------


    Income from continuing operations            29,215             33,271

    Income tax expense                           19,990             22,795

    Interest, net                                34,366             37,422

    Depreciation and amortization                37,732             33,329
                                       ----------------   ----------------

  EBITDA                               $        121,303   $        126,817

    Loss on sale of assets, net                       -                 41

    Restructuring costs                               -                872
                                       ----------------   ----------------

  Adjusted EBITDA                      $        121,303   $        127,730


    Center rent expense                          56,306             54,755
                                       ----------------   ----------------

  Adjusted EBITDAR                     $        177,609   $        182,485
                                       ================   ================

EBITDA is defined as earnings before loss on discontinued operations,
income taxes, interest, net, depreciation and amortization.  Adjusted
EBITDA is defined as EBITDA before restructuring costs and loss on sale of
assets, net.  Adjusted EBITDAR is defined as Adjusted EBITDA before center
rent expense.  Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDAR are used by management
to evaluate financial performance and resource allocation for each entity
within the operating units and for the Company as a whole.  Adjusted EBITDA
and Adjusted EBITDAR are commonly used as analytical indicators within the
healthcare industry and also serve as measures of leverage capacity and
debt service ability.  Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDAR should not be
considered as measures of financial performance under generally accepted
accounting principles.  As the items excluded from Adjusted EBITDA and
Adjusted EBITDAR are significant components in understanding and assessing
finance performance, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDAR should not be
considered in isolation or as alternatives to net income, cash flows
generated by or used in operating, investing or financing activities or
other financial statement data presented in the consolidated financial
statements as indicators of financial performance or liquidity.  Because
Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBTIDAR are not measurements determined in
accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and are thus
susceptible to varying calculations.  Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDAR
as presented may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of
other companies.








                SUN HEALTHCARE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

  RECONCILIATION OF INCOME (LOSS) FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS TO ADJUSTED
                        EBITDA and ADJUSTED EBITDAR
                             ($ in thousands)

              For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2010
                                (unaudited)



                          Rehabil-                    Elimination
                          itation   Medical                of
               Inpatient  Therapy   Staffing  Other &  Affiliated  Consoli-
                Services  Services  Services  Corp Seg  Revenue     dated
                --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------
Nonaffiliated
 revenue        $424,160  $ 30,342  $ 21,481  $     14  $      -  $475,997
Affiliated
 revenue               -    21,397       724         -   (22,121)        -
                --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------
  Total revenue $424,160  $ 51,739  $ 22,205  $     14  $(22,121) $475,997
                --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------

Income (loss)
 from
 continuing
 operations     $ 36,134  $  3,961  $  1,195  $(33,292) $      -  $  7,998
Income tax
 expense               -         -         -     5,559         -     5,559
Interest, net      2,570         -         -     8,044         -    10,614
Depreciation
 and
 amortization     11,630       173       181       749         -    12,733
                --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------

  EBITDA        $ 50,334  $  4,134  $  1,376  $(18,940) $      -  $ 36,904

Restructuring
 costs                 -         -         -         -         -         -
                --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------

  Adjusted
   EBITDA       $ 50,334  $  4,134  $  1,376  $(18,940) $      -  $ 36,904

Center rent
 expense          18,629       123       202         -         -    18,954
                --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------

  Adjusted
   EBITDAR      $ 68,963  $  4,257  $  1,578  $(18,940) $      -  $ 55,858
                ========  ========  ========  ========  ========  ========

  Normalized
   Adjusted
   EBITDA       $ 50,334  $  4,134  $  1,376  $(14,193) $      -  $ 41,651
  Normalized
   Adjusted
   EBITDAR      $ 68,963  $  4,257  $  1,578  $(14,193) $      -  $ 60,605


Adjusted EBITDA
         margin     11.9%      8.0%      6.2%                          7.8%
       Adjusted
 EBITDAR margin     16.3%      8.2%      7.1%                         11.7%
     Normalized
       Adjusted
  EBITDA margin     11.9%      8.0%      6.2%                          8.8%
     Normalized
       Adjusted
 EBITDAR margin     16.3%      8.2%      7.1%                         12.7%

   See definitions of Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDAR in the table
   "Reconciliation of Net Income to Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDAR."
   See normalizing adjustments in the table "Normalizing Adjustments -
   Quarter Comparison."









                SUN HEALTHCARE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

  RECONCILIATION OF INCOME (LOSS) FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS TO ADJUSTED
                        EBITDA and ADJUSTED EBITDAR
                             ($ in thousands)

               For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010
                                (unaudited)



                       Rehabil-                     Elimination
                       itation   Medical                 of
           Inpatient   Therapy   Staffing   Other &  Affiliated
            Services   Services  Services  Corp Seg   Revenue  Consolidated
           ----------  --------  --------  ---------  --------  ----------
Nonaffiliated
 revenue   $1,265,980  $ 89,723  $ 67,712  $      28  $      -  $1,423,443
Affiliated
 revenue            -    63,584     1,364          -   (64,948)          -
           ----------  --------  --------  ---------  --------  ----------
  Total
   revenue $1,265,980  $153,307  $ 69,076  $      28  $(64,948) $1,423,443
           ----------  --------  --------  ---------  --------  ----------

Income
 (loss)
 from
 continuing
 opera-
 tions     $  113,355  $ 11,757  $  4,479  $(100,376) $      -  $   29,215
Income tax
 expense            -         -         -     19,990         -      19,990
Interest,
 net            8,087         -        (1)    26,280         -      34,366
Depreciation
 and
 amortization  34,320       484       543      2,385         -      37,732
           ----------  --------  --------  ---------  --------  ----------

  EBITDA   $  155,762  $ 12,241  $  5,021  $ (51,721) $      -  $  121,303

Loss on
 sale of
 assets,
 net                -         -         -          -         -           -
Restructuring
 costs              -         -         -          -         -           -
           ----------  --------  --------  ---------  --------  ----------

  Adjusted
   EBITDA  $  155,762  $ 12,241  $  5,021  $ (51,721) $      -  $  121,303

Center
 rent
 expense       55,326       364       616          -         -      56,306
           ----------  --------  --------  ---------  --------  ----------

  Adjusted
   EBITDAR $  211,088  $ 12,605  $  5,637  $ (51,721) $      -  $  177,609
           ==========  ========  ========  =========  ========  ==========

  Normalized
   Adjusted
   EBITDA  $  155,762  $ 12,241  $  5,021  $ (44,726) $      -  $  128,298
  Normalized
   Adjusted
   EBITDAR $  211,088  $ 12,605  $  5,637  $ (44,726) $      -  $  184,604


  Adjusted
    EBITDA
    margin       12.3%      8.0%      7.3%                             8.5%
  Adjusted
   EBITDAR
    margin       16.7%      8.2%      8.2%                            12.5%
Normalized
  Adjusted
    EBITDA
    margin       12.3%      8.0%      7.3%                             9.0%
Normalized
  Adjusted
   EBITDAR
    margin       16.7%      8.2%      8.2%                            13.0%

   See definitions of Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDAR in the table
   "Reconciliation of Net Income to Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDAR."
   See normalizing adjustments in the table "Normalizing Adjustments -
   Quarter Comparison."










                SUN HEALTHCARE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

  RECONCILIATION OF INCOME (LOSS) FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS TO ADJUSTED
                        EBITDA and ADJUSTED EBITDAR
                             ($ in thousands)

              For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2009
                                (unaudited)


                          Rehabil-                    Elimination
                          itation   Medical                of
               Inpatient  Therapy   Staffing  Other &  Affiliated  Consoli-
                Services  Services  Services  Corp Seg  Revenue     dated
                --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------
Nonaffiliated
 revenue        $420,374  $ 26,394  $ 23,864  $     12  $      -  $470,644
Affiliated
 revenue               -    18,592       545         -   (19,137)        -
                --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------
  Total revenue $420,374  $ 44,986  $ 24,409  $     12  $(19,137) $470,644
                --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------

Income (loss)
 from
 continuing
 operations     $ 39,481  $  2,606  $  2,091  $(33,639) $      -  $ 10,539
Income tax
 expense               -         -         -     7,220         -     7,220
Interest, net      3,024         -        (1)    9,208         -    12,231
Depreciation
 and
 amortization     10,480       140       179       658         -    11,457
                --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------

  EBITDA        $ 52,985  $  2,746  $  2,269  $(16,553) $      -  $ 41,447

Restructuring
 costs                 -         -         -       872         -       872
                --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------

  Adjusted
   EBITDA       $ 52,985  $  2,746  $  2,269  $(15,681) $      -  $ 42,319
Center rent
 expense          17,848       119       223         -         -    18,190
                --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------

  Adjusted
   EBITDAR      $ 70,833  $  2,865  $  2,492  $(15,681) $      -  $ 60,509
                ========  ========  ========  ========  ========  ========

  Normalized
   Adjusted
   EBITDA       $ 52,985  $  2,746  $  2,269  $(15,681) $      -  $ 42,319
  Normalized
   Adjusted
   EBITDAR      $ 70,833  $  2,865  $  2,492  $(15,681) $      -  $ 60,509


Adjusted EBITDA
         margin     12.6%      6.1%      9.3%                          9.0%
       Adjusted
 EBITDAR margin     16.8%      6.4%     10.2%                         12.9%
     Normalized
       Adjusted
  EBITDA margin     12.6%      6.1%      9.3%                          9.0%
     Normalized
       Adjusted
 EBITDAR margin     16.8%      6.4%     10.2%                         12.9%

   See definitions of Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDAR in the table
   "Reconciliation of Net Income to Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDAR."
   See normalizing adjustments in the table "Normalizing Adjustments -
   Quarter Comparison."







                SUN HEALTHCARE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

  RECONCILIATION OF INCOME (LOSS) FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS TO ADJUSTED
                        EBITDA and ADJUSTED EBITDAR
                             ($ in thousands)

               For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2009
                                (unaudited)


                       Rehabil-                       Elimina-
                       itation   Medical              tion of
           Inpatient   Therapy   Staffing   Other &   Affiliated
            Services   Services  Services  Corp Seg    Revenue
Consolidated
           ----------  --------  --------  ---------  --------  ----------
Nonaffiliated
 revenue   $1,251,524  $ 78,063  $ 77,335  $      27  $      -  $1,406,949
Affiliated
 revenue            -    55,168     1,668          -   (56,836)          -
           ----------  --------  --------  ---------  --------  ----------
  Total
   revenue $1,251,524  $133,231  $ 79,003  $      27  $(56,836) $1,406,949
           ----------  --------  --------  ---------  --------  ----------

Income
 (loss)
 from
 continuing
 opera-
 tions     $  120,395  $  8,572  $  6,401  $(102,097) $      -  $   33,271
Income tax
 expense            -         -         -     22,795         -      22,795
Interest,
 net            9,345        (2)       (1)    28,080         -      37,422
Depreciation
 and
 amortization  30,323       399       601      2,006         -      33,329
           ----------  --------  --------  ---------  --------  ----------

  EBITDA   $  160,063  $  8,969  $  7,001  $ (49,216) $      -  $  126,817

Loss on sale
 of assets,
 net                7        34         -          -         -          41
Restructuring
 costs              -         -         -        872         -         872
           ----------  --------  --------  ---------  --------  ----------

  Adjusted
   EBITDA  $  160,070  $  9,003  $  7,001  $ (48,344) $      -  $  127,730
Center
 rent
 expense       53,707       348       700          -         -      54,755
           ----------  --------  --------  ---------  --------  ----------

  Adjusted
   EBITDAR $  213,777  $  9,351  $  7,701  $ (48,344) $      -  $  182,485
           ==========  ========  ========  =========  ========  ==========

  Normalized
   Adjusted
   EBITDA  $  164,370  $  9,003  $  7,001  $ (48,344) $      -  $  132,030
  Normalized
   Adjusted
   EBITDAR $  218,077  $  9,351  $  7,701  $ (48,344) $      -  $  186,785


  Adjusted
    EBITDA
    margin       12.8%      6.8%      8.9%                             9.1%
  Adjusted
   EBITDAR
    margin       17.1%      7.0%      9.7%                            13.0%
Normalized
  Adjusted
    EBITDA
    margin       13.1%      6.8%      8.9%                             9.4%
Normalized
  Adjusted
   EBITDAR
    margin       17.4%      7.0%      9.7%                            13.3%

   See definitions of Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDAR in the table
   "Reconciliation of Net Income to Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDAR."
   See normalizing adjustments in the table "Normalizing Adjustments -
   Quarter Comparison."






