GCI ConnectMD and Inland Northwest Health Services Partner to Provide Higher Quality Health Care
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 22, 2008
ANCHORAGE, AK – The two largest medical networks in the Pacific Northwest, GCI (NASDAQ: GNCMA) ConnectMD and Inland Northwest Health Services (INHS), today announced a peering network agreement that provides the region with one of the most collaborative health care environments in the country.
The partnership demonstrates the integrated health care environment in the Pacific Northwest and significantly expands the reach and services available to member health care facilities and patients. Customers of both GCI ConnectMD and INHS can now access additional services and resources through a network cross-connection, including patient consults, continuing education programs and staff training. It enables both organizations to reach greater patient populations.
"Communication between patients and doctors is made much easier," said Steve Constantine, director of GCI Medical & Video Services. "It contributes to the overall quality of health care delivered throughout the region."
"INHS is providing much needed services in rural communities through the Northwest TeleHealth network," said Nancy Vorhees, chief operating officer of INHS which operates Northwest TeleHealth. "This collaboration strengthens the relationship and communication between health providers and improves patient care."
The peering agreement between GCI ConnectMD and INHS is expected to be implemented in October.
About GCI and GCI ConnectMD
As a publicly traded company with more than 25 years of experience and nearly $500 million in revenue, GCI is the largest Alaska-based and -operated integrated telecommunications provider. A pioneer in bundled services, GCI provides local, wireless and long-distance telephone, cable television, Internet and data communication services. Please visit www.gci.com for more information.
The largest medical network in the Pacific Northwest, GCI ConnectMD is comprised of more than 140 clinics, hospitals, and medical facilities across Washington and Alaska. The ConnectMD network supports medical business operations and the secure exchange of medical data. Please visit www.connectmd.com for more information.
About INHS
Inland Northwest Health Services (INHS), a non-profit corporation based in Spokane, Washington, provides the backbone for current and future innovative technologies in health information exchange. INHS connects 38 hospitals in Washington, Idaho and California which allows physicians and health care staff to securely access patient information utilizing wired and wireless technology. The INHS health information technology network includes more than 4,000 physicians, 450 clinics and physician offices and 2.8 million electronic medical records.
Northwest TeleHealth, a service of INHS, connects rural and urban hospitals, physician offices, mental health clinics and correctional facilities with more than 100 telemedicine locations across the northwest region. For more information, visit www.nwtelehealth.org or www.inhs.org.
