Cuts to Medicare reimbursement of DXA undermine efforts to properly diagnose and treat osteoporosis and diminish quality of patient care
According to a paper published in the November issue of the Springer journal Osteoporosis International, Medicare reimbursement for dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) has been cut to levels substantially below the cost to perform the procedure. As a result, many physicians and clinics around the country are likely to discontinue this critical health service - greatly limiting the public's access to the test and jeopardizing those at risk for a fracture.
The reimbursement cuts run contrary to existing federal initiatives already in place to increase fracture prevention efforts and improve the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis.
The article shows that DXA is a key tool in identifying those at risk for osteoporosis and helping those with the disease monitor their bone health. It is a recognized tool for preventing and reducing costly fractures, which account for $18 billion in national healthcare costs and are projected to increase by 50 percent over the next two decades, reaching $25.3 billion in 2025.
The authors of the article, E.M. Lewiecki, S. Baim and E.S. Siris, stated their support for "…federal efforts to contain healthcare costs and eliminate unnecessary medical services." However, with the Medicare cuts in reimbursement, "fewer patients at high risk for fracture will be identified and fewer patients will be treated. As a result, there will be more osteoporotic fractures."
The article cites a recent study completed by The Lewin Group, which found that restoring DXA reimbursement to the 2006 levels would save the Medicare program $1.14 billion over five years due to the reduced number of osteoporotic fractures.
Osteoporosis now causes an estimated 2 million fractures each year and often results in immobility, pain, placement in a nursing home, isolation and other health problem conditions and circumstances that could largely be prevented through proper bone density testing and diagnosis.
Springer Science+Business Media
springer
вторник, 3 мая 2011 г.
понедельник, 2 мая 2011 г.
Dabigatran Etexilate As Effective As Enoxaparin In Lowering Blood Clot Risk After Hip Replacement
Dabigatran etexilate (DE) is as successful in lowering the risk of VTE (venous thromboembolism) following total hip replacement surgery as enoxaparin, according to a report in The Lancet, published this week.
Dr Bengt Eriksson, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden, and team carried out the RE-NOVATE study, a double blind study involving 3,494 patients who underwent total hip replacement. They received 28-35 days' treatment of either oral DE ) mg once a day, or DE 250 mg one a day, or a subcutaneous enoxaparin 40 mg injection once a day - all the patients were randomly selected to receive these treatments. The primary treatment outcome was judged by venographic or symptomatic blood clot and death from all causes during treatment.
The researchers reported the following outcomes:
-- For the 220mg DE patients: The outcome happened in 6% (53) patients out of a total of 880
-- For the 1150 mg DE patients: The outcome happened in 8.6% (75) patients out of a total of 874
-- For the enoxaparin patients: The outcome happened in 6.7% (60) patients out of a total of 897
The researchers did not observe any significant variations in major bleeding rates among the DE dose or enoxaparin patients. Neither were there any differences in either acute coronary events or rises in liver enzyme concentrations.
"Our results show that oral dabigatran etexilate, 220 mg or 150 mg once daily, given for a median of 33 days, was non-inferior to enoxaparin for reducing the risk of total venous thromboembolism and all-cause mortality after total hip replacement surgery. These findings, in conjunction with other results from the large, phase III development programmed in total hip and knee replacement surgery, will help define the optimum dosage regimen for dabigatran etexilate," the writers concluded.
An accompanying Comment explains that the study was faulty as some data was not there. Dr John Norrie, Centre for Healthcare Randomized Trials, University of Aberdeen, Scotland, UK says that there was no data in the VTE trials with venographically determined primary outcomes in approximately one third of the patients. He said that either the venography was not done or the results are illegible. "The bottom line is that the effect of these missing data is unknown."