                Sun Healthcare Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries
                      Selected Operating Statistics
                          Continuing Operations


                    For the                         For the
              Three Months Ended               Nine Months Ended
                 September 30,                   September 30,
            -----------------------       ---------------------------
              2010           2009            2010             2009
Consolidated
 Company
            --------       --------       ----------       ----------
Revenues -
 Non-
 affiliated
 (in
 thousands)
  Skilled
   Nursing
   and
   similar
   facilit-
   ies      $412,295       $412,550        1,230,684        1,230,551
  Hospice     11,277          7,242           33,633           19,249
  Other -
   Inpatient
   Services      588            582            1,663            1,724
            --------       --------       ----------       ----------
   Inpatient
    Services 424,160        420,374        1,265,980        1,251,524
  Rehabili-
   tation
   Therapy
   Services   30,342         26,394           89,723           78,063
  Medical
   Staffing
   Services   21,481         23,864           67,712           77,335
  Other -
   non-core
   businesses     14             12               28               27
            --------       --------       ----------       ----------
    Total   $475,997       $470,644       $1,423,443       $1,406,949
            ========       ========       ==========       ==========


Revenue Mix
 -
 Non-
 affiliated
 (in
 thousands)
  Medicare  $138,125   29% $137,857   29%    421,398   30%    417,059   30%
  Medicaid   194,936   41%  189,878   40%    574,856   40%    559,358   40%
  Private
   and
   Other     113,610   24%  114,143   25%    339,492   24%    341,424   24%
  Managed
   Care /
   Insurance  24,178    5%   24,393    5%     72,636    5%     76,591    5%
  Veterans     5,148    1%    4,373    1%     15,061    1%     12,517    1%
            --------  ---  --------  ---  ----------  ---  ----------  ---
    Total   $475,997  100% $470,644  100% $1,423,443  100% $1,406,949  100%
            ========  ===  ========  ===  ==========  ===  ==========  ===


Inpatient
 Services
 Stats
 Number of
  centers:       202            202              202              202
 Number of
  available
  beds:       22,407         22,331           22,407           22,331
 Occupancy
  %:            86.9%          88.1%            87.1%            88.3%


 Payor Mix
  % based
  on
  patient
  days:
   Medicare
    - SNF
    Beds        14.7%          15.3%            15.2%            15.8%
   Managed
    care /
    Ins. -
    SNF
    Beds         3.9%           3.9%             4.0%             4.1%
            --------       --------       ----------       ----------
     Total
      SNF
      skilled
      mix       18.6%          19.2%            19.2%            19.9%
            --------       --------       ----------       ----------
  Medicare      13.4%          14.0%            13.9%            14.4%
  Medicaid      62.5%          60.6%            62.2%            60.4%
  Private
   and
   Other        19.4%          20.8%            19.1%            20.4%
  Managed
   Care /
   Insurance     3.5%           3.6%             3.6%             3.8%
  Veterans       1.2%           1.0%             1.2%             1.0%

 Revenue
  Mix % of
  revenues:
   Medicare
    - SNF
    Beds        31.1%          32.2%            31.9%            32.9%
   Managed
    care /
    Ins. -
    SNF
    Beds         6.0%           6.1%             6.0%             6.4%
            --------       --------       ----------       ----------
     Total
      SNF
      skilled
      mix       37.1%          38.3%            37.9%            39.3%
            --------       --------       ----------       ----------
  Medicare      31.4%          31.9%            32.2%            32.4%
  Medicaid      46.0%          45.2%            45.4%            44.7%
  Private
   and
   Other        15.8%          16.1%            15.5%            15.8%
  Managed
   Care /
   Insurance     5.6%           5.8%             5.7%             6.1%
  Veterans       1.2%           1.0%             1.2%             1.0%


 Revenues
  PPD:
  LTC only
   Medicare
   (Part A) $ 463.36       $ 457.79       $   464.46       $   454.15
  Medicare
   Blended
   Rate
   (Part A
   & B)     $ 505.73       $ 496.11       $   504.05       $   491.94
  Medicaid  $ 173.49       $ 172.06       $   173.29       $   170.86
  Private
   and
   Other    $ 182.95       $ 175.29       $   184.95       $   175.82
  Managed
   Care /
   Insurance$ 375.76       $ 371.09       $   369.09       $   373.86
  Veterans  $ 238.74       $ 234.74       $   241.44       $   229.95

Rehab
 contracts
Affiliated       132            121              132              121
Non-affiliated   344            328              344              328

Average
 Qtrly
 Revenue
 per
 Contract
 (in thou-
 sands)     $    109       $    100       $      107       $       99






                SUN HEALTHCARE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

               NORMALIZING ADJUSTMENTS - QUARTER COMPARISON
                  (in thousands, except per share data)

                             AS REPORTED - 3rd QUARTER 2010
             -------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  Income
                                                   from
                     Adjusted  Adjusted         Continuing  Disc     Net
             Revenue  EBITDAR   EBITDA  Pre-tax Operations   Ops    Income
             -------- -------  -------  -------  -------  -------  -------

As Reported
 3rd QUARTER
 2010        $475,997 $55,858  $36,904  $13,557  $ 7,998  $  (442) $ 7,556
  Percent of
     Revenue             11.7%     7.8%     2.8%     1.7%    -0.1%     1.6%
Normalizing
 Adjustments:

 REIT
  separation
  transaction
  costs             -   4,747    4,747    4,747    2,801        -    2,801
             -------- -------  -------  -------  -------  -------  -------

Normalized
 As Reported
 - 3rd
 QUARTER
 2010        $475,997 $60,605  $41,651  $18,304  $10,799  $  (442) $10,357
             ======== =======  =======  =======  =======  =======  =======
  Percent of
     Revenue             12.7%     8.8%     3.8%     2.3%    -0.1%     2.2%

Diluted EPS:
 As Reported                                     $  0.13  $     -  $  0.13
 As Normalized                                   $  0.18  $ (0.01) $  0.17



Weighted average
 number of common
 and common
 equivalent
 shares
 outstanding
 on a diluted                                                      Diluted
 basis:                                                             Shares
                                                                   -------

 As Reported
  / As
  Normalized
  diluted
  shares                                                            59,538
 Stock
  offering
  impact on
  diluted
  shares                                                           (15,412)
                                                                   -------

 As Adjusted
  diluted
  shares                                                            44,126
                                                                   =======






                             AS REPORTED - 3rd QUARTER 2009
             -------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  Income
                                                   from
                     Adjusted  Adjusted         Continuing  Disc     Net
             Revenue  EBITDAR   EBITDA  Pre-tax Operations   Ops    Income
             -------- -------  -------  -------  -------  -------  -------

As Reported
 - 3rd
 QUARTER
 2009        $470,644 $60,509  $42,319  $17,759  $10,539  $  (881) $ 9,658
Percent of
 Revenue                 12.9%     9.0%     3.8%     2.2%    -0.2%     2.1%
Normalizing
 Adjustments:

 Restructuring
  costs             -       -        -      872      514        -      514
             -------- -------  -------  -------  -------  -------  -------

Normalized
 As Reported
 - 3rd
 QUARTER
 2009        $470,644 $60,509  $42,319  $18,631  $11,053  $  (881) $10,172
             ======== =======  =======  =======  =======  =======  =======
  Percent of
     Revenue             12.9%     9.0%     4.0%     2.3%    -0.2%     2.2%

Diluted EPS:
 As Reported                                     $  0.24  $ (0.02) $  0.22
 As Normalized                                   $  0.25  $ (0.02) $  0.23





See definitions of Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDAR in the table
"Reconciliation of Net Income to Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDAR."

Normalizing adjustments are transactions or adjustments not related to
ongoing operations and consist of REIT separation transaction costs and
restructuring costs.

Normalizing adjustments do not include any adjustment for the August 2010
equity offering or the use of proceeds to pay down debt, avoiding interest
expense.

Since normalizing adjustments are not measurements determined in
accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and are thus
susceptible to varying calculations and interpretations, the information
presented herein may not be comparable to other similarly described
information of other companies.









                SUN HEALTHCARE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

            NORMALIZING ADJUSTMENTS - YEAR TO DATE COMPARISON
                  (in thousands, except per share data)

                             AS REPORTED -NINE MONTHS 2010
             -------------------------------------------------------------
                                                    Income
                                                     from
                                                  Continuing
                        Adjusted  Adjusted   Pre-   Opera-   Disc     Net
              Revenue   EBITDAR    EBITDA     tax   tions     Ops   Income
             ---------- --------  --------  ------  ------  ------  ------

As Reported
 - Nine
 Months 2010 $1,423,443 $177,609  $121,303 $49,205 $29,215 $(1,488)$27,727
  Percent of
     Revenue                12.5%      8.5%    3.5%    2.1%   -0.1%    1.9%

Normalizing
 Adjustments:

 REIT
  separation
  transaction
  costs               -    6,995     6,995   6,995   4,127       -   4,127
             ---------- --------  --------  ------  ------  ------  ------

Normalized
 As Reported
 - Nine
 Months 2010 $1,423,443 $184,604  $128,298 $56,200 $33,342 $(1,488)$31,854
             ========== ========  ========  ======  ======  ======  ======
  Percent of
     Revenue                13.0%      9.0%    3.9%    2.3%   -0.1%    2.2%

Diluted EPS:
 As Reported                                        $ 0.58  $(0.03) $ 0.55
 As
  Normalized                                        $ 0.66  $(0.03) $ 0.63




Weighted average
 number of common and
 common equivalent
 shares
 outstanding
 on a diluted                                                      Diluted
 basis:                                                             Shares
                                                                    ------

 As Reported
  / As
  Normalized
  diluted
  shares                                                            50,251
 Stock
  offering
  impact on
  diluted
  shares                                                            (5,879)
                                                                    ------

 As Adjusted
  diluted
  shares                                                            44,372
                                                                    ======





                             AS REPORTED - NINE MONTHS 2009
             -------------------------------------------------------------
                                                    Income
                                                     from
                                                  Continuing
                        Adjusted  Adjusted   Pre-   Opera-   Disc     Net
              Revenue   EBITDAR    EBITDA     tax   tions     Ops   Income
             ---------- --------  --------  ------  ------  ------  ------

As Reported
 - Nine
 Months 2009 $1,406,949 $182,485  $127,730 $56,066 $33,271 $(3,275)$29,996
  Percent of
     Revenue                13.0%      9.1%    4.0%    2.4%   -0.2%    2.1%

Normalizing
 Adjustments:

 Restructuring
  costs               -        -         -     872     514       -     514
 Prior
  periods'
  self-
  insurance
  costs               -    4,300     4,300   4,300   2,537     348   2,885
             ---------- --------  --------  ------  ------  ------  ------

Normalized
 As Reported
 - Nine
 Months 2009 $1,406,949 $186,785  $132,030 $61,238 $36,322 $(2,927)$33,395
             ========== ========  ========  ======  ======  ======  ======
  Percent of
     Revenue                13.3%      9.4%    4.4%    2.6%   -0.2%    2.4%

Diluted EPS:
 As Reported                                        $ 0.76  $(0.08) $ 0.68
 As Normalized                                      $ 0.83  $(0.07) $ 0.76



See definitions of Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDAR in the table
"Reconciliation of Net Income to Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDAR."

