HTP, Inc. Opens Chicago Office; Kurt Rittenburg to Lead Windy City Operation.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- HealthCare Transaction Processors, Inc. (HTP), a leading developer of secure business process automation and clinical information exchange software, announced the expansion of the company's operations to include an office in Chicago, under the leadership of Kurt Rittenburg, an accomplished software development and sales professional with extensive healthcare industry experience.

"Our Chicago location better positions HTP to take advantage of a growing number of opportunities in this important market," said HTP President Ray M. Shealy. "The Chicago office will play a critical role in our ability to serve our expanding customer base in the Midwest."

A provider of healthcare business automation and clinical information exchange solutions, HTP has more than 150 customers in 25 states, including 90 hospitals and 60 health plans. The company ranks among the fastest-growing enterprises in the nation, with sales increases averaging more than 200 percent annually for the past five years.

"We are excited by the expertise that Kurt brings to HTP," Shealy said. "With his addition to our management team, we are even better equipped to continue our rapid growth and expansion in the Chicago area and Midwest."

With more than 30 years of wide-ranging healthcare experience, Rittenburg has extensive sales experience focusing on client development and management as well as a rich background in patient financial services.

"Kurt is a seasoned hand whose deep experience in healthcare administration and account management will be very valuable to our customers and HTP," Shealy said. "His extensive knowledge of healthcare players in Chicago and the Midwest should have a profound impact on HTP's growth."

Before joining HTP, Rittenburg spent seven years with Argent Healthcare and HealthRev Inc., both formerly known as HHL Financial Services, in Chicago, serving as vice president of client development. In that role, he oversaw Midwest account management and sales. Between 1991 and 1997, he served as HHL Financial Service's director of client development and account management, again focusing on the Midwest.

Rittenburg previously had served as director of revenue management for Synergon Health Systems of Melrose Park, Ill., and, from 1976 to 1989, director of patient financial services for St. Joseph Hospital in Chicago. He began his career as a resource manager at Evanston Hospital in Evanston, Ill.

Rittenburg holds a bachelor's degree in political science from George Washington University in Washington, D.C. He resides in Chicago.

About HTP

HTP develops secure business process automation and clinical information exchange software that improves profitability and service quality for hospitals, physician groups, managed care organizations, third-party administrators, regional health information organizations (RHIOs) and public sector health plans.

Based in Columbus, Ohio, HTP supports 170 customers, including 90 hospitals and 60 health plans, by translating and moving more than 15 million transactions per month. HTP technology powers the Utah Health Information Network (UHIN), the nation's first Regional Healthcare Information Organization (RHIO). A 2004 and 2005 Inc. 500 company, HTP and its executives have been recognized for leadership by the Ohio Third Frontier Project, the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year program and the Columbus Technology Council. Notable HTP customers include Ohio Medicaid and Utah Health Information Network.

For more information on HTP or to learn how its software is transforming healthcare information exchange for providers and payers, call 614.396.4549 or go to www.htp-inc.com.