Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Investment News: Merck GHIF makes investment of growth capital to eHealth Technologies


eHealth Technologies announces growth capital investment from Merck Global Health 
Innovation Fund. Investment used to enhance continuity of care solutions, grow support 
infrastructure and expand sales and marketing.
SOURCE: eHealth Technologies
Full press release follows.

Business Wire NEW YORK -- January 23, 2013 -- eHealth Technologies, a leading provider of continuity of care solutions, announced today that Merck Global Health Innovation Fund (Merck GHIF) has made an investment of growth capital in the company to expand its offerings and company infrastructure. The Series D investment of over $6 million and led by
Merck GHIF includes a seat on eHealth Technologies’ Board of Directors for
David Stevenson, investment principal at Merck GHIF.

“In the past two years the demand for our continuity of care solutions has
increased revenue by over 230 percent. We are excited about our partnership
with Merck GHI and the opportunities that this brings to eHealth Technologies
to provide additional ways to automate the process to connect healthcare
providers and other clinical institutions with the external patient
information needed, within their workflow, and within their own systems,” said
Michael Margiotta, CEO and founder of eHealth Technologies. “We are continuing
to grow our infrastructure and expand the marketing of our solutions to IDNs,
hospitals, health information exchanges (HIE) and cancer treatment centers so
that they in turn can see patients faster and have more productive first
appointments.”

eHealth Technologies improves continuity of care to enhance patient and
physician satisfaction by streamlining and largely automating transitions of
care and by providing any external medical record and diagnostic quality image
– when and where it is needed. The company also provides real-time reporting
on referral patterns so hospitals can proactively and intelligently monitor
their referral business. More than 50 percent of the largest hospitals and
leading HIEs are using eHealth Technologies solutions.

“With mounting pressures to meet meaningful use and deliver accountable care,
today's healthcare organizations — and their physicians — are beginning to see
firsthand how their goals can be met by improving continuity of patient care,”
said David Stevenson, investment principal for Merck GHIF. “We believe that
eHealth Technologies is well positioned to help the industry improve
connectivity and automation and therefore eliminate redundant costs and
inefficiencies that surround clinical information accessibility.”

About eHealth Technologies™

eHealth Technologies is a leading provider of continuity of care solutions,
serving over half of the nation's top 100 hospitals and leading health
information exchanges (HIEs), including 11 of the top 17 hospitals selected to
the prominent Honor Roll of the Best Hospitals from the 2012-2013 U.S. News &
World Report. The company's eHealth Connect® offering enhances patient and
physician satisfaction by streamlining transitions of care, and by providing
the right patient information – when and where it is needed. Visit
www.eHealthTechnologies.com

About Merck Global Health Innovation Fund

Merck Global Health Innovation (GHI) Fund invests in emerging companies that
deliver breakthrough healthcare solutions which advance Merck's mission to
discover, develop, and provide innovative products and services that save and
improve lives. Established in 2010, the GHI Fund deploys its evergreen $250
million fund to rapidly identify and develop transformative global health care
opportunities. GHI is focused on identifying opportunities that are adjacent
to Merck’s core business of pharmaceuticals and vaccines. www.merck.com/ghi

Contact:

eHealth Technologies
Nicole Spencer, 530-269-1806
nicole.spencer@eHealthTechnologies.com
www.eHealthTechnologies.com

Thursday, January 17, 2013

Health Tech News: EHR White Paper, Improve Adoption, Outcomes


Netsmart Releases White Paper: Improve Adoption, Care and Outcomes with Intuitive Electronic Health Record. How Innovative, Intuitive EHRs Enhance Workflow and Improve Consumer Care.
Full press release below.
SOURCE: Netsmart, www.ntst.com
1/17/2013 - (Overland Park, Kan.) Netsmart, the leading provider of clinical solutions for health and human services organizations nationwide, today announced availability of a white paper, “Improve Adoption, Care and Outcomes with Intuitive Electronic Health Record.” The white paper details the importance of an organization selecting the right electronic health record (EHR) for their needs. The white paper is available for download on the Netsmart website.

Today’s healthcare environment is rapidly evolving, driven by a focus on clinical quality, behavioral health and primary care integration, and outcomes/recovery-based care. This has led to an increasing need for EHRs in behavioral health that support integrated clinical data exchange across the care spectrum. Choosing the right EHR, one that enhances quality of care of consumers while increasing business and operational efficiencies, is key. 

Netsmart is committed to providing health and human services providers with innovative technology and solutions that help improve outcomes and reduce costs. This white paper discusses how an innovative, intuitive EHR can help organizations provide coordinated care and improved patient outcomes. 

Because user experience is essential to EHR adoption and productivity, Netsmart created its myAvatar solution, an intuitive and role-based, ONC-ATCB-certified EHR and practice management solution specific to the behavioral health community.

The myAvatar solution offers significant, exclusive benefits:

• Maximum user efficiency – myAvatar software allows users to customize the desktop to their unique roles within the organization. This supports faster adoption of the system, reduces training time and encourages users to be up and running in less time by providing immediate access to the specific tools they need. These modifications can be easily made without custom programming or in-depth technical knowledge.

