Eshoo and Upton Introduce Bill to Provide Relief for Millions with Arthritis

Eshoo and Upton Introduce Bill to Provide Relief for Millions with Arthritis

A new bill introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives today will strengthen efforts to prevent, control and cure arthritis - the nation's most common cause of disability. The bi-partisan legislation introduced by U.S. Reps. Anna Eshoo (D-Calif.) and Fred Upton (R-Mich.), will address a disease that impacts more than 46 million adults and nearly 300,000 children.

Atlanta, GA (PRWEB) February 26, 2009 -- A new bill introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives today will strengthen efforts to prevent, control and cure arthritis - the nation's most common cause of disability. The bi-partisan legislation introduced by U.S. Reps. Anna Eshoo (D-Calif.) and Fred Upton (R-Mich.), will address a disease that impacts more than 46 million adults and nearly 300,000 children.

"As the leading cause of disability in the United States, we must do more to help treat, cure, and ultimately prevent this disease that affects one in five American adults. This legislation will encourage doctors to pursue pediatric rheumatology to help the thousands of children who suffer from juvenile arthritis and have no access to the right care," says Rep. Eshoo.

The American College of Rheumatology and the Arthritis Foundation applaud the efforts of Eshoo and Upton for introducing the Arthritis Prevention, Control and Cure Act and urge Congress to take swift action.

"Arthritis and rheumatic diseases will likely touch every American in some stage of their lives - either as patients or caregivers. This is a serious issue and should be treated as seriously as we treat other diseases. We must require our lawmakers to take action and send a message to the 46 million that they have not been forgotten in health care," explains Sherine Gabriel, MD, president of the American College of Rheumatology.

According to the Arthritis Foundation, the personal and financial burden of arthritis on our society is enormous and action must be taken now. Currently, arthritis disables 19 million Americans and takes a $128 billion toll annually on the U.S. economy in direct and indirect medical costs.

"Even as the number of people with arthritis rises, federal funding for arthritis research has declined in today's dollar, and intervention programs that could limit the impact are being underutilized," says John H. Klippel, MD, president and CEO of the Arthritis Foundation.

The Arthritis Prevention, Control and Cure Act would enhance rheumatic disease research and expand efforts to prevent, treat and care for people with arthritis and related rheumatic diseases by:

• Enhancing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's public health activities related to arthritis

• Expanding and strengthening National Institutes of Health programs relating to juvenile arthritis

• Establishing a juvenile arthritis population database

• Enhancing support for training programs

• Establishing a loan repayment program for pediatric rheumatologists to address the country's severe shortage of these critical health care providers

"This important legislation takes the offensive in our effort to provide relief to the 46 million children and adults who suffer from arthritis each day," says Representative Upton. "We cannot be complacent - few realize arthritis is the most common cause of disability in the United States, inflicting severe, debilitating pain for one out of every five adults. We are long overdue in finding a cure for arthritis, and this measure will boost efforts needed to conquer this disease."

The American College of Rheumatology and the Arthritis Foundation urge Americans, both young and old, to show support for this bill by contacting their members of Congress. Call the AMA Grassroots Hotline at (800) 833-6354 or visit www.arthritis.org/advocacy.php

About the American College of Rheumatology

The American College of Rheumatology is an organization of and for physicians, health professionals, and scientists that advances rheumatology through programs of education, research, advocacy and practice support that foster excellence in the care of people with arthritis and rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases. It represents more than 8,000 members worldwide who maintain a strong commitment to research and education, advancing the understanding of rheumatic diseases, and discovering new therapies to treat these diseases.

About the Arthritis Foundation

The Arthritis Foundation is the leading health organization addressing the needs of some 46 million Americans living with arthritis, the nation's most common cause of disability. Founded in 1948, with headquarters in Atlanta, the Arthritis Foundation has multiple services points located throughout the country.

The Arthritis Foundation is the largest private, not-for-profit contributor to arthritis research in the world, funding more than $400 million in research grants since 1948. The foundation helps individuals take control of arthritis by providing public health education; pursuing public policy and legislation; and conducting evidence-based programs to improve the quality of life for those living with arthritis.

