BETHESDA, MD–(Marketwire – September 29, 2010) –  GetWellNetwork, Inc. today announced that Sharp Memorial Hospital, a Magnet hospital and part of Sharp HealthCare, a Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award recipient, has selected the Company’s award-winning interactive patient care solution to enhance the patient care experience and streamline clinical workflows. Sharp Memorial Hospital in San Diego, California will use the GetWellNetwork^® solution to provide superior patient education, high-tech amenities and enhanced communication with their caregivers.

“When we evaluated our goals against solutions on the market, it became very clear that GetWellNetwork was our best option,” said Susan Stone, chief nursing officer, Sharp Memorial Hospital. “GetWellNetwork clients have documented impressive improvements in clinical outcomes, patient safety and patient satisfaction. In addition, the company offered something other solutions lacked — proven integration with our EMR system for efficient automation of nursing workflows and the ability to extend The Sharp Experience when patients go home.”

The GetWellNetwork system will provide Sharp Memorial Hospital with a systematic and consistent approach to patient education and communication with caregivers and hospital staff. By integrating with the hospital’s Cerner^® EMR system, patients will access personalized medical information as soon as they arrive in their rooms and will be encouraged to learn about their diagnosis, treatment plan and any upcoming medical procedures through the GetWellNetwork system.

In addition, clinicians will be able to track patients’ progress and comprehension of their treatment plans and prescribed education materials, which will be documented automatically into patients’ records through the bi-directional integration with the Cerner EMR. The result is a consistent process for documentation of patient records, which in turn offloads non-clinical tasks from clinicians. 

The GetWellNetwork solution will also provide a wide range of entertainment features to help patients relax and stay connected with their tech-savvy friends and families. Patients can watch a variety of Hollywood movies, play video games, listen to music on Pandora, and surf the Internet, as well as stay connected via email and social media sites.

“Sharp has earned a national reputation for delivering exceptional patient care, and we had a unique opportunity to work intimately with their leadership team as they evaluated potential partners for the new hospital,” said Michael O’Neil, CEO and founder of GetWellNetwork, Inc. “We are very proud to be selected as the interactive patient care solution of choice by Sharp, and we look forward to collaborating as we implement a digital platform that will impact patient outcomes throughout the patient journey.”

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.

About Sharp Memorial Hospital
With a tradition of excellence since 1955, Sharp Memorial Hospital is recognized internationally for outstanding programs in emergency and trauma services, surgery, cardiac and vascular care, cancer treatment, rehabilitation, orthopedic and neurological services, women’s health, weight loss surgery, multi-organ transplantation and home care.

A Magnet-designated facility for nursing excellence, Sharp Memorial completed an expansion in January 2009 to become San Diego’s first hospital with all private patient rooms. The new 315,000-square-foot, 334-bed structure, named the Stephen Birch Healthcare Center, is also the first hospital in San Diego to open since 1993. 

Sharp Memorial is part of Sharp HealthCare, the region’s largest health care provider and a 2007 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award recipient. To learn more about Sharp Memorial, visit www.sharp.com/memorial or call 1-800-82-SHARP (1-800-827-4277).

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CAMPBELL, CA–(Marketwire – September 29, 2010) –  Saama Technologies, Inc., a pure-play business intelligence (BI) solution provider, and MeLLmo, Inc., provider of innovative mobile BI apps including Roambi, today announced a system integrator partnership that will allow mobile workers from the world’s leading organizations to more easily — and usefully — access data residing in business intelligence solutions from their iPhones, iPads and other mobile devices, providing for more agile decision making. Saama will demonstrate its new end-to-end mobile BI solution, Saama mBI™, at the ASUG BusinessObjects User Conference, on Oct 4-7 in Orlando, Florida, where it is an event sponsor.

According to Murali Pabbisetty, head of Saama’s mobile business intelligence practice group, mobile workers have the same information needs as office staff, but retrieving this critical information, in a format that is usable, has been a significant challenge for enterprise organizations, one that is made more complicated by the proliferation of devices of varying shapes, sizes and technical characteristics.

“Our offering, which includes proprietary automation software and an innovative data visualization methodology, partnered with the Roambi solution — which is well known to be the leading system for extending critical business reports and data out to mobile devices via dashboards — helps enterprises overcome these challenges and realize a level of proactive decision making previously unavailable,” said Pabbisetty. “Together, we can provide a combination of mobile business intelligence experience, skills and software that is unique in the industry and a tremendous asset to our customers.”

“Saama has implemented business intelligence solutions for many of the world’s largest organizations and will be an excellent system integrator partner, given the firm’s dedicated Mobile BI Practice,” said Santiago Becerra, MeLLmo co-founder and CEO. “There’s more to a mobile BI implementation than shrinking reports to fit a mobile device. Enterprises need to understand how the data is going to be used and how that is impacted by a device’s size, shape, orientation, speed, resolution and network. They also need to understand that they have new options, like Roambi, for visualizing their critical data in ways never before available. Having worked through the process many times before, MeLLmo and Saama have a unique appreciation for these issues, and we’ve mastered the art of helping organizations achieve maximum value from their mobile business intelligence implementations.”

Saama will demonstrate its new end-to-end BI solution, Saama mBI, from its booth — #208 — at the ASUG BusinessObjects User Conference October 4-7, 2010 in Orlando, Fl.