• Improved user satisfaction – Because myAvatar software is so easily personalized, users have increased confidence in the product and can be more productive, leading to higher staff satisfaction and improved customer service.

• More time caring for consumers – The easy-to-navigate user interface and role-based home views translate into less time navigating the system and more time providing and supporting consumer care.

“Leading your organization into the new era of accountable care is complex and requires strategic thinking and commitment by all members of your team,” said Michael Valentine, chief executive officer, Netsmart. “Selectingand implementing the right EHR for your organization is a key first step. The right EHR not only allows organizations to improve business efficiencies, but also provides a solid foundation for coordinated care and improving patient outcomes.”

Integral to the development of myAvatar and now an addition to all solution enhancements, Netsmart created a UX (user experience) team. The UX team is focused on workflow and usability, assuring that the Netsmart solution is an extension of the individual doing the work and capturing data when and where it should be captured as easily as possible. Success in usability is measured not only in reduction in keystrokes, mouse clicks and mouse sweeps, but also evaluations on length of time on task, number of errors eliminated, amount of training time, and self-reported ratings about ease of use.

Through a combination of innovative technology and cutting-edge solutions and services, Netsmart is leading the way to ensure health and human services providers have the tools they need to provide outstanding care to their consumers in an ever-evolving industry.

Additional white papers on other current industry topics of interest to health and human services providers are available for download on the Netsmart website.

For detailed information about Netsmart’s certified EHRs, visit http://www.ntst.com/about/certifications.asp


About Netsmart

Netsmart helps health and human services organizations transform care through the collaborative, coordinated management and exchange of clinical data across the care spectrum and through effective practice management that improves revenue cycle management. More than 21,000 client organizations, including 350,000 care providers and more than 40 state systems, use Netsmart products to help improve the quality of life for tens of millions of people each year. Netsmart clients include mental health and substance use treatment agencies, psychiatric hospitals, private and group mental health practices, public health departments, social services and child and family health agencies, vital records offices, and managed care organizations. Netsmart’s products are full-featured information systems that operate on a variety of operating systems, hardware platforms, and mobile devices, and offer unlimited scalability.

Netsmart provides the solutions and expertise that help its clients meet all the criteria for Meaningful Use of an Electronic Health Record (EHR) under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009.

Building upon Netsmart’s Complete ARRA-Certified EHRs, Netsmart clients can also create a complete connected care environment encompassing e-prescribing and order entry, sharing clinical information and lab results, and using Web portals to provide secure and private consumer access to care information.

Netsmart is also pleased to support the EveryDay Matters Foundation, which was established for organizations within the behavioral and public health communities to learn from each other and share their causes and stories. Organizations can also request grants for their cause or to help fund technology that advances the way care is delivered. For more information, visit www.everydaymatters.com/foundation

For information about Netsmart’s full range of solutions for health and human services organizations, visit www.ntst.com or call 1-800-472-5509. Also follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook and visit us on YouTube.


MEDIA CONTACT: 
Dave Kishler 
Netsmart Technologies 
614.764.0143, Ext. 7252 dkishler@ntst.com
# # # END OF RELEASE # # #


Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Marketing Mgr Food Sector Los Angeles


Seeking a Marketing Manager in Los Angeles. Full details follow!
TITLE: Marketing Manager
REPORTS TO: Director of Retail & Food Service (Director R&FS)
INDUSTRY: Seafood, Retail & Food Service
LOCATION: Downtown Los Angeles
TO APPLY: email resume and cover letter to Recruiter, Deborah Kaufman, at deborah@healthcare-recruiting.com


DESCRIPTION:

One of the world's leading seafood companies and largest producer of farmed salmon is seeking a hands-on Marketing Manager.  The emphasis of this position is developing brand(s) and creating additional margin through these brand(s).  This position requires a hands-on approach with the marketing manager being very active in all facets.   A marketing portfolio will need to be created for both Retail & Food Service (R&FS) that leverages market research. To this end, the Marketing Manager develops the tools for the Key Account Managers (KAMs) to grow the business; with the objective to stay ahead of competitors on Point-Of-Sale (POS), new products, branding and species.

The Marketing Manager must stay abreast of the competitive environment, market trends, and world events that could impact commercial plans. Flexibility is essential for this position; the Marketing Manager must be able to adjust plans and strategies according to a variety of changing conditions, including logistical demands and management direction.


RESPONSIBILITIES:

·       Marketing. Develops and implements marketing strategy, plan(s) and activities to maximize sales of an assigned brand/product. Including all elements of marketing such as but not limited to advertising, websites, social media, etc. Actively participate in every aspect of the plan using previous work experience.

·       Budget. Develops annual budget for execution of marketing strategy.

·       Project Coordination. Coordinates projects to implement new brands and products; must be able to take a project and run with it at any stage; strong project management skills required.