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Contact Information Carol Galbreath

Arthritis Foundation

http://www.arthritis.org/advocacy.php

404-965-7595

Preparing for the Next Disaster: Dialysis Community Briefs Hill About Emergency Response

Preparing for the Next Disaster: Dialysis Community Briefs Hill About Emergency Response

"Dialysis patients represent one of the most at risk segments of the population during a natural disaster," said Bill Numbers, Vice President of Operations Support and Incident Commander for Disaster Planning and Response at Fresenius Medical Care North America (FMCNA).

Washington, D.C. (PRWEB) February 26, 2009 -- "Dialysis patients represent one of the most at risk segments of the population during a natural disaster," said Bill Numbers, Vice President of Operations Support and Incident Commander for Disaster Planning and Response at Fresenius Medical Care North America (FMCNA). Numbers was in Washington to speak with an audience of congressional staffers focused on safeguarding the lives of dialysis patients in a natural disaster. The event, said Numbers, should remind everyone that "we always need to be ready and we must constantly work to be better prepared."

The briefing organized by the Kidney Community Emergency Response Coalition (www.KCERcoalition.com) and Fresenius Medical Care (www.ultracare-dialysis.com) looked at the problem of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) as well as ongoing emergency response and recovery efforts. With CKD rates skyrocketing, Chief Medical Officer and Senior Executive VP for FMCNA, Dr. Michael Lazarus explained that educating the public, policy-makers, and emergency response teams is more important than ever. Looking at data for the period between 1997 and 2006, Lazarus pointed to across-the-board increases in CKD rates:

•    106% for Hispanic Americans.

•    98% for Asian Americans.

•    55% for Native Americans.

•    49% for African Americans.

•    42% for Caucasians.

Since Kidney patients typically need four hours of dialysis three days each week in order to eliminate waste, toxins and extra fluids from their system, these increases also underscore the need for emergency planning. Any interruption caused by storms, floods, fires, earthquakes and other natural disasters that might affect electrical power, water lines or make routine travel impractical is life-threatening.

Thinking ahead is even more important than ever. "We're lucky that the dialysis community and emergency responders are working together to prevent the loss of lives," said Bill Numbers. "We simply need to ensure that we are doing everything we can, including educating the public."

Since March is National Kidney Month, briefing organizers hope to focus attention on the impact of natural disasters on dialysis patients. They also want the public to know what is already being done. Kelly Mayo, Project Director, Kidney Community Emergency Response Coalition, spoke about her organization's work with dialysis providers around the country. And Numbers described the evolution of FMCNA's response and recovery efforts, beginning with the Northeast power outage in 2003 through Hurricane Ike and Gustav. In 2008, Numbers said over 100 clinics and 8000 patients were affected during the 3 hurricanes in August through September 2008. During that time, Fresenius provided care to more than 500 non-Fresenius patients and brought in 4 large generators and diesel fuel to supplement local alternative power in Houston and Beaumont communities.

Reflecting on the importance of response and recovery efforts by Fresenius, KCER, and others, Bill Numbers said:

"We are committed to doing this whenever we have to and at whatever the cost. When it comes to dialysis patients, they have no options in a disaster. It is a huge responsibility to safeguard the lives of these individuals and families. And we will continue to work with government and other health providers to prevent the loss of life."

Kidney Community Emergency Response Coalition (KCER) mission is to collaboratively develop, disseminate, implement and maintain a coordinated preparedness and response framework for the kidney community in the event of any type of emergency or disaster. The KCER Coalition membership is open to anyone. To join the Coalition, visit our website and download a contact card or e-mail kcer(at)network7(dot)esrd(dot)net. Emergency preparedness resources and information on the KCER's current activities can be found on their website, www.KCERcoalition.com.

Fresenius Medical Care (FMCNA) is the world's largest integrated provider of products and services for individuals undergoing dialysis because of chronic kidney failure, a condition that affects more than 1.6 million individuals worldwide. Through its network of 2,297 dialysis clinics in North America, Europe, Latin America, Asia-Pacific and Africa, Fresenius Medical Care provides dialysis treatment to 177,059 patients around the globe. Fresenius Medical Care is also the world's leading provider of dialysis products such as hemodialysis machines, dialyzers and related disposable products. Fresenius Medical Care is listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (FME, FME3) and the New York Stock Exchange (FMS, FMS/P). More information can be found at: www.ultracare-dialysis.com.

