Send2Press Newswire

Cognitive Technologies Supports PMO for APS Healthcare

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 11:49:32 GMT

AUSTIN, Texas, Nov. 19 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Cognitive Technologies, an IT consulting company specializing in project and program management for the Federal Government and Fortune 1000 companies, is pleased to announce that they have been engaged by APS Healthcare to sustain and improve their Project Management Office (PMO). Cognitive Technologies initially will be assisting with the management of the PMO for the Corporate IT department. In parallel, Cognitive Technologies' specialists will assess and make recommendations on strategies to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the PMO's processes and tools.

"PMOs are all about improving performance and productivity," said Dave Mathisen, CEO of Cognitive Technologies. Dave adds, "APS Healthcare has a keen interest in continuing to advance their capabilities and Cognitive Technologies is pleased that they have chosen us to help facilitate their PMO maturity."

Cognitive Technologies also works in an ongoing capacity with multiple Government agencies and corporations on IT solutions ranging from implementing a comprehensive Enterprise Project Roadmap (EPM) and project/program management services, to MS Project Server or MS SharePoint projects, schedule and time management tools, and user-centered requirements definition. For more detail, visit www.epmroadmap.com/index.html and
cognitive-technologies.com/services_projectProgram.html.

About APS Healthcare

APS Healthcare is a leading provider of specialty healthcare solutions to more than 20 million members in the United States and Puerto Rico. The company partners with agencies in more than 20 states, representing more than 40 percent of the nation's Medicaid population. APS delivers customized, integrated healthcare solutions that help people engage in behaviors that optimize their health status. By uniting all participants in the healthcare landscape - individuals, practitioners and payers - APS improves overall health and reduces total healthcare expenditures. For more information, visit www.apshealthcare.com.

About Cognitive Technologies

Cognitive Technologies, Inc. (www.cognitive-technologies.com) is a professional services firm that delivers technology management services and solutions to commercial and government clients. Operating at the intersection of people and technology, Cognitive Technologies specializes in project and program management, requirements, process re-design, and the implementation of PMO tools. Founded in 1987, Cognitive Technologies has offices in Washington, DC, Atlanta, GA, Hilton Head, SC, and Austin, TX. Cognitive Technologies is a Microsoft Certified Partner and a certified Microsoft Office Systems Solutions Partner.

All trademarks are property of their respective owners.

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Cognitive Technologies Inc, Enterprise Project Roadmap

Biometric Technologies Inc. Selects SecuGen's Hamster(TM) IV Fingerprint Reader to Reduce Phantom Billing

Mon, 03 Nov 2008 16:53:04 GMT

SANTA CLARA, Calif., Nov. 3 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- SecuGen Corporation is pleased to announce that Biometric Technologies, Inc. has integrated the SecuGen Hamster(TM) IV into BIOCLAIM(R), their flagship software product. BIOCLAIM is the only medical billing solution that provides biometric confirmation that a patient was actually present to receive healthcare services.

BIOCLAIM is a biometric patient authentication claim service that is the first patented program using biometrics to eliminate insurance fraud from phantom billing, which occurs when physicians bill insurance providers for visits by patients who never physically entered an office for treatment. With BIOCLAIM, patients can sign in by having the SecuGen reader scan their fingerprints. Prior to an insurance provider or Medicaid paying the bill, they review biometric proof that a given patient was at a given place at a given time, thus eliminating the capability of a provider to bill for a phantom patient.

BIOCLAIM harnesses SecuGen's advanced fingerprint recognition technology to eliminate fraud in healthcare, Medicaid and insurance claims. "By using SecuGen fingerprint readers, we help health providers get their claims approved more quickly and assist insurance companies and governments to eliminate phantom billing fraud," stated Scott Kimmel, VP of Sales for Biometric Technologies. Kimmel continued, "We selected the Hamster IV because of its ruggedness, accuracy, image quality and certification by the FBI as compliant with the government's FIPS 201/PIV standard that was issued in response to 9/11."

For healthcare providers, BIOCLAIM also provides a means of non-repudiation to biometrically prove that a patient spent a given amount of at the medical office. This helps reduce the chances of having their insurance claims denied or delayed based upon CPT time code constraints.

"We are excited about working with Biometric Technologies," said Jeff Brown, VP of Sales for SecuGen. "Their expertise in medical billing systems is unsurpassed. This deep understanding is reflected in the patents that they hold and is evident in the best-of-breed software that they have developed."

Won Lee, CEO of SecuGen added, "Our strategy has always been to partner with leaders in each market while bringing our expertise in developing state-of-the-art fingerprint recognition technology to bear. This partnership demonstrates the power of that strategy."

About Biometric Technologies, Inc.

Biometric Technologies, Inc. (www.bioclaim.com) focuses its technology expertise on the use of biometrics in the healthcare arena. Its flagship product, BioClaim(R), documents patient presence at the location where healthcare services are provided. The company is a privately held corporation with its headquarters in Deerfield Beach, FL and offices in Denver, CO.