Normalizing adjustments are transactions or adjustments not related to
ongoing operations and consist of REIT separation transaction costs,
restructuring costs and prior periods' self-insurance costs.

Normalizing adjustments do not include any adjustment for the August 2010
equity offering or the use of proceeds to pay down debt, avoiding interest
expense.

Since normalizing adjustments are not measurements determined in
accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and are thus
susceptible to varying calculations and interpretations, the information
presented herein may not be comparable to other similarly described
information of other companies.

Contact:

Investor Inquiries
(505) 468-2341

Media Inquiries
(505) 468-4582

Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

TomoTherapy Announces Third Quarter Financial Results

Posted on October 27, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: TomoTherapy

Reports $43.6 Million of Revenue and $35.0 Million of Equipment Orders; Raises 2010 Revenue Guidance

MADISON, WI–(Marketwire – October 27, 2010) – TomoTherapy Incorporated (NASDAQ: TOMO), maker of advanced radiation therapy solutions for cancer care, today
released financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2010.

Third Quarter Results

Third quarter 2010 revenue was $43.6 million, an increase of 27% from $34.4
million in the third quarter of 2009. Revenue from product sales was $29.8
million in the third quarter of 2010, up 23% compared to the same quarter
last year, and revenue from service and other was $13.8 million in the
third quarter of 2010, up 37% compared to the same quarter last year. The
company reported a third quarter 2010 loss from operations of $14.6
million, a 10% decrease from the $16.1 million loss from operations for the
same period last year.

The company incurred a net loss attributable to shareholders of $10.9
million, or $0.21 per share, for the third quarter of 2010, compared to a
net loss of $13.9 million, or $0.27 per share, for the third quarter of
2009.

As of September 30, 2010, the company had $140.0 million of cash, cash
equivalents and short-term investments, representing a $5.6 million
decrease from June 30, 2010. There were no borrowings against the
company’s credit facility during the quarter.

As of September 30, 2010, the company had a revenue backlog of $146.4
million, a 5% increase from the $139.2 million backlog as of June 30, 2010.
The backlog includes $35.0 million of equipment orders received during the
third quarter of 2010. Backlog includes firm orders that the company
believes are likely to ship within the next two years, as well as the
minimum payments for system rental contracts. Backlog does not include any
revenue from service contracts, which represents a growing portion of the
company’s overall revenue.

“We are encouraged by our third quarter financial performance, which
reflects substantial improvement from the same period last year and
demonstrates that our efforts on several key fronts are yielding results,”
said Fred Robertson, TomoTherapy’s CEO. “Importantly, our year-over-year
revenue growth is attributable to strength in product sales as well as
service. On the product side, we have increased our backlog for two
consecutive quarters as a result of a stronger, more integrated global
sales and marketing efforts combined with the market’s demand for our new,
more diverse product offerings. Service and other sales also continued to
grow at a significant rate in comparison to the prior year, and at the same
time, we maintained leading customer service rankings. We are focused on
driving product sales in the geographic regions we have targeted, while
simultaneously continuing to improve the reliability of our systems,
including enhancing machine uptime and reducing maintenance required, as we
continue on our path to return to profitability.”

Nine-Month Results

For the nine months ended September 30, 2010, revenue was $133.3 million, a
26% increase from $106.1 million for the nine months ended September 30,
2009. Revenue from product sales was $93.2 million in the first nine
months of 2010, up 23% compared to the first nine months of 2009, and
revenue from service and other was $40.1 million in the first nine months
of 2010, up 33% compared to the first nine months of 2009.

The company reported a year-to-date 2010 loss from operations of $28.9
million, a 27% decrease from the loss from operations of $39.8 million
during the first nine months of 2009. The company incurred a net loss
attributable to shareholders of $22.5 million, or $0.43 per share, for the
nine months ended September 30, 2010, compared to a net loss attributable
to shareholders of $34.0 million, or $0.67 per share, for the same period
last year.

During the first nine months of 2010, the company’s cash, cash equivalents
and short-term investments decreased by $14.3 million. In the same period,
the company’s backlog increased by $10.6 million, from $135.8 million as of
December 31, 2009 to $146.4 million as of September 30, 2010.

Outlook

The company is revising upward its revenue guidance for full-year 2010.
Management now expects 2010 revenue to be $175 million to $185 million, as
compared to the previous range of $160 million to $180 million.
Additionally, the net loss attributable to shareholders is now projected to
be in the range of $0.65 to $0.75 per share, as compared to the previous
projection of $0.65 to $0.85 per share.

Robertson concluded, “Our year-to-date results continue to show improving
revenue and margins. Coupled with our backlog growth, we now expect
stronger top-line results than we had anticipated earlier in the year.
While global market conditions remain difficult to assess, there have been
positive indications recently that demand is stabilizing. We are seeing
strong indications of interest in our new product offerings throughout
North America, Europe and the Asia Pacific region and continue to believe
there are significant growth opportunities across these geographies.
Moreover, based on many published reports regarding TomoTherapy treatment,
we believe that the market is increasingly recognizing the benefits of this
radiation therapy approach.”

Investor Conference Call

TomoTherapy will conduct a conference call regarding its third quarter 2010
results at 5:00 p.m. ET today, October 27, 2010 (4:00 p.m. CT). To hear a
live Webcast or replay of the call, visit the Investor Relations page at TomoTherapy.com, where it will
be archived for two weeks. To access the call via telephone, dial
1-800-638-4817 from inside the United States or 1-617-614-3943 from outside
the United States, and enter pass code 19539609. The replay can be
accessed by dialing
1-888-286-8010 from inside the United States or
1-617-801-6888 from outside the United States and entering pass code
40905886. The telephone replay will be available through 10:59 p.m. CT on
November 3, 2010.

About TomoTherapy Incorporated

TomoTherapy Incorporated develops, markets and sells advanced radiation
therapy solutions that can be used to efficiently treat a wide variety of
cancers, from the most common to the most complex. The ring gantry-based
TomoTherapy® platform combines integrated CT imaging with conformal
radiation therapy to deliver sophisticated radiation treatments with speed
and precision while reducing radiation exposure to surrounding healthy
tissue. TomoTherapy’s suite of solutions includes its flagship Hi-Art®
treatment system, which has been used to deliver more than three million
CT-guided, helical intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) treatment
fractions; the TomoHD™ treatment system, designed to enable cancer centers
to treat a broader patient population with a single device; and the
TomoMobile™ relocatable radiation therapy solution, designed to improve
access and availability of state-of-the-art cancer care. TomoTherapy’s
stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “TOMO.”
To learn more about TomoTherapy, please visit TomoTherapy.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of
the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements
concerning market acceptance of the company’s technology; growth drivers;
the company’s orders, revenue, backlog or earnings growth; future financial
results and any statements using the terms “should,” “believe,” “outlook,”
“expect,” “anticipate” or similar statements are forward-looking statements
that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause the company’s actual
results to differ materially from those anticipated. Such risks and
uncertainties include: demand for the company’s products; impact of sales
cycles and competitive products and pricing; the effect of economic
conditions and currency exchange rates; the company’s ability to develop
and commercialize new products; its reliance on sole or limited-source
suppliers; its ability to increase gross margins; the company’s ability to
meet U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other regulatory agency
product clearance and compliance requirements; the possibility that
material product liability claims could harm future revenue or require the
company to pay uninsured claims; the company’s ability to protect its
intellectual property; the impact of managed care initiatives, other health
care reforms and/or third-party reimbursement levels for cancer care;
potential loss of key distributors or key personnel; risk of interruptions
to the company’s operations due to terrorism, disease or other events
beyond the company’s control; and the other risks listed from time to time
in the company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission,
which by this reference are incorporated herein. TomoTherapy assumes no
obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements in this
release because of new information, future events or otherwise.

                TOMOTHERAPY INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

              CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                  (In thousands, except per share data)
                                (unaudited)



                                 Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended
                                    September 30,         September 30,
                                --------------------  --------------------
                                  2010       2009       2010       2009
                                ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Revenue:
 Product                        $  29,759  $  24,252  $  93,230  $  75,937
 Service and other                 13,823     10,126     40,062     30,144
                                ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
  Total revenue                    43,582     34,378    133,292    106,081
                                ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Cost of revenue:
 Product                           16,233     13,782     46,372     39,779
 Service and other                 20,339     17,038     54,848     51,690
                                ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
  Total cost of revenue            36,572     30,820    101,220     91,469
                                ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
   Gross profit                     7,010      3,558     32,072     14,612
                                ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Operating expenses:
  Research and development          8,228      7,218     24,728     20,086
  Selling, general and
   administrative                  13,342     12,470     36,286     34,347
                                ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
   Total operating expenses        21,570     19,688     61,014     54,433
                                ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Loss from operations              (14,560)   (16,130)   (28,942)   (39,821)
Other income (expense):
  Interest income                     342        617      1,289      2,009
  Interest expense                     (4)       (18)       (27)       (47)
  Other income (expense), net       1,539        105        513       (258)
                                ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
   Total other income (expense)     1,877        704      1,775      1,704
                                ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Loss before income tax and
 noncontrolling interests         (12,683)   (15,426)   (27,167)   (38,117)
  Income tax expense (benefit)         47        256         13       (162)
                                ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Net loss                          (12,730)   (15,682)   (27,180)   (37,955)
  Noncontrolling interests          1,842      1,802      4,691      3,953
                                ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Net loss attributable to
 shareholders                   $ (10,888) $ (13,880) $ (22,489) $ (34,002)
                                =========  =========  =========  =========

Weighted-average common shares
 outstanding -
 basic and diluted                 51,934     50,748     51,739     50,645
                                =========  =========  =========  =========

Loss per common share - basic
 and diluted                    $   (0.21) $   (0.27) $   (0.43) $   (0.67)
                                =========  =========  =========  =========



                TOMOTHERAPY INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

                  CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                              (In thousands)
                                (unaudited)

                                                 September 30, December 31,
                                                      2010         2009
                                                  ------------ ------------
                   ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents                         $    110,424 $     76,108
Short-term investments                                  29,612       78,225
Receivables, net                                        34,454       33,559
Inventories, net                                        53,014       47,669
Prepaid expenses and other current assets                3,352        3,633
                                                  ------------ ------------
  Total current assets                                 230,856      239,194
Property and equipment, net                             21,305       18,628
Other non-current assets, net                           11,168       12,429
                                                  ------------ ------------
 TOTAL ASSETS                                     $    263,329 $    270,251
                                                  ============ ============


           LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Accounts payable                                  $     14,095 $      6,269
Accrued expenses                                        23,415       19,588
Accrued warranty                                         4,115        4,173
Deferred revenue                                        30,877       34,145
Customer deposits                                       14,801       13,266
                                                  ------------ ------------
  Total current liabilities                             87,303       77,441
Other non-current liabilities                            3,213        5,475
                                                  ------------ ------------
  TOTAL LIABILITIES                                     90,516       82,916

Total shareholders' equity                             167,007      183,424
Noncontrolling interests                                 5,806        3,911
                                                  ------------ ------------
  TOTAL EQUITY                                         172,813      187,335
                                                  ------------ ------------
  TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY                    $    263,329 $    270,251
                                                  ============ ============

Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

New Study: Saints Mary and Elizabeth Medical Center Ranks in Top 5 Percent for Stroke, Gastrointestinal Surgery/Care

Posted on October 27, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: Resurrection Health Care

CHICAGO, IL–(Marketwire – October 27, 2010) –  Saints Mary and Elizabeth Medical Center (SMEMC) is among the top 5 percent of U.S. hospitals for stroke care, gastrointestinal surgery and gastrointestinal care, according to a newly published health care study.

