April 7, 2000--Multimedia Productions (USA), Inc. is proud to announce the appearance of Mike W. George, president and CEO of UroCor, Inc. on World Business Review. The weekly television series is hosted by General Alexander Haig, Secretary of State during the Reagan administration. The topic of the discussion is Diagnostic Testing Solutions.
"UroCor was selected to appear on the program because its role in assisting physicians and patients in the detection, diagnosis, and systematic management of patients with prostate, bladder, and kidney stone diseases makes it the leading disease management company in urology," said Martin Murphy, the show's Coordinating Producer.
George appears on the show to discuss ways in which UroCor currently assists a growing list of managed care organizations and approximately 35% of the United States' office-based urologists in improving patient outcomes through systematic disease management.
"UroCor's goal is to combine the most experienced pathology, advanced testing, progressive treatment modalities, and highly evolved information services to improve urology patients' outcomes and reduce the overall cost of these diseases to society," said George. He added that, "people are often diagnosed incompletely for urological (bladder, kidney, prostate) illnesses, particularly prostate cancer." He went on to say that this can result in treatment that is incorrect, not needed, or sub-optimal.
Also appearing on the show is Leslie Benet, Ph.D., Professor, CSF School of Pharmacy. Benet agreed with George's assessment, and added, "treatment that is sub-optimal, or even worse, based on incorrect diagnosis, can be harmful to the patient's health and lifestyle - often leading to impotence, incontinence, or even premature death." Benet also said that the financial burden associated with an incorrect diagnosis or the wrong treatment regimen can be quite costly to the insurer and / or the patient.
"UroCor provides advanced testing that can greatly reduce these medically poor consequences and costs," said George. Additionally, he added, the company is now using its diagnostic knowledge to position newly introduced therapeutic and prognostic products. "The better we can test," said George, "the better we can treat." He added that both segments of the healthcare challenge - testing and treating specific diseases - are rapidly developing through research and practice.
In any medical situation, the right diagnosis is crucial, so funding it (reimbursement) is critical. "Medicare is addressing this subject," said George, "and now is the time for physicians, providers, and patients to do the same." He went on to say that UroCor is very excited about its role in reducing costs in the health care system, while effectively helping physicians treat patients.
Prognostic capabilities let the health care provider know how aggressive the growth of a particular tumor is. Once that information is attained, including how far along the disease is, and how quickly the tumor is growing, a urologist can more easily determine for the patient what might be the most effective option. "Obviously, the more aggressive the growth of the tumor, the more aggressive the treatment plan that the physician will recommend to the patient," George stated.
When asked if his company had to walk a fine line between the wishes of the urologist, and the decisions of an oncologist, George said that UroCor actually helps the urologist diagnose the cancer. Once that is done, the urologist many times will turn to radiation oncologists for input into the most appropriate form of treatment for the patient.
Taped in Washington, D.C., World Business Review currently airs on PBS the Business Channel and in prime business slots in numerous Public Television markets, including San Francisco and New York. The weekly series can also be viewed on TWA, United Airlines, or from any desktop computer via AENTV.
Individual videotapes or continuing education systems (via Indiana State University) are available by calling 1-800-WBR-1032, or by visiting www.wbrtv.com. |
