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Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category

StayWell, HealthMedia Form Alliance To Bring Personalized Offering to Market

• Posted August 22nd 2008
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• by Marji

StayWell Custom Communications (SCC) has formed a strategic alliance with HealthMedia Inc. that will bring together SCC’s custom health information and engagement solutions with HealthMedia’s online behavior change programs to yield a more robust information source for SCC clients. (StayWell is a division of MediMedia USA).

 

HealthMedia’s online intervention programs for health and wellness, disease management, behavioral health and medication adherence will become part of SCC’s private health portal suite. The new StayWell Custom Health Portal is a personalized tool for health payers who seek to improve the health and wellness of their members. The personalization is extended to each individual user of the portal as well as each client organization.

 

SCC expects this partnership with HealthMedia to help its clients offer a robust and personal experience. HealthMedia’s online intervention programs are designed to yield measurable behavior change and ROI. The online interventions include a Health Risk Assessment (HRA) that gathers information about a member that can be used to create a customized health management program. They include programs designed to address areas such as nutrition, weight management, chronic illness, depression, insomnia, binge eating, stress management, diabetes, back care, smoking cessation and chronic pain.

 

This is yet another example of the possibilities out there around offering more than just traditional and basic health information online. Oftentimes, when healthcare information providers decide to target a niche and become a more personalized and specialized site, they focus on all of the needs around one particular disease or ailment.

 

In this case, SCC is focusing on a wide range of healthcare issues–which will naturally yield a larger pool of interested consumers. And the personalization is a bit deeper too, as it goes beyond just content. Through their health providers, consumers will have access to both content and services that will be designed to meet their specific requirements. There should be a lot of winners as a result of this alliance. While SCC is likely to garner more interest from its clients, those clients will be able to use the new portal as a tool to help them build stronger relationships with their end clients (the consumers).

 

Thomson Reuters Launches Niche Database for Pharma Industry

• Posted August 21st 2008
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• by Marji

Thomson Reuters has launched BIOMARKERcenter, a biomarker intelligence resource for the pharmaceutical industry. It will enable users to assess the potential of biomarkers, which are measurable indicators that can be used to define a biological state.

 

BIOMARKERcenter covers the biomarkers identified in literature, patents, conferences, clinical trial information and other sources for all major therapeutic areas, such as oncology, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, respiratory disorders, autoimmune diseases and neurological disorders. Each therapy are includes biomarkers with established clinical usage as well as emerging uses for biomarkers.

 

Each record is created by Thomson Reuters experts and it provides a unique report on the biomarker using a lifecycle model. Other data that users will be able to access includes the name, classification, biological entities/processes involved, associated drugs, role or utilities, measurement techniques, regulatory status and related diagnostic kits.

 

Thomson Reuters is making access to BIOMARKERcenter very easy for users through a variety of delivery methods: a standalone web solution, fully integrated into Prous Science’s Integrity platform, or as an XML feed to internal customer databases.

 

This is a very innovative idea for a couple of reasons. First of all, it addresses a niche that most likely hasn’t previously received a lot of attention from healthcare information providers. Instead of focusing on a broad pharmaceutical issue, Thomson Reuters has targeted a very specialized area that will attract a small, but loyal, audience.

 

Also, the database contains information that can strongly impact pharmaceutical companies’ bottom lines and provide them with a competitive advantage in the marketplace. This is very powerful content, and it should attract many new customers over time. Another strong selling point is the varied delivery methods in which users can access the database. This should, without question, assist in the rapid adoption of this new product offering.

 

SDI Launches Asthma Information Site

• Posted August 19th 2008
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• by Marji

Healthcare analytics company SDI has launched Azma.com, an asthma information site geared toward consumers. Azma.com includes four-day forecasts for all U.S. ZIP codes, disease-specific educational information, opt-in email alerts and an air quality index.

 

The site is essentially being modeled after other consumer health alert websites that SDI also operates. One such site is Pollen.com, which focuses on allergies. In fact, users of Pollen.com request an asthma-specific site, which led the SDI folks to launch Azma.com.

 

While Azma.com provides access to current asthma and allergy information, it also offers two years of archived allergy news. Azma.com is also available through a network of affiliated health- and weather-related national websites.

 

The main goal of the site is to enable consumers to better manage their conditions. With the features that SDI has included in the site, they should be able to do just that.

 

SDI’s idea to launch these disease-specific sites is a good one. The web is already cluttered with general information sites; and people seem to prefer one site that can provide them will all of the content and services they need to deal with a particular medical issue. By continually launching disease-specific site, SDI could truly separate itself from the competition and become a powerful resource for individuals suffering from a wide range of ailments.

 

LLR Partners Helps Finance SDI-Verispan Deal

• Posted August 7th 2008
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• by Marji

Recently we reported on healthcare analytics company Surveillance Data’s (SDI) recent acquisition of Verispan, a healthcare information and services company. The deal creates a company that will offer a database that serves the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, medical/surgical, hospital, pharmacy, financial, payer, consumer packaged goods and government healthcare market segments.