Dr. Norrie concluded "Even in a mature research area such as treatments for venous thromboembolism, there is still important methodological work to be done to improve design and so ensure the highest quality of evidence to inform the management of these conditions."
thelancet
Written by:
Dr Bengt Eriksson, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden, and team carried out the RE-NOVATE study, a double blind study involving 3,494 patients who underwent total hip replacement. They received 28-35 days' treatment of either oral DE ) mg once a day, or DE 250 mg one a day, or a subcutaneous enoxaparin 40 mg injection once a day - all the patients were randomly selected to receive these treatments. The primary treatment outcome was judged by venographic or symptomatic blood clot and death from all causes during treatment.
The researchers reported the following outcomes:
-- For the 220mg DE patients: The outcome happened in 6% (53) patients out of a total of 880
-- For the 1150 mg DE patients: The outcome happened in 8.6% (75) patients out of a total of 874
-- For the enoxaparin patients: The outcome happened in 6.7% (60) patients out of a total of 897
The researchers did not observe any significant variations in major bleeding rates among the DE dose or enoxaparin patients. Neither were there any differences in either acute coronary events or rises in liver enzyme concentrations.
"Our results show that oral dabigatran etexilate, 220 mg or 150 mg once daily, given for a median of 33 days, was non-inferior to enoxaparin for reducing the risk of total venous thromboembolism and all-cause mortality after total hip replacement surgery. These findings, in conjunction with other results from the large, phase III development programmed in total hip and knee replacement surgery, will help define the optimum dosage regimen for dabigatran etexilate," the writers concluded.
An accompanying Comment explains that the study was faulty as some data was not there. Dr John Norrie, Centre for Healthcare Randomized Trials, University of Aberdeen, Scotland, UK says that there was no data in the VTE trials with venographically determined primary outcomes in approximately one third of the patients. He said that either the venography was not done or the results are illegible. "The bottom line is that the effect of these missing data is unknown."
Dr. Norrie concluded "Even in a mature research area such as treatments for venous thromboembolism, there is still important methodological work to be done to improve design and so ensure the highest quality of evidence to inform the management of these conditions."
thelancet
Written by:
воскресенье, 1 мая 2011 г.
NPR Examines Debate Over Whether Gender-Specific Knee Implants Improve Surgery Results
NPR's "Morning Edition" on Thursday reported on knee replacements specifically designed for women (Aubrey, "Morning Edition," NPR, 8/30). Some companies are marketing knee implants designed for women because they comprise about 60% of implants and because women live longer and are more likely to be overweight or obese than men (Kaiser Daily Women's Health Policy Report, 2/16). Some experts say that physical therapy and a patient's presurgery condition have a larger impact on surgery outcomes than the brand of the implant, according to NPR. About 90% of knee replacement surgeries are successful, regardless of the type of implant used, NPR reports.
Anthony Unger -- who directs the Minimally Invasive Joint Replacement Surgery Program at George Washington University and has performed about 200 surgeries using the women's implants -- said gender-specific implants better fit the contour of women's anatomy. Unger said it is unlikely that companies will compare their implants with each other in head-to-head studies, so it could remain unclear whether the gender-specific implants improve outcomes. Diane Covington, a physical therapist and physician's assistant at Duke University's orthopedic surgery practice, said choosing a qualified surgeon is the most important decision for patients, adding that patients should select an implant that best fits their own anatomy ("Morning Edition," NPR, 8/30).
Audio and a partial transcript of the segment are available online.
Reprinted with kind permission from kaisernetwork. You can view the entire Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report, search the archives, or sign up for email delivery at kaisernetwork/dailyreports/healthpolicy. The Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report is published for kaisernetwork, a free service of The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation© 2005 Advisory Board Company and Kaiser Family Foundation. All rights reserved.
