CLEVELAND, June 9, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- NextMED Systems, a provider of Internet-based medical practice management software and claims-management services, and Sharon Regional Health System, today announced that they have entered into an agreement. Sharon Regional, located in Sharon, Pa., will use NextMED's technology platform, tools and services to manage physician billing and collection operations.
NextMED's software programs are designed to save money and time for physician practices by providing accurate and appropriate data to third-party payers, which greatly reduces rejected or disputed claims and simplifies billing procedures.
Wayne Johnston, president and CEO of Sharon Regional, commented, "We are pleased to have access to a company such as NextMED to improve the efficiency of our physician billing system."
NextMED Systems provides doctors and hospitals with innovative partnerships that represent a different way of doing business, leveling the playing field between health care providers and insurance companies. NextMED delivers a sophisticated platform and tools, a consultative service relationship and an optimized business model for revenue collection. NextMED's proprietary tools and cost-saving business model have been shown to improve practice cash flow, resulting in near-term bottom line improvement of as much as 10%.
"Like many hospitals, Sharon Regional concluded that it was more efficient and cost-effective to outsource physician billing than to devote resources to an area that is peripheral to its core competency of providing care to patients," noted Terry Murphy, co-founder and senior vice president, Business Development of NextMED. "NextMED has invested millions in sophisticated tools and development of a better business model for efficient collection of insurance payments. We are pleased that Sharon Regional has chosen to work with us."
Ron Miller, vice president of AmeriNet, commented, "We have been associated with some of the principals of NextMED for 12 years. During that time, they have demonstrated a consistent ability to create value for our members. NextMED's technology platform offers an innovative, much-needed capability to physician offices, hospitals and other care providers."
About NextMED Systems, Inc.
NextMED Systems, Inc. levels the playing field between doctors and insurance companies by providing outsourced billing and claims management services to the outpatient care industry. Headquartered in Cleveland, NextMED employs over 200 people in Ohio, Maryland, Virginia and Seattle. Through NextMED's web-based portal, The Physician Desktop Manager(tm), users connect to NextMED's products and services via a secure private intranet environment. Services also include an integrated suite of software-based business and clinical applications, as well as analytical and decision support tools that are available at physicians' desktops. NextMED can be contacted at (216) 674-0511 or www.nextmedsystems.com.
About Sharon Regional
Sharon Regional is Mercer County's most comprehensive health system, consisting of a 290-bed JCAHO accredited hospital along with 20 satellite centers located throughout Mercer County and eastern Ohio. The Health System provides a full complement of patient care services and is Mercer County's only provider of open heart surgery, angioplasty, advanced heart attack care, and a number of other specialty services. For more information, visit www.sharonregional.com.
About AmeriNet
Founded in 1986, St. Louis-based AmeriNet, Inc. operates through its three shareholder health care organizations: AmeriNet Central, Intermountain Health Care, Inc. and Vector. Choice makes AmeriNet unique in the health care GPO industry, and creates remarkable value and cost-savings for its members. One of the nation's most successful group purchasing organizations, AmeriNet is GPO of choice for a diverse industry including over 1,800 hospitals and over 16,000 non-acute members creating value and purchasing strength through an array of programs and services. Additional information on AmeriNet can be found at www.amerinet-gpo.com.