About SecuGen

SecuGen Corporation (www.secugen.com) is the world's leading provider of advanced, optical fingerprint recognition technology, products, tools and platforms for physical and information security. SecuGen designs and develops FBI-certified fingerprint readers and OEM components, developer kits and software, including NIST/MINEX-compliant algorithms. Known for high quality, ruggedness, and performance in a wide variety of applications and environmental conditions, SecuGen products are used by world-leading financial, medical, government, educational and corporate institutions and are sold through a partner network of over 200 original equipment manufacturers, independent software vendors and system integrators around the world.

SecuGen is a registered trademark of SecuGen Corporation in the United States and other countries. All trademarks are property of their respective owners.

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, SecuGen Corporation, BioClaim medical billing solution

Interim HealthCare Recognized at National Association of Home Care and Hospice Annual Meeting

Wed, 22 Oct 2008 15:08:46 GMT

SUNRISE, Fla., Oct. 22 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Interim HealthCare, the nation's leading provider of home care, hospice and health care staffing, was recognized at the National Association of Home Care & Hospice (NAHC) Annual Meeting by opening keynote speaker, Author, Broadcast Journalist with CNN, Inside Politics, NBC, CBS and Humanitarian Judy Woodruff.

During her remarks to more than three thousand home care and hospice providers attending the National Association of Home Care & Hospice 27th Annual Meeting in Ft. Lauderdale, FL on October 12th, Woodruff acknowledged Interim HealthCare franchisee Stephen Smith for the wonderful care his company has provided for her son over the last three and a half years. Smith, who has been an Interim HealthCare franchisee for 24 years, provides home care and health care staffing services for residents of Southeastern North Carolina through his 8 offices.

Commenting on the recognition given to Smith, Interim HealthCare Inc. CEO and President Kathleen Gilmartin said, "I'm thrilled Steve was publicly acknowledged for the outstanding care he provides to his patients. His commitment and dedication to making sure patients and their families receive the highest level of service are truly an inspiration to everyone in our industry. Steve also serves in a leadership role within our franchise network as well as in his state association. We're proud to work with him and his exemplary team."

Smith commented on the recognition, "While we appreciate the public recognition among our peers, the true gratification has been to see a number of severely disabled young people roll their wheelchairs across the stage at graduation in recent years at the college we serve."

About Interim HealthCare

Founded in 1966, Interim HealthCare is the nation's oldest proprietary national organization providing health care personnel at all skill levels in all settings. Through a national network of more than 300 franchise offices, Interim HealthCare provides diverse services including home care, medical staffing and occupational health. Interim employs more than 75,000 health care workers and provides services to approximately 50,000 people each day.

For more information, visit www.interimhealthcare.com.

All trademarks acknowledged.

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, health care staffing, Interim HealthCare

LifeModeler, Inc. Provides $400,000 Grant to Inmotion Musculoskeletal Institute

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 13:07:10 GMT

Real-time surgery feedback could improve results of implant operations

SAN CLEMENTE, Calif., Sept. 18 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- A software grant that could lead to orthopedic surgeons being able to immediately gauge the effectiveness of implanted joints has been announced by LifeModeler, Inc. The company, a leading global provider of biomechanical human body simulation tools and services, will provide $400,000 of software and services to InMotion Musculoskeletal Institute and the University of Memphis, Memphis, Tenn.

The LifeMOD(R) grant will help the scientific staff at InMotion create kinematic models that will aid in the development of tools allowing surgeons to immediately test the fit of implanted devices such as knees, hips and spinal correction. Together, there were more than 900,000 such surgeries in the U.S. last year.

According to Dr. John Williams, director of biomechanics at InMotion and professor at the U of M Department of Biomedical Engineering, "This software could be developed to give nearly real-time data on how the implant will move in the body under different conditions like walking, climbing stairs and even playing golf."

Williams, and Dr. William Mihalko, the non-profit orthopedic laboratory's director of reconstructive research and orthopedic surgeon with the Campbell Clinic in Memphis, will define data sets based on clinical evaluations of soft tissues such as tendons and muscles surrounding the knee. Their work will supplement LifeMOD's "virtual" measures of soft tissue characteristics with data on actual, living tissue measured safely during surgery.

Surgeons normally must wait for post-operative recovery to evaluate in detail the full effectiveness of implant procedures. The potential for increasing patient mobility is greatly enhanced if surgeons receive real-time data during the procedure.

"The software doesn't make decisions for the surgeon, but it does give potentially vital information to the surgeon to adjust the fit of the implant during surgery," said Williams.

LifeModeler, Inc. has become the foremost provider of software used to perform "virtual prototyping," essentially evaluating new product concepts in a validated, computer model of a human body. While used extensively in the orthopedic joint replacement community, it is also applied regularly in the automotive, aerospace, and sporting goods industries.

Shawn McGuan, CEO of LifeModeler, Inc., said the company is "continually seeking to find new ways for LifeMOD to be implemented in the medical community, and the research being done by InMotion will ultimately be a significant benefit to hundreds of thousands of patients."