Saama is also leading three of the educational sessions within the co-located ASUG Fall Focus: Roadmap to ROI conference, along with customers Cisco Systems and Affiliated Computer Services (a Xerox Company). The three sessions, all held on Tuesday, October 5^th, are detailed below:

• Change Management for an Enterprise powered by SAP BusinessObjects
  • Time: 2:45 PM – 3:45 PM
  • Speakers: Timothy Beaver, Affiliated Computer Services (ACS), a Xerox Company, and Murali Pabbisetty, Saama Technologies
• Connecting Heterogeneous BI Silos: A Cisco Story
  • Time: 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
  • Speakers: Tim Chandler and Milind Joshi, Cisco Systems, and Balaji Rajagopalan, Saama Technologies
• Ensuring a Timely and Efficient Implementation of SAP ESS/MSS
  • Time: 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
  • Speaker: Bhushan Dadia, Saama Technologies 

About MeLLmo
Founded in 2008, MeLLmo is reinventing the mobile business application to improve the productivity and decision-making of on-the-go employees. The company’s flagship product, Roambi, is an iPhone/iPad application that makes business data and reports easy to access, navigate and interact with right from a handheld device. Headquartered in San Diego, CA, MeLLmo has a worldwide customer base of Fortune 500 companies and SMBs across a diverse range of industries including: telecommunications, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, consumer technology, packaged goods, and others. For more information about MeLLmo visit http://www.mellmo.com.

About Saama Technologies
 Saama Technologies, Inc. is a pure-play business intelligence solution provider which continues to revolutionize the way organizations make decisions through business intelligence. Since 1997, the company has combined its extreme BI technology expertise, unique intellectual property portfolio and strong relationships with the industry’s leading technology providers to deliver pure business intelligence to the world’s largest information-focused organizations. Saama’s customers are Fortune 500 organizations within a wide range of industries, including life sciences, technology, financial services, and the public sector. Saama recently acquired data-integration software and NIEM-conformance pioneer Sypherlink, which operates as an independent, wholly-owned subsidiary. For more information, visit www.saama.com.

Saama Technologies and Pure Business Intelligence are trademarks of Saama Technologies, Inc. The names of other actual companies, organizations and/or products/services mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

ALISO VIEJO, CA–(Marketwire – September 29, 2010) – Enclarity Inc., a leading healthcare information solutions company, today announced its October 2010 tradeshow schedule. The company will exhibit and attend three shows to educate payers about the importance of maintaining accurate provider records.

“These industry tradeshows allow us to share our expertise in cleansing provider databases,” said Scott Marber, senior vice president, sales and marketing, Enclarity. “We use the outings to raise awareness and offer cost-effective solutions to the problems created by inaccurate provider data. Increasing the accuracy of your provider data can save a payer hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of dollars per year.”

Oct. 5-8, 2010 Blue Cross Blue Shield Association Blue National Summit
Enclarity will exhibit in booth #316. The show will be attended by Marber as well as Enclarity team members Jasson Griswold, sales director, and Stephanie Rose-Belcher, vice president, payer solutions.

Oct. 13-14, 2010 National Association of Health Data Organizations 25th Annual Conference
Enclarity will exhibit in booth #4. The show will be attended by Enclarity team members Tom Nicholson, sales director, and Sioban McCoy, senior account manager.

Oct. 18-20, 2010 California Association of Health Plans 25th Annual Conference
Enclarity will exhibit in booth #510. The show will be attended by Marber and Griswold.

About Enclarity
Enclarity^® solves healthcare’s provider information problem. The company delivers correct, current and comprehensive provider information solutions by blending thousands of data sources, advanced analytics and healthcare expertise. As a result, its clients improve results in many areas, including claims processing, provider directories, regulatory compliance and market analysis. Named one of the Top 100 private technology companies in North America by Red Herring magazine and awarded the Global Healthcare Information Technology Excellence Award by Frost & Sullivan, Enclarity is headquartered in Aliso Viejo, Calif. For more information, visit www.enclarity.com.

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ASHEVILLE, NC–(Marketwire – September 29, 2010) –  Jaan Ferree, an interior designer based in Asheville, NC specializes in designing public spaces for healthcare, colleges, churches and retreats. Asheville City Council appointed Ferree to the Public Art Board. Her interior design ideas include work by Western North Carolina (WNC) artists and craftsmen.

North Carolina Arts for Health invited Ferree to speak at the Spirit of Place, Places of Spirit conference on October 16, 2010, co-sponsored by Mountain Area Health Education Center (MAHEC). She will present an overview of her intentional process of creating healing environments for health care professionals, patients and families. In these sacred spaces, the public can meditate, nurture their spirits, and connect with the divine in a soothing environment. Participants will tour Mission Hospital chapels. 

Ferree recently completed the interior design of Saint Joseph’s Chapel, a three-year process bringing an interfaith focus to Mission Hospital chapels. To the right of the entrance, the Chapel of Mercy resembles a mini church design, with chairs, kneelers, pew and Stations of the Cross. A glass case across from this room holds symbols of various religions: Buddha, Shiva/Shakti, sage bundles and a feather, a Quran, prayer rug, and Islamic prayer beads and a Menorah. The chapel incorporates signatures of Ferree’s work — a labyrinth walk, journaling table, original stained glass pieces hanging from the skylight, an enlarged photograph of an apple tree in bloom, and a murmuring fountain to complete the overall feeling of calm and serenity. 