SMEMC ranks fifth in the state for gastrointestinal surgery and gastrointestinal care.

The nation’s nearly 5,000 hospitals were included in this sweeping study, which examined mortality rates and complication rates. The 13th Annual HealthGrades Hospital Quality in America study, the largest annual report of its kind, analyzed patient outcomes from nearly 40 million Medicare hospitalization records from 2007 to 2009. HealthGrades, an independent ratings company, conducted the study.

For 2011, SMEMC was recognized with nine clinical achievements:

  • HealthGrades Stroke Care Excellence Award™ (second year in a row)
  • HealthGrades Gastrointestinal Surgery Excellence Award™
  • HealthGrades Gastrointestinal Care Excellence Award™
  • Five-star ratings, the highest level, in six areas — heart attack, pneumonia, sepsis (complication of a serious bacterial infection), gastrointestinal bleed, bowel obstruction and cholecystectomy (gall bladder removal)

“Our mission — since we opened our doors 123 years ago — is to provide patients with the highest level of quality care,” said Margaret McDermott, executive vice president/chief executive officer, SMEMC. “I am proud of our entire health care team for their commitment to delivering excellent care with excellent results.”

McDermott said patients are increasingly seeking independent information on hospital quality performance. “I hope this study will help guide individuals confronted with important health care decisions,” she said.

According to the study, top-performing hospitals had dramatically lower mortality rates than other hospitals. HealthGrades analyzed mortality rates for 17 procedures and diagnoses. Results showed that patients at hospitals ranking in the top 5 percent had a 72 percent lower chance of dying when compared with the lowest-performing hospitals, and a 53 percent lower chance of dying when compared to the U.S. national average.

HealthGrades rates hospitals independently based on data that hospitals submit to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid services, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

To read the full study and FAQ, visit http://www.reshealth.org/sub_smemc/about/healthgrades/default.cfm.

About SMEMC
Part of Resurrection Health Care, SMEMC is an award-winning medical center on Chicago’s near northwest side and includes two campuses: Saint Mary Campus, 2233 W. Division St., and Saint Elizabeth Campus, 1431 North Claremont Ave. Visit smemc.reshealthcare.org.

Contact:
Russell Milligan
Saints Mary and Elizabeth Medical Center
312-770-2225
Email Contact

Click here to see all recent news from this company

Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

MTA and University Richmond Partner for Medical Tourism Certification

Posted on October 27, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

WEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA–(Marketwire – Oct. 27, 2010) – The Medical Tourism Association and the University of Richmond have launched a “Medical Tourism Certification” program, which will officially launch in 2011. The University of Richmond’s School of Continuing Studies will work in partnership with the Medical Tourism Association in creating a curriculum and selecting instructors.

The professional certificate program will require six courses to complete, and each course will be available in both English and Spanish. The courses will be offered completely online, allowing the program to reach an international audience. Each course will cost $199 and will take four weeks to complete. Students will be able to participate in these courses anywhere, at any time, and at their own pace during the four-week period.

In the online classroom, students will be able to view lectures and presentations, read articles, engage in discussions with other students and faculty, answer questions and take quizzes.

In addition to earning the Professional Studies Certificate from the University of Richmond, students will also earn Continuing Education Units, or CEUs, for each class they complete. Courses can be taken individually, or as part the entire certificate program. The Medical Tourism Certification will provide a standard of best practices for those who work in this field.

“This is the first certification program for medical tourism taught by an established and leading university and educational system. This program will be a great opportunity for those individuals in the industry who are looking for advanced education and to set them apart,” said, Renée-Marie Stephano, President of the Medical Tourism Association and Chief Editor of the Medical Tourism Magazine.

“We are very excited to partner with the Medical Tourism Association, who has clearly established itself as the leader in the industry. We feel this program will be invaluable to potential students from around the world who are looking for certification in medical tourism,” said Stephanie Bowlin, Non-Credit Program Manager at the University of Richmond. “We are looking forward to working with the MTA to put together a cutting edge curriculum and schedule and bringing in some of the leaders in medical tourism and international healthcare as professors and teachers for this online certificate program.” 

About the Medical Tourism Association

The Medical Tourism Association™ (Global Healthcare Association) is the international non-profit trade association for the medical tourism and global healthcare industry made up of the top international hospitals, healthcare providers, medical travel facilitators, insurance companies, and other affiliated companies and members with the common goal of promoting the highest level of quality of healthcare to patients in a global environment. Our Association promotes the interests of its healthcare provider and medical tourism facilitator members. The Medical Tourism Association™ (Global Healthcare Association) has three tenets: Transparency in Quality and Pricing, Communication and Education.

For more information about the MTA http://www.medicaltourismassociation.com.

About the University of Richmond

The University of Richmond is a highly selective, liberal arts university located on a 350-acre suburban campus located in Richmond, Virginia. Founded in 1830, the University of Richmond provides a learning environment unlike any other in higher education, offering students an extraordinary combination of the liberal arts with law, business, leadership studies, and continuing education. The School of Continuing Studies primarily serves non-traditional students, offering a variety of undergraduate and graduate degrees for adults as well as non-credit certification and professional development programs.

For More Information on University of Richmond: http://scs.richmond.edu/medical-tourism. 

For More Information about this Medical Tourism Certification or to request an opportunity to provide curriculum for the program, please contact:

Gaby Vicuña

Global Program Coordinator

[email protected]

US 561-791-2000

Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

ISSYS Inc. Awarded Another Patent for Wireless, Batteryless, Implantable Sensors

Posted on October 27, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: Integrated Sensing Systems

YPSILANTI, MI–(Marketwire – October 27, 2010) –  Integrated Sensing Systems, Inc. (ISSYS) announced that the U.S Patent Office has granted a patent titled “Wireless Device and System for Monitoring Physiological Parameters” (US Patent No. 7,686,762) which covers the overall structure of ISSYS’ miniature, wireless, batteryless, implantable sensors for non-invasive monitoring of biological pressures for the effective management of chronic diseases.

ISSYS has also developed accompanying anchors and delivery systems that allow its wireless, batteryless, sensors to be implanted within the body via 3 distinct approaches: transcatheter delivery, open heart surgery, and minimally invasive surgery. 

Dr. Nader Najafi, ISSYS CEO, stated that “ISSYS’ intellectual properties (patents, know how, and trade secrets) cover a wide spectrum including MEMS pressure sensor, the overall system, delivery and anchoring, and a variety of medical applications. Another major competitive advantage for ISSYS is its newly expanded manufacturing facility that is capable of producing tens of thousands of the miniature implants per year. The particular targets of ISSYS products are cardiovascular disease, especially congestive heart failure (CHF), hydrocephalus (high brain pressure), and traumatic brain injuries (TBI). ISSYS plans to start its cardiovascular clinical studies in 2011.”

Company Background: ISSYS is a leader in advanced MEMS technologies for industrial, medical, microfluidic and scientific analytical sensing applications. Founded in 1995, ISSYS is one of the oldest independent MEMS companies in the US. ISSYS operates a comprehensive, state-of-the-art MEMS fabrication facility located near Ann Arbor, Michigan. ISSYS is currently ISO 9001:2008 certified and compliant to EN13980:2002 for its ATEX (intrinsically safe) and CE approved products. ISSYS Quality System is also designed to meet the ISO13485:2003 standard. ISSYS is a vertically integrated company dedicated to developing and manufacturing system-level products based on MEMS technology (MEMS Inside), please visit: http://www.mems-issys.com/

Contact:
Dr. Nader Najafi
Integrated Sensing Systems Inc. (ISSYS)
391 Airport Industrial Dr., Ypsilanti, MI 48198
Tel: (734) 547-9896 Ext. 103
Fax: (734) 547-9964
Email: [email protected]

Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

Advanced Pain Management Selects the SRS Hybrid EMR for Its 7 Providers Across Multiple Office Locations

Posted on October 27, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: SRSsoft

Unparalleled, Enthusiastic Recommendations Are Validated Within First Days of Implementation

MONTVALE, NJ–(Marketwire – October 27, 2010) –  SRS, the leading provider of productivity-enhancing technology and services for high-performance specialty practices, today announced that Advanced Pain Management has selected the SRS Hybrid EMR for its high-volume practice. Advanced Pain Management is headquartered in Annapolis, MD, with additional office locations throughout central and southern Maryland, and the eastern shore of Maryland.

“For over two years, we performed our due diligence and conducted site visits to find the EMR that would fulfill our practice needs,” says Dr. Paul W. Davies, managing partner & President, Advanced Pain Management. “The resulting reluctance to proceed was based on the reports of drastic productivity loss from virtually every physician we spoke with, even those at vendor-selected sites. The physicians also noted that using their EMR systems required so much attention that they could not give patients the time they needed. Even when vendor representatives were present, we were hard-pressed to find any physicians willing to make positive comments about the usability of their EMR. Our SRS site visit was dramatically different — it was the first time that we saw providers genuinely excited to share their experience. Physicians of all ages and levels of technological proficiency were uniformly delighted with the SRS Hybrid EMR, and the entire office staff was highly enthusiastic — they made these comments even when no one from SRS was present! Physicians reported no downtime during implementation and training, and no loss in productivity. Our own implementation went flawlessly and we are already enjoying the clinical and business benefits that we were anticipating.”

“Our hospital was offering its EMR product to practices whose members were on the medical staff, but we knew it would not meet our needs,” says Bill Hughes, Chief Operating Officer, Advanced Pain Management. “We know that we made the right choice — if we had any doubt at all, attending our first SRS User Summit has erased it completely. I have never seen so many satisfied and happy customers at any company-sponsored event.”

“We are seeing firsthand how, in an era of declining reimbursements and increased costs, physicians are using SRS to efficiently and cost-effectively manage their practices,” says Evan Steele, CEO of SRSsoft. “Advanced Pain Management adopted the SRS Hybrid EMR because they value both the clinical and business improvements for which SRS is recognized.”

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

About Advanced Pain Management
Advanced Pain Management has assembled the top specialists in their region to offer the most advanced, minimally invasive treatments for spine pain. While they are experienced with all types of chronic pain, they specialize in neck and spine related conditions, the most common and often debilitating ailments affecting so many today. For more information, visit www.mypainspecialist.com.

Media Contact
Jeremy Duca
SRSsoft
800.288.8369
Email Contact

Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

DM-199 Validated by Significantly Increasing Insulin Sensitivity by 122%

Posted on October 27, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

WINNIPEG, MANITOBA–(Marketwire – Oct. 27, 2010) – DiaMedica (TSX VENTURE:DMA) today announces that DM-199 has been validated by demonstrating significantly increased insulin sensitivity in animals using the hyperinsulemic euglycemic clamp model. Type 2 diabetes is a severely debilitating condition characterized by high blood sugar primarily due to a decrease in insulin sensitivity, which results in a number health problems including cardiovascular disease. 

The amount of glucose being processed in an animal model of type 2 diabetes with DM-199 was measured using the hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp, the gold standard method for characterizing the actions of insulin. Animals treated with a single dose of DM-199 had a 122% increase in maximal glucose infusion rate. This enabled animals to process 77% more total glucose compared to untreated animals. In a second study, DM-199 also had a pronounced anti-hypertensive effect on systolic blood pressure. This is important as approximately 70% of type 2 diabetes patients take multiple medications to treat high blood pressure.