Contact:

David Shapinsky

202-302-4904

dshapinsky(at)obassociates(dot)net

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Contact Information David Shapinsky

http://www.ultracare-dialysis.com

202-302-4904

Radiotherapy Clinics of Georgia and News/Talk 750 WSB Extend Prostate Proactivity Campaign

Radiotherapy Clinics of Georgia and News/Talk 750 WSB Extend Prostate Proactivity Campaign

Radiotherapy Clinics of Georgia and News/Talk 750 WSB are teaming up to extend the Prostate Proactivity Campaign. The metro-Atlanta campaign has been extended to include a screening event Saturday, February 28, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Kroger located at 540 Lakeland Plaza in Cumming, GA.

Atlanta, GA (PRWEB) February 26, 2009 -- Metro Atlanta men will have an additional opportunity to receive a free and potentially life-saving prostate cancer screening through The Prostate Proactivity Campaign, an educational outreach effort of Radiotherapy Clinics of Georgia and News/Talk 750 WSB. The campaign has been extended to include a screening event Saturday, February 28, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Kroger located at 540 Lakeland Plaza in Cumming.

During the Prostate Proactivity screening, representatives from RCOG will be on hand to provide information about prostate health, prostate cancer treatment (http://www.prostrcision.com/) options and prostate cancer individual cure rates (http://www.prostrcision.com/qa/cure-rate.php). The Take Control of Your Prostate pamphlet will also be available.

According to the American Cancer Society, prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in American men, and one in six men will be diagnosed with the disease during his lifetime. However, with early detection and proper treatment the cure rate is nearly 100 percent.

"Prostate cancer can be cured if properly treated. And the earlier the diagnosis, the better the long-term chance of cure. This is why it is worth being knowledgeable about and tested regularly for this disease. Keep in mind that prostate cancer is typically slow growing, so men who are diagnosed have the time to learn about the treatment methods that lead to cure," said Dr. Frank Critz, medical director and director of prostate cancer research at RCOG.

Prostate cancer is detected through a simple blood test known as a PSA test (http://www.prostrcision.com/qa/about-prostate-cancer.php), which determines the level of prostate-specific antigen in the body. Men 50 years of age and older should be screened annually for prostate cancer. African American men and men with a family history of prostate cancer need to begin testing at 40 years of age because they are at a higher risk of developing prostate cancer.

"News/Talk 750 WSB has always been committed to providing strong community support," said Dan Kearney, vice president and general manager of News/Talk 750 WSB. "We are happy to bring another free prostate cancer screening to the Atlanta community to improve survival rates through early detection and awareness of treatment options."

The Third Annual Prostate Proactivity (http://wsbradio.com/prostate/) Campaign kicked off January 2009 on Martin Luther King Jr. Day with a prostate cancer screening at South Dekalb Mall in Decatur. Six additional screenings were held throughout the metro Atlanta area prior to the additional screening scheduled for Saturday, February 28.

If you have prostate cancer questions (http://www.prostrcision.com/qa/), or to learn more about prostate cancer surgery (http://www.rcog.com/) and Radiotherapy Clinics of Georgia, visit RCOG.com and ProstRcision.com or call 1-800-952-7687.

About Radiotherapy Clinics of Georgia:

Radiotherapy Clinics of Georgia is a Center of Excellence for prostate cancer treatment and research. Each year hundreds of men travel to receive prostate cancer treatment in Atlanta, Georgia (http://www.rcog.com/about/our-facilities.php) from RCOG. RCOG is one of the oldest prostate seed implant programs in the world. The first prostate implant for prostate cancer at RCOG was performed in 1977, and the first patient was treated with the combination therapy now called ProstRcision in 1979. Dr. Frank Critz, founder and medical director of RCOG, developed the ProstRcision procedure and has treated more than 8,000 patients with the disease in the past 25 years. RCOG is the only source for ProstRcision, in which two forms of radiation therapy are used to destroy the prostate gland. To date, nearly 12,000 men have received treatment with ProstRcision at RCOG's seven Metro Atlanta clinics. To learn more, please visit rcog.com.