“What drew us to Jaan was her inclusion of local artistry and nature in her design aesthetic, her experience in designing labyrinths, and her dedication to creating a space which invites all to enter and encounter the holy,” commented Jerene Broadway, Staff Chaplain for Mission Hospital. “We were delighted to discover that her design and leadership embodied our vision to weave diverse religious traditions into a single tapestry,” she added.

Ferree has designed indoor and outdoor labyrinths, meditation gardens and sacred interior spaces for churches and retreat centers, including Valle Crucis Conference Center, Davidson College and Carpe Diem Farms. She will design an outdoor pavilion for use as a meditation and yoga center at Horse Sense of the Carolinas, where equine therapy is practiced.

To view samples of Jaan Ferree’s interior designs, or for a consultation, visit Intentional Designer, email [email protected] or call 828-252-8718. 

DURHAM, NC–(Marketwire – September 29, 2010) – Mi-Co announced today the release of a new white paper providing a snapshot of what different enterprise users look for in mobile data collection devices and software systems. The white paper serves as a follow-up analysis of a survey recently conducted by Mi-Co, on the same topic. The paper also provides a brief overview of the state of Enterprise Mobility today including findings that would be of interest to software companies, enterprises with mobility interests, governmental organizations and more.

Read what’s popular in electronic data collection for organizations based on Mi-Co’s survey results of 8,500 professionals. Understand the nuances and characteristics end-users favor in data input platforms. For example, the survey showed that touch-filled forms are highly preferred (61.5%) versus electronic forms populated through a keyboard (51.9%) or stylus (48.1%), yet the use of a Tablet PC on a Windows OS trumps all other types of mobile devices such as the iPad and Blackberry on preference ratings. 

Elodia Cole, Mi-Co customer at Medical University of South Carolina says, “The ability to quickly assess data quality and monitor study processes is a prime motivation for our interest in moving towards enterprise mobility for conductance of clinical trials data collection. Our ultimate goal is to minimize data queries, an often time consuming and under budgeted aspect of clinical trial activities. We are currently assessing various technologies that better integrate the data collection and data management processes so that study monitors can review data as it is being collected and intervene as necessary.“

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 to request a copy of the white paper 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

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LOS ANGELES, CA–(Marketwire – September 29, 2010) –  MMRGlobal, Inc. (OTCBB: MMRF) (www.mmrglobal.com) announced today it has filed a patent application for an open integration tool by which patient data from any practice management system can be seamlessly uploaded into the Company’s MMRPro system (www.mmrprovideos.com) or other electronic records systems. Called the Practice Management System Integration Application (PMSIA), the tool is being designed for administrators in physician offices, hospitals and alternative care sites to facilitate the efficient population of patient information from a healthcare provider’s practice management system into the MMRPro Web-based application. Once patient data is transferred to MMRPro, that patient’s records can be scanned and deposited into an MMRPro virtual patient chart where it can be retrieved over any Internet-connected computer on demand.

The Company believes that one of the biggest challenges physician offices face is moving patient data from their practice management system to an electronic medical records (EMR) system effortlessly. The new integration tool is designed to make it easier for any healthcare professional to convert their office to a new EMR-type system quickly and securely.

Robert H. Lorsch, Chairman and CEO of MMRGlobal, said, “This universal tool represents a way that can help accelerate the growth of health information technology while allowing a faster, more efficient integration of MMRPro into any healthcare professional’s office.”

MMRGlobal’s integration tool will work with any file format, including .csv, .txt, flat file or HL7, and extract data from any open data connectivity (ODBC) compliant data source.

“The flexibility offered by the integration tool also makes it a universal solution for transferring data from practice management systems to most electronic medical records systems, opening the door for MMRGlobal to position its products as a patient portal to competitive EHR systems and potentially creating opportunities for incremental licensing revenue,” Lorsch added.

The applet is expected to be delivered with MMRPro implementations during the fourth quarter. For additional information about the Company and its products and services, visit www.mmrglobal.com and follow Bob Lorsch’s blog at http://blog.mymedicalrecordsinc.com/.

About MMRGlobal, Inc.

MMR Global, 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 MMR Global, Inc. and its products, visit www.mmrglobal.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements in this press release that are not strictly historical in nature 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,” “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 health care community; risks related to the current uncertainty and instability in financial and lending markets, including global economic uncertainties; timing and volume of sales and installations; length of sales cycles and the installation process; market acceptance of new product and feature 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 health care 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; and additional risks discussed in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company 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.

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SAN CLEMENTE, CA–(Marketwire – September 29, 2010) –  Micro Identification Technologies, Inc. (OTCBB: MMTC) (MIT) announces that it has entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement in the form of an 8% convertible note with a New York-based privately held investment banking firm. The Note matures on May 18, 2011 and is convertible into common shares. The firm may convert any or the entire unpaid principal note prior to the maturity date, commencing 180 days following the date of the Note.

This funding is in addition to our recent announcement of the equity financing commitment from Dutchess Capital. MIT expects to receive additional funding from this or other firms under similar conditions in the upcoming months to accelerate its planned production launch and marketing campaign later this year. MIT’s Chairman and CEO, Michael Brennan, stated, “This funding will significantly help MIT achieve its near term goals and, together with expected future funding, will enable MIT to exceed its short and medium term plans.”