Anthony Unger -- who directs the Minimally Invasive Joint Replacement Surgery Program at George Washington University and has performed about 200 surgeries using the women's implants -- said gender-specific implants better fit the contour of women's anatomy. Unger said it is unlikely that companies will compare their implants with each other in head-to-head studies, so it could remain unclear whether the gender-specific implants improve outcomes. Diane Covington, a physical therapist and physician's assistant at Duke University's orthopedic surgery practice, said choosing a qualified surgeon is the most important decision for patients, adding that patients should select an implant that best fits their own anatomy ("Morning Edition," NPR, 8/30).
Audio and a partial transcript of the segment are available online.
Reprinted with kind permission from kaisernetwork. You can view the entire Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report, search the archives, or sign up for email delivery at kaisernetwork/dailyreports/healthpolicy. The Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report is published for kaisernetwork, a free service of The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation© 2005 Advisory Board Company and Kaiser Family Foundation. All rights reserved.
суббота, 30 апреля 2011 г.
Secondhand Smoke May Be Associated With Bone Loss In Subjects With Periodontitis
A study published in this month's issue of the Journal of Periodontology found that subjects with periodontitis who were exposed to secondhand smoke were more likely to develop bone loss, the number one cause of tooth loss.
Researchers studied rats that were induced with periodontal disease. One group was not exposed to cigarette smoke while the other two groups were exposed to either 30 days of smoke inhalation produced by non-light cigarettes (cigarettes containing higher tar, nicotine and carbon monoxide levels) or light cigarettes (cigarettes containing lower tar, nicotine and carbon monoxide levels). Results showed that bone loss was greater in the subjects exposed to secondhand smoke regardless of if it was smoke from light or non-light cigarettes than those who were exposed to no smoke at all.
"Previous clinical research has proven a strong positive correlation between smoking and gum disease. However, this study is unique in that it evaluated the impact of secondhand smoke on periodontitis," explained study author Getulio da R. Nogueira-Filho, DDS.
"This study really drives home the fact that even if you don't smoke the effects of secondhand smoke can be devastating. Part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle should include avoiding smoke filled places such as nightclubs, bars and even some restaurants," said Preston D. Miller, Jr., DDS and AAP president. "The Academy applauds the cities that are taking steps to make their hospitality industries smoke free so all patrons can enjoy not only a good time but also good overall health."
Cigarette smoking may be the major preventable risk factor for periodontal disease. To asses your oral health, take the AAP's online test to assess your gum disease risk. A referral to a periodontist in your area and free brochure samples including Periodontal Diseases: What You Need to Know and Tobacco and Periodontal Diseases: Targeting Tobacco Use are available by calling 800-FLOSS-EM (800-356-7736) or visiting the AAP's Web site at perio.
Click here for more about the links between smoking and periodontal disease please located on the AAP Web site.
The American Academy of Periodontology is an 8,000-member association of dental professionals specializing in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth and in the placement and maintenance of dental implants. Periodontics is one of nine dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association.
NOTE: A copy of the Journal of Periodontology article "Low-and high-yield cigarette smoke inhalations potentiates bone loss during ligature-induced periodontitis" is available online for $20.00 at joponline/. A study abstract is also available online.
Contact: Kerry Gutshall
American Academy of Periodontology
Researchers studied rats that were induced with periodontal disease. One group was not exposed to cigarette smoke while the other two groups were exposed to either 30 days of smoke inhalation produced by non-light cigarettes (cigarettes containing higher tar, nicotine and carbon monoxide levels) or light cigarettes (cigarettes containing lower tar, nicotine and carbon monoxide levels). Results showed that bone loss was greater in the subjects exposed to secondhand smoke regardless of if it was smoke from light or non-light cigarettes than those who were exposed to no smoke at all.
"Previous clinical research has proven a strong positive correlation between smoking and gum disease. However, this study is unique in that it evaluated the impact of secondhand smoke on periodontitis," explained study author Getulio da R. Nogueira-Filho, DDS.
