Date: Fri, 21 Nov 1997 02:41:32 GMT Server: Apache-SSL-US/1.0.3+1.1 Content-type: text/html Informedics Company Profile

Company Profile


Company History

Informedics, Inc. has been at the forefront of health care information management since 1979 when it began pioneering work in health care software as Western Star Inc. In 1983 the company first offered its Lifeline system, which today is the most widely accepted blood bank data management system available. Over 250 systems have been sold worldwide with installations in Canada, Saudi Arabia, West Indies, England, Ireland, Kuwait, Guam and the United States.

Lifeline has established a solid foundation in hospitals as a leading blood bank data management system.

The company recognizes that managed care and managed competition have positioned the primary care and specialty physician's office as the focal point in the delivery of health care services. The need for these physicians to have accurate and timely information will be critical in providing cost-effective quality care.

In 1993, in recognition of this need, and to further solidify its position in the health care information arena, the company (then called Western Star) acquired Informedics, Inc. Around this time, Informedics was contacted by the Oregon Medical Association (OMA) and asked to develop the software and interface for a state-wide information network. The Oregon Medical Electronic Network (OMEN) enables medical offices to easily submit electronic claims; check patient coverage for eligibility, co-pays, and treatment authorizations; refer patients; send electronic mail; check health plan panels; and access OMA publications.

The software and interfaces developed for OMEN are being marketed as IntraMed.net, a comprehensive information management network for healthcare professionals, hospitals, laboratories, insurance companies and allied industries.

The Marketplace


By virtue of the addition of new products and related services, the market for the company's information systems is expanding rapidly. The primary market for the LifeLine system is hospitals and community donor centers. There are more than 5,000 hospitals in the US and 200 community blood donor centers. The market outside the US is estimated to be as large as in this country.

As managed care and managed competition become increasingly important, medical clinics and sole practitioners will need access to patient eligibility (provided electronically through IntraMed.net), medical records, billing and insurance information. The company's IntraMed.net system will allow Informedics to penetrate the vast market of managed care in this country and around the world.

Conclusion


With the addition of new laboratory management systems, and the increased focus on managed care and its networking needs, the company will address new markets and grow in the broader health care information management market. Informedics Inc. expects continued growth from its existing direct and reseller sales efforts as well as overall increases in revenue and earnings from the IntraMed.net product line. The company believes that the managed care approach to health care delivery will change the information processing needs of the physicians' practice. Management is continuing to seek opportunities in other closely related health care markets that will benefit from the company's knowledge and experience as it seeks to further expand and solidify its market position.


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