MIT will be hosting a Webinar at 1:00 PM PDT today to provide an update of its current business and future plans. Attendees may register for this Event at: https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/427693966

About Micro Identification Technologies:

MIT is a California-based public company that has developed and patented a rapid microbial identification (ID) System that revolutionizes the pathogenic bacteria ID process and can annually save thousands of lives and tens of millions of dollars. The System IDs bacteria in minutes, not days, and at a significant per test cost savings when compared to any conventional method. It does not rely on chemical or biological agents, conventional processing, fluorescent tags, gas chromatography or DNA analysis. The process is totally GREEN requiring only clean water and a sample of the unknown bacteria. Revenues for all rapid testing methods exceed $5 billion annually — with food safety accounting for over $3 billion — having expanded at a rate of 9.2 percent annually since 1998. Current growth projections are at 30 percent annually with test demands driven by major health, safety and homeland security issues. www.micro-identification.com

MIT has demonstrated the ability to detect and identify, within several minutes, the microbes Escherichia coli, Listeria, Salmonella, Staphylococcus aureus, and other pathogenic bacteria. MIT has performed over 300 tests for the identification of the aforementioned contaminants and scored 95% accuracy. The System can currently identify 23 species of bacteria and is easily expandable. The identification process has been verified by North American Science Associates, Inc. (NAMSA), an independent, internationally recognized biological testing laboratory. The NAMSA Test Report is available from the Company and, in MIT’s opinion, demonstrates the accuracy, speed and cost effectiveness of the System over conventional processes. www.namsa.com

This release contains statements that are forward-looking in nature. Statements that are predictive in nature, that depend upon or refer to future events or conditions or that include words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” and similar expressions are forward-looking statements. These statements are made based upon information available to the Company as of the date of this release, and we assume no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results could differ materially from our current expectations. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to dependence on suppliers; short product life cycles and reductions in unit selling prices; delays in development or shipment of new products; lack of market acceptance of our new products or services; inability to continue to develop competitive new products and services on a timely basis; introduction of new products or services by major competitors; our ability to attract and retain qualified employees; inability to expand our operations to support increased growth; and declining economic conditions, including a recession. These and other factors and risks associated with our business are discussed from time to time within our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

EDEN PRAIRIE, MN–(Marketwire – September 29, 2010) –  Sunshine Heart Inc. (ASX: SHC), a global medical device company focused on innovative technologies for moderate to severe heart failure, today announced that it has engaged two leading industrial design and software firms to develop the next generation electronic power and software driver for its C-Pulse^® Heart Assist System. By miniaturizing the separately-housed controller and driver and combining them into one compact unit, Sunshine Heart is broadening future clinical and commercialization opportunities for C-Pulse.

The Company has entered joint development programs to develop a smaller, quieter and lighter single-control system for use in the U.S. pivotal clinical trial, which is expected to commence once the FDA approved IDE feasibility study is completed. The new C-Pulse design will integrate the power driver and battery pack into one unit, significantly reducing the size and the weight of external components. These external design changes will greatly improve mobility and comfort for the patient without altering C-Pulse implantable components or the way in which the device functions inside the body. The new single unit will also feature a number of software enhancements that are intended to allow medical professionals to collect additional data to improve patient management.

Sunshine Heart Chief Executive Officer Dave Rosa said, “Due to its small internal components, the C-Pulse can ideally be implanted through minimally invasive procedures as opposed to a full sternotomy procedure. Now, with the redesign of C-Pulse external components, the system will be more ergonomically appealing and comfortable for patients. Our ultimate goal is to make the C-Pulse a fully-implantable system which, much like a pacemaker, can be easily implanted and effortlessly managed by patients.”

Co-principal medical investigator for Sunshine Heart’s FDA approved IDE feasibility study, William T. Abraham, MD, Professor of Medicine and Chief of the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine at The Ohio State University Heart Center in Columbus, Ohio, said, “Reducing the size and bulk of the external system combined with a less-invasive surgical procedure will dramatically expand the use of the C-Pulse among physicians. This treatment has the potential to transform the way in which heart failure is treated and I am eager to see this treatment reach more patients.”

The C-Pulse heart assist system is designed to treat patients suffering from the debilitating effects of moderate to severe heart failure caused by a failing left ventricle (the left heart chamber). The C-Pulse System features a unique balloon counterpulsation technology that is designed to assist the left ventricle by reducing the workload required to pump blood throughout the body. In addition, it increases blood flow to the coronary arteries. Combined, these potential benefits may help reverse the heart failure process or maintain the patient’s current condition, thereby preventing the need for later stage heart failure devices, such as left ventricular assist devices (LVADs), artificial hearts or transplants.

The C-Pulse System is an earlier intervention than other mechanical therapies, such as LVADs. This device does not make direct contact with patient’s blood and it can be turned on or off at any time, allowing patients intervals of freedom to perform certain activities. The C-Pulse System can also be implanted as a minimally invasive procedure, thereby potentially reducing procedural time, hospital stays, overall cost and patient risk as compared to a traditional sternotomy.

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).