"This study really drives home the fact that even if you don't smoke the effects of secondhand smoke can be devastating. Part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle should include avoiding smoke filled places such as nightclubs, bars and even some restaurants," said Preston D. Miller, Jr., DDS and AAP president. "The Academy applauds the cities that are taking steps to make their hospitality industries smoke free so all patrons can enjoy not only a good time but also good overall health."
Cigarette smoking may be the major preventable risk factor for periodontal disease. To asses your oral health, take the AAP's online test to assess your gum disease risk. A referral to a periodontist in your area and free brochure samples including Periodontal Diseases: What You Need to Know and Tobacco and Periodontal Diseases: Targeting Tobacco Use are available by calling 800-FLOSS-EM (800-356-7736) or visiting the AAP's Web site at perio.
Click here for more about the links between smoking and periodontal disease please located on the AAP Web site.
The American Academy of Periodontology is an 8,000-member association of dental professionals specializing in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth and in the placement and maintenance of dental implants. Periodontics is one of nine dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association.
NOTE: A copy of the Journal of Periodontology article "Low-and high-yield cigarette smoke inhalations potentiates bone loss during ligature-induced periodontitis" is available online for $20.00 at joponline/. A study abstract is also available online.
Contact: Kerry Gutshall
American Academy of Periodontology
пятница, 29 апреля 2011 г.
Men, Young Adults Tend To Downplay Osteoporosis Risk
Young adults and men do not see themselves as susceptible to osteoporosis, according to a new study. In their minds, the risk of suffering from what many consider an older woman's disease seems distant or slim. The problem: They are missing preventive measures that if taken now, could decrease their future danger of developing the disease.
In the study of 300 Canadian men and women, researchers found significant age and gender differences in how people perceived their susceptibility to osteoporosis. Specifically, middle-aged and older women scored significantly higher than younger participants and men, suggesting that older women believe they are at greater risk.
"The low scores among younger people raise concerns for the approaching epidemic," said Shanthi Johnson, Ph.D., lead study author and a professor at University of Regina. "Given the aging population and the growing percentage of older women within that population, osteoporosis should receive more recognition."
The study appears in the October issue of the journal Health Education & Behavior.
According to Osteoporosis Canada, the disease is a debilitating one that weakens bones and increases the risk of fractures. Twenty percent of those who experience osteoporosis-based hip fractures die; another 50 percent suffer permanent disabilities.
While the disease does strike twice as many older women as it does men, men are also susceptible to osteoporosis. Because people can change their habits to lower their risk, researchers are looking at people's beliefs in order to develop and target prevention programs to the particular needs of each demographic.
The best defense against the disease is building strong bones in childhood and young adulthood. Anybody can reduce their risk, however, by eating a well-balanced diet that is high in calcium and vitamin D and by participating in weight-bearing exercises or sports.
In the study, motivation to take preventive action and the perceived seriousness of the disease were similar across all age and gender groups low suggesting that people are not aware of the serious consequences of osteoporosis and that younger men and women are unlikely to change their behavior unless they change their beliefs.
Karen Chapman-Novakofski, Ph.D., at the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana, is encouraged that the susceptibility scores in Johnson's study show some progress in awareness. "Years ago," she said, "we found that younger women thought older women should know more about the condition and that older women thought it was too late for them, and that younger women should know more."
Health Education & Behavior, a peer-reviewed journal of the Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE), publishes research on critical health issues for professionals in the implementation and administration of public health information programs. For information, contact Elaine Auld at (202) 408-9804.
Johnson CS, et al. Osteoporosis health beliefs among younger and older men and women. Health Education & Behavior 34(5), 2008.
Health Behavior News Service
Center for the Advancement of Health, 2000 Florida Ave. NW, Ste. 210
Washington, DC 20009
United States
hbns
In the study of 300 Canadian men and women, researchers found significant age and gender differences in how people perceived their susceptibility to osteoporosis. Specifically, middle-aged and older women scored significantly higher than younger participants and men, suggesting that older women believe they are at greater risk.