 

We mentioned how the database effective combines the market strengths of both SDI and Verispan. It utilizes SDI’s custom patient-level data analytics along with Verispan’s syndicated patient-level data and audit-based analytic solutions; healthcare lists and profiles; and marketing services.

 

Customers will undoubtedly benefit from the analytics giant that this acquisition creates, and now SDI and Verispan are positioned for very healthy, future growth. Another piece that should help yield that growth is the financial support SDI just received from LLR Partners to help finance the acquisition. This marks the first investment made by LLR Equity Partners III, the firm’s recently launched $800 million fund. LLR is certainly no stranger to this market, providing capital to companies in industries such as healthcare, financial and business services, information technology, and education. As a result of LLR’s involvement should make for a very smooth integration in the short term and solid growth in the long term.

 

Epocrates Enhances Site with Disease-Related Information

• Posted August 7th 2008
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• by Marji

Epocrates, which operates an online drug reference database, has expanded its offerings to include disease diagnosis and treatment information for physicians. Access to the new information is free.

 

Epocrates created Epocrates Online through a partnership with BMJ Group, the London-based publisher of the British Medical Journal. Epocrates Online features peer-reviewed content, which is prepared by physicians under the guidance of BMJ Group. The content is integrated with Epocrates’ drug database.

 

The new disease-specific information includes an overview of the condition and risk factors, treatment options, suggestions of tests to order and national medical society guidelines.

 

Epocrates is following a similar revenue model with the new content that is has with its previous offerings. Physicians can pay an annual fee for a subscription to a premium version of the product. The subscription also gives physicians access to additional clinical content and decision support.

 

While the drug reference database is certainly a valuable tool, adding this new disease information should serve to make Epocrates an even more valuable resource for physicians. Now, physicians have another reason to visit as Epocrates offers another tool that will aid these physicians in the treatment of their patients. If the goal of Epocrates is to become that “one-stop-shop” for physicians, it’s on the right track. Since the online healthcare information market is so competitive, companies need to do all they can to give visitors ample reasons to visit their sites. That seems to be exactly what Epocrates is doing here. It will be interesting to see what the company launches next, and when.

 

RemakeHealth Launches Radiology Site

• Posted August 6th 2008
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• by Marji

RemakeHealth Inc. has launched a website that is designed to offer consumer a complete resource for radiology services. The site (www.remakehealth.com) will enable visitors to find local imaging centers, request appointments for radiology tests and investigate medical imaging pricing.

 

The site also includes 200 different radiology tests, such as MRIs, CT Scans and X-rays. In addition to directing consumers to local centers, the site can also display facilities that accept their insurance and performed their desired tests. Some centers provide information related to cash prices for users who are not using insurance.

 

Each center’s profile contains information such as office hours, location, imaging tests and certification. RemakeHealth has partnered with imaging centers in the San Francisco Bay area, Orlando/Central Florida, Las Vegas and Phoenix.

 

The online healthcare information market is most definitely a competitive, and at times, cluttered space. Providers are constantly trying to figure out how to separate themselves from the competition. It looks like RemakeHealth may have just done that, and created a niche for itself with this launch.

 

Using online directories to find doctors, and even hospitals, is nothing new. But a site devoted to radiology could be a new invention. It could also be a true winner. As consumers continue to take more active roles in their healthcare, it seems logical that they will want to use a resource that will educate them on radiology providers as well.

 

Perhaps one challenge will be brand recognition and actually getting consumers to visit the site. But with partnerships already formed with a variety of imaging centers, RemakeHealth could be well on its way. 

 

Decision Resources Acquires Manhattan Research

• Posted July 31st 2008
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• by Marji

Decision Resources Inc., a research and advisory firm that focuses on healthcare insights and analysis, has acquired Manhattan Research, a provider of access to physician and consumer opinions on the global healthcare market. The deal represents an expansion of Decision Resources’ market research and data business, as well as gives the company an increased presence in the consumer market research space.

 

One of Manhattan Research’s strong points is its solid focus on physician and consumer use of information technology, such as social networking, blogs, podcasts and Web 2.0.

 

By sub-segmenting their research populations into therapeutic and specialist groups and by showing the utilization and motivation behind usage behaviors, Manhattan Research will expand Decision Resources to include consumer and physician-related market research that is needed by the brand managers at biopharmaceutical companies.

 

Overall, this acquisition is a very smart move by Decision Resources; one that was needed for the company to bolster its profile in the healthcare and research markets. Combined, Decision Resources and Manhattan Research will be able to offer clients a very powerful look at the link between healthcare information and digital media. The goal is to provide clients with a better understanding of how to reach their target audience and create messages that are in line with current industry trends. If they can accomplish this, they will build a very strong and loyal customer base. The need for such data, especially in the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries, is certainly not about to wane. If anything, it will continue to grow; and Decision Resources–and Manhattan Research–will be well positioned for that future growth.