About Sunshine Heart^®

Sunshine Heart^® (ASX: SHC) a global medical device company committed to the commercialization of the C-Pulse^® Heart Assist System, a minimally invasive, implantable, non-blood contacting, heart assist therapy for the treatment of moderate heart failure. C-Pulse^® relieves 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 U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to conduct a 20-patient U.S. clinical trial with the C-Pulse^® System and the study will reach seventy-five percent enrollment by September 30, 2010. Sunshine Heart is a Delaware-based Corporation headquartered in Minneapolis with a subsidiary presence in Australia. The Company has been listed on the ASX since September 2004. For more information, please visit www.sunshineheart.com.

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SACRAMENTO, CA–(Marketwire – September 28, 2010) –  A statewide effort in California is bringing hospitals, physician organizations, and other health care providers together to reduce 30 and 90-day readmission rates by 30 percent by December 31, 2013. Known as ARC — “Avoid Readmissions Through Collaboration” — the initiative helps hospitals adopt evidence-based models and interventions known to reduce readmissions.

“Avoidable hospital readmissions are a symptom of inefficiency and poor quality that result in millions of wasted health care dollars every year in California,” said Bruce Spurlock, MD, coordinator of the initiative and CEO of Convergence Health Consulting.

Ninety percent of Medicare readmissions within 30 days are unplanned and the total cost exceeds $17 billion annually, according to recent studies.

“Fortunately, we have evidence-based models and tools for lowering readmissions and improving transitional care. Hospitals and other providers are anxious to learn about and put these tools into place so that patients don’t suffer the risks associated with poorly planned transitions from the hospital back home or to other care settings,” said Spurlock.

Already, nearly 150 hospital, medical group, health plan and nursing home leaders from five San Francisco Bay Area counties have met and begun to discuss what will be required to more quickly lower readmission rates and to improve transitional care processes.

ARC will organize “Learning Communities” that include hospitals and other provider organizations (e.g., medical groups/IPAs, home health, long term care, health plans) that want in-depth education — conferences, peer-to-peer forums and webinars — that focuses on practical, evidence-based approaches to reducing readmissions. The ARC-sponsored educational events will include regional and national experts.

Within the Learning Communities will be Action Networks consisting of those hospitals and their outpatient partners that receive additional on site and remote support from improvement advisors. Advisors will support Action Network participants through examination of hospital readmission data, review of current discharge processes and facility specific training. Select Action Network participants are also eligible to apply for 2011 planning grants from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation.

“Hospitals face intense pressure to lower unplanned readmissions and to improve transitional care,” said Debby Rogers, RN, MS, VP Quality and Emergency Services, California Hospital Association. “We are excited about this new collaborative and the opportunity to work together to solve this common challenge.”

Medicare already reports hospitals’ readmission rates for heart attack, pneumonia and heart failure at http://www.hospitalcompare.hhs.gov. But beginning in 2013, hospitals will be penalized one percent of their Medicare reimbursement if readmission rates exceed expected levels. The penalty increases in subsequent years.

“We are seeing tremendous interest from physician groups in working more seamlessly with their hospital partners. The ARC collaborative will provide a structure to accelerate this effort,” said Diane Stewart, Director, Performance Improvement, Pacific Business Group on Health. 

Successfully reducing unplanned readmissions and improving care transitions involves several guiding principles that ARC will emphasize: maintaining a patient-centered focus; “getting into the weeds” to better understand the complex discharge planning and transitional process; customizing existing transitional care models to fit a hospital’s own culture and systems; and reinforcing effective practices by hospital staff.

Other critical components for effective care transitions include improving patients’ capabilities for self-management and medication adherence, as well as encouraging adoption of transitional care technologies.

The three year, one million dollar initiative is funded by the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation (www.moore.org), with additional support for the project launch from The California Health Care Foundation (www.chcf.org).

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JUPITER, FL–(Marketwire – September 28, 2010) –  Shopping for insurance is all about finding the right coverage at the right price, but studies show a majority of people don’t know what to look for. 877-FOR INSURANCE takes the guesswork out of selecting the right insurance company, offering policies to fit the needs of any consumer.

Whether it’s home, life, auto or health, 877-FOR-INSURANCE’s experienced agents are trained to help consumers every step of the way. Selecting the right coverage plan is only the beginning. 877-FOR-INSURANCE’s agents research potential discounts, working with more than 30 companies to provide consumers with the best rate possible.

“Insurance is necessary to protect not just your belongings, but your loved ones as well,” says Jason Brian, President and CEO of 877-FOR-INSURANCE. “It’s important that you know the basics, so you can make an informed decision with full context. 877-FOR-INSURANCE’s agents know the ins and outs of every type of policy, so they’re able to pass that information along to the consumer.”

877-FOR-INSURANCE understands that in today’s world, consumers have a variety of insurance options available to them. Convenience is key, but so is finding the right coverage. 877-FOR-INSURANCE’s agents look at income, assets, responsibilities and plans for the future — to give consumers confidence that they’re not just covered, but really protected.

“So many people are overpaying for their policy, and they’re not even getting the coverage that they need,” adds Brian. “By truly partnering with our clients, and learning more about them, we’re able to provide them with coverage at the most reasonable rate.”

