The Wand Employed in Offices of Dr. Jan Linhart

The Wand Employed in Offices of Dr. Jan Linhart

Dentist emphasizes patient comfort and pain-free dental care

New York, NY (PRWEB) February 19, 2009 -- Dr. Jan Linhart, an acclaimed Manhattan cosmetic and restorative dentist (http://www.drlinhart.com), uses state-of-the-art equipment to ensure the best possible care for his patients. One of the most advanced pieces of equipment now employed in his offices is The Wand.

"The most painful part of dental work is often the injection of anesthetics," states Dr. Linhart. "That's why we use The Wand--it's virtually painless." The Wand is an anesthetic delivery system of the highest caliber. It includes a computerized injector that minimizes the opportunity for painful human error. Dr. Linhart explains, "If anesthetics are administered too quickly, it hurts. The Wand controls pressure and flow rate to ensure a comfortable injection." The dentist controls the machine with a foot pedal and applies the anesthetic with a tiny needle nestled in a pen-like applicator.

"It looks nothing like a syringe," continues Dr. Linhart. "The non-threatening appearance works to reassure patients. Additionally, it is lightweight and easy to handle, which makes application easier and safer."

One key feature of The Wand is that anesthesia is induced before the needle is inserted, and the flow of anesthetic precedes the needle throughout the entire process. Dr. Linhart states, "Because of this unique system, the patient can hardly feel the needle. That was one of the major factors in our deciding to use the equipment. Whether someone is getting a crown, a root canal or an implant, our use of The Wand makes the process as comfortable as possible. Patient comfort is very important to us."

The Wand is not the only pain-reducing product currently used in the offices of Dr. Linhart. "We also use the Waterlase MD." Made by Biolase Technologies, Inc., this high-tech drill uses a laser and water to effectively vaporize cavities and unwanted tissue. "The Waterlase MD can be used in place of a traditional drill and often removes the need for anesthesia entirely. This laser has many of the same strengths as The Wand: it is easy to control, precise, and it reduces pain and anxiety," says Dr. Linhart.

He concludes, "At our offices, a patient never has to fear the ominous sights and sounds of old-fashioned syringes and drills--it's a much more positive experience for all involved."

Dr. Jan Linhart, DDS, a Manhattan based cosmetic and restorative dentist attracts patients from around the world. Come by our Park Avenue Manhattan office to inquire about our Pearinbrite teeth whitening procedures and other state-of-the-art dental services that we offer including implant dentistry (http://www.drlinhart.com/implants.html), porcelain veneers (http://www.drlinhart.com/veneer.html), and more.

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Contact Information Ellen S. Linhart

http://www.drlinhart.com

212-682-5180

HealthSmart Contracts with MEDai for Predictive Modeling Technology to Improve Members’ Health and Reduce Costs

HealthSmart Contracts with MEDai for Predictive Modeling Technology to Improve Members’ Health and Reduce Costs

HealthSmart will use MEDai’s award-winning predictive modeling technology to identify members who may currently be at the lower end of a disease stage, but are likely to incur high costs in the near future, one to two years out. The program couples the identification process with an effective disease management program to focus on monitoring and proactively treating the identified members.

(Vocus) February 19, 2009 -- HealthSmart Care Management Solutions, LP, formerly Q-elements, Ltd., and MEDai, Inc. announced a strategic partnership that provides industry leading predictive modeling technology to HealthSmart’s clients and their members. HealthSmart will use MEDai’s award-winning predictive modeling technology to identify members who may currently be at the lower end of the five disease stages, but are likely to incur high costs in the near future, one to two years out. The program couples the identification process with an effective disease management program to focus on monitoring and proactively treating the identified members.

"Each member is assessed for health risks and appropriate inclusion in an acute or chronic health management program," said Pamela Coffey, Chief Operating Officer of HealthSmart Care Management Solutions, LP. Rather than solely focusing on existing treatment, HealthSmart draws upon MEDai’s forecasting abilities to identify individuals with evolving healthcare needs. Ms. Coffey added, “We assess the member's clinical condition and knowledge of their disease and implement an individualized care plan and educational program. The HealthSmart Predictive Management Clinical Team discusses the member's medication regimen and any life style changes that may be required to improve their quality of life.”

"MEDai's predictive modeling solution goes beyond affecting the bottom line," said Steve Epstein, CEO and President of MEDai, Inc. "it allows care management organizations to proactively educate and manage their population. In this case, HealthSmart's Predictive Management Clinical Team acts as the patient’s advocate, ensuring that every member has a chance at living a healthy and active life," he added.

About MEDai

MEDai, Inc., headquartered in Orlando, FL, is a leading health information company offering award-winning solutions for the improvement of healthcare delivery. Utilizing cutting edge technology, payors and care management organizations are able to forecast patients at risk, identify cost drivers for their high-risk population, forecast future health plan costs, evaluate patient patterns over time, and improve outcomes.