"The low scores among younger people raise concerns for the approaching epidemic," said Shanthi Johnson, Ph.D., lead study author and a professor at University of Regina. "Given the aging population and the growing percentage of older women within that population, osteoporosis should receive more recognition."
The study appears in the October issue of the journal Health Education & Behavior.
According to Osteoporosis Canada, the disease is a debilitating one that weakens bones and increases the risk of fractures. Twenty percent of those who experience osteoporosis-based hip fractures die; another 50 percent suffer permanent disabilities.
While the disease does strike twice as many older women as it does men, men are also susceptible to osteoporosis. Because people can change their habits to lower their risk, researchers are looking at people's beliefs in order to develop and target prevention programs to the particular needs of each demographic.
The best defense against the disease is building strong bones in childhood and young adulthood. Anybody can reduce their risk, however, by eating a well-balanced diet that is high in calcium and vitamin D and by participating in weight-bearing exercises or sports.
In the study, motivation to take preventive action and the perceived seriousness of the disease were similar across all age and gender groups low suggesting that people are not aware of the serious consequences of osteoporosis and that younger men and women are unlikely to change their behavior unless they change their beliefs.
Karen Chapman-Novakofski, Ph.D., at the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana, is encouraged that the susceptibility scores in Johnson's study show some progress in awareness. "Years ago," she said, "we found that younger women thought older women should know more about the condition and that older women thought it was too late for them, and that younger women should know more."
Health Education & Behavior, a peer-reviewed journal of the Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE), publishes research on critical health issues for professionals in the implementation and administration of public health information programs. For information, contact Elaine Auld at (202) 408-9804.
Johnson CS, et al. Osteoporosis health beliefs among younger and older men and women. Health Education & Behavior 34(5), 2008.
Health Behavior News Service
Center for the Advancement of Health, 2000 Florida Ave. NW, Ste. 210
Washington, DC 20009
United States
hbns
четверг, 28 апреля 2011 г.
Elderly Falls Cut By 11 Percent With Education And Intervention
Commonly viewed as an inevitable consequence of aging and often ignored in clinical practice, falls among the elderly were cut by 11 percent when researchers at Yale School of Medicine used a combination of fall prevention educational campaigns and interventions aimed at encouraging clinicians to incorporate fall-risk assessment and management into their practices.
Published in the July 17 New England Journal of Medicine, the study also found that the fall prevention programs resulted in almost 10 percent fewer fall-related hip fractures and head injuries among the elderly, who receive their care from a broad range of health providers in the intervention area.
The study was conducted by Mary E. Tinetti, M.D., the Gladys Phillips Crofoot Professor of Medicine, epidemiology and public health and investigative medicine at Yale School of Medicine, and colleagues.
It is the first study to examine the effects of fall prevention strategies when used by clinicians who care for the elderly. Previous trials studied fall prevention carried out by researchers, not by elderly patients' own health providers. The study targeted primary care physicians, rehabilitation specialists (physical and occupational therapists), home care nurses, hospital emergency room staff and other clinicians and providers.
Tinetti and her team compared the rates of serious fall injury and health care related to falls among people age 70 and older in two regions of Connecticut. For four years, health care providers in the greater Hartford region were contacted as part of a multi-component program targeting poor balance, vision loss, medication use, improper footwear, and blood pressure drops upon standing. Clinicians were encouraged to cut medications and increase physical therapy referrals among other proven fall prevention strategies. About 3,000 clinicians, administrators and policy experts in this region also received fall prevention information in the form of brochures, seminars, posters and patient education materials. Those in the Southern Connecticut region followed the usual care practice.
"The 11 percent difference translates into about 1,800 fewer injuries, less discomfort and disability for the elderly and about $21 million less in health care costs in the region where the interventions took place, compared with the usual-care region," said Tinetti. "The data show that fall risk assessment and management can be embedded into practice. We weren't expecting such great results because it can be difficult to adapt new strategies into patient care. We are now looking at ways to make these interventions and strategies available to the rest of the state and country."