About 877-FOR-INSURANCE
877-FOR-INSURANCE is a full service insurance provider, offering health, life, auto and home insurance policies. They aim to surpass customer expectations, providing plans that are well-priced and of the highest quality. For more information call 877-FOR-INSURANCE or go to www.877forinsurance.com.

About BDD Marketing and Management
BDD Marketing and Management is a full service company. Founded on a deep value system and backed by a highly motivated staff, BDD is a breakout company with a fully customizable menu of business options to fit every need. To get to know BDD Marketing and Management better please go to www.BDDCorporation.com.

For more information on 877-FOR-INSURANCE, contact Kelly Downey of Shamin Abas Public Relations at [email protected] or 561.366.1226.

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NEW YORK, NY–(Marketwire – September 28, 2010) –  iiBIG presents the Next Generation Pharma Sales & Marketing Summit, scheduled for November 16-17, 2010 at the Baltimore Marriott Inner Harbor at Camden Yards in Baltimore, MD. The pharmaceutical sales and marketing landscape has changed dramatically over the past few years with an expectation of global sales of pharmaceuticals to grow at a rate of 5%-8% annually over the next five years. At the center of this highly regulated industry emerges an increase of communications, digital marketing efforts, social media and sales force success strategies. Today’s pharmaceutical executives continue to create and implement influential campaigns with the goal of ultimately improving health outcomes by exploring new and dynamic selling techniques. At the same time, pharmaceutical sales representatives face increasing difficulty due to falling physician accessibility, stronger regulation in the industry, and changing operational models surrounding healthcare delivery.

This event will address the value of both sales and marketing operations within large, mid-size, and specialty pharmaceutical companies. It will feature keynote presentations from industry leaders, panel debates, relevant case studies, and high-level networking. This is an essential opportunity for any executive striving to make the most out of cutting-edge and alternative sales and marketing innovation best-practices.

The executive speaking faculty includes: A.T. Kearney; Acorda Therapeutics; Amarin Corporation; Astellas Pharma; AstraZeneca; Baxter; Biomet Microfixation; Bristol-Myers Squibb; comScore, Inc.; Covidien; Daiichi Sankyo, Inc.; Digitas Health; Epocrates; Genentech; Genzyme Genetics; GSW Worldwide; Harris Interactive; HighPoint Solutions; King Pharmaceuticals; Klick Pharma; Lundbeck Inc.; M2 Worldwide; MedImmune; NicOx; NuPathe; OSI Pharmaceuticals; Pacific Bridge Medical ; Pfizer; Physicians Interactive; PricewaterhouseCoopers ; Saint Joseph’s University; Sequella; Shire Pharmaceuticals; SymCare Personalized Health Solutions, Inc. (a Johnson & Johnson Company); Symphogen, Inc.; Teva Pharmaceuticals; UCB, Inc.; and WellDoc Communications, Inc.

For conference details: http://www.iibig.com/P1005

ABOUT iiBIG
iiBIG (International Institute for Business Information & Growth) is an unbiased, independent company dedicated to organizing business-to-business conferences and seminars for senior-level business executives. We provide learning and networking settings for some of the business community’s BIGgest thinkers – those who occupy the highest levels in their companies and organizations. Our events focus on the most pressing and timely issues facing decision-makers in today’s global economy. For more information, visit: http://www.iibig.com.

FAIRFAX, VA–(Marketwire – September 28, 2010) –  FOAA Anesthesia Services, a leading provider of anesthesia services, today announced the unveiling of its enhanced web site at www.foaa.net. The web site is designed to enhance the user experience and communicate the organization’s mission and anesthesia service solutions to hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers (ASC) and medical offices. Combining a number of new navigation tools with an updated identity, the web site was built on a user-friendly platform with easy-to-use navigation tools.

“We want everyone to know about the world-class quality and customer service we provide in anesthesia services. We also want to ensure the FOAA web site reflects the vision of our organization and provides an overview of the services offered and the related activities in which we are involved,” explained Vincent J. Vilasi, president of FOAA Anesthesia Services. “The FOAA web site offers our partner hospitals, ASCs, medical offices, surgeons and their patients valuable information and links, answers to frequently asked questions and serves as a portal through which we can be contacted.”

“With a few clicks, anyone visiting the web site will be able to find information and solutions to anesthesia service delivery issues facing hospitals, ASCs, and medical offices,” Dr. Vilasi added.

About FOAA Anesthesia Services
For over twenty years, FOAA Anesthesia Services has been dedicated to providing the highest quality anesthesia services for patients, surgeons, physicians and healthcare facilities. FOAA cares for over 80,000 patients a year at multiple sites in Virginia including hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, endoscopy centers and medical and dental office-based practices. FOAA offers a full range of anesthesia and pain management services and is dedicated to providing high quality care, outstanding customer service and a work environment of choice. For further information call (703) 293-9590 or visit www.foaa.net.

TUSTIN, CA–(Marketwire – September 28, 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 an exclusive 5-year full-service distribution agreement with Phu Gia Trading Co. Ltd. to expand the Company’s Onko-Sure™ IVD cancer test into the Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia healthcare markets.

Phu Gia has committed to purchase a minimum of 2,425 Onko-Sure™ kits over the duration of the agreement.  Phu Gia Trading Co. Ltd. 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 designated territory. 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; and ensuring all relevant product marketing materials are available in local languages. The Phu Gia customer service team will also be responsible for responding to customer inquiries and technical questions. Phu Gia will work directly with the Vietnam Ministry of Health and other government officials to secure approvals and regulatory clearances.   

