Press Release

Wall Township, N.J., September 23, 2004 - Asthma is this country's most common and costly illness, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Each year, the disease results in nearly a half million hospitalizations, 1.8 million emergency room visits and 10 million doctor office visits. The only chronic disease besides AIDS and tuberculosis with an increasing death rate, asthma claims the lives of 14 Americans each day. In 1998, asthma-related healthcare costs were estimated at $11.3 billion.

Certain factors indicate that many asthma-related deaths and hospitalizations are preventable when asthma is properly managed. Simply educating patients to recognize the environmental factors that trigger an asthma attack could eliminate the cost of several doctors' visits. Asthma Disease Management: Strategies, Trends and ROI, an October 27th audio conference, will cover in detail the essential elements of an asthma disease management program. The audio conference is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Eastern time.

To learn more, please visit the HIN bookstore.

During this 90-minute audio conference, our speakers will provide an in-depth look at the asthma disease management programs within their organization and the impact these programs have had on their bottom line. Our expert panel includes: Erika Jones, Asthma Disease Manager, Children's Mercy Hospital and James Woodburn, MD, MS, Corporate Medical Director, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota.

You'll get details on:

• key features of an asthma disease management program;
• expected ROI for asthma programs;
• patient compliance;
• getting physician buy-in and participation;
• state-of-the-art therapies; and
• the role of technology in asthma disease management.

This audio conference is aimed at CEOs, medical directors, disease management directors, managers and coordinators, health plan executives, care management nurses, business development and strategic planning.

The audio conference will include a live question-and-answer period, which allows participants to tap the presenters' expertise and ensures that all aspects of the subject are addressed. A recorded version of the audio conference will also be available on CD-ROM.

For more information on the conference, please email info@hin.com call toll-free (888) 446-3530 or visit HIN online.

About the Healthcare Intelligence Network -- The Healthcare Intelligence Network provides the most comprehensive source of news and analysis for healthcare professionals. For more information, contact the Healthcare Intelligence Network, PO Box 1442, Wall Township, NJ 07719-1442, (888) 446-3530, fax (732) 292-3073, e-mail info@hin.com, or visit www.hin.com.

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