HTP MedRunner(TM) Enables Utah RHIO to Exchange Clinical Healthcare Information Electronically.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- HTP, Inc., a leading developer of software for the healthcare industry, today announced that the Utah Health Information Network (UHIN) will use an enhanced version of HTP MedRunner(TM) to support the electronic exchange of clinical information between healthcare providers across its statewide Regional Health Information Organization (RHIO). UHIN recently signed an expanded contract to deploy the clinical module of HTP MedRunner statewide.

HTP MedRunner includes the capability to view clinical documents on any provider's desktop and easily integrates with EMR software. The desktop software will initially support patient drug history, lab information, hospital discharge reports, and physical and health information. HTP MedRunner also supports viewing of scanned medical documents.

UHIN, which has been recognized by the U.S. Health and Human Services Department (HSS) as the country's first successful RHIO, has used the clinical module of HTP MedRunner in a number of small pilot projects since the Beta version was released 18 months ago. It will begin large-scale pilot projects later this month, with statewide implementation planned for the end of 2006.

"UHIN is a pioneer in exchanging healthcare information electronically between providers, payers and other healthcare organizations," said HTP CEO Ray Shealy. "HTP is excited to partner with UHIN in the planned evolution of the Utah RHIO into a fully integrated clinical and administrative healthcare information system."

Shealy noted that, as UHIN's technology partner for the past 5 years, HTP built the Internet-based information architecture that processes all electronic healthcare transactions in the state of Utah. HTP MedRunner is a rules-based multi-port routing platform that provides a centralized, secure network for the exchange of clinical and administrative healthcare information. HTP MedRunner's open architecture allows for extensive scalability and can easily interface with third-party applications to expand its core functionality.

"From the beginning, UHIN's plan was to create a financially self-sustaining organization that leverages cost savings from efficient processing of administrative information into an affordable platform for exchange of life-saving clinical information," he said. "As a result, the citizens of Utah enjoy a healthcare delivery system that is safer, faster, more convenient and more cost-effective."

Since its inception, UHIN has been financially self-sustaining via modest fees from participating healthcare providers and payers. Its efforts have helped the state sustain healthcare costs that are 25 percent lower than the national average. A recent Avalere Health study funded by HHS Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality noted that, ". . . UHIN's financing model for administrative transactions may be the closest to the sustainable (RHIO) framework States are seeking."

UHIN now connects 100 percent of the hospitals, laboratories, local health departments, mental health centers, insurance companies and other payers in the state. The network also connects 90 percent of chiropractors, 85-90 percent of doctors and is now working with the dental community.

Providers can submit electronic claims to all UHIN payers using a single standardized format. In return, UHIN payers respond with a standardized electronic payment. An overwhelming 85 percent of commercial claims are now paid within 7 days. UHIN transactions are sent directly between the computers of the provider and the payer. Subscribers to the network can send and receive UHIN transactions directly in their office at any time of the day or night, on any day of the year.

About HTP, Inc.

HTP develops software technology for the healthcare industry that improves efficiency, profitability and service quality for hospitals, insurance companies, physician groups, managed care organizations, third-party administrators and public sector health plans. The company's software technology also enables secure information exchange through Regional Health Information Organizations (RHIOs).

Based in Columbus, Ohio, HTP supports 170 customers, including 100 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), recognized as the nation's first successful RHIO. A 2004 and 2005 Inc. 500 company, HTP and its executives have been recognized for leadership by the Ohio Third Frontier Project, The Deloitte Technology Fast 500, 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, payers and RHIOs, call 614.885.1272 or go to www.htp-inc.com.