“Our full-service distribution partnership with Radient allows us to work closely with top diagnostic centers and clinical labs in Vietnam, and reach healthcare professionals across the designated territories of Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. Cancer continues to be one of our gravest healthcare challenges and Onko-Sure offers a valuable new tool for cancer detection and cancer treatment monitoring,” commented Jack Nguyen, President, Phu Gia. “We plan to commit extensive outreach resources to oncology thought leaders along with automating the Onko-Sure test at top labs — including the Ho Chi Minh Diagnostic Centre, to increase cancer testing across our region.”

“With a significant cancer challenge, Asia continues to show an increased demand for cancer diagnostic products like Onko-Sure,” commented Mr. Douglas MacLellan, Executive Chairman and CEO of RPC. “Phu Gia becomes our third distribution partner for Onko-Sure in the rapidly expanding Asia healthcare market, and we feel confident in our ability to gain strong market share throughout the region as we establish long-term agreements with well positioned partners like Phu Gia.”

Onko?Sure is a simple, non?invasive, 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 our Onko Sure™ In Vitro Diagnostic cancer test. Our 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 outcomes for patients. 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.

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IRVING, TX–(Marketwire – September 28, 2010) – VHA Inc., the national health care network, is launching a satellite television series on health care reform and its impact on hospitals and health systems. The series, which will air on vhatv, will be hosted by VHA Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs and General Counsel Michael Regier, and will feature government officials, health policy experts and VHA executives.

“The Affordable Care Act is bringing sweeping changes for hospitals and health systems, and the only thing more complex than the Act is the implementation process,” said Regier. “This series is just one way that VHA is working with its members to make sense of these significant changes and to prepare for the new demands they will face.”

The broadcast series, which starts Sept 28 and occurs every other month through September 2011, will cover topics such as the new requirements for tax-exempt hospitals, Accountable Care Organizations, health care issues facing the upcoming 112^th Congress and The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation.

“Reform will require hospitals to dramatically cut their cost of care delivery over the next 10 years, and VHA has a proven track record of helping hospitals save money by reducing their supply spend,” says Regier. “However, we think there’s an equal opportunity to improve the quality of clinical care and to redesign its delivery, and we’re working with members in those areas, too.”

Each Focus on Reform broadcast in the new vhatv series will be made available for public viewing on VHA’s website. To view the broadcast via webcast, please visit the VHA website to register.

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. In 2009, VHA delivered record savings and value of $1.47 billion to members. Formed in 1977, through its 16 regional offices, VHA serves1,400 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.

WAKEFIELD, RI–(Marketwire – September 28, 2010) – ChartWise Medical Systems, Inc. has signed a strategic agreement with 3M Health Information Systems to provide 3M Grouper Plus Software integrated with ChartWise:CDI. ChartWise:CDI is a new software program that assists hospitals in improving clinical documentation in order to help maximize DRG-related reimbursements, reduce Medicare audit risk, and provide oversight and compliance. Available with the Enterprise Edition of ChartWise:CDI, 3M Grouper Plus Software facilitates accurate and efficient grouping, editing, and calculation of expected reimbursement, and supports complete and accurate documentation of the patient’s visit. Additionally, the integrated software will allow administrators to run reports to evaluate the financial impact of their hospital documentation improvement programs.

“One of the advantages that ChartWise:CDI provides customers is grouper software integrated directly with our solution. We prompt users to consider overlooked diagnoses that can be combined into a DRG code, possibly increasing allowable billing and reimbursement,” said Dr. Jonathan Elion, creator of ChartWise:CDI. “Our agreement with 3M will give our customers a proven grouping solution that clearly adds value to our product.”

About ChartWise
ChartWise Medical Systems, Inc. based in Wakefield, RI, is a medical software firm and the developers of ChartWise:CDI and ChartWise:CDI Personal Edition, a hosted solution for clinical documentation improvement. ChartWise:CDI’s clinical intelligence expertise assists physicians and clinical documentation specialists with increased efficiencies and completeness of documentation, queries and work flow. Developed by renowned physician, Jon Elion, M.D., ChartWise:CDI is the only documentation software that translates clinical language used by physicians into accurate diagnostic language required for Medicare documentation. For more information, visit www.chartwisemed.com.

About 3M Health Information Systems
3M Health Information Systems delivers comprehensive software and consulting services to help organizations worldwide improve documentation, quality and financial performance across the healthcare continuum. 3M offers integrated solutions for transcription, speech recognition, clinical documentation improvement, documentation management, computer-assisted coding, quality and revenue cycle management, effectively meeting the industry’s changing needs. With more than 25 years of healthcare experience and expertise, 3M works as a trusted and stable business partner to provide reliable implementation, training and support services. http://www.3Mhis.com

SUNNYVALE, CA–(Marketwire – September 28, 2010) –  Juniper Networks® (NYSE: JNPR) today announced that Carilion Clinic, a Roanoke, VA-based not-for-profit healthcare organization, has built a new network data center based on Juniper Networks switching and routing technologies to support the growing needs of its comprehensive clinic and new medical school.

