BioMedix Vascular Solutions, Inc. Partners With Howard University Hospital to Help Uninsured While Showcasing High-Quality, Cost-effective Care Model

ST. PAUL, Minn., Feb. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- BioMedix Vascular Solutions, Inc. announced today that the company has partnered with Howard University Hospital, Department of Surgery to participate in a Community Health Project and Demonstration focused on diagnosing and treating the potentially life-threatening condition called Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD).  

(Photo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100223/NY59572 )

There was a two-part goal to the project: reach patients in need of care for PAD and lay out a high-quality, cost-effective plan for evaluating a range of diseases utilizing a telemedicine approach.  

More than 150 clients, mostly uninsured, were tested utilizing the PADnet non invasive vascular testing device and supported by a collaborative care model. The project laid out a plan for electronically comparing outcomes while immediately diagnosing patients, and aimed at better treating patients by connecting  them to specialists more quickly and improve treatment protocols in a more cost effective way.  All tests were read by Howard University physicians from the Department of Surgery and all patients received a one on one consult with a surgeon.

Gwen Tillman, executive director, PAD Coalition at Vascular Disease Foundation was in attendance to help reinforce the need for rapid diagnosis and treatment of PAD and observe the process.

About PAD

Significantly under diagnosed but common, PAD (Peripheral Arterial Disease), sometimes known as peripheral vascular disease or PVD, may be life-threatening if undiagnosed and impacts approximately 5.25% of Americans. People with PAD have a six to seven times greater risk of suffering coronary artery disease, heart attack and strokes than the risk for people who don't have PAD, according to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute.  Arteries can slowly become narrowed or blocked as a consequence of age, smoking, high blood cholesterol or diabetes, and less blood reaching the muscles in the legs can make them hurt and increase the risk of clots. PAD can usually be effectively treated by a healthier lifestyle, daily exercise and medications to decrease leg pains and improve one's chance of avoiding heart attack or stroke.

For more information about PAD contact 866.PAD.INFO (866.723.4636) or visit www.vdf.org.

About Howard University Hospital

A private, nonprofit institution, Howard University Hospital, one of America's best hospitals, has rich tradition of leadership and service dating back to 1862. Providing the finest primary, secondary and tertiary health care services, Howard University Hospital, a Level 1 Trauma Center, has become one of the most comprehensive health care facilities in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area and has been noted for its quality by the U.S. Health and Human Services Department. It is the nation's only teaching hospital located on the campus of a historically Black university, offering medical students opportunities to observe or participate in ground-breaking clinical and research work with professionals who are changing the face of health care.

About BioMedix

BioMedix Vascular Solutions, Inc. provides an integrated suite of hardware, software and online services designed to cost-effectively detect Peripheral Arterial Disease (P.A.D.) and Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI). Vascular specialists, primary care providers, hospitals and health systems use our products to identify these patients. Our devices and software reduce mistakes, provide data for sound analysis, build practice revenue and streamline reimbursement while providing a platform that supports the continuum of care and increased quality outcomes. For more information, call 877-854-0014 or log on to www.BioMedix.com.

SOURCE BioMedix Vascular Solutions, Inc.