LifeModeler, Inc. can be contacted at 949-366-6829, and additional information on the company and its products can be found at www.lifemodeler.com. Information regarding InMotion Musculoskeletal Institute can be obtained by calling 901-271-0022, or at www.inmotionmemphis.org.

All trademarks acknowledged.

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, LifeModeler human body simulation, InMotion biomechanics

CareTools Announces iChart Available on Apple App Store

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 19:20:38 GMT

Digital medical record system designed for iPhone & iPod touch

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif., July 21 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- CareTools Inc., an industry recognized mobile healthcare information technology leader, today announced its native digital medical record system for iPhone and iPod touch will be available tomorrow on the Apple App Store.

"We recognized early on that iPhone has the potential to radically change the use of information technology at the most important patient/provider interface - the actual point-of-care," said Dr. Thomas Giannulli, President, CareTools. "We believe iChart running natively on iPhone is a leapfrog product in terms of its functionality, ease of use and affordable price. Given the value that iChart offers, we are confident it will significantly stimulate the adoption of information technology by healthcare providers."

iChart has been designed to act as an electronic "personal medical assistant" and focuses on streamlining the daily "chart, bill and fill" routine of every healthcare provider. iChart leverages the advanced capabilities of iPhone and iPod touch to warehouse patient data, and images, in addition to providing an updated list of medications, drug interactions, pharmacies, billing codes and complaint specific clinical templates. Synchronization of new information is accomplished wirelessly using secure web technology and iChart allows a single provider or entire healthcare network to automate medical data capture and effortlessly look-up patient related information using an efficiently designed "touch and tap" interface.

The iChart application can be configured to synchronize data to the user's included iChart Sync online account, where data can be viewed, shared and printed via a standard web browser. Group and enterprise accounts can setup data sharing teams and leverage data input by iChart teammates in near real-time. Caretools also offers each user the opportunity to link to community or enterprise lab results via a central HL7 gateway, and route prescriptions to national e-Prescribing networks. The iChart application is priced from just over $100 and can be downloaded wirelessly from the App Store using iPhone or iPhone touch.

Apple's new App Store will provide iPhone users with native applications in a variety of categories including games, business, news, sports, health, reference and travel. The App Store on iPhone works over cellular networks and Wi-Fi, which means it is accessible from just about anywhere, so you can purchase and download applications wirelessly and start using them instantly. Some applications are even free and the App Store notifies you when application updates are available. The App Store will be available in 62 countries at launch on July 11, 2008 at www.itunes.com/appstore/ (link will launch iTunes application).

CareTools is a software company with a single focus - information management at the point-of-care. With over 14 years of experience, commencing with the development of the first complete hand-held electronic medical record system, the Caretools team is committed to connecting care providers to patient information via the latest in mobile technology. For more information please visit www.caretools.com.

All trademarks acknowledged.

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, CareTools iChart medical software, iPhone and iTouch applications

Paradigm Multimedia Technology Changes the Rules for Health Care TV Systems

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 14:55:15 GMT

EUGENE, Ore., July 16 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- ProTune Technology, patented by Paradigm Multimedia, provides new ways to design and enhance in-room entertainment systems in health care facilities. This radically new engineering concept for entertainment systems lowers equipment costs and increases the number of choices available when purchasing in-room systems.

The HT-24 Tuner Interface is the first product from Paradigm Multimedia that incorporates ProTune Technology. Early reactions from system integrators and hospitals are positive and enthusiastic about the benefits to be realized.

Previously, health care institutions had to purchase televisions containing specialized interface circuitry. This led to procuring low-volume units that were only available at a premium price.

With ProTune Technology, hospitals can now purchase commodity-priced, commercial displays with an on-going cost benefit as the HT 24 unit will support multiple display-replacement cycles. Further, cost is not the only advantage of using ProTune Technology.

Ed Baron, Business Development Manager at Paradigm Multimedia explains that, "Hospitals and other health care institutions have quickly seen the advantages that come with having increased display choices."

Television systems typically sold to health care institutions come from a limited selection of makes and models; perhaps even worse, the technology used is often "last generation" and stays that way.

The HT-24 interfaces the nurse-call system (at the pillow-speaker) to the LCD-display device. ProTune Technology puts an end to the old method of provisioning. It allows hospitals and healthcare-system integrators to keep the best and most current in-room entertainment systems in the facility - an increasingly important consideration given the importance of image and the measuring of quality today.

"The combined effect of lower cost and more choice," Baron added, "is creating a before and after effect on how in-room entertainment systems are procured. ProTune Technology is changing the rules: healthcare entertainment systems can now gain all the savings and flexibility of commodity-priced commercial monitors while de-coupling from yesterday's high-cost, low-choice game."

For more information, visit: www.paradigmmultimedia.com.