“The clamp study clearly shows that treatment with DM-199 results in a major increase in insulin sensitivity in an animal model of type 2 diabetes. It is notable that the results of these studies actually provide an underestimate of the true effectiveness of DM-199. This is because the potency of DM-199 was so great that it was difficult to maintain the euglycemic clamp.” stated Dr. David Wasserman, Ron Santo Chair in Diabetes Research & Professor molecular physiology and biophysics at Vanderbilt University. “I very much look forward to seeing the future development of DM-199.”

“The results from both studies provide further validation of DM-199, our next generation form of DM-99, as a potential treatment for type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes and other diseases,” said Mr. Rick Pauls, CEO of DiaMedica. “This DM-199 data builds on compelling earlier animal and human proof of concept data with DM-99, and gives us confidence in moving forward with this very promising recombinant protein,” continued Mr. Pauls. “The dual benefits shown by DM-199 to increase the body’s ability to metabolize glucose and its positive effect on lowering systolic blood pressure may ultimately alleviate the need for diabetics to take multiple drugs for diabetes and hypertension.”

About DiaMedica

DiaMedica is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing novel treatments for type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes and other disorders. DiaMedica has completed two successful proof-of-concept Phase II studies with DM-71 and DM-99, which demonstrated human efficacy in lowering blood glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes.

DiaMedica’s lead product DM-199 is a novel recombinant next generation form of DM-99, which has shown the potential to increase insulin sensitivity, reduce the autoimmune attack and trigger proliferation of pancreatic beta cells, neural stem cells and bone marrow cells. DiaMedica is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the trading symbol “DMA”. For further information please visit www.diamedica.com.

Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Information

Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian provincial securities legislation (collectively, the “forward-looking statements“). These forward-looking statements relate to, among other things, DiaMedica’s objectives, goals, targets, strategies, intentions, plans, beliefs, estimates and outlook, and can, in some cases, be identified by the use of words such as “believe,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “will,” “may” and other similar expressions. In addition, any statements that refer to expectations, projections or other characterizations of future events or circumstances are forward-looking statements. Specifically, this press release contains forward-looking statements regarding matters such as, but not limited to, the anticipated use of proceeds from the Offering, management’s assessment of DiaMedica’s future plans, information with respect to the advancement of DiaMedica’s research and development programs, and DiaMedica’s other estimates and expectations. These statements reflect management’s current beliefs and are based on information currently available to management. Certain material factors or assumptions are applied in making forward-looking statements, and actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from these expectations include, among other things: uncertainties and risks related to our research and development programs, the availability of additional financing, risks and uncertainties relating to the anticipated use of proceeds, changes in debt and equity markets, uncertainties related to clinical trials and product development, rapid technological change, uncertainties related to forecasts, competition, potential product liability, additional financing requirements and access to capital, unproven markets, the cost and supply of raw materials, management of growth, effects of insurers’ willingness to pay for products, risks related to regulatory matters and risks related to intellectual property matters.

Additional information about these factors and about the material factors or assumptions underlying such forward-looking statements may be found in the body of this news release, as well as under the heading “Risk Factors” contained in DiaMedica’s 2009 annual information form. DiaMedica cautions that the foregoing list of important factors that may affect future results is not exhaustive. When relying on DiaMedica’s forward-looking statements to make decisions with respect to DiaMedica, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events. Such forward-looking statements are based on a number of estimates and assumptions, which may prove to be incorrect, including, but not limited to, assumptions regarding the availability of additional financing for research and development companies, and general business and economic conditions. These risks and uncertainties should be considered carefully and investors and others should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based upon what management believes to be reasonable assumptions, DiaMedica cannot provide assurance that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. DiaMedica undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement. 

Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

Medagate and InComm Launch OTCNetwork(TM), the First National OTC Benefits Disbursement & Redemption Network for Medicare Advantage Plan Members

Posted on October 27, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: Medagate

Leading Medicare Advantage Plans, Health Plus Elite and Access Medicare, Leverage New OTCMedicareTM Prepaid Card to Reduce Member Healthcare Costs

REDWOOD CITY, CA–(Marketwire – October 27, 2010) –  Medagate Corporation, a leading provider of over-the-counter (OTC) health care benefit platform solutions and services, in partnership with InComm, the leader in sales and marketing of prepaid products and innovator of transaction processing, today launched OTCNetwork™, the first national Over-The-Counter (OTC) benefits program for Medicare Advantage plans and their members. OTCNetwork features patented and patent pending technology with acceptance at national, regional, and local retailers. Initial retailer rollout will start immediately in New York, with expanded national rollout slated for early 2011, comprising in total 20,000 retail locations in all 50 states. Health Plus Elite and Access Medicare will be the first to leverage Medagate’s new OTCMedicare™ branded health benefits card to make OTC Medicare benefits more accessible to their Medicare Advantage members for use in self-care, and in an effort to increase member satisfaction and reduce member healthcare costs.

“Over 11 million Americans are enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans, which provide $5.5 billion in OTC Medicare benefits annually. Yet, only four percent of those benefits are actually consumed each year because plan members do not have convenient access to their benefits for use in self-care,” said Devin Wade, President & Founder of Medagate. “This lack of OTC benefit access costs Medicare billions of dollars in unnecessary doctor and hospital visits, resulting from patients seeking care for less serious ailments treatable with OTC medications or for ailments that go untreated and later require urgent care. Increasing member overall health and self-care through OTC items dramatically reduces healthcare costs, and increases member satisfaction and re-enrollment rates.”

“Our retailers recognize the future of healthcare will include a heavy dose of self-care programs in an effort to improve general health and reduce costs,” said Mark Leonard, EVP of InComm. “With an increasing demand for more convenient access to OTC items, Medagate is a key partner for InComm, offering this retail OTC benefits program not just for our drug channel retail partners but also for our extensive network of discount, grocery, and convenience store retail locations nationally. For the first time, Medicare Advantage plan members will be able to use their benefits for self-care via OTC items when they need them.”

“We are extremely pleased to be able to offer our Medicare Advantage plan members more convenient access to their OTC Medicare benefits via the OTCMedicare benefits card,” said Dr. Clifford D. Marbut, Chief Medical Officer of Health Plus Elite. “This will empower our members with the ability to maintain better health to treat non-serious health ailments immediately and reduce patient doctor visits.”

Deployed for acceptance at leading retailers nationally, OTCNetwork is the first national OTC benefits program for Medicare Advantage plans and their members. Medicare Advantage plans load monthly OTC Medicare benefits onto OTCMedicare branded, re-loadable benefit cards, which plans distribute to their members. Medicare Advantage plan members can then access their benefits via participating retailers nationally using their OTCMedicare benefits card, which is restricted to the purchase of OTC Medicare eligible items only for use in self-care.

About InComm:
InComm is the industry leading marketer, distributor and technology innovator of stored-value gift and prepaid products using its state-of-the-art point-of-sale transaction technology to revolutionize retail product sales and customer experiences. With nearly $10 billion in retail sales transactions processed in 2009, InComm is the nation’s largest provider of gift cards, prepaid wireless products, reloadable debit cards, digital music downloads, content, games, software and bill payment solutions. InComm partners with consumer brand leaders around the world to provide more than 225,000 retail locations the products and services their customers demand. Since 1992, InComm’s patented technologies have made the buying process easier for consumers while streamlining the selling process for product and retail partners. InComm is headquartered in Atlanta, GA with offices in Australia/New Zealand, Canada, Japan, Mexico, Puerto Rico, the United Kingdom, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Minnesota, Oregon, and Texas. To learn more about InComm, visit www.incomm.com or call 1.800.352.3084.

About Medagate Corporation:
Medagate Corporation is a leading provider of health care benefit platform solutions and services. Medagate’s innovative technology, products, and services empower consumers with greater access to health care benefits for use in self-care. Medagate powers the OTCNetwork™ in partnership with InComm — the leading issuer and processor of gift cards, processing over $15 billion in transactions annually. OTCNetwork acceptance is today integrated into front-of-store Point-Of-Sale (POS) terminals at over 20,000 retail locations in all 50 states. Medagate’s OTCMedicare™ branded re-loadable prepaid cards are the first to restrict spending exclusively to OTC Medicare benefits eligible items. For information on Medagate, OTCMedicare prepaid cards, and the OTCNetwork, please visit: www.otcnetwork.com.

Media Contacts:

Mark Hall
EGOEAST Inc.
(media only)
Email Contact
609-477-3475

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Medagate
Email Contact
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InComm
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Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

Articulate Technologies Launches Speech Buddies, a New Consumer Medical Device to Help Children With Speech Disorders

Posted on October 27, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: Articulate Technologies, Inc.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA–(Marketwire – October 27, 2010) –  Speech therapy is an industry that has historically shown limited adoption of technology, unlike most health care fields. The inability to produce speech sounds correctly affects approximately 6% of school age children. Articulate Technologies, Inc., has just launched Speech Buddies — a new line of products to help young children overcome speaking disorders. Speech Buddies (www.speechbuddy.com) are a new kind of helper: a family of practical, handheld devices that accelerate learning with the hardest problem sounds: R, S, L, CH, and SH.

Speech Buddies work by providing targets inside the mouth for children to feel correct tongue placement when attempting to pronounce problem sounds. Speech Buddies can quickly help children turn their Wabbits into Rabbits, Wessons into Lessons, and Thocks into Socks. This tactile feedback within the mouth is often just what kids need to achieve learning breakthroughs.

Parents can choose to use Speech Buddies at home with their child or bring their Buddy to speech therapy lessons with the goal of accelerating learning and correcting problem sounds.

“Parents and children have been thrilled about Speech Buddies and this new approach has been well received by the professional community,” says Gordy Rogers, M.S. CCC-SLP, speech therapist and Chief Scientific Officer of Articulate Technologies. “For years, speech professionals have not had the benefit of technology in their treatment of speech disorders and have used household items like coffee stirrers, spoons, and peanut butter to try and help their clients. Speech Buddies are more sophisticated, produce better outcomes, and are applicable to a wide variety of cases. Getting parents involved in the learning process either on their own at home or in combination with traditional therapy, gives families a sense of empowerment as they see improvement quickly.”

Speech Buddies were invented by a pair of high school classmates who put together an interdisciplinary team of MIT engineers and speech therapists across the country to help develop the solution. After hundreds of prototypes and refinements over the course of several years, the first-in-class system is finally accessible to both parents and speech therapists. Prices range from $149 for single Speech Buddies (R, S, L, CH or SH) to $299 for the Professional Set of all five Speech Buddies.

A clinical trial, INTACT (Intra-Oral Tactile Biofeedback), is currently underway to examine the efficacy of Speech Buddies in children aged 5-8 years old. It is a randomized, controlled, single blind clinical study; preliminary results are extremely encouraging and peer reviewed publication is pending.

Visit www.speechbuddy.com for information and videos on how Speech Buddies work.

Contact:
Alexey Salamini
Chief Executive Officer
415-997-9038
Email Contact

Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

University Radiotherapy Center of Antwerp to Install Industry’s First TomoHD(TM) Treatment System

Posted on October 27, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: TomoTherapy

TomoTherapy’s Comprehensive Radiation Therapy System Offers Single, Efficient Solution for Treating Common and Complex Cancers

MADISON, WI–(Marketwire – October 27, 2010) –  TomoTherapy Incorporated (NASDAQ: TOMO), maker of advanced radiation therapy solutions for cancer care, announced today that University Radiotherapy Center of Antwerp, Belgium, has begun installation of the world’s first TomoTherapy® TomoHD™ treatment system, a comprehensive radiation therapy system that enables cancer centers to efficiently handle both common and complex tumors with a single device. University Radiotherapy Center Antwerp is a collaboration between the Antwerp University Hospital and the Antwerp Hospital Network (ZNA).