In past studies, Tinetti and her team identified effective strategies to prevent falls but she said they have been underutilized. "Falling doesn't have to be an inevitable part of age because it is preventable," she said.
Fall-related injuries are among the most common, disabling and expensive health conditions experienced by older adults. Falls account for 10 percent of emergency department visits and 6 percent of hospitalizations among those over age 65. Falls can also lead to functional decline, placement in a nursing home and restricted activity.
The study was supported by a grant from the Donaghue Foundation and by the Yale Pepper Center from the National Institute on Aging.
Other authors on the study include Dorothy I. Baker, Mary King, M.D., Margaret Gottschalk, Terrence E. Murphy, Denise Acampora, Bradley P. Carlin, Linda Leo-Summers and Heather G. Allore.
Citation: New England Journal of Medicine, Vol. 359 No. 3 (July 17, 2008)
yale
Published in the July 17 New England Journal of Medicine, the study also found that the fall prevention programs resulted in almost 10 percent fewer fall-related hip fractures and head injuries among the elderly, who receive their care from a broad range of health providers in the intervention area.
The study was conducted by Mary E. Tinetti, M.D., the Gladys Phillips Crofoot Professor of Medicine, epidemiology and public health and investigative medicine at Yale School of Medicine, and colleagues.
It is the first study to examine the effects of fall prevention strategies when used by clinicians who care for the elderly. Previous trials studied fall prevention carried out by researchers, not by elderly patients' own health providers. The study targeted primary care physicians, rehabilitation specialists (physical and occupational therapists), home care nurses, hospital emergency room staff and other clinicians and providers.
Tinetti and her team compared the rates of serious fall injury and health care related to falls among people age 70 and older in two regions of Connecticut. For four years, health care providers in the greater Hartford region were contacted as part of a multi-component program targeting poor balance, vision loss, medication use, improper footwear, and blood pressure drops upon standing. Clinicians were encouraged to cut medications and increase physical therapy referrals among other proven fall prevention strategies. About 3,000 clinicians, administrators and policy experts in this region also received fall prevention information in the form of brochures, seminars, posters and patient education materials. Those in the Southern Connecticut region followed the usual care practice.
"The 11 percent difference translates into about 1,800 fewer injuries, less discomfort and disability for the elderly and about $21 million less in health care costs in the region where the interventions took place, compared with the usual-care region," said Tinetti. "The data show that fall risk assessment and management can be embedded into practice. We weren't expecting such great results because it can be difficult to adapt new strategies into patient care. We are now looking at ways to make these interventions and strategies available to the rest of the state and country."
In past studies, Tinetti and her team identified effective strategies to prevent falls but she said they have been underutilized. "Falling doesn't have to be an inevitable part of age because it is preventable," she said.
Fall-related injuries are among the most common, disabling and expensive health conditions experienced by older adults. Falls account for 10 percent of emergency department visits and 6 percent of hospitalizations among those over age 65. Falls can also lead to functional decline, placement in a nursing home and restricted activity.
The study was supported by a grant from the Donaghue Foundation and by the Yale Pepper Center from the National Institute on Aging.
Other authors on the study include Dorothy I. Baker, Mary King, M.D., Margaret Gottschalk, Terrence E. Murphy, Denise Acampora, Bradley P. Carlin, Linda Leo-Summers and Heather G. Allore.
Citation: New England Journal of Medicine, Vol. 359 No. 3 (July 17, 2008)
yale
среда, 27 апреля 2011 г.
CONMED Corporation To Present At The Canaccord Adams Small Cap Orthopedics Conference On Tuesday, March 4, 2008
CONMED Corporation (Nasdaq: CNMD), a medical technology company specializing in medical devices for surgical and patient monitoring markets, announced today that the Company will participate in The Canaccord Adams Small Cap Orthopedics Conference on Tuesday, March 4, 2008 at 1:30 PM Pacific time. The event will be held in San Francisco at the Mission Bay Conference Center.