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Paradigm Multimedia ProTune, Health Care TV Systems

Electronic Medical Records Are No Longer Limited to Physicians with Deep Pockets

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 09:52:08 GMT

LATHRUP VILLAGE, Mich., July 15 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Webahn Inc. announces the launch of an online electronic medical records application - Capzule.com. This new system makes it affordable for small physician groups to make the switch.

The launch of Capzule comes at an ideal time. A recent study appeared in the New England Journal of Medicine that reported many small physician groups have not switched over to an electronic system due to the high cost factor. On average, conversion costs approximately $40,000 per physician. With Capzule.com, the online cost is around $200 per month, per physician.

The study went on to explain that electronic medical records have helped to improve the quality and timeliness of care. Yet, due to high cost, less than one in five of the nation's doctors have started using such records.

Over 2,500 physicians responded to the survey. Among the small number of respondents who had fully functional electronic-records systems, most physicians reported the positive effects of the system on the quality of clinical decisions (82 percent); communication with other providers (92 percent); communication with patients (72 percent); prescription refills (95 percent); timely access to medical records (97 percent); and avoidance of medication errors (86 percent). Furthermore, 82 to 85 percent reported a positive effect on the delivery of long-term and preventive care.

"We want small clinics to have access to these positive health care practices as much as larger clinics who can afford expensive systems," Vinu Nair, CEO, Webahn Inc. says. "As a result, we created an innovative online tool that is not only cost effective, but efficient. Capzule is a fast evolving suite of tools that help small practices deliver quality care."

Webahn Inc. is a privately-held company based in Michigan. The company has been developing innovative health care solutions for over seven years. Their first product, OvernightScribe.com, originated to provide Internet-enabled clinical documentation platform to health care providers to manage medical transcriptions. OvernightScribe is used by many physicians across the country including leading hospitals like Henry Ford Health System of Michigan.

Capzule.com is subscription based and released to the public in its beta phase. For more information, visit: www.Capzule.com.

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, electronic medical records software, Webahn Capzule

New Healthcare Payment System Offers 3.5 Billion in Cost Savings

Thu, 29 May 2008 12:59:20 GMT

CHICAGO, Ill., May 29 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- MPA, a Chicago-based firm specializing in the analysis of healthcare data, announces their initial roll out of the GlobalPRIME(TM) Payment System - a healthcare payment system that supports a risk-adjusted global fee for warrantied care of a clinical episode.

The need to reform the American healthcare system, termed "toxic" by the Institute of Medicine, has been the recent focus of politicians, corporations, healthcare professionals, and the press. In March, a report from the board of trustees of Medicare and Social Security projected that Medicare will be insolvent by 2019.

GlobalPRIME(TM) was designed in response to this growing demand for healthcare payment reform. The system overcomes the deficiencies of fee-for-service, capitation, and current episode-based payment systems by realigning financial incentives to reward providers for quality care and economic stewardship.

Under GlobalPRIME(TM), providers agree to receive a single payment for treatment of a clinical episode and of any associated adverse events that may occur. Payment is adjusted based on patient risk at the beginning of an episode so that providers receive more money for treating sicker patients. This system allows providers increase their margin by improving the quality and efficiency of treatment.

Payers no longer need to micro-manage the provision of health care. The global fee structure penalizes providers for over-utilization. However, providers attempting to maximize profits through under-utilization suffer expenses associated with the treatment of complications resulting from ineffective care.

"Incentives in our current healthcare system are horribly misaligned," Gregory Pine, CEO of MPA, says. "GlobalPRIME(TM) realigns the incentive structure so providers inherently do well by doing right. This is critical to the success of any effort to reform the healthcare system."

Each GlobalPRIME(TM) payment has four principal components: reimbursement for episode-specific services required by scientific evidence and professional consensus; payment for individualized services reasonably employed in the care of a specific episode; margin for the provider; and a warranty that covers the cost of episode-specific adverse outcomes based on the experience of efficient and effective providers.

In general terms, GlobalPRIME(TM) resembles the payment approach recently adopted by Geisinger for the care of CABG patients and lauded in the national press. However, unlike the Geisinger model, the warranty explicitly recognizes the costs of adverse outcomes. In addition, base payments and warranties are increased based on patient risk to reflect additional costs of caring for riskier patients. A "stop-loss" provision also is established to protect providers from excessive costs associated with catastrophic events.

Eventually, GlobalPRIME(TM) will cover the full range of clinical care, from routine and preventive care to the management of complex clinical conditions. However, the initial roll out focuses on high-cost, high-volume inpatient surgical procedures. By the end of 2008, GlobalPRIME(TM) will cover more than 25 of these, representing over $70 billion, nationally, in healthcare costs.

MPA has currently completed 15 modules, including CABG, hysterectomy, total knee and total hip replacement. Based on 2005 HCUP data, national adoption of these modules would result in an estimated first year cost savings in excess of $3.5 billion.