·       Market Research. Successfully interpret purchased and self-collected market intelligence to:

o   Develop brand concept & positioning.

o   Develop marketing plans for specific products, services, or business lines.

o   Reviews changes to the marketplace and industry and adjusts marketing plan accordingly.  Measuring success of strategies and proposes timely modifications to address shortcomings.

o   Make suggestions on marketing material.

o   Branding. Using the market research and other means analyzes brand performance, brand competitiveness, and product trends in the marketplace. Develops strategies for assigned brand based on research and analysis. Potential create a brand for our VAP.

·       New Product Development. Work with Director of R&FS on research and development of innovative products.

·       Packaging. Coordinate with graphic designer, to participate in creating packaging for new items and updating existing packaging.

·       Sales Support. Work with sales team to identify and implement appropriate sales strategies with proper POS support.

·       Vendor Administration.  Is point of contact with agencies, freelance designers & printers on creative development and negotiating cost.  Work with the marketing research firm collecting information.


QUALIFICATIONS:

·       Requires a bachelor's degree in Marketing with 5-7 years of experience. Additional training a plus.

·       Most recent work experience in marketing with a company of USD 50 million in annual sales.

·       CPG, food service and retail background experience required, and must be clearly visible on resume.

·       A background in food required, perishable a plus.

·       Planning. Experience in creating marketing plans & budgets required.

·       Branding. Experience in implementing, establishing and positioning new brands. Experience in planning and executing a comprehensive product launch. Track record of successful brand management and new brand development. Experience with brand positioning and repositioning.

·       Familiar with a variety of the field's concepts, practices, and procedures.

·       Relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Performs a variety of tasks.

·       A wide degree of creativity and latitude is expected.  Must be a self-starter and able to work independently.

·       Problem solving skills required.

·       Proven communication skills, both written and verbal, to clearly and concisely communicate within all levels of the organization as well as with external partners and agencies/vendors.

·       Highly organized, strong project manager with ability to multi-task and prioritize for optimal project execution. High degree of ownership and initiative.

·       Willing & able to travel nationally and internationally approximately 25% of the time.



Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Clinical Study News: Tenex Health TX1 System


Tenex Health Announces Publication of Prospective Clinical Study Results.
Full press release follows.
SOURCE: Tenex Health

LAKE FOREST, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)—Jan. 15, 2013—
Tenex Health Inc. (www.tenexhealth.com), a pioneer in less-invasive treatment for musculoskeletal injuries, announced the recent publication of a prospective clinical study result in the American Journal of Sports Medicine (AJSM). The study entitled Fasciotomy and Surgical Tenotomy for Recalcitrant Lateral Elbow Tendinopathy describes the TX1 System as a safe and effective tool used in percutaneous tenotomy procedures in patients suffering from chronic tennis elbow.

The TX1 System was launched in the U.S. in February of 2012 and has been used in the treatment of about 3000 patients suffering from a wide range of tendon injuries – shoulder, elbow, knee, Achilles and plantar fascia. The TX1 System consists of a pen-like hand piece and console which allows for the physician to insert an 18g needle-like probe via a percutaneous approach that specifically cuts the damaged tendon tissue while preserving the healthy tissue. The intervention is conducted under local anesthesia and ultrasound guidance which provides for a safe and patient-friendly experience. The minimally invasive nature of the treatment and documented quick recovery times allows physicians to treat these patients earlier in their course.

“The safety, efficacy, tolerance and return to activity features of this treatment were as we had hoped, but quite frankly, exceeded our expectations. We feel the concept is truly a game changer. The features of this treatment modality to both physicians and patients are a real breakthrough,” reported Dr. Bernard Morrey, the Chief Medical Officer of Tenex Health.

The publication details the results of an independently conducted IRB-approved prospective study authored by faculty from Singapore General Hospital and the Mayo Clinic. The study revealed:
i.

Single treatment of 20 patients in an out-patient setting with no patient requirements of follow-up medications or physical therapy
ii.

No device or patient related complications occurred over 12 month follow-up period
iii.

Statistically significant improvement in pain within 1 week and sustained improvement for 12 months
iv.

Statistically significant improvement in quality of life measurement within 1 month and sustained improvement for 12 months
v.

Diagnostic ultrasound evidence consistent with a repaired tendon by 6 months of treatment
vi.

Efficacy of therapy sustained in 95% of patients at 12 month follow-up period

Jagi Gill, Founder and CEO of Tenex Health, added, “The rigor and follow-up of this clinical study clearly demonstrates a compelling option for the millions of patients suffering from tennis elbow. Furthermore, we are especially excited as the clinical results from this prospective study match what we have seen in the community at large in over 100 centers throughout the U.S.”
About Tenex Health Inc. Tenex Health, Inc. (www.tenexhealth.com) develops and markets innovative therapies for the treatment of tendon pain due to trauma or repetitive motion injuries. These tendon injuries affect more than 10 million Americans every year. The company’s proprietary TX1 Tissue Removal System is used to safely and specifically cut and debride diseased soft tissue in an outpatient setting using local anesthetic (www.fast-technique.com). Since the surrounding healthy tendon tissue is not disturbed, patients enjoy less discomfort and faster recovery times versus traditional open surgical procedures. The entire procedure is completed under local anesthesia and usually within 20 minutes.
Contact:
Tenex Health Inc.
Julie Flanery, 949-454-7500