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Contact Information Caitlin Mangum

Radiotherapy Clinics of Georgia

http://www.rcog.com/

404-835-4521

Keith Hanks

ProstRcision.com

http://www.prostrcision.com/

404-541-9780

Pharmacists Encourage Patients To Seek Their Guidance When Choosing OTC Medications

Pharmacists Encourage Patients To Seek Their Guidance When Choosing OTC Medications

Eighty-three percent of Patients Select OTC Products Recommended by Their Pharmacist

Washington, D.C. (Vocus) February 25, 2009 -- According to the most recent Pharmacy Today Over-the-Counter Product Survey conducted by the American Pharmacists Association (http://www.pharmacist.com/) (APhA), pharmacists believe that 83 percent of consumers purchase over-the-counter products that were recommended by their pharmacist. With more than 100,000 nonprescription medications on the market and more than 1,000 active ingredients, it's critical that patients consult their pharmacist to maximize the benefits from medications and minimize the potential for harmful drug interaction and/or side effects.

The survey, completed by nearly 1,000 APhA member and non-member pharmacists, also reveals that on average pharmacists counsel 31 patients per week about over the counter medications. Patients who seek their pharmacist's advice include patients suffering from an acute or chronic condition (92 percent), patients that are worried about using an OTC product with other prescription medications (84 percent), and patients worried about taking OTC products with a specific disease/condition (74 percent).

"Pharmacists are the only health professionals specifically trained in nonprescription medications," said John A. Gans, APhA's Chief Executive Officer. "Patients can take an active role in self care by reading medication labels, knowing the active ingredients in their medications, and asking their pharmacist questions."

One of APhA's goal in conducting the annual Pharmacy Today Over-the-Counter Product Survey is to educate consumers that pharmacists have the knowledge and training to help them select right OTC medications. As part of the survey, pharmacists are asked to tabulate the OTC products they recommend per week in 77 different product categories. The results of the survey are published as a supplement to the February issue of Pharmacy Today (http://www.pharmacytoday.org/index.htm). Click here to view the entire Pharmacy Today Over-the-Counter (http://www.pharmacytoday.org/index.htm) Supplement.

As the medication experts, pharmacists are trained in both prescription and over-the-counter medications and can provide patients with important information about how medications may interact with certain foods, other medicines or dietary supplements. Pharmacists are the most accessible health care providers and APhA encourages patients to actively seek their advice about the proper use of medications.

About the American Pharmacists Association (APhA)

The American Pharmacists Association (http://www.pharmacist.com/), founded in 1852 as the American Pharmaceutical Association, represents more than 62,000 practicing pharmacists, pharmaceutical scientists, student pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and others interested in advancing the profession. APhA, dedicated to helping all pharmacists improve medication use and advance patient care, is the first-established and largest association of pharmacists in the United States. APhA members provide care in all practice settings, including community pharmacies, health systems, long-term care facilities, managed care organizations, hospice settings, and the uniformed services.

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Contact Information Erin Wendel

American Pharmacists Association

http://www.pharmacist.com/

202.429.7558

Clinical Guidelines for Treating Chronic Pain Highlight Opioid Addiction Risk Assessment

Clinical Guidelines for Treating Chronic Pain Highlight Opioid Addiction Risk Assessment

Expert panel finds that SOAPP® is likely to be helpful for risk assessment and stratification

Newton, MA (PRWEB) February 25, 2009 -- Inflexxion, Inc., a company that creates scientifically validated and cost-effective solutions for critical areas of health care, is pleased to announce that its Screener and Opioid Assessment for Patients with Pain (SOAPP) has been identified by an expert panel as likely to be helpful for assessing the risk of opioid addiction in patients with chronic non-cancer pain.

SOAPP is a brief paper-and-pencil self report tool that allows clinicians to assess a patient's risk of addiction before initiating opioid therapy.

The multi-disciplinary panel of experts, convened by the American Pain Society and the American Academy of Pain Medicine, conducted a comprehensive review of the evidence to develop a set of authoritative clinical guidelines on the use of opioid medications to treat chronic non-cancer pain. The guidelines, published in the February 2009 issue of The Journal of Pain (Volume 10, Number 2), recommend that clinicians routinely conduct a complete benefit-to-harm evaluation before starting opioid therapy, and do periodic follow-up screenings of patients who may be at risk for abuse or addiction.

"Proper patient selection is critical and requires a comprehensive benefit-to-harm evaluation that weighs the potential positive effects of opioids on pain and function against potential risks," write the authors. "Thorough risk assessment and stratification is appropriate in every case."

According to the authors, screening tools that assess the potential risks associated with continuous opioid therapy (COT) based on patient characteristics are likely to be helpful for risk stratification. The authors identify SOAPP Version 1 and the revised version, SOAPP-R, as among the tools that appear to have "good content, face, and construct validity."

