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Updating Video: CIPIO Appoints Serial Data & AI Entrepreneur Sundeep Sanghavi as CEO & Silicon Valley Media Tech Veteran Dipak Patel as CMO to Humanize Digital Subscriptions.

CIPIO.ai

CIPIO, an AI company that is Humanizing Subscriptions TM, today announced the appointment of Sundeep Sanghavi as its CEO and Dipak M. Patel as CMO & EVP of Strategic Initiatives. Sanghavi, a seasoned entrepreneur who has successfully founded, built, and sold four Big Data and AI companies and has invested in multiple digital oriented startups, including CIPIO. He is renowned for his obsession with data and pioneering successful AI-led business transformations across industry verticals, including global subscription and services related enterprises. Patel, prior to joining CIPIO, was most recently chartered to create and execute innovation and go-to-market models for TiVo’s IP business. And, as the Co-Founder & CEO of Zeality, Inc., Dipak built the industry’s first immersive media streaming platform. Over 25 years in Silicon Valley, Dipak has held numerous executive, go-to-market, advisory, and board positions, including G-Technology, Western Digital’s premier Media Technology storage solutions. “We’re experiencing exponential growth by onboarding great partnerships like Zype, InteliVideo, and Jonas Fitness. Globally, there are billions of subscriptions that need to be activated. To meet the demand, we’re adding powerhouse leaders like Sundeep and Dipak to our already stellar team.” said Growson Edwards, Co-Founder, and COO of CIPIO. “As experienced investors, founders, & executives, they both understand what it takes to build and scale AI, big data, and media tech companies. The CIPIO team is excited to reframe the world around Humanizing Subscriptions TM.” The global pