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Lifesigns mentioned in O, The Oprah Magazine

01/08/2010 -

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Lifesigns Launches New Business Model

01/27/2009 -

Comprehensive, preventive health care is about to become more convenient for patients across the country. Lifesigns, a prevention and wellness company based in Memphis, Tenn., recently announced plans to launch a new business model in 2009, one that will focus on partnerships with health care systems.

The new business model will offer a mutually beneficial opportunity for health care systems to jointly establish Lifesigns centers in close proximity to its hospitals through the sharing of start-up costs and revenues. Lifesigns will focus efforts on partnerships in its current, as well as some strategic new markets, and is already in talks with its first potential partner.

Through these strategic partnerships, each entity will be able to streamline the referral process for patients, as appropriate. For example, if a Lifesigns patient completes a comprehensive physical and discovers a heart condition, he or she can be referred to a specialist at the partner hospital for further testing. Vice versa, a hospital patient can be referred to Lifesigns upon discharge for preventive check-ups to be proactive about his or her health care.

“This new business model offers us the unique opportunity to work closely with hospitals in our markets, as well as to look at strategic expansion opportunities with new hospital partners,” said Mike Ashack, executive vice president of sales and marketing at Lifesigns. “We feel this model offers the most benefit to both parties, as we’ll be able to provide a steady stream of patient referrals to our hospital partners across the board.”

In addition to providing referrals to hospital partners, Lifesigns also will provide its comprehensive physical exams to hospital employees. This will, in turn, create a HIPAA-secured buffer for hospital employees and provides an avenue for wellness activities, which will ultimately save the hospital money in medical claims costs.

“Lifesigns strives to be the industry leader in early detection and disease prevention,” said William West, M.D., CEO and chairman at Lifesigns. “We’re excited to begin partnering with health care systems across the country, which will allow us to further extend our mission to patients beyond our current centers and onsite corporate wellness products.”

Lifesigns is the leading multi-site provider of comprehensive, physician-managed physical examinations in the United States with a prevention mission that extends beyond clinics to lifestyle counseling and worksite coaching. Lifesigns partners with employers to provide onsite screening at the workplace and continuing support to manage identified risk factors through ongoing onsite wellness coaching. Currently operating in four major markets (Memphis, Nashville, Atlanta and Las Vegas), Lifesigns is dedicated to preventive medicine, health promotion and reduction of risks of chronic disease. Headquartered in Memphis, Tenn., Lifesigns was founded in 1992. For more information, visit www.lifesignsmd.com.

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Lifesigns Announces New Management

10/27/2008 -

Memphis-based prevention and wellness company Lifesigns announced today the members of its new management team.

William H. West, M.D. has assumed the role of CEO in addition to being chairman and principal investor of Lifesigns. He is founder-emeritus of the West Clinic in Memphis, TN, one of the largest cancer treatment programs in the southeast. Dr. West has a career-long interest in health care delivery systems and brings a valuable perspective to screening and prevention.

Michael Ashack has been promoted to executive vice president of sales and marketing. With more than 20 years of experience in the health and insurance industry, Ashack is extremely knowledgeable in business development strategies, and supervises all sales and marketing initiatives for Lifesigns.

Monica Walker, vice president of center operations, also has been promoted to executive vice president. She is responsible for the operations of all the Lifesigns centers, and also oversees the company's quality improvement strategies and processes.

In their increased roles, Ashack and Walker will now be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations at Lifesigns. The new team will work to streamline Lifesigns’ operations as well as become more efficient in all areas of the company.

Rejeanna Buchanan also has been promoted to controller for the company. Buchanan previously served as senior accountant and has been with the company for a year. In her new role, Buchanan will be responsible for overseeing all financial statements for the company as well as managing the accounting staff.

“Our companies’ main goal is to focus on improving our relationships with our current customers,” said Dr. West. “We want our patients’ experience in our clinics to be second-to-none, and the individuals we have in place will help us accomplish that goal.”  

Lifesigns is the leading multi-site provider of comprehensive, physician-managed physical examinations in the United States with a prevention mission that extends beyond clinics to lifestyle counseling and worksite coaching. Lifesigns partners with employers to provide onsite screening at the workplace and continuing support to manage identified risk factors through ongoing onsite wellness coaching. Currently operating five clinics in four major markets (Memphis, Nashville, Atlanta and Las Vegas), Lifesigns is dedicated to preventive medicine, health promotion and reduction of risks of chronic disease. Headquartered in Memphis, Tenn., Lifesigns was founded in 1992. For more information, visit www.lifesignsmd.com.

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Lifesigns Expands Nashville Staff

10/09/2008 -

Memphis-based prevention and wellness company Lifesigns recently announced that it has expanded its Nashville, Tenn., office with the addition of Tara Engstrom to the marketing team.

Engstrom brings more than 10 years’ experience to Lifesigns. In her new role, Engstrom is responsible for managing broker and customer databases, assisting the vice president with administrative tasks and the development of future market expansions. She also manages sales reports, marketing plans and campaigns for all Lifesigns markets. Prior to joining Lifesigns, Engstrom served as marketing coordinator for The Republic Companies in Davenport, Iowa, where she was employed more than three years. Before that, she worked for Moline Dispatch Company, LLC, in Moline, Ill., where she was an advertising account executive.

“We are glad to have Tara on our marketing team,” said Michael Ashack, vice president of sales and marketing at Lifesigns. “Her background in marketing – combined with undergraduate degrees in sports management and fitness – truly gives her added insight into what we do at Lifesigns. She’s definitely proving to be a great asset to the company.”

A native of Moline, Ill., Engstrom currently resides in Mount Juliet, Tenn., just outside of Nashville. She is actively involved in Upward Soccer with her two daughters.

Lifesigns is the leading multi-site provider of comprehensive, physician-managed physical examinations in the United States with a prevention mission that extends beyond clinics to lifestyle counseling and worksite coaching. Lifesigns partners with employers to provide onsite screening at the workplace and continuing support to manage identified risk factors through ongoing onsite wellness coaching. Currently operating five clinics in four major markets (Memphis, Nashville, Atlanta and Las Vegas), Lifesigns is dedicated to preventive medicine, health promotion and reduction of risks of chronic disease. Headquartered in Memphis, Tenn., Lifesigns was founded in 1992. For more information, visit www.lifesignsmd.com.

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Lifesigns Clinic Opens in Henderson, Nevada

04/10/2008 -

Memphis, Tenn., April 10, 2008 – Memphis-based prevention and wellness company  Lifesigns recently opened its new clinic located in Henderson, Nev. The clinic is the company’s second location in the Las Vegas area and the fifth location nationwide.  

Equipped with an array of screening technologies, the new facility offers one-stop health exams that include complete physical exams, screening ultrasounds, blood work and urinalysis, chest X-rays, electrocardiograms, eye exams, gynecological tests, prostate tests and much more. The facility also is being constructed to accommodate sleep studies, optometry services and CT scans in the future.  

For more than a decade, Lifesigns has been a leader in early detection and disease prevention. With comfortable facilities, dedicated physicians and sensitivity to patient schedules, Lifesigns has made wellness a more patient-friendly experience.

“Not only will the new facility allow us to serve patients that come to the clinic for screening and wellness exams, we’ll also be able to extend the Lifesigns’ onsite corporate wellness programs to more areas of Las Vegas,” said Jim Breland, CEO of Lifesigns. “Our onsite corporate programs allow us to help companies manage and contain health care costs through risk assessments and wellness coaching. Healthier employees result in fewer health claims, lower premiums, less absenteeism, higher productivity and improved morale.”    

Located at 9065 S. Pecos Road, the new clinic allows Lifesigns to be able to service the Henderson and Green Valley communities even further. The clinic is in close proximity to the airport, downtown Las Vegas and the Strip, and is located adjacent to I-215. 

Lifesigns is the leading multi-site provider of comprehensive, physician-managed physical examinations in the United States with a prevention mission that extends beyond clinics to lifestyle counseling and worksite coaching. Lifesigns partners with employers to provide onsite screening at the workplace and continuing support to manage identified risk factors through ongoing onsite wellness coaching. Currently operating in four major markets (Memphis, Nashville, Atlanta, and Las Vegas), Lifesigns is dedicated to preventive medicine, health promotion and reduction of risks of chronic disease. Headquartered in Memphis, Tenn., Lifesigns was founded in 1992. For more information, visit www.lifesignsmd.com.   

### 

For more information contact: 

Cristy Racy 
Obsidian Public Relations 
Phone: (901) 574-8421
E-mail: cristy@obsidianpr.com

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Lifesigns Announces Community Partnership With Memphis Redbirds

03/19/2008 -

Memphis, Tenn., March 19, 2008 – Lifesigns announced today it will be a corporate partner for the Memphis Redbirds during the 2008 baseball season.

Lifesigns signed on as one of the sponsors for the “Diamond Ball” crowd participation game, which is played at the completion of each Redbirds game. The company also will have an opportunity to display an interactive booth in the AutoZone Park pavilion during two home games throughout the season. The booth will feature free health screenings, which will include blood pressure screenings for Redbirds patrons. In addition, Lifesigns personnel will be available to answer questions about Lifesigns and offer valuable health information and giveaways.

“We are proud to be a sponsor for the Memphis Redbirds this season,” said Michael Ashack, vice president of sales and marketing for Lifesigns. “This will be a great opportunity for us to promote health and partner with the Memphis community.”

Lifesigns is the leading multi-site provider of comprehensive, physician-managed physical examinations in the United States with a prevention mission that extends beyond clinics to lifestyle counseling and worksite coaching. Lifesigns partners with employers to provide onsite screening at the workplace and continuing support to manage identified risk factors through ongoing onsite wellness coaching. Currently operating in four major markets (Memphis, Nashville, Atlanta and Las Vegas), Lifesigns is dedicated to preventive medicine, health promotion and reduction of risks of chronic disease. Headquartered in Memphis, Tenn., Lifesigns was founded in 1992. For more information, visit www.lifesignsmd.com.

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Lifesigns Physician Named Among Best Doctors in America®

01/28/2008 -

Felix L. Caldwell, M.D., medical director for the Lifesigns Memphis center, has recently been named one of the Best Doctors in America® for 2007-08. This is the sixth consecutive time he has earned this prestigious honor.            

Compiled by Boston-based Best Doctors, Inc., the Best Doctors in America® database is the result of a survey of more than 40,000 physicians in the United States. Only those doctors recognized to be in the top 3 to 5 percent of their specialty earn the honor of being named one of the Best Doctors in America®.

A native Memphian, Caldwell joined Lifesigns in July 2006. Caldwell earned his doctorate of medicine from the University of Tennessee, Memphis and stayed to complete his internship and residency in internal medicine at the University of Tennessee. Caldwell is board-certified by the National Board of Medical Examiners and the American Board of Internal Medicine. He also is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians. 

“It’s gratifying to know that so many of my peers recognized me as an expert in the field of internal medicine,” Caldwell said.

Over the last 15 years, Best Doctors has earned worldwide acclaim for its remarkable database of physicians. The Best Doctors database is the world's premier effort to create a validated, peer-reviewed database of excellence in medicine. Doctors cannot pay to be included in the database and are not paid to complete the survey. The only way to be recognized as one of the Best Doctors in America® is for a doctor to earn high marks for clinical ability from his or her peers.             

Lifesigns is the leading multi-site provider of comprehensive, physician-managed physical examinations in the United States with a prevention mission that extends beyond clinics to lifestyle counseling and worksite coaching. Lifesigns partners with employers to provide onsite screening at the workplace and continuing support to manage identified risk factors through ongoing onsite wellness coaching. Currently operating in four major markets (Memphis, Nashville, Atlanta and Las Vegas), Lifesigns is dedicated to preventive medicine, health promotion and reduction of risks of chronic disease. Headquartered in Memphis, Tenn., Lifesigns was founded in 1992.

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Lifesigns Names New Vice President

01/25/2008 -

Prevention and wellness company Lifesigns recently promoted Monica Walker to vice president of center operations.  

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Virtual Colonoscopy Meets Lifesigns’ Expectations

10/10/2007 -

Memphis, Tenn., Oct. 8, 2007 - Memphis-based prevention and wellness company Lifesigns affirms that its initial experience with a new colon cancer screening option, virtual colonoscopy, falls squarely in line with new national studies confirming the efficacy and safety of the procedure.   

Two studies just released about virtual colonoscopies - one published in the New England Journal of Medicine and another funded by the National Institutes of Health - demonstrate that virtual colonoscopies work just as well at spotting potentially cancerous growths as the more traditional, invasive colonoscopy - eliminating physicians' doubts about the procedure's accuracy. According to the NIH, the virtual colonoscopy yielded a 90 percent sensitivity rate in detecting lesions - which is right on par with the traditional colonoscopy.

"The results from the recent studies mark an apparent end to a long road of uncertainty for virtual colonoscopies," said Jim Breland, president and CEO of Lifesigns. "We've performed approximately 30 virtual colonoscopies as part of our comprehensive physical examination in our Memphis facility and are pleased to know that virtual colonoscopy has lived up to our expectations. The virtual technique provides a safe and effective screening tool that avoids sedation, risk of hemorrhage and perforation and loss of productivity associated with the conventional procedure."

Lifesigns is the first prevention program in the Mid-South to offer virtual colonoscopy, a non-invasive test that detects polyps in the bowel or colon. Lifesigns uses a multi-detector CT scanner and virtual computer software to look inside the body without having to insert a long tube into the colon. A virtual colonoscopy is minimally invasive, creates less discomfort for the patient, and is significantly less expensive than a conventional colonoscopy.

"The great majority of colon cancer deaths can be prevented by appropriate screening, notes the chairman of Lifesigns, oncologist William West, M.D. "Virtual colonoscopy is an important option for the millions of Americans who have postponed this potentially lifesaving procedure."

Lifesigns is the leading multi-site provider of comprehensive, physician-managed physical examinations in the United States with a prevention mission that extends beyond clinics to lifestyle counseling and worksite coaching. Lifesigns partners with employers to provide onsite screening at the workplace and continuing support to manage identified risk factors through ongoing onsite wellness coaching. Currently operating in four major markets (Memphis, Nashville, Atlanta, and Las Vegas), Lifesigns is dedicated to preventive medicine, health promotion and reduction of risks of chronic disease. Headquartered in Memphis, Tenn., Lifesigns was founded in 1992. For more information, visit http://www.lifesignsmd.com/.

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Lifesigns Welcomes Mike Ashack as VP of Sales and Marketing

09/27/2007 -

Memphis, Tenn., Sept. 18, 2007 – Memphis-based prevention and wellness company Lifesigns recently announced the addition of Michael Ashack as vice president of sales and marketing.

A 20-year veteran of the health field, Ashack will be responsible for overseeing all sales and marketing initiatives for the company, as well as business development for each of the markets Lifesigns operates within. He also will be responsible for expanding Lifesigns’ product lines to better serve its corporate clients as well as individual patients.

Prior to joining Lifesigns, Ashack worked for Delta Dental for nearly 17 years in various markets around the country. Most recently, he served as director of sales for Delta Dental of California and director of sales and service for Pacific Dental Benefits. A previous Tennessee resident, Ashack also worked as associate vice president of marketing for Delta Dental Plan of Tennessee for several years prior to moving to California. A native of Chicago, Ill., Ashack received a bachelor of arts degree from Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, Ill. 

“Lifesigns is very fortunate to have Mike join our staff,” said Jim Breland, president and CEO at Lifesigns. “His vast experience in the health and insurance industry will add to Lifesigns’ strong reputation as a leading provider of prevention and wellness services."

Lifesigns is the leading multi-site provider of comprehensive, physician-managed physical examinations in the United States with a prevention mission that extends beyond clinics to lifestyle counseling and worksite coaching. Lifesigns partners with employers to provide onsite screening at the workplace and continuing support to manage identified risk factors through ongoing onsite wellness coaching. Currently operating in four major markets (Memphis, Nashville, Atlanta, and Las Vegas),

Lifesigns is dedicated to preventive medicine, health promotion and reduction of risks of chronic disease. Headquartered in Memphis, Tenn., Lifesigns was founded in 1992. For more information, visit www.lifesignsmd.com.

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Lifesigns adds CT Screening to Memphis Clinic

04/18/2007 -

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 18, 2007

Contacts:
Jim Breland (901) 259-1962

LIFESIGNS MEMPHIS ADDS CT TECHNOLOGY TO MEMPHIS CLINIC
Clinic now offers specialized screening to comprehensive executive physicals

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - Lifesigns announces the addition of CT scanning to its Memphis clinic, where they have been providing comprehensive, executive physicals since 1992.

The Memphis clinic, located at 1714 West Massey, has added CT technology to its services to meet the needs of patients who need or want a cardiac calcium score, lung cancer screen, or virtual colonoscopy. These services will be available only to Lifesigns patients who undergo a complete physical.

While insurance covers most or all of a Lifesigns exam for many patients, these CT screening services are not yet covered by most insurance companies. It is anticipated that all three tests will become reimbursable in the near future.

“Our clients expect us to stay abreast of promising health screening procedures. These new CT capabilities expand our ability to detect heart disease and cancer early in the course of disease”, says Dr. Bill West, founder of The West Clinic and chairman of Lifesigns.

“With the virtual colonoscopy in particular, patients can receive most of the benefits of a regular colonoscopy without the sedation or discomfort. And, since only 40% of the people who should have a colonoscopy actually get one, we hope this technology brings this essential screening test to more people,” West adds.

About Lifesigns
Lifesigns is a provider of comprehensive, physician-managed physical examinations, with centers in four major markets: Memphis, Nashville, Atlanta, and Las Vegas. Lifesigns is dedicated to preventive medicine, health promotion, and reduction of risks of chronic disease. Its luxury physical examination centers are built with a focus on comfort and convenience, while its diagnostic services are nothing short of comprehensive. Headquartered in Memphis, TN, Lifesigns was founded in 1992.

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Lifesigns Acquired by The Prevention Group

12/09/2005 -

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contacts: Lela Gerald, Jim Breland
December 9, 2005
(901) 259-1962

Group Plans to Expand Comprehensive Preventive Health Examination Centers

MEMPHIS – Lifesigns, an innovative healthcare company that operates comprehensive physical examination centers across the U.S., has been acquired by The Prevention Group, officials announced today.

Lifesigns’ Memphis center is located at 1714 W. Massey Rd. Lifesigns also has examination centers in Nashville, Memphis and Las Vegas, Nevada. Some 14,000 patients a year receive comprehensive physician exams during a single visit to Lifesigns’ spa-like medical centers.

The new owners believe Lifesigns is on the forefront of a renewed emphasis by physicians and healthcare leaders across the country on the value of early detection of illnesses and prevention of treatable illnesses. They plan to expand the services offered in the existing facilities and to introduce Lifesigns to new markets.

“Our goal is to make preventive medicine comfortable, convenient and affordable so more lives can be saved,” said Bryan M. Eagle III, a Memphis business entrepreneur and a partner in The Prevention Group.

“I know first hand what it’s like to lose a loved one from a preventable disease. If my father had undergone regular exams, like those offered at Lifesigns, the disease that killed him could have been detected and treated.”

Longtime Memphis oncologist Dr. William H. West and Eagle formed The Prevention Group earlier this year to invest in efforts that can save lives through preventive medicine. Both were inspired by their own personal losses.

Founded in 1992, Lifesigns is a $8.5 million healthcare company that offers one-stop health exams that include but are not limited to the following: complete physical exam, screening ultrasound, laboratory bloodwork and urinalysis, chest x-ray, electrocardiogram, eye exam, body composition analysis, audiometry, pulmonary function test, mammography, GYN tests, and prostate specific antigen.

Charges for comprehensive physicals can range between $500 and $1000, depending on the tests, with insurance often covering most of the fee.

While such programs have existed for many years at prestigious medical institutions, such as the Mayo Clinic, Lifesigns offers nearly all the same tests to communities around the nation in a more accessible and affordable manner.

“At Lifesigns, we bring this comprehensive, convenient personal care right here to the Atlanta community,” adds Eagle. “You don’t need to travel hours or spend thousands of dollars to receive a potentially lifesaving exam in a comfortable setting.”

“Preventive medicine is being recognized today as more important than ever before,” says Dr. West. “The medical community, insurers and the public have begun to realize the value and cost-savings of preventing disease, not just treating it. Lifesigns places the patient in control of his or her health, by providing the necessary screening and guidance to live a long, healthy life.”

In addition to accepting patients who proactively seek its program, Lifesigns contracts with businesses around the nation that seek to provide employees with these potentially lifesaving services. Some current partnering companies include: Medtronic Sofamor Danek, Hunter Fan, Sharp Manufacturing, Milwaukee Electric Tool, Kemmons Wilson Companies, Lucite International, Carlisle Corporation, Sanyo Manufacturing and many others.

Healthy Upgrades

As part of their new investment in the company, Lifesigns will be infused with technology upgrades and new equipment in its existing centers, Eagle says.

In addition, Lifesigns’ services will be extended beyond early detection to actively preventing disease through limited follow-up care plans. These plans will focus on reducing four key risk factors – smoking cessation, weight loss, lowering blood pressure and lowering cholesterol – to combat lung cancer, diabetes, heart disease and stroke.

“We have an opportunity to do more than just identify a health problem,” adds Dr. West. “We have a responsibility to help our patients address those problems today.”

“Additionally, under new leadership, we plan to grow the company significantly through the development of new centers both organically in our existing markets, as well as in new markets,” says West.

Lifesigns was formerly owned by Physiotherapy Associates, a wholly owned subsidiary of Stryker Corporation.


Terms of the deal will not be disclosed.

About Lifesigns
Lifesigns is a provider of comprehensive, physician-managed physical examinations, with centers in four major markets: Memphis, Nashville, Atlanta, and Las Vegas. Lifesigns is dedicated to preventive medicine, health promotion, and reduction of risks of chronic disease. Its luxury physical examination centers are built with a focus on comfort and convenience, while its diagnostic services are nothing short of comprehensive. Headquartered in Memphis, TN, Lifesigns was founded in 1992.

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