In addition to SOAPP, the guidelines highlight the utility of Inflexxion's Current Opioid Misuse Measure (COMM)®, a complementary tool for identifying whether a patient, throughout the course of long-term opioid therapy, may be exhibiting aberrant behaviors associated with abuse of opioid medications.

"We at Inflexxion are very pleased to see both SOAPP and COMM included in these recommendations," says Kevin L. Zacharoff, M.D., Director of Medical Affairs at Inflexxion. "These guidelines underscore the importance of risk assessment and reassessment in this patient population. The inclusion of the SOAPP and COMM in these recommendations helps to validate Inflexxion's mission, which is to help to reduce health-related risks, enhance clinical outcomes, and positively influence quality of care."

The SOAPP and COMM tools are available for download at no cost through Inflexxion's PainEDU website (www.PainEDU.org), along with a clinician tutorial that includes video case examples.

SOAPP was developed by Inflexxion with support from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and an unrestricted educational grant from Endo Pharmaceuticals.

About Inflexxion, Inc.

Founded in 1989, Inflexxion creates innovative behavioral health solutions for prevention, education, and disease management. Our clinically tested programs address substance abuse and addiction, chronic pain management, college health, and other health and wellness issues. Our pharmaceutical risk management division provides Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) assistance to companies that research, manufacture, and market opioid pain medications and other therapeutic agents with potential abuse problems. Key offerings include NAVIPPRO(TM), PainEDU.org, painACTION.com, and SOAPP®. Inflexxion is based in Newton, MA.

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Contact Information Lara Romanowski

Inflexxion

http://www.painedu.org

617-614-0406

Texas Oncology Encourages Texans To Kick Colorectal Cancer with Screenings

Texas Oncology Encourages Texans To Kick Colorectal Cancer with Screenings

Texas Oncology is inviting Texans to kick colorectal cancer by encouraging friends and loved ones to go for a routine colorectal cancer screening. Colorectal cancer is the second-leading cancer killer of men and women combined in the United States, and the disease is estimated to have claimed 9,570 Texans in 2008.

Paris, Texas (PRWEB) February 24, 2000- - Texas Oncology is inviting Texans to kick colorectal cancer (http://www.texasoncology.com/media-center/fact-sheets/colorectal-cancer/kick-colorectal-cancer.aspx) by encouraging friends and loved ones to go for a routine colorectal cancer screening. Colorectal cancer (http://www.texasoncology.com/media-center/fact-sheets/colorectal-cancer.aspx) is the second-leading cancer killer of men and women combined in the United States, and the disease is estimated to have claimed 9,570 Texans in 2008.

Colon and rectal cancers occur with equal frequency in both sexes. It is vital that both men and women age 50 and over and those with increased risk factors be screened regularly (http://www.texasoncology.com/media-center/fact-sheets/colorectal-cancer.aspx) for this deadly disease. Despite the high likelihood of detection with screening, it is projected that 40 percent of the over-50 population in the United States, more than 39 million people by 2010, will not be screened for colorectal cancer. If all people over age 50 were screened routinely, research shows at least half of colorectal cancer deaths could be prevented.

Colorectal cancer often lacks symptoms in its early stages, and because almost all colorectal cancer cases are diagnosed in patients ages 50 and up, regular screening helps lead to early detection, which increases the five-year survival rate from the disease to 90 percent.

"Regular colorectal cancer screenings save lives. Your doctor can recommend the best screening for you, but a colonoscopy is the most common," said Dr. Michael Kerley (http://www.texasoncology.com/providerresults.aspx?id=1410&terms=%40Locations_Location_8+274), medical and radiation oncologist at Texas Oncology-Paris. "Everyone over age 50 should make routine colorectal cancer screenings a priority to kick colorectal cancer before it strikes or catch it early when it's most treatable."

Risk Factors

Besides age and race, other risk factors for colorectal cancer include:

•Family History: People with a family history of colorectal cancer have a greater risk of being diagnosed with the disease.

•Diet: A lower chance of being diagnosed with colorectal cancer is a good reason to stay in shape. Overweight and obese people have a higher risk of developing the disease.