Mr. Joseph J. Corasanti, President and Chief Executive Officer of CONMED, will discuss the Company's business. The live webcast of CONMED's presentation will be available at conmed in the Investor Relations - Events Calendar section of the website and will be available for replay through March 11, 2008.
CONMED Profile
CONMED is a medical technology company with an emphasis on surgical devices and equipment for minimally invasive procedures and patient monitoring. The Company's products serve the clinical areas of sports medicine-arthroscopy, powered surgical instruments, electrosurgery, cardiac monitoring disposables, endosurgery and endoscopic technologies. Surgeons and physicians in a variety of specialties including orthopedics, general surgery, gynecology, neurosurgery, and gastroenterology use the Company's medical devices. Headquartered in Utica, New York, the Company's 3,200 employees distribute its products worldwide from several manufacturing locations.
Forward Looking Information
Certain statements made in the presentation may constitute forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and relate to the Company's performance on a going-forward basis. They will be based upon management's expectations and involve risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results, performance or trends, to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements therein or in previous disclosures. The Company believes that all forward-looking statements made by it have a reasonable basis, but there can be no assurance that management's expectations, beliefs or projections as expressed in the forward-looking statements will actually occur or prove to be correct. In addition to general industry and economic conditions, factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: (i) the failure of any one or more of management's assumptions to prove to be correct; (ii) the risks relating to forward-looking statements discussed in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q; (iii) cyclical purchasing patterns from customers, end-users and dealers; (iv) timely release of new products, and acceptance of such new products by the market; (v) the introduction of new products by competitors and other competitive responses; (vi) the possibility that any new acquisition (and its integration) or other transaction may require the Company to reconsider its financial assumptions and goals/targets; (vii )increasing costs for raw material, transportation, or litigation; and/or (viii) the Company's ability to devise and execute strategies to respond to market conditions.
CONMED Corporation
Mr. Joseph J. Corasanti, President and Chief Executive Officer of CONMED, will discuss the Company's business. The live webcast of CONMED's presentation will be available at conmed in the Investor Relations - Events Calendar section of the website and will be available for replay through March 11, 2008.
CONMED Profile
CONMED is a medical technology company with an emphasis on surgical devices and equipment for minimally invasive procedures and patient monitoring. The Company's products serve the clinical areas of sports medicine-arthroscopy, powered surgical instruments, electrosurgery, cardiac monitoring disposables, endosurgery and endoscopic technologies. Surgeons and physicians in a variety of specialties including orthopedics, general surgery, gynecology, neurosurgery, and gastroenterology use the Company's medical devices. Headquartered in Utica, New York, the Company's 3,200 employees distribute its products worldwide from several manufacturing locations.
Forward Looking Information
Certain statements made in the presentation may constitute forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and relate to the Company's performance on a going-forward basis. They will be based upon management's expectations and involve risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results, performance or trends, to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements therein or in previous disclosures. The Company believes that all forward-looking statements made by it have a reasonable basis, but there can be no assurance that management's expectations, beliefs or projections as expressed in the forward-looking statements will actually occur or prove to be correct. In addition to general industry and economic conditions, factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: (i) the failure of any one or more of management's assumptions to prove to be correct; (ii) the risks relating to forward-looking statements discussed in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q; (iii) cyclical purchasing patterns from customers, end-users and dealers; (iv) timely release of new products, and acceptance of such new products by the market; (v) the introduction of new products by competitors and other competitive responses; (vi) the possibility that any new acquisition (and its integration) or other transaction may require the Company to reconsider its financial assumptions and goals/targets; (vii )increasing costs for raw material, transportation, or litigation; and/or (viii) the Company's ability to devise and execute strategies to respond to market conditions.
CONMED Corporation
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