About HealthSmart Holdings, Inc. (Parent Company of HealthSmart Care Management Solutions, LP)

HealthSmart Holdings, Inc., along with its healthcare-related subsidiaries, comprise an innovative healthcare solutions company servicing over 1.7 million members and managing over $3.2 billion in claims. The company is headquartered in Dallas, Texas, and currently maintains 11 service operations around the country. The HealthSmart companies are dedicated to delivering integrated self-funded solutions by utilizing proprietary products and services, including provider networks, care management, prescription benefit management, primary clinic management, benefit administration and stop-loss. The HealthSmart mission is to improve member health, reduce costs and deliver “smarter” healthcare solutions. To learn more about HealthSmart Holdings, Inc. and its related companies, please visit their web site (http://www.healthsmart.com).

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Contact Information Ralph Gill

HealthSmart

http://www.healthsmart.com

214.574.2461

Landmark Trial Provides Vital Information for Cardiac Disease Treatment

Landmark Trial Provides Vital Information for Cardiac Disease Treatment

NorthShore University HealthSystem Ted Feldman, M.D., Lead Investigator

Evanston, IL. -- NorthShore University HealthSystem (http://www.northshore.org/) (NorthShore) has played a leading role in a landmark clinical trial comparing two forms of treatment for patients with severe coronary artery disease (CAD). The results were published on-line in this week's issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.

The SYNTAX trial was a clinical research study that compared percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with drug-eluting stents and coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) in patients with three-vessel and left main coronary disease. The trial results did not show any statistically significant differences between PCI and CABG in rates of death or heart attack, an excess of stroke in the CABG treated patients, and a greater need for repeat PCI procedures in the stent treated patients. These are better outcomes for PCI than have been seen in prior trials in less complex patients.

"At NorthShore, we experienced stunning outcomes in patients whose only option would have previously been bypass surgery," said Ted Feldman, M.D, F.S.C.A.I., Director of Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory, NorthShore University HealthSystem, and a lead investigator of the trial. "The data in this study will provide cardiologists with additional information as they determine treatment therapy for patients with complex CAD."

The trial is the first randomized, controlled clinical trial to compare these two treatments in patients with left main disease and/or three-vessel disease, who are typically treated with CABG and represent a population with far more complex anatomy and advanced disease than those studied in prior drug-eluting stent (DES) clinical trials.

There were 1,800 patients enrolled in the randomized arm of the trial. All patients were assessed by a multidisciplinary team including an interventional cardiologist and a cardiac surgeon. If both the cardiologist and surgeon felt that they could offer equivalent complete revascularization, patients were randomized 1:1 into one of the two treatment strategies. If either the cardiologist or surgeon felt that one or the other revascularization technique was the preferred option, due to technical considerations or co-morbidity, for example, then patients were recruited into one of two parallel, nested registries for PCI or CABG. Thus, patients in the PCI registry had been rejected for cardiac surgery.

About NorthShore University HealthSystem

Headquartered in Evanston, Ill., NorthShore University HealthSystem (NorthShore) is a comprehensive, fully integrated, healthcare delivery system that serves the greater North Shore and northern Illinois communities. The system includes three Hospitals--Evanston Hospital, Glenbrook Hospital and Highland Park Hospital--and a fourth, Skokie-based Rush North Shore Hospital, to be added in January 2009. In addition, the healthsystem has more than 2,000 affiliated physicians, including a 550-physician, multispecialty physician group practice with over 70 office locations-- NorthShore University HealthSystem Medical Group. Further, NorthShore is committed to excellence in its academic mission and supports teaching and research as the principal teaching affiliate of the University of Chicago's Pritzker School of Medicine. The NorthShore University HealthSystem Research Institute, with more than $100 million of grants, focuses on clinical and translational research, including leadership in outcomes research and clinical trials.

NorthShore has annual revenues of $1.5 billion and a staff of more than 8,000. The healthsystem has significant capabilities in a wide spectrum of clinical programs, including cancer, heart, orthopaedics, high-risk maternity and pediatrics. NorthShore is a national leader in the implementation of innovative technologies, including electronic medical records, (EMR ). In 2003, the healthsystem was among the first in the country to successfully launch a systemwide EMR with demonstrable benefits in quality, safety, efficiency and service to patients. NorthShore has been recognized by multiple national organizations for this notable achievement. Visit http://www.northshore.org/

CONTACT: Amy Ferguson

Senior Director, Public Relations

NorthShore University HealthSystem

(847) 570-3146

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Contact Information Amy Ferguson

Northshore University HealthSystem

http://www.northshore.org/

847-570-3146