The TomoHD treatment system combines technologies previously only available as options to TomoTherapy’s flagship system, as well as beamline components redesigned for enhanced performance.

Specifically, the TomoHD system includes TomoHelical™ and TomoDirect™ delivery modes. The TomoHelical technique enables continuous 360-degree treatment delivery for targeting complex volumes, while TomoDirect offers a discrete-angle delivery option to support highly efficient intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and 3D conformal radiation therapy (3D CRT) for more routine cases. In addition, the TomoHD treatment system offers standard 1 cm beam commissioning for enhanced stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) capabilities.

The TomoHD system also includes the Tomo Quality Assurance (TQA™) application, which simplifies collection and analysis of system performance information and provides trending and reporting tools for monitoring machine performance.

“We were interested in adding a TomoTherapy system at our center, but waited for the TomoHD system because we recognize that this integrated solution will enable us to improve the efficiency with which we are able to treat patients with high quality radiation therapy. And the integration of the TomoDirect technique provides us a way to bring the benefits of IG-IMRT to a broader patient base with a single system,” said Prof. Dr. Danielle Van den Weyngaert, head of the department at University Radiotherapy Center. “More importantly, we believe that TomoHD will be the platform we need for supporting future advancements in radiation therapy.”

Patient treatments are expected to commence using the TomoHD treatment system in December. This is the third TomoTherapy system purchased by University Radiotherapy Center. The first two systems were installed in 2007 and have been used to treat patients with advanced image-guided IMRT, and to train TomoTherapy users from institutions across Europe.

With the TomoHD treatment system, University Radiotherapy Center will be able to advance its ability to treat patients with head and neck tumors, particularly those extending into the ocular region, as well as those in the abdominal and lung region where healthy tissue and organs are at risk to radiation exposure. Additionally, the TomoDirect technique will expand the center’s ability to address breast cancer with a fixed angle radiation delivery mode.

“We are pleased to announce that the first TomoHD treatment system installation has begun, less than a year after its commercial introduction to the market,” said TomoTherapy CEO Fred Robertson. “We are honored to work with University Radiotherapy Center of Antwerp to bring this advanced treatment solution to patients in Belgium and beyond.”

The TomoHD treatment system will be on display in the TomoTherapy booth (#3101) at the 52nd annual meeting of the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) in San Diego, Calif., Oct. 31 – Nov. 4, 2010.

About University Radiotherapy Center of Antwerp
The University Radiotherapy Center Antwerp is a collaboration between the Antwerp University Hospital and the Antwerp Hospital Network (ZNA). Both hospitals offer comprehensive care for patients with complex disorders. Together, the hospitals treat in excess of 300,000 patients every year. The Radiotherapy Center treats patients in two major locations in Antwerp. TomoTherapy® technology has mainly been used used to treat cancers of the head and neck. The radiotherapy center is also being used as the European TomoTherapy® training center for physicists and engineers working with the system.

About TomoTherapy Incorporated
TomoTherapy Incorporated develops markets and sells advanced radiation therapy solutions that can be used to treat a wide variety of cancers, from the most common to the most complex. The ring gantry-based TomoTherapy® platform combines integrated CT imaging with conformal radiation therapy to deliver sophisticated radiation treatments with speed and precision while reducing radiation exposure to surrounding healthy tissue. TomoTherapy’s suite of solutions include its flagship Hi·Art® treatment system, which has been used to deliver more than three million CT-guided, helical intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) treatment fractions; the TomoHD™ treatment system, designed to enable cancer centers to treat a broader patient population with a single device; and the TomoMobile™ relocatable radiation therapy solution, designed to improve access and availability of state-of-the-art cancer care. TomoTherapy’s stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol TOMO. To learn more about TomoTherapy, please visit TomoTherapy.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
Statements in this release regarding future products or product capabilities, events, expectations and other similar matters, including but not limited to statements using the terms “believe,” “may,” “should,” “suggests” or “expects” constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements contained in this press release are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated, including but not limited to factors such as our ability to integrate acquired assets, ability to protect intellectual property, risks of interruption due to events beyond the company’s control, and the other risks listed from time to time in TomoTherapy’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, which by this reference are incorporated herein. These forward-looking statements represent TomoTherapy’s judgments as of the date of this press release. TomoTherapy assumes no obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements in this release because of new information, future events or otherwise.

©2010 TomoTherapy Incorporated. All rights reserved. TomoTherapy, Tomo, TomoHD, Hi·Art, TomoHelical, TomoDirect, TQA, and the TomoTherapy logo are among trademarks, service marks or registered trademarks of TomoTherapy Incorporated in the United States and other countries.

Investor Contact:
Thomas E. Powell
Chief Financial Officer
608.824.2800
Email Contact

Media Contacts:
Kevin O’Malley
Manager, Corporate Communications
608.824.3384
Email Contact

Susan Lehman
Rockpoint Public Relations
510.832.6006
Email Contact

Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

AdCare Health Systems Closes $11,050,000 Convertible Note Offering

Posted on October 26, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: AdCare

SPRINGFIELD, OH–(Marketwire – October 26, 2010) – AdCare Health Systems, Inc. (NYSE Amex: ADK), a recognized innovator in senior living and health care facility management, has closed a private placement of $11,050,000 of unsecured subordinated convertible notes due October 2013 to certain accredited investors.

The notes, which are unsecured and subordinated in right of payment to existing and future senior indebtedness, will pay interest quarterly at an annual rate of 10.0% and are convertible into shares of common stock of AdCare at an initial conversion price of $4.13 per share, which is equal to an initial conversion rate of 242.13 shares per $1,000 principal amount of the notes. The initial conversion price, which is equal to 115% of the 15-day volume-weighted average price of AdCare’s common stock prior to the closing of the transaction, is subject to full-ratchet anti-dilution protection, subject to customary exclusions as set forth in the notes.

If after six (6) months from the closing of the transaction, AdCare’s common stock trades at or above 200% of the conversion price for 20 out of 30 consecutive trading days, with an average daily trading volume of over 50,000 shares, then AdCare may, subject to the satisfaction of certain other conditions, redeem the notes in cash at a price equal to the sum of (i) 100% of the principal being redeemed plus (ii) any accrued and unpaid interest on the principal, plus late charges, if any.

Approximately $3.5 million in principal amount of the notes were issued in exchange for, and as a result of the cancellation of, an equal principal amount of promissory notes previously issued on September 30, 2010, as reported by AdCare in a Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 6, 2010. 

AdCare expects to use the proceeds from this financing for general corporate purposes, including the acquisition of two nursing home facilities in Alabama, and general and administrative expenses.

C. K. Cooper & Company acted as lead placement agent for the offering, with GVC Capital, LLC and Cantone Research Partners serving as co-placement agents.

The notes were offered and issued only to accredited investors in a private placement transaction under Section 4(2) under the Securities Act of 1933 and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. Accordingly, the securities offered in this placement have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933 or state securities laws, and cannot be offered or sold in the United States absent registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements. As part of the transaction, AdCare has agreed to file a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission covering the resale of the shares of common stock to be issued upon conversion of the notes.

This news release is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities discussed herein, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any state.

About AdCare Health Systems
AdCare Health Systems, Inc. (NYSE Amex: ADK) is a recognized innovator in senior living and health care facility management. AdCare develops, owns and manages assisted living facilities, nursing homes and retirement communities, as well as provides home health care services. Since its inception in 1988, AdCare’s mission has been to provide the highest quality of healthcare services to the elderly. For more information about AdCare, visit www.adcarehealth.com.

Forward-Looking Statements Disclaimer
Statements contained in this press release that are not historical facts may be forward-looking statements within the meaning of federal law. Such forward-looking statements reflect management’s beliefs and assumptions and are based on information currently available to management, and involve known and unknown risks, results, performance or achievements of the company which may differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Such factors are identified in the public filings made by the company with the Securities and Exchange Commission and include, among others, the company’s ability to secure lines of credit and/or an acquisition credit facility, find suitable acquisition properties at favorable terms, changes in the health care industry because of political and economic influences, changes in regulations governing the industry, changes in reimbursement levels including those under the Medicare and Medicaid programs and changes in the competitive marketplace. There can be no assurance that such factors or other factors will not affect the accuracy of such forward-looking statements. Except where required by law, AdCare undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release.

Company Contacts
David A. Tenwick
Chairman
Tel (740) 549-0400, or
Chris Brogdon
Vice Chairman and CAO
Tel (937) 964-8974
AdCare Health Systems, Inc.
Email Contact

Investor Relations
Scott Liolios or Ron Both
Liolios Group, Inc.
Tel (949) 574-3860
Email: Email Contact

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Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

SCI Solutions Completes Fiscal Year With Record New Contract Sales

Posted on October 26, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: SCI Solutions

Web-Based Access Management Company Expands Self-Service Capabilities

LOS GATOS, CA–(Marketwire – October 26, 2010) – SCI Solutions, the premier Access Management solution provider for healthcare, today announced it has completed its 2010 fiscal year with another record-setting sales period. SCI Solutions signed 42 new customer contracts representing 86 hospitals, for its award-winning Access Management Solutions: Order Facilitator®, Schedule Maximizer®, Revenue Accelerator® and Consumer and Provider self-scheduling Portals. Schedule Maximizer is an Internet-based, enterprise Access Management solution that combines sophisticated workflow technology to streamline a hospital’s complex patient and resource scheduling requirements. Order Facilitator is an Internet-based web solution for automating outpatient orders for hospital services from community physicians. Revenue Accelerator is a revenue cycle workflow system that streamlines pre-registration, prepares patients for arrival and expedites service delivery. SCI’s self-service scheduling portals provide 24×7 self-service scheduling options to both consumers and physicians.

Founded in 1999, SCI Solutions, then known as scheduling.com, brought web-native technology and a dramatically new business model to healthcare. With a focus on improving the increasingly complex nature of scheduling healthcare services and procedures, SCI was the first to offer effective, mission-critical, enterprise solutions via the Internet. Over the past ten years, SCI has demonstrated how a focus on efficient, effective, patient access processes can generate significant benefits for integrated delivery networks and healthcare communities. SCI’s current customer base is comprised of over 390 healthcare delivery systems dedicated to improving customer service, maximizing resources, ensuring accurate data collection, and improving overall access to care.

According to Stuart Hammond, SCI’s Senior Vice President of Sales, “Despite the economic challenges faced by the healthcare industry this year, SCI has successfully proven the value of advanced healthcare Access Management solutions.” He continued, “Our new and existing customers truly understand how the impact of improved access and revenue cycle directly affects the profitability and overall health of their organization.”

“SCI’s customer base ranges from Alaska to Florida encompassing many of the 50 states,” stated John Holton, SCI’s President and CEO. He continued, “This is a testament to the range of healthcare facilities nationwide that have turned to advanced Access Management solutions to honor their commitment to organizational and financial improvements.”

About SCI Solutions
SCI Solutions is transforming healthcare Access Management with products and services that facilitate the efficient and secure exchange of clinical and financial information between patients, physicians and healthcare facilities. SCI provides a variety of products and self-service portals that help physicians and patients interact easily and at their convenience for many of their access-related needs. From a hospital’s clinical departments, to its financial executives, to its physicians, SCI improves their effectiveness while making the patient’s service experience first class.