About MPA
MPA is a leading analytic consulting firm with 20 years experience measuring and improving risk-adjusted clinical outcomes. As leaders in developing and applying innovative analytic methods, the firm has served, among others, HealthMarket, Cleveland Healthcare Quality CHOICE, the Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield Coronary Services Network, CMS, AHRQ, SCIOS, Cardinal, the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, and hundreds of hospitals throughout the country.

MPA's work has been published in JAMA, the American Journal of Surgery, Circulation, Medical Care, Physician Executive, and more. Over the past 10 years, the firm has focused on the association of quality and cost, emphasizing health care payment reform, and episode-based reimbursement.

For more information, visit MPA's web site at: www.consultmpa.com.

All trademarks acknowledged.

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, healthcare payment system, MPA GlobalPRIME

M2SYS Fingerprint Software Integrated with Medical Marijuana Dispensary Management Solution

Wed, 21 May 2008 16:20:23 GMT

Healthcare Technology Provider Integrates Biometric Identification to Improve Security and Control Access

ATLANTA, Ga., May 21 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- M2SYS Technology, an award-winning fingerprint biometrics research and development firm, announced today that it has finalized an agreement with IMCL (Innovative Marijuana Caregiver Logistics), a leading provider of inventory and patient management solutions to the medical marijuana dispensary industry. Through this agreement, IMCL has exclusive rights to integrate the Bio-Plugin(TM) fingerprint solution with its CA-MMPR patient registry product, empowering their clients to more securely control patient access to dispensary products.

Bio-Plugin(TM), a turn-key fingerprint biometrics system, enables companies like IMCL to rapidly add a biometric identification component to their existing applications without the cumbersome requirement of a fingerprint software development kit (SDK). Bio-Plugin(TM) allows integrators to remain focused on their core strengths, establish a new revenue stream, and eliminate the ongoing support headaches commonly associated with a tightly integrated fingerprint software solution.

According to Jess Jessop, CEO of IMCL, "Our customers are in a sector of the healthcare industry where there has to be zero tolerance for identity fraud. We recognized that CA-MMPR, our patient management application, had to incorporate web-based fingerprint biometrics to give our clients the level of identity protection and patient ease-of-use they require. Bio-Plugin from M2SYS Technology was the clear choice. Their fingerprint technology is simply the best and they have made a seamless integration quick and easy. A big plus for us was that their people were extremely responsive and outstanding to work with from the start."

"IMCL is in a unique industry, where the benefits of integrating biometric identification cannot be overstated," says Michael Trader, President of M2SYS Technology. "The addition of Bio-Plugin will give them a significant competitive advantage while furnishing their customers with the high-level identity protection they require."

About M2SYS
M2SYS Technology, www.m2sys.com, is a recognized industry leader in fingerprint identity management technology, delivering a wide range of customized, fully functional, turn-key fingerprint software solutions for businesses and consumers. M2SYS Technology was awarded the prestigious Frost and Sullivan Biometric Technology Innovation of the Year award in 2007.

About IMCL
IMCL (Innovative Marijuana Caregiver Logistics), www.imcl420.com, provides the only biometrically secure HIPPA-compliant medical marijuana patient registry and dispensary management system. Initially serving California, IMCL plans to provide products to the twelve states that currently allow medical marijuana.

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Innovative Marijuana Caregiver Logistics, M2SYS Technology Bio-Plugin

Google, Yahoo! 'Personal Trainers' Strengthen Digital Delts, Partner with Saatchi & Saatchi Healthcare Communications Group Teams in Tech Circuit Training

Thu, 07 Feb 2008 09:24:18 GMT

NEW YORK, N.Y. - Feb. 7 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Brand teams at a leading New York healthcare communications group are taking their digital skills to the next level at a day-long Tech Fit fair on Tuesday, February 12, 2008, at Saatchi & Saatchi Healthcare Communications Group (SSHCG) headquarters in lower Manhattan.

According to Sam Welch, SSHCG president, "Tech Fit isn't the usual show and tell one-off. It is the latest innovation in SSHCG's ongoing program of digital training, which has been a strong focus for the group for several years. This new kind of circuit training, part of our mission to inspire healthier living, will be a great workout with a serious purpose - cutting-edge results for our clients. Tech Fit is that rare instance of all gain, no pain."

Staffers from all SSHCG agencies will partner with a highly sophisticated group of personal tech trainers from Google and Yahoo! to learn the newest ways to incorporate digital technology into client marketing. After the day's interactive circuit training ends, brand teams are charged with developing plans for enhancing strategic client programs with the latest new media tools.

Stations along the training circuit feature such digital and healthcare luminaries as Sermo, Revolution Health, iMed, Ugen Media, Vibrant Media, MedTrackAlert, Pulse Media, About.com, Moey, Pointroll, Pulse Media, Tobii and Toonboom. SSHCG brand teams will gain hands-on experience with the latest new media options as they traverse the circuit.