Carilion Clinic deployed Juniper Networks EX Series Ethernet Switches and M Series Multiservice Routers powered by Junos® software across its new secondary data center and campus networks to ensure seamless, highly reliable delivery of mission-critical applications to more than 600 physicians spread across eight hospitals.

Carilion Clinic transformed from a traditional network of hospitals into a comprehensive clinic with leading patient-centered care, medical education and clinical research, with the goal of providing the best possible experience for each patient. The Clinic uses Juniper Networks M10i Multiservice Edge Routers, a compact and fully redundant routing platform, to connect its primary and secondary data centers and support 16 Gbps of throughput, enabling reliable and secure services within the network.

The Juniper Networks EX8200 line of modular Ethernet Switches delivers the port densities, scalability and high availability required for Carilion’s demanding data center and campus core environments. Additionally, Juniper Networks EX4200 Ethernet Switches with Virtual Chassis fabric technology enable up to 10 interconnected switches to operate as a single, logical device, allowing Carilion to incrementally increase capacity for varying loads of activity while reducing operational complexity.

“Juniper has a reputation for high-performance and carrier-class reliability, and now we have a solution that will enable us to scale to meet our business continuity objectives,” said Mike Smith, director of technical services at Carilion Clinic. “When evaluating switching and routing solutions for our secondary data center, Juniper’s functionality was unmatched. We especially like the manageability and flexibility of Juniper’s EX Series Switches and M Series Routers, as well as Junos software’s compatibility with our IT service management process. We were able to deploy this new infrastructure under an aggressive timetable, while also planning ahead for anticipated future support needs.”

Carilion Clinic also plans to use the advanced quality of service (QoS) capabilities of Junos in the near future when it enforces QoS policies for its electronic medical records, voice, video and other mission-critical applications across its MPLS network. The Clinic also plans to expand its use of video, increasing IP multicast streams on its routing infrastructure.

“The Carilion Clinic embodies today’s future-thinking and comprehensive healthcare organization model in terms of using a new network infrastructure that directly advances the quality of patient care,” said Andy Ingram, vice president of product marketing and business development, Fabric and Switching Technologies, Juniper Networks. “Leveraging the power of a single OS, Junos, Carilion has built a next-generation data center network that dramatically reduces cost and complexity while also improving application and business performance, which ultimately leads to higher value exchanges between its patients, doctors and employees.” 

About Juniper Networks
Juniper Networks is in the business of network innovation. From devices to data centers, from consumers to cloud providers, Juniper Networks delivers the software, silicon and systems that transform the experience and economics of networking. The company serves customers and partners worldwide, generating revenues exceeding $3 billion over the last year. Additional information can be found at www.juniper.net.

Juniper Networks and Junos are registered trademarks of Juniper Networks, Inc. in the United States and other countries. The Juniper Networks and Junos logos are trademarks of Juniper Networks, Inc. All other trademarks, service marks, registered trademarks, or registered service marks are the property of their respective owners.

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HILO, HI–(Marketwire – September 28, 2010) –  Pacific Quest is proud to announce that Jason Adams, Ph.D. and Lindsey Baldwin, MSW have joined their wilderness therapy clinical team and Rob Jarrett has joined their admissions team.

Jason is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with extensive experience treating adolescents and adults. He received a B.A. in Psychology from Arizona State University, and completed his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and Philosophy at Brigham Young University. He was the President of Adams Psychological Assessment & Consulting, Inc., and the founder of The Parent Mastery Group. Jason’s background includes psychological testing, as well as individual, family, and group therapy. 

Lindsey received a BA in Environmental Studies and Anthropology from Hamline University in Minnesota. Lindsey previously worked for an experiential rainforest preservation program in Australia, and served in the U.S. Peace Corps as an Environmental Education Volunteer. Realizing her dream of serving others, Lindsey completed her Masters of Social Work at Tulane University and received a Certificate in International Social Work.

Rob is fulfilling a longtime goal to work in wilderness therapy programs. Rob received his BA in Linguistics from UCSB, and previously worked for Stanford University and the U.S. Dept. of Energy. Rob also has hands-on experience marketing educational programs and advanced curriculum to administrative boards, schools, and parents for high-end arts-in-education programs. Rob is currently studying hand drumming in the traditional folklore style of Trinidad, accompanying dancers in performances to outreach programs for troubled youth. 

For more information regarding Pacific Quest, please visit www.pacificquest.org or contact Mark Agosto, Outreach Director, at 808-937-5806 or via email at [email protected].

Read more: http://www.pacificquest.org/news/2/196/Pacific-Quest-Wilderness-Therapy-Program-Welcomes-New-Staff-Members/

About Pacific Quest:

Pacific Quest is an outdoor behavioral healthcare (“wilderness therapy”) and sustainable treatment program for struggling teens and young adults, located on the Big Island of Hawaii. Their wilderness programs offer a clinical, yet holistic approach to treatment, going beyond traditional therapy and teaching sustainable life skills. Owned and operated by a veteran team of professionals with over 200 years of combined program experience, Pacific Quest offers a unique approach to treatment that is individualized for each student. Through experiential education, clinical services, a dedicated approach to health and wellness, and sustainable gardening, Pacific Quest provides a structured yet flexible outdoor therapy environment that serves the individual needs of each student, cultivating a therapy experience with personal meaning and importance.

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