 

SDI Acquires Verispan

• Posted July 30th 2008
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• by Marji

Healthcare analytics company SDI announced yesterday that it has acquired Verispan, a healthcare information and services provider. The newly-combined companies will create a de-identified longitudinal database that serves the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, medical/surgical, hospital, pharmacy, financial, payer, consumer packaged goods and government healthcare market segments.

 

The new database reflects the strong offerings that both SDI and Verispan bring to the table: SDI’s custom patient-level data analytics and Verispan’s syndicated patient-level data and audit-based analytic solutions; healthcare lists and profiles; and marketing services.

 

The companies anticipate that the acquisition will help them build their current customer base as well as increase their overall presence in the marketplace. Among the capabilities and expertise SDI and Verispan expect customers will be able to utilize are: tracking of pharmaceutical and device utilization, targeting and compensation products, marketing effectiveness studies, market research audits, healthcare profiles, comprehensive managed care offerings, data integration services, data warehousing and mining, healthcare lists and profile services, clinical data collection programs, clinical trial investigator targeting and protocol evaluation, patient therapy-management pharmacy programs, and marketing services programs.

 

This is a very key acquisition that creates quite the analytics powerhouse. Alone, SDI and Verispan had impressive offerings. But together, they will combine to offer a slate of services that will be tough to beat.

 

Customers of both companies will most definitely benefit from this solid pooling of resources. The healthcare industry has a very healthy appetite for analytics and SDI and Verispan will more than satisfy that need. Current customers will yield immediate benefits, while prospective customers will undoubtedly be more interested than ever in SDI/Verispan’s collaborative effort.

 

Nielsen, Wolters Kluwer Health Form Alliance

• Posted July 24th 2008
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• by Marji

Wolters Kluwer Health and The Nielsen Company yesterday announced the launch of the Healthcare Consumer Informatics Alliance, which will provide healthcare-related manufacturers and media companies with a better understanding of consumer behaviors and attitudes to help improve the effectiveness and efficiency of their product messages, sales and media planning.

 

More specifically, the Healthcare Consumer Informatics Alliance has developed data solutions to give marketers and media agencies insights into consumer behavior related to purchases of prescription, over-the-counter and other health-related products.

 

The initiative’s first platform, HealthScape, combines de-identified patient prescription-related transactional data with consumer purchasing, attitudinal and behavior information to provide insights into therapeutic market activity, patient trends, consumer segmentation and targeting opportunities.

 

The platform combines Nielsen’s expertise in consumer health and media and Wolters Kluwer Health’s expertise in prescribed pharmaceuticals. To do this, Healthscape integrates Nielsen’s consumer OTC and CPG purchasing and behavioral data from Homescan and Scantrack with Wolters Kluwer Health’s anonymous patient longitudinal and transactional data from Source Lx and Pharmaceutical Audit Suite (PHAST).

 

Overall, the alliance’s products will link health-related purchases to influencers such as managed care, TV and Internet advertising, in-store merchandizing and physician recommendations. This will provide insights into why consumers purchase particular products and give marketers and media agencies metrics they can use to improve the effectiveness of their strategies.

 

This collaboration between Nielsen and Wolters Kluwer Health has all of the ingredients to be a very successful endeavor. As we’ve discussed before, marketers are always seeking ways in which to get the most accurate insights about their target audience. But gaining this information from an audience of anonymous consumers is an incredible challenge. Perhaps with the confidential nature of the pharmaceutical business, this is an even greater challenge for marketers in this space.

 

This new solution will undoubtedly be a welcome addition to the pharmaceutical marketing space. Of course, it will have to prove its true value first. But that shouldn’t be a problem with the knowledge and expertise of market leaders such as Nielsen and Wolters Kluwer Health behind it. Both companies’ expertise seems to fit nicely together and have created a solution that should serve its customer base well.

 

Healthcare.com, BVK Direct Form Local Online Advertising Partnership

• Posted July 23rd 2008
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• by Marji

HealthCare.com, a player in the local healthcare provider search arena, has formed a partnership with BVK Direct, a privately-held Yellow Pages agency, to offer Healthcare.com’s local online advertising solutions to BVK Direct’s healthcare clients.

 

BVK Direct will incorporate Healthcare.com’s online healthcare directory listings to its advertising offerings. As a result, BVK Direct’s clients will be able to increase their online visibility through their inclusion in the Healthcare.com Care Provider Search.

 

Healthcare.com Care Provider Search is a local directory that helps users locate healthcare and wellness providers in categories such as physicians, hospitals and pharmacies. The directory contains more than 1.3 million providers and it is accessible on various health sites, including EverydayHealth.com, drugstore.com, MedHelp.com and RealMentalHealth.com, as well as on Healthcare.com.

 

As the Internet continues to develop into a viable advertising medium, organizations will just as rapidly seek ways in which make the most of online advertising. This alliance makes perfect sense for BVK Direct since it will provide its clients with yet another way in which to engage the end consumer and build their online presence in the process. By aligning with Healthcare.com, BVK Direct will be able to easily broaden the reach of its clients’ listings and make these clients more accessible to consumers who seek their services. These BVK Direct clients should benefit very quickly from this added exposure that Healthcare.com will provide.