•Lynch Syndrome: This inherited condition affecting the body's genes increases the likelihood of a colorectal cancer diagnosis. In many cases, the positive diagnosis occurs before age 45. Texas Oncology has genetic testing available at some locations to determine if patients have the gene mutation associated with Lynch Syndrome.

•Other Health Problems: Diabetics and people who have a history of polyps and inflammatory bowel disease also have an increased risk for a positive diagnosis.

Screening Types

Screening tests for rectal and colon cancer are not as difficult as many people perceive them to be. In fact, most patients tolerate the screenings very well. Physicians can recommend several different screening tests for colorectal cancer. Among them, a Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) or Fecal Immunochemical Test checks for blood in the stool. Another option is a sigmoidoscopy. During this procedure, a physician uses a tube with a light connected to a tiny video camera to analyze the rectum and lower part of the colon.

The most common screening test is a colonoscopy, where the rectum and entire colon are examined through a scope to detect growths or polyps that could potentially pose a threat (see sidebar graphic for a description of a colonoscopy).

March is colorectal cancer awareness month. For more information on kicking colorectal cancer, visit TexasOncology.com (http://www.texasoncology.com).

About Texas Oncology

Texas Oncology delivers high-quality cancer care with leading-edge technology and advanced treatment and therapy options available to help patients achieve "More breakthroughs. More victories." in their fights against cancer, right in their own communities. Texas Oncology, a pioneer in community-based cancer care, is an independent oncology practice with sites of service throughout Texas and southeastern New Mexico.

Texas Oncology patients have the opportunity to take part in some of the most promising clinical trials in the nation for a broad range of cancers. In fact, Texas Oncology has played an integral role in gaining Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for 24 of the latest 30 cancer therapies.

Texas Onocology is affiliated with US Oncology, the nation's foremost cancer treatment and research network accelerating the availability and use of evidence-based medicine and shared best practices. With more than 1,250 physicians at 480 locations in 39 states, the US Oncology network provides Texas Oncology with access to the latest advancements in therapies, clinical research, and technology, as well as best-in-class clinical and operational processes that help to advance the quality, safety, and cost effectiveness of cancer care.

For more information, visit http://www.texasoncology.com or call 1-888-864-I CAN (4226).

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Contact Information Alison Zvolanek

214-665-1319

Bumrungrad International Hospital Won 1st Place as "Best Website for International Medical Travel"

Bumrungrad International Hospital Won 1st Place as "Best Website for International Medical Travel"

Bumrungrad International hospital - www.bumrungrad.com, won 1st Place as "Best Website for International Medical Travel" at the 2008 Consumer Health World Awards event in the US capitol. Bumrungrad.com is a hospital website serving international audiences, Thais, and expatriates. The Award organizers said the site "makes it easy for prospective patients to find the information they are interested in, provide an efficient way to make inquiries and request appointments, and provide information to help international medical travelers understand how to get care at Bumrungrad."

Bangkok, Thailand (PRWEB) February 24, 2009 -- Bumrungrad International (http://www.bumrungrad.com) won 1st Place as "Best Website for International Medical Travel" at the 2008 Consumer Health World Awards event in the US capitol.

Bumrungrad.com is a hospital website serving international audiences, Thais, and expatriates. The Award organizers said the site "makes it easy for prospective patients to find the information they are interested in, provide an efficient way to make inquiries and request appointments, and provide information to help international medical travelers understand how to get care at Bumrungrad."

JWT Connect, Bangkok, helped the hospital redesign its home page, focusing on audience segmentation and content architecture, earlier this year.

The award adds to a list of honors (http://www.bumrungrad.com/hospital-news.aspx) achieved by Bumrungrad in 2008, including "Thailand's Most Innovative Company" by Chulalongkorn University's School of Business; top medical tourism destination (Tourism Authority of Thailand); top Thai company for quality of products and services (Asian Wall Street Journal); and excellence in information technology (Assoc. of Medical Directors of Information Systems).

About Bumrungrad International

Bumrungrad International (http://www.bumrungrad.com), is Southeast Asia's premier private hospital and a regional referral center for advanced care, offering 554 beds, 30 specialty centers, 940 medical specialists and over 800 nurses. It is Asia's first JCI accredited hospital and serves more than one million patients yearly from 190 different countries.

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Contact Information Mr. Kaorop Wongprasert

Bumrungrad International Hospital

http://www.bumrungrad.com

+66-2-667-2212