Medstrat® echoeSYSTEM(TM) PACS Now Offers Osteoporosis Measurement Software


DOWNERS GROVE, Ill., Feb. 26 -- Medstrat announces the integration of the OsteoGram(R) Bone Mineral Density (BMD) measurement software for osteoporosis screening, diagnosis and monitoring with its echoeSYSTEM(TM) PACS software suite. Medstrat pioneered digital imaging in orthopedic practices. Medstrat's family of ECHOES(TM) product and service solutions address the needs of all orthopedic practice sizes from small to large multi-site enterprises.

According to Bob Bishop, Medstrat's Co-CEO, "the new offering allows our orthopedic surgeon customers to join the call of the Surgeon General, The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgery in detecting osteoporosis, preventing its debilitating effects and reducing fracture mortality risk in their communities." One in five individuals who fracture a hip die within a year of the fracture and about one in five individuals with a hip fracture end up in a nursing home within a year.

The integration of Medstrat's orthopedic digital imaging solutions with CompuMed's OsteoGram software provides orthopedic surgeons with a simple, effective and affordable means of identifying at risk individuals in their community. HHS recommends bone density tests for all women over 65 and for any man or woman who suffers even a minor fracture after age 50.

Medicare has paid for BMD testing since July 1, 1998 to afford physicians the ability to create and fund osteoporosis prevention programs. National data in 2003 indicate that only about 3% of women aged 67 or older received both a bone mineral density test and a prescription.

Bishop pointed out, "Medstrat feels obligated to collaborate with its orthopedic surgeon customers to elevate the standard of care of this hidden disease. Treatment of osteoporosis has been shown to reduce the risk of subsequent fractures by 30-65 percent. Effective leadership by influential orthopedic doctors can profoundly influence the bone health of their communities."

About CompuMed:

Founded in 1973, CompuMed, Inc. is leading the development of advanced imaging and medical informatics solutions that provide cost effective analysis and monitoring. CompuMed focuses on cardiovascular and musculoskeletal diseases, as well as other diseases associated with aging populations. Its unique expertise in telemonitoring, imaging and analysis facilitates the development of new solutions and services designed to improve healthcare provider workflow and patient care, while reducing costs. CompuMed's core products, the OsteoGram(R) and CardioGram(TM) systems, are cleared by the FDA and reimbursable by Medicare. The OsteoGram is an accurate and precise technology for osteoporosis testing. The underlying OsteoGram technology has significant cost advantages over other technologies and will be applied to a suite of value-added applications, such as following the progression of arthritic disease and diagnosing vertebral fractures and scoliosis. The CardioGram system is one of the first telecommunication networks designed to remotely interpret electrocardiograms, and is used by private practice, as well as government and corporate healthcare providers nationwide. The CardioGram delivers online electrocardiogram interpretations within two minutes of receipt, and has the additional capability to automatically provide an over-read (i.e., follow-up review) by a cardiologist. CompuMed is headquartered in Los Angeles. Visit CompuMed at www.compumed.net/ .

About Medstrat, Inc.

Privately held Medstrat, Inc. makes digital medical imaging software for orthopedic practices and leads the industry in workflow improvement and cost reduction methodology. Medstrat pioneered the incorporation of digital medical imaging into orthopedic practices and has a large installed base of customers varying in size from one-man offices to very large multi-site practices. New customers enjoy a solid foundation of industry know-how through simplified installation and adoption procedures. Headquartered in Downers Grove, IL, Medstrat's solutions provide clinically proven methods for acquiring, processing, presenting, managing and storing radiological images to meet the needs of the orthopedic surgeon. For additional information, please visit at www.medstrat.com/ .

Medstrat(R) is a registered trademark of Medstrat, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

CONTACT: Bob Bishop of Medstrat, Inc., +1-630-960-8700, or bob@medstrat.com

All Topics