"The goal of Tech Fit is to keep improving our digital skills and ensure that employees share in that knowledge," said Welch, "This fits with SSHCG's holistic approach to marketing, integrating new and traditional channels to keep giving clients the best options." Tech Fit involves all SSHCG agencies, including Saatchi & Saatchi Healthcare Innovations, Saatchi & Saatchi Healthcare Advertising and Saatchi & Saatchi Consumer Health+Wellness.

About Saatchi & Saatchi Healthcare Communications Group
Saatchi & Saatchi Healthcare Communications Group (SSHCG), a member of Publicis Healthcare Communications Group, consists of three distinct agencies providing integrated and holistic marketing solutions to its clients: Saatchi & Saatchi Consumer Health+Wellness, dedicated to motivating healthy consumer behavior; Saatchi & Saatchi Healthcare Innovations, providing innovative solutions in the challenging healthcare environment; and Saatchi & Saatchi Healthcare Advertising, keeping clients out in front of the healthcare industry. All three agencies strive to be strategic brand stewards for their clients, applying best-in-class planning, creative and account service across all marketing disciplines including advertising, promotion, digital, CRM and professional marketing. All the teams attack marketing in the same manner: insights come first to drive solid strategy followed by executional excellence. Web site: www.saatchihealthcare.com.

About Publicis Healthcare Communications Group
Publicis Healthcare Communications Group (PHCG), a member of Publicis Groupe SA, is one of the largest healthcare communications groups in the world with over 2,700 employees located in 10 countries. Worldwide healthcare services include advertising, medical education, sales and marketing, and medical and scientific affairs. PHCG offers its clients a strategic partnership, a strong focus on ensuring value for their marketing spend, and exceptional performance on their assignments. Web site: www.publicishealthcare.com.

About Publicis Groupe
Publicis Groupe (Euronext Paris: FR0000130577) is the world's fourth largest communications group. In addition, it is ranked as the world's second largest media counsel and buying group, and is a global leader in digital and healthcare communications. With activities spanning 104 countries on five continents, the Groupe employs approximately 44,000 professionals.

The Groupe offers local and international clients a complete range of communication services, from advertising, through three autonomous global advertising networks, Leo Burnett, Publicis, Saatchi & Saatchi and two multi-hub networks, Fallon and 49%-owned Bartle Bogle Hegarty; to media consultancy and buying, through two worldwide networks, Starcom MediaVest Group and ZenithOptimedia; interactive and digital marketing led by Digitas; Specialized Agencies and Marketing Services (SAMS) offering healthcare communications, corporate and financial communications, public relations, CRM and direct marketing, event communications, sports marketing and multicultural communications. Web site: www.publicisgroupe.com.

All trademarks acknowledged.

Note to editors: Build YOUR Digital Delts. Participation and coverage of Tech Fit is invited; photos will be available post-event.

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Saatchi & Saatchi Healthcare Communications Group, holistic marketing solutions

New Comprehensive Online Health Record System Ensures Patient Privacy and Physician Efficiency

Mon, 07 Jan 2008 09:23:10 GMT

ENCINO, Calif. - Jan. 7 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- In December 2007, MedSort.com, a premier online personal medication list management system, launched a comprehensive personal health records system - MedSort Health(TM) - which empowers consumers and patients to take control of their health records.

Since January 2007, MedSort.com has been helping patients to create and manage their medication and allergy list online. Any changes or updates made online are automatically sent to patient physicians. This new addition, MedSort Health(TM), adds a whole new level to patient healthcare management.

MedSort Health(TM) allows consumers and patients to store a comprehensive online health record; keep a health journal; track and graph lab results; check medication interactions; and communicate this information to physicians via an interactive Web link.

With the push towards electronic health records (EHR), more and more physician offices are designing paperless offices. For example, Electronic Medical Records (EMR) are applications used by physicians and other healthcare providers to keep electronic versions of patient health records. It facilitates communication among different healthcare providers and organizations.

Parallel to this, Personal Health Records (PHR) have been developed for patients. They give the patient more control over personal health information.

Using MedSort Health(TM), not only do patients control information, they control who has access to it. While physicians can be given access to update this information, the patient has the final say on the content. This link between the physician and the patient helps to more accurately reflect patient health data and to reduce medical errors.

Prior to the release of MedSort Health(TM), MedSort.com users have been creating complete medication and allergy lists using a comprehensive database of medications. For example, the system presents the patient with available dosages and forms of medications such as tablets, solutions, and eye drops. Based on the selected item, it then provides the patient with appropriate options and usage directions.

While reducing error potential, the resulting list is presented in a format that can be used by physicians, hospitals, and pharmacies, to generate prescriptions or to be saved as part of the patient's medication-list record. An automatic fax feature will fax an updated medication list to patient-designated physicians.

Using a similar comprehensive disease database, MedSort Health(TM) enables patients to also create a diagnoses and symptoms list, as well as store other vital health data such as blood type, immunization records, emergency contact, insurance information, hospitalization records, pharmacies, and more. In addition, they can store and track imaging studies and procedure lists.