SCI Solutions is headquartered in Los Gatos, CA with additional offices in Tucson, AZ, Pensacola, FL and employees throughout the United States. For more information about SCI Solutions visit www.scisolutions.com.

Executive Contact:
Cindy Dullea
Senior VP, Marketing
408.378.0262 ext. 522
Email Contact

Marketing Contact:
Cheryl Monahan
Marketing Support Specialist
408.378.0262 ext. 530
Email Contact

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Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

CoverageForAll.org Lanza en Español La Edición En-Línea de un Directorio de Programas Públicos y Privados para los 50 Estados

Posted on October 26, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: Foundation for Health Coverage Education

Beca de La Fundación Aetna hace posible este Nuevo servicio

SAN JOSE, CA–(Marketwire – October 26, 2010) – Esfuerzos para educar a los norteamericanos
sin seguro médico que no están conscientes de los programas de salud
actuales financiados por el gobierno y de bajo costo han recibido un
impulso con La Fundación para la Educación sobre Cobertura de Salud
(conocido por sus siglas en ingles FHCE) con el lanzamiento de una edición
en español de su sitio pionero www.CoverageForAll.org.

Esta organización sin fines de lucro fue capaz de traducir
CoverageForAll.org y así ampliar su alcance a la comunidad hispana con el
apoyo monetario de $ 30,000 de la Fundación Aetna, la rama filantrópica
independiente de Aetna Inc. La versión en español
http://espanol.coverageforall.org proporcionará a los visitantes de habla
hispana el mismo contenido que se encuentra en el directorio de programas
de cobertura públicos y privados de FHCE de estado por estado, el cual ha
educado norteamericanos sin seguro medico sobre sus opciones de cobertura
desde el 2004.

“En un momento en que la legislación de reforma de salud requiere que la
gente tenga cobertura de seguro de salud, tenemos que avanzar con mayor
urgencia para romper las barreras, como el lenguaje, para informar sobre
los programas de bajo costo o programas financiados por el gobierno,” dijo
Anne C. Beal, M.D., M.P.H., presidente de la Fundación Aetna. “Nos alienta
que la nueva versión en español de CoverageForAll.org permitirá a un
importante segmento de la población de norteamericanos tener un acceso a
nuestro sistema de salud. El establecimiento de condiciones equitativas
para todos los grupos raciales y étnicos para obtener una buena atención
médica es un área de programas prioritarios de la Fundación Aetna.”

Con este nuevo realce, los visitantes de CoverageForAll.org simplemente
podrán hacer clic en http://espanol.coverageforall.org y aprender sus
opciones de seguro de salud en español a través de un cuestionario de
elegibilidad de FHCE de 5 preguntas o pueden llamar 24/7 a la multilingüe
Línea de Ayuda Nacional (1-800-234-1317) para personas sin seguro medico y
hablar con un especialista de seguros médico, de habla hispana que va
ayudar a revisar las preguntas con ellos. Esta revisión de elegibilidad es
un punto de partida para los consejeros del centro de llamadas con sede en
Fresno, California, quienes guían a cada persona que llama a través de sus
opciones y los dirigen a los programas apropiados por el Estado. Además de
tomar el cuestionario de elegibilidad, los visitantes también tienen la
oportunidad de aprender acerca de la cobertura de COBRA a través de la
versión en español de COBRA con el folleto de FHCE o puede descargar el
Matrix de Opciones de Atención, una guía amistosa del consumidor fácil de
usar para todos los programas de cobertura médica en su estado.

El propósito de FHCE de traducir el sitio fue para ampliar su misión de
reducir las filas de las personas sin seguro, específicamente alcanzar al
32% de norteamericanos hispanos que muestra el Censo de EE.UU. viven si
cobertura de salud. La donación de la Fundación Aetna abrió una
oportunidad aún mayor para ayudar a la lista de socios colaboradores
actuales de FHCE, la Asociación Americana del Cáncer, la Asociación
Americana del Corazón, la Asociación Americana de los Pulmones, la
Asociación Americana de Diabetes, y el Departamento de Desarrollo de
Empleados de California y el Departamento de Seguros en ayudar su población
de hispanos.

“FHCE ha ayudado a mas de dos millones de personas a encontrar cobertura
medica a través de CoverageForAll.org y nuestra Línea de Ayuda Nacional,”
dijo Ankeny Minoux, presidente de FHCE. “Con los fondos recibidos de la
Fundación Aetna para una versión en Español de CoverageForAll.org, podemos
seguir proporcionando a norteamericanos sin seguro médico una forma fácil y
eficiente de tener acceso a la información sobre sus opciones de cobertura
medica en su propia lengua.

Acera de la Fundación Aetna :

La Fundación Aetna es la rama caritativa y filantrópica independiente de
Aetna Inc. Desde 1980, Aetna y la Fundación Aetna han contribuido con más
de $379 millones, incluyendo más de $20 millones en el 2009. Siendo una
fundación nacional de salud, promovemos el bienestar, la salud y el acceso
a la atención medica de alta calidad para todos. Esta labor se ve
reforzada por el compromiso y tiempo de los empleados de Aetna, que han
ofrecido casi dos millones de horas desde 2003. Nuestras donaciones
actuales se centran en hacer frente a la creciente tasa de obesidad
infantil y de adultos en los estadounidenses, en promover la igualdad
racial y étnica en el cuidado de salud y avanzar en el tratamiento
integrado de salud. Para mas información visite nuestra página
www.AetnaFoundation.org.

Acerca de La Fundación para la Educación sobre Cobertura de Salud:

La Fundación para la Educación sobre Cobertura de Salud es una organización
sin fines de lucro 501 (c) 3 organización con la misión de ayudar a
simplificar la información de acceso de elegibilidad de seguros públicos y
privados para que mas personas sin seguro tengan acceso a cobertura. Además
de su Línea Nacional de Ayuda para personas sin seguro (800) 234-1317 y su
pagina www.CoverageForAll.org, FHCE ofrece guías gratuitas a los
consumidores, tales como el Matrix de Opciones de Atención el cual está
disponible para todos los 50 estados

Contactos de Prensa:

Fundación para la Educación sobre Cobertura de Salud
Marilyn Haese/Bobbi Rubinstein
(310) 556-9612
[email protected]

Fundación Aetna
Susan Millerick
860-273-0536
[email protected]

Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

Sun Healthcare Group, Inc. Announces Anticipated Record and Distribution Dates in Connection With Its Restructuring Plan

Posted on October 26, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: Sun Healthcare Group, Inc.

IRVINE, CA–(Marketwire – October 26, 2010) –  Sun Healthcare Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: SUNH) today announced details concerning the anticipated timing of Sun’s previously announced plan to restructure its business by separating its operating assets and its real estate assets into two separate publicly-traded companies. As previously described, the separation of Sun’s operating assets will occur by means of a spin-off transaction pursuant to which Sun will distribute to its stockholders on a pro rata basis (the “Distribution”) all of the outstanding shares of common stock of its wholly-owned subsidiary, SHG Services, Inc. (“New Sun”). Following the Distribution, Sun will merge with and into its wholly-owned subsidiary, Sabra Health Care REIT, Inc., a Maryland corporation (“Sabra”). Immediately following completion of both transactions, New Sun will be renamed Sun Healthcare Group, Inc. and will own all of Sun’s operating subsidiaries, while Sabra, through its subsidiaries, will own substantially all of Sun’s currently owned real property assets. 

Sun expects to make the Distribution on Nov. 15, 2010 to its stockholders of record at the close of business on Nov. 5, 2010. At the same time as it makes the Distribution, Sun also intends to make a cash distribution to the same stockholders of record. The amount of the cash distribution is currently expected to equal approximately $0.17 per share (for an aggregate cash distribution to Sun’s stockholders of approximately $13 million), although the actual amount of the cash distribution will not be determined until the time the Distribution is declared by Sun’s board of directors. The merger of Sun with and into Sabra (the “REIT Conversion Merger”) is expected to be completed on Nov. 15, 2010, following the Distribution.

The actual record and distribution dates for the Distribution and cash distribution, and the actual amount of the cash distribution, are subject to approval and declaration by Sun’s board of directors, which is currently expected to occur on Nov. 4, 2010, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, including approval of the Distribution and REIT Conversion Merger by Sun’s stockholders at a special meeting of stockholders to be held on Nov. 4, 2010.

Commenting on the restructuring plan, Richard K. Matros, Sun’s chairman and chief executive officer, remarked, “The management teams of both Sabra and New Sun look forward to the completion of the transactions and the opportunity to enhance stockholder value through the growth of both companies.”

In connection with the Distribution, each Sun stockholder will receive one share of New Sun common stock for every three shares of Sun common stock held at the close of business on the record date for the Distribution. In addition, in connection with the REIT Conversion Merger, each Sun stockholder will receive one share of Sabra common stock in exchange for every three shares of Sun common stock held at the effective time of the REIT Conversion Merger. Sun stockholders will receive cash in lieu of any fractional shares of New Sun common stock and Sabra common stock to which such stockholders would otherwise have been entitled.

Shares of Sun common stock will continue to trade “regular way” on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “SUNH” through the distribution date for the Distribution. Any holders of Sun common stock who sell their Sun shares regular way on or before the distribution date will also be selling their right to receive shares of New Sun common stock in connection with the Distribution and the additional cash distribution. Holders of Sun common stock also will not be entitled to receive shares of Sabra common stock in connection with the REIT Conversion Merger if they do not own Sun common stock at the effective time of the merger. Shares of Sun common stock will cease trading on the NASDAQ Global Select Market at the close of business on the date of the Distribution and REIT Conversion Merger. Investors are encouraged to consult with their financial advisors regarding the specific implications of buying or selling Sun common stock prior to this time.

New Sun common stock is expected to begin trading on a “when-issued” basis on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “SUNHV” beginning on Nov. 8, 2010, the first business day after the record date for the Distribution. When-issued trading of New Sun common stock is expected to end and “regular-way” trading under the symbol “SUNHD” is expected to begin on Nov. 16, 2010, the first business day after the distribution date for the Distribution. Trading of New Sun common stock under the symbol “SUNHD” is expected to continue for approximately 20 trading days following the date of the Distribution. After this time, New Sun common stock will trade on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “SUNH.”

Sabra common stock also is expected to begin trading on a “when-issued” basis on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “SBRAV” beginning on Nov. 8, 2010. When-issued trading of Sabra common stock is expected to end and “regular-way” trading under the symbol “SBRA” is expected to begin on Nov. 16, 2010, the first business day after the REIT Conversion Merger. 

About Sun Healthcare Group, Inc.

Sun Healthcare Group, Inc.’s (NASDAQ: SUNH) subsidiaries provide nursing, rehabilitative and related specialty healthcare services principally to the senior population in the United States. Sun’s core business is providing, through its subsidiaries, inpatient services, primarily through 166 skilled nursing centers, 16 combined skilled nursing, assisted and independent living centers, 10 assisted living centers, two independent living centers and eight mental health centers. On a consolidated basis, Sun has annual revenues of $1.9 billion and approximately 30,000 employees in 46 states. At Oct. 1, 2010, SunBridge centers had 23,189 licensed beds located in 25 states, of which 22,407 were available for occupancy. Sun also provides rehabilitation therapy services to affiliated and non-affiliated centers through its SunDance subsidiary, medical staffing services through its CareerStaff Unlimited subsidiary and hospice services through its SolAmor subsidiary.

