3M Teams With LanVision To Offer Integrated Remote Coding and Abstracting.

Business Editors & Health/Medical Writers

SALT LAKE CITY--(BW HealthWire)--Dec. 4, 2001

- Integrated Products Address Industry Work Force Shortage;

Improve HIM Workflow and Productivity -

3M Health Information Systems, a division of 3M, announced today it has signed a letter of intent to enter into a strategic business alliance with LanVision Systems Inc., (Nasdaq:LANV). Under the planned distribution agreement, 3M Health Record Management Software for medical records abstracting will be embedded into LanVision's codingANYware remote coding product with both software products working seamlessly to code and abstract the medical record during the same remote, web-enabled coding session. The agreement also provides for mutual referral and marketing programs.

Bruce Eklund, Data Innovation business unit manager for 3M Health Information Systems, says that the agreement with LanVision represents an innovative solution to the health information management (HIM) industry's critical shortage of trained coders and abstractors. "By providing 3M's market-leading abstracting system to companies like LanVision, we can make it possible for customers to abstract medical records from any off-site location," Eklund says. "We believe that a fully integrated coding and abstracting capability available outside the walls of the hospital will help HIM departments greatly improve recruitment of skilled coders, many of whom prefer to work from home. And for HIM directors, it can be an effective tool for improving data quality and enhancing coder productivity."

According to Brian Patsy, president and CEO of LanVision, software products available today do not provide a comprehensive remote coding and abstracting solution. "LanVision recognizes that coding is not the only function required to complete the reimbursement process; final abstracting of the patient chart must be performed before a bill can be generated," says Patsy. "3M's strong reputation for market-leading coding and abstracting products, and LanVision's wealth of experience in document imaging and workflow solutions, make for a truly integrated remote coding and abstracting product. We believe it will maximize the efficiency of remote coding operations and streamline billing, thereby reducing a health care organization's accounts receivable."

Using LanVision's codingANYware product, medical record documents are scanned; the document image is then stored and available for secure viewing via the Internet. As the coder or abstractor reviews the chart, they access a data collection screen available with 3M Health Record Management software in order to abstract the record. The remote coder then codes the record, assigns the DRG and, if desired, completes a coding compliance review. Once the medical record is coded and abstracted, data is downloaded to the hospital's existing on-site abstracting system using LanVision technology. If the hospital uses the 3M Health Record Management abstracting system, data will be stored in the system for reporting. For hospitals that do not license the 3M abstracting system, a reporting capability is available for monitoring and measuring work force productivity.

3M Health Record Management Software is part of a comprehensive suite of software applications using Health Data Management technology that provides integrated solutions for patient data abstracting, utilization and quality management, as well as the JCAHO ORYX and core measures initiatives. These software applications, used in conjunction with the 3M Coding and Reimbursement System, are designed to help health care organizations meet government regulations and accreditation standards, and help influence outcomes and resource utilization.

LanVision is an Electronic Medical Records solution provider and a leading supplier of Healthcare Information Access Systems that utilize the power of the Internet/intranet to link hospitals, physicians, patients and payers to a robust Electronic Medical Record. LanVision's solutions enable the coordination of both "structured" and "unstructured" patient data through a single health information repository. The company's products are complementary to and integrated with the clinical and financial systems of some of the largest health information management systems providers in the healthcare industry. LanVision has developed state-of-the-art document imaging, electronic interfaces and workflow tools to enable end users to electronically access all the various forms of health information and be HIPAA compliant. For more information on LanVision and its products, visit the LanVision Web site at www.lanvision.com

3M Health Information Systems is an international leader in clinical information management, with products ranging from medical records coding systems to a comprehensive computer-based patient record system. Home Health Systems, consulting, implementation, training and process improvement services also are provided. 3M products are based on open architecture and industry standards; they interface with legacy systems and offer fast implementation and a timely return on investment. 3M Health Information Systems is a division of 3M, a diversified technology company with a health care business consisting of over 10,000 medical, surgical, consumer, home health care, dental and pharmaceutical products. More information about 3M Health Information Systems is available on the Internet at www.3Mhis.com or by calling 1-800-367-2447.

3M is a trademark of 3M company.