American Healthways, CIGNA HealthCare Expand Agreement to Include Programs for Impact Conditions.NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Demonstrated Results Lead to Expansion of Offerings to Help Members Better Manage Their Health and Reduce Medical Costs American Healthways, Inc. (Nasdaq: AMHC AMHC Association of Mental Health Clergy AMHC Aviation Structural Mechanic Hydraulics Chief ) today announced the expansion of its agreement with CIGNA CIGNA CG (Connecticut General Life Insurance Company) INA (Insurance Company of North America) HealthCare to include care enhancement services for CIGNA members with acid-related stomach disorders, atrial fibrillation atrial fibrillation Irregular rhythm (arrhythmia) of contraction of the atria (upper heart chambers). The most common major arrhythmia, it may result as a consequence of increased fibrous tissue in the aging heart, of heart disease, or in association with severe infection. , decubitus ulcer decubitus ulcer n. See bedsore. decubitus ulcer Pressure ulcer, see there , fibromyalgia fibromyalgia Chronic syndrome that is characterized by musculoskeletal pain, often at multiple sites. The cause is unknown. A significant number of persons with fibromyalgia also have mental disorders, especially depression. , hepatitis C, inflammatory bowel disease inflammatory bowel disease n. Abbr. IBD Any of several incurable and debilitating diseases of the gastrointestinal tract characterized by inflammation and obstruction of parts of the intestine. , irritable bowel syndrome irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), condition characterized by frequently alternating constipation and diarrhea in the absence of any disease process. It is usually accompanied by abdominal pain, especially in the lower left quadrant, bloating, and flatulence. , osteoarthritis osteoarthritis or osteoarthrosis or degenerative joint disease Most common joint disorder, afflicting over 80% of those who reach age 70. It does not involve excessive inflammation and may have no symptoms, especially at first. , osteoporosis and urinary incontinence. The programs will be made available to CIGNA's customers for plans that take effect on Jan. 1, 2006. CIGNA will launch CIGNA Well Aware for Targeted Conditions(SM) with assistance from American Healthways nurses to help ensure that members with these conditions are using appropriate medications, getting needed medical treatment to avoid complications and making lifestyle changes that can lessen the severity of symptoms or prevent recurrence. According to CIGNA estimates, members with these conditions have more than twice the average medical costs as compared to members who do not have these problems. American Healthways' disease management programs focused on these conditions have been shown to reduce hospital admissions, emergency room visits and overall health care costs. "CIGNA has provided our programs and has been one of our most valued customers for close to a decade, and we are pleased to have the opportunity to continue to prove our value to them by positively impacting the health and the lives of even more of their members," said Ben R. Leedle Jr., president and CEO (1) (Chief Executive Officer) The highest individual in command of an organization. Typically the president of the company, the CEO reports to the Chairman of the Board. of American Healthways. "We base our business on our ability to build trust channels between our nurses and our members and between us and the health plans we serve." About American Healthways American Healthways is focused on helping members, their families and their physicians bridge the gaps in the health-care system through education, coordination and continuing support. The Company provides services for 19 different chronic diseases or health conditions as well as customized, high-intensity interventions for individuals at the highest risk of incurring significant medical costs within the next 12 months. American Healthways is the nation's leading and largest provider of specialized, comprehensive disease management, care enhancement and high-risk health management services. The Company has contracts with more than 50 health plans throughout the country and is committed to improving health outcomes, improving patient and physician satisfaction, improving workforce productivity and reducing health-care costs. As of Nov. 30, 2004, the Company had over 1.4 million lives under management nationwide. For more information, visit www.americanhealthways.com. Safe Harbor Provisions This press release contains forward-looking statements that are based upon current expectations and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. In order for American Healthways to utilize the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (PSLRA) implemented several significant substantive changes affecting certain cases brought under the federal securities laws, including changes related to pleading, discovery, liability, class representation and awards fees and of 1995, investors are hereby cautioned that these statements may be affected by the important factors, among others, included in the discussion in Part I, Item 1, and Part II, Item 7, of American Healthways' Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2004. Consequently, actual operations and results may differ materially from those expressed in these forward-looking statements. American Healthways undertakes no obligation to update or revise any such forward-looking statements. |
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