Forward-Looking Statements 

Statements made in this release that are not historical facts are “forward-looking” statements (as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) that involve risks and uncertainties and are subject to change at any time. These forward-looking statements may include, but are not limited to, statements containing words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “plan,” “estimate,” “expect,” “hope,” “intend,” “may” and similar expressions. Factors that could cause actual results to differ are identified in the public filings made by Sun with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and include Sun’s ability to complete the Distribution and REIT Conversion Merger on terms and conditions satisfactory to Sun or at all, as well as other risks and uncertainties, including those detailed from time to time in Sun’s SEC Commission filings. More information on factors that could affect the business and financial results are included in Sun’s public filings made with the SEC, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, copies of which are available on Sun’s web site, www.sunh.com. The forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that are, in some cases, beyond Sun’s control. Investors are cautioned that any forward-looking statements made by Sun are not guarantees of future performance. Sun disclaims any obligation to update any such factors or to announce publicly the results of any revisions to any of the forward-looking statements to reflect future events or developments.

Additional Information

In connection with the transactions described in this release, SHG Services, Inc. has filed with the SEC a Registration Statement on Form S-1 and Sabra Health Care REIT, Inc. has filed with the SEC a Registration Statement on Form S-4, each containing an identical prospectus and proxy statement for the special meeting. The definitive proxy statement/prospectus was mailed to Sun stockholders on Oct. 4, 2010. Before making any voting or investment decision, Sun stockholders and investors are urged to read the proxy statement/prospectus and other documents filed with the SEC carefully and in their entirety when they become available because they will contain important information about the proposed transactions. Stockholders will be able to obtain these documents free of charge at the SEC’s web site at www.sec.gov. In addition, investors and stockholders of Sun may obtain free copies of the documents filed with the SEC by contacting Sun’s investor relations department at (505) 468-2341 (TDD users, please call (505) 468-4458) or by sending a written request to Investor Relations, Sun Healthcare Group, Inc. 101 Sun Avenue N.E., Albuquerque, N.M. 87109. Investors and stockholders may also obtain a copy of these documents by requesting them in writing from Sun’s proxy solicitation agent, Innisfree M&A, at 501 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10022, or by telephone at
(212) 750-5833.

Sun and its directors and executive officers and other members of its management and employees may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the stockholders of Sun in connection with the transactions described in this release. Information about the directors and executive officers of Sun and their ownership of shares of Sun common stock are set forth in the definitive proxy statement/prospectus for the special meeting.

Contact:
Investor Inquiries
(505) 468-2341

Media Inquiries
(505) 468-4582

Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

VHA Hires David J. Robertson to Lead Regional Hospital Network

Posted on October 26, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: VHA

IRVING, TX–(Marketwire – October 26, 2010) –  VHA Inc., the national health care network, has hired David J. Robertson as senior vice president and executive officer over its Oklahoma and Arkansas region. The VHA Oklahoma/Arkansas office coordinates and directs VHA efforts to serve 43 member hospitals and hundreds of non-acute care organizations in the two states. 

Robertson assumes his new duties at VHA on Feb. 1, 2011. He currently serves as president and chief executive officer of Monongalia Health System in Monogalia, W.V., a position he’s held since January 2003. Prior to that, for 18 years he served as CEO of Duncan Regional Hospital in Duncan, Okla., after spending five years as CEO of Shelby County Myrtue Hospital in Harlan, Iowa.

“Dave brings to this position more than 30 years of experience as a hospital leader, and his extensive knowledge of hospital priorities and challenges gives him a solid platform to direct VHA resources to have the maximum benefit for members in the region,” said Gary Ford, group senior vice president at VHA.

Robertson holds a master’s degree in public health with a concentration in health administration and a master’s degree in business administration with an emphasis in marketing, obtaining both degrees from the University of Missouri in Columbia. He earned his bachelor’s degree in health care administration from Wichita State University in Wichita, Kan. He is the recipient of numerous awards in the health care industry, including being named the outstanding young health care administrator in Iowa and Oklahoma.

The VHA Oklahoma/Arkansas region, with offices in Little Rock and Oklahoma City, deploys staff to help members implement supply chain efficiency strategies, improve clinical performance and accelerate knowledge transfer to improve health care operations overall. The region also supports AROK, a regional supply network; and LifeCare Health Services, a regional business that provides employee benefit management services, a nurse advice line, a managed care consultancy and clinical and operational risk management support services. 

About VHA
VHA Inc., based in Irving, Texas, is a national network of not-for-profit health care organizations that work together to drive maximum savings in the supply chain arena, set new levels of clinical performance and identify and implement best practices to improve operational efficiency and clinical outcomes. Formed in 1977, through its 16 regional offices, VHA serves 1,400 hospitals and more than 30,000 non-acute care providers nationwide. VHA was ranked by Modern Healthcare as the 7th best place to work in health care in 2009.

Media Contact:
Lynn Gentry
Email Contact

Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

Future of European Flu Vaccine Market Rife With Innovation

Posted on October 26, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: Kalorama Information

NEW YORK, NY–(Marketwire – October 26, 2010) –  In 2009, the adult in flu vaccine market in Europe reached new heights with nearly $1.6 billion in revenues, up a whopping 81.4% from the prior year. According to healthcare market research publisher Kalorama Information’s newly published “European Vaccine Markets,” this surge in flu vaccine sales was due to products developed to address the H1N1 flu pandemic.

Influenza vaccines are responsible for almost half of the adult vaccine market in 2010. Although Kalorama does not foresee the same kind of growth witnessed in 2009, the publisher expects strong demand for flu vaccines to continue, tempered by a near term decrease in demand for pandemic vaccines. Flu vaccine revenues should reach $2.6 billion by 2014, supported by an aging population and expanded recommendations for adult influenza vaccinations.

“The swine flu pandemic of 2009 prompted a flurry of activity in the flu vaccines market around the world, with a resulting surge in revenues,” says Bruce Carlson, publisher of Kalorama Information. “This growth is unlikely to continue as governments overestimated the demand for H1N1 flu vaccines and found themselves with excess stock. Current development initiatives focus on products that protect against pandemic outbreaks, specific strains of influenza and alternative administration routes.”

In May 2008, GlaxoSmithKline received European approval for Prepandrix and Pandemrix; each contains the H5N1 (avian flu) inactivated split, monovalent virus. Prepandrix is designed to be given before or at the onset of a declared influenza pandemic to prevent influenza caused by H5N1. It is formulated with a novel proprietary adjuvant system, which is designed to achieve a high immune response at a low dose of antigen, and to be long-lasting and active against a broad range of H5N1 strains. Pandemrix is approved for use when an H5N1 influenza pandemic has been officially declared by the WHO or European Union.

In December 2008, the European Medicines Agency (EMEA) issued a positive opinion for Baxter’s CELVAPAN, the first cell culture-based H5N1 pandemic vaccine, in the European Union. CELVAPAN is made using Baxter’s proprietary Vero cell technology, which speeds up the manufacturing process due to its ability to use the native virus which does not need to be modified in order to grow in chicken eggs. The shorter production time is critical in accelerating vaccine supply in response to an influenza pandemic.

Also of note are advancing efforts to develop a universal flu vaccine which would protect against multiple influenza strains, thereby significantly increasing effectiveness. While many companies over the years have investigated methods to achieve this, U.K.-based Immune Targeting Systems, with funding from a broad range of investors including Novartis’s venture capital group, is expected to begin studies of a product candidate in 2010.

More information on flu and other types of vaccines in the European market can be found in Kalorama Information’s “European Vaccine Markets.” This report presents market estimates and forecasts, product reviews and pipelines, issues and trends, and company profiles for pediatric and adult vaccines. The report can be found at: http://www.kaloramainformation.com/redirect.asp?progid=79864&productid=2833006.

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: Facilities And Providers

PDC’s PermaPrint(R) Technology Outperforms Standard Direct Thermal Wristbands and Tags

Posted on October 26, 2010 Written by Annalyn Frame

SOURCE: Precision Dynamics Corporation

Patented PermaPrint® Provides Best Imprint Quality and Resistance to Solvents in Laboratory Testing

SAN FERNANDO, CA–(Marketwire – October 26, 2010) –  Precision Dynamics Corporation, the global leader in healthcare identification solutions, announced today that all of its direct thermal bar code ID products now feature its patented PermaPrint surface technology. Unlike traditional direct thermal patient wristbands and tags, PDC PermaPrint products provide optimized thermal heat transfer, which results in higher quality images when printing. It also provides stronger resistance to solvents and harsh storage environments, which can corrupt patient data.

“In talking to hospital staff, a common challenge with thermal printing is the consistency of the imprint,” said Kim Canchola, Product Manager for PDC. “Traditional thermal ID products have a layer of varnish that absorbs heat and disperses it unevenly along the wristband. With PDC’s PermaPrint wristbands and tags, heat is transferred evenly and consistently along the surface, resulting in higher quality images and more accurate readings versus standard thermal ID products.” Also, unlike traditional thermal ID products, PDC’s PermaPrint surface can be imprinted within a wide range of print head temperatures without compromising the quality of the imprint. This helps meet the needs of hospitals that use a variety of printers.

The PermaPrint surface is also designed to resist moisture and chemicals, which can blemish the surface of traditional direct thermal ID products, leading to potential patient misidentification. During laboratory testing at PDC, hand sanitizer was rubbed on the surface of the PDC Scanband® wristband and two competitor direct thermal wristbands. “While the competitor wristbands immediately became blemished, discoloring the wristband data, the PDC Scanband was unaffected,” said Canchola. The PermaPrint surface withstands hand sanitizer, as well as other chemicals including betadine iodine, isopropyl alcohol, hand lotion, and sunscreen.

“Having a wristband that stands up to moisture and chemicals during the full duration of the patient’s hospital stay protects patients and hospitals by preventing critical misidentification errors,” said Canchola.

In addition to solvents, product transport and storage conditions can also affect the quality and legibility of direct thermal products, which can be vulnerable to higher exposure to heat, direct sunlight, and humidity. Based in side-by-side product testing in more extreme heat and humidity conditions, standard direct thermal products became discolored, corrupting the data on the wristbands and tags, while PDC’s PermaPrint products showed no signs of discoloring or blemishing.

The PDC PermaPrint surface can also increase the lifespan of the printer’s print head. Traditional thermal ID products can transfer varnish to the print head, which can cause damage and lead to costly replacement. Print head longevity is also enhanced because PermaPrint requires less heat to print an image.

Printer speed can also impact the performance of direct thermal wristbands and tags, which have higher sensitivity compared to PDC PermaPrint products. This can affect the quality of the imprint when printing at high speeds. Because PermaPrint has a lower sensitivity, its imprint quality is unaffected by printer speed.

PDC PermaPrint Direct Thermal ID products meet current Joint Commission, AHA, and HIPAA requirements.
For more information, please visit: www.pdcorp.com/healthcare or contact PDC Customer Care at 800-772-1122.

About Precision Dynamics Corporation:
The Leading Provider of Positive ID and Positive Outcomes™
With more than 50 years of experience, Precision Dynamics provides accurate, reliable, and easy-to-use healthcare ID solutions that empower the flawless delivery of care and enhance outcomes across all major hospital functions. Our products are used in all of the leading hospitals worldwide and comprise a comprehensive range of wristband and labeling systems that provide positive ID and positive clinical outcomes.

Precision Dynamics products meet important guidelines of The Joint Commission, World Healthcare Organization, FDA, AHA, and HIPAA. As the developer of the first single-piece patient wristband, the first bar code wristband system, and the first Smart Band® RFID wristband system, Precision Dynamics solutions are an integral part of some of the most successful patient safety initiatives. As an ISO 9001 certified company, Precision Dynamics follows a systematic, world-standard approach to ensure superior product design, manufacturing, and customer support services.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Daniel Hobin
Precision Dynamics Corporation
818.897.1111 x 1340
Email Contact

Filed Under: Facilities And Providers

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