Users of MedSort Health(TM) find the Health Journal feature useful. Daily health journal entries allow patients to keep track of their symptoms, doctor discussions, or any other health-related information. This information will never get lost and is accessible through the Internet, during an emergency, via a secure Emergency Access Code that is provided to the patient when they register.

MedSort.com has taken great care to ensure user privacy and data security. No one has access to the patient's data unless the patient provides explicit permission. Permission is granted to physicians if the physician is registered with MedSort(TM) and the patient has selected them as one of their physicians. All physician members' credentials are verified before they gain access to patient information.

As an additional security feature, the site uses encryption and other safeguards to protect against unauthorized access. Emergency Access Codes can be easily re-issued if lost or stolen.

For more information about MedSort's services, or to register for a free account, visit www.medsort.com.

Online Billing Program Helps Private Practitioners Increase Revenue

Thu, 27 Dec 2007 11:30:34 GMT

DENVER, Colo. - Dec. 27 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Therapy Partner's innovative online billing program is helping psychologists, psychiatrists and other fee-for-service professionals increase private practice revenue. Mental health providers and other professionals working in private practice are constantly searching for ways to increase revenue that won't interfere with the work they're so passionate about.

Small business owners outside the mental health community have known for some time that accepting credit and debit cards is one of the best ways to expand their business and increase revenue. When businesses offer convenient ways for their customers to pay for products and services, they're more likely to receive payment!

Business owners are well aware of the positive impact accepting credit cards can have on their bottom line. Therapy Partner banked on this idea when it entered the mental health market nearly four years ago with the first online billing program of its kind for the mental health industry.

For the first time, therapists and other fee-for-service professionals have an easy way to accept credit cards using Therapy Partner - an online billing system designed to meet the specific needs of private practitioners.

Therapy Partner's web-based billing program securely stores client contact information and form of payment in a therapist's account. With a click of the mouse, therapists can automate payment for services rendered through their office, without impeding the consultative time they have set aside with their clients.

Therapists using the Therapy Partner program have reported increases in revenue anywhere between 10-20% after their first year of service. This increase is mostly attributed to the therapist's ability to accept credit cards using Therapy Partner's online format.

Therapists have found their clients like the convenience of using credit and debit cards and more likely to pay for services-people just aren't writing checks anymore. According to the Federal Reserve, the use of paper checks is declining steadily each year. This trend has left many therapists using "check-only" payment policies empty handed.

Those practitioners who accept credit cards are attracting more clients. Clients feel they have more access to professional services when they can use their credit card to pay for services. "Cash-only" policies often deter clients from seeking services they feel they desperately need, even though they're willing to pay by other means.

Therapists using Therapy Partner have found they're no longer afraid to charge appropriate fees for the services they provide and have foregone sliding their scale to accommodate for the cash requirements they once placed on their clients. Accepting credit cards allows clients to pay how they want and ensures payment for the service provider. A true "win-win" situation for everyone!

Therapy Partner's online format also allows therapists to bill for all of their consultative time, without having to continually ask for additional money from their clients. Therapists have found discussions about money often cloud the consultative space and prohibit them from asking for payment at all, despite having performed the work.

The additional suite of billing and administrative services Therapy Partner offers also helps therapist save an enormous amount of time. In addition to tracking client session and payment history, Therapy Partner automates monthly statements to all clients registered in a therapist's account, saving valuable time and in the end, a lot of money.

Therapy Partner is a tool that allows therapists and other fee-for-service professionals to focus on what they do best, without compromising their ability to be financially successful - A true evolution for those in the mental health industry.

For more information about Therapy Partner or to schedule a free web demonstration, visit www.TherapyPartner.com, or call 1-877-232-9847.

Always Best Care Senior Services Expands into Cleveland, Ohio

Mon, 05 Nov 2007 16:25:17 GMT

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Nov. 5 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Always Best Care Senior Services has expanded into Cleveland, Ohio. America's premier In-Home Care, Assisted Living Placement Service, and Personal Response Company, is proud to announce seniors in Cleveland can now rely on Always Best Care Senior Services for outstanding care. For over a decade, a caring relationship has been the foundation of our work - a sincere concern for the betterment of life that goes beyond just doing what is required, but doing the most we can for the seniors entrusted to our care. This has been our core belief, and is at the heart of Always Best Care Senior Services. We have worked with thousands of case managers, social workers, discharge planners, doctors, and families to provide a better quality of life for our seniors.

At Always Best Care Senior Services we can create a tailored In-Home Care package, customized for the senior's needs. Care can be provided on an hourly or daily basis, with services available including; companionship, meal preparation, light housekeeping, grocery shopping, transportation, laundry, recreational activities and more.

For seniors preferring to be in an assisted living environment, we will provide a no cost assessment performed by one care coordinators. Using Always Best Care Senior Services proprietary software we will search through the facilities in the desired area to find the best match for the seniors needs. Matches are based on the senior's level of care needed, financial resources and other preferences they may have. We drive the senior and/or their family to tour the facilities, meet with any attending medical staff and assist in gathering the necessary paperwork needed for the move into an assisted living facility. We only refer to facilities that are state licensed or that one of our team members have inspected and would recommend. Always Best Care Senior Services will be there at the senior's side throughout the transition process.

At Always Best Care Senior Services, we believe that no undertaking is more worthwhile than helping with you or your loved ones needs. Our team is unwavering in our commitment to excellence and looks forward to providing you with exceptional service.

Helping others making life rich - Always.

To find out more about how ABC can help you, please contact:

ABC CLEVELAND OHIO
Rochelle Johnson
rjohnson@abc-seniors.com
www.abc-seniors.com/44128
(216) 588-9060

CYNACON/OCuSOFT (OCuSOFT, Inc.) Names Katherine M. Mastrota, M.S., O.D. to Medical Scientific Advisory Board

Tue, 02 Oct 2007 18:50:00 GMT

RICHMOND, Texas - Oct. 2 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- CYNACON / OCuSOFT (OCuSOFT, Inc.), a company specializing in ophthalmic research, development and supply to ophthalmologists and optometrists, is pleased to announce the appointment of Katherine Mastrota, M.S., O.D., to its Optometric Scientific Advisory Board.

Dr. Mastrota is the Center Director of Omni Eye Surgery in New York City. She is dedicated to playing a key role in the center's development and growth through her commitment to excellence in patient care.

Dr. Mastrota is a member of the American Optometric Association, the New York State Optometric Association, the Optometric Cataract and IOL Society, the Optometric Dry Eye Society, and is a former board member of the Optometric Society of the City of New York. Her areas of special interest include Pseudoexfoliation Syndrome and Ocular Surface Disease. She has lectured locally and at the annual meeting of American Optometric Association and Vision Expo East and West on these topics.

Dr. Mastrota graduated from New York University with a Masters of Science and completed her Optometry degree at SUNY College of Optometry in 1989.

"Dr. Mastrota's dedication and contribution to better understanding the eyelids' role in ocular surface disease has been tremendous. With the goals and synergies that we share, the addition of Dr. Mastrota to OCuSOFT's Optometric Scientific Advisory Board is a great fit," said Patrick H. Witham, Executive Vice-President.

Web site: www.ocusoft.com.

Eularis Announces New Corporate Name and Expanded Product Offerings

Mon, 24 Sep 2007 17:09:00 GMT

Reshaping Pharmaceutical Analytics Under New Corporate Identity

NEW YORK, N.Y. and LONDON, U.K. - Sept. 24 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Campbell Belman, an established pharmaceutical analytics company, today introduces its new name: Eularis. This announcement reflects the significant growth the Company has achieved across its full range of pharmaceutical analytics products, which have helped tailor the advertising and marketing programs of its global top-tier clients, including AstraZeneca, GlaxoSmithKline, Johnson & Johnson, Lilly, Merck, Novo Nordisk and Pfizer.

Eularis' flagship product, the 94.8 Analytics Process, offers a more mathematically accurate approach to determining the ROI of pharmaceutical marketing by combining up-to-the-minute market data with advanced predictive algorithms. This avoids the inherent flaws of traditional analytics approaches, which rely heavily on historical or analogue data. The 94.8 Analytics Process better accounts for recent changes in the marketplace, allowing companies to better direct marketing and advertising spending to increase revenues and market share.

"The pharmaceutical industry is unique in the level of structural and environmental change it has experienced over the past 20 years. In the current market, where challenges such as product recalls, decline in access to physicians, new restrictions on promotional policy and emergence of legally aggressive generics have come into play, methods that rely on historical data yield reduced accuracy when it comes to predicting future prescribing," commented Dr. Andree K. Bates, president, Eularis. "By collecting current up-to-date market data as part of each individual client's analytics program, Eularis can utilize a snapshot of the current market to avoid the limitations of conventional predictive models and achieve improved accuracy in predicting reactions to promotional activities."

In addition to the 94.8 Analytics Process, Eularis also offers in-depth analytics approaches for individual marketing programs, such as patient compliance analytics and sales force analytics, as well as pricing analytics, corporate branding analytics, and R&D analytics.

About Eularis
Eularis provides sophisticated pharmaceutical analytics that provide data-driven insight into the financial impact of corporate and marketing decisions. Unlike traditional analytics approaches which are lengthy and whose reliance on historical or analogue data reduces their accuracy, Eularis' proprietary 94.8 Analytics Process is based on the current market situation.

This proven approach helps pharmaceutical marketing teams to quickly plan, measure, validate, and optimize their sales and marketing performance. Eularis offers pre-launch analytics, marketing mix modeling (both professional and consumer), portfolio optimization, sales force effectiveness, managed care analytics, and patient compliance solutions. Co-headquartered in London and New York City, the company has developed significant experience in the global pharmaceutical market through client engagements with AstraZeneca, GlaxoSmithKline, Merck, Pfizer and many others.

For more information about Eularis, visit www.eularis.com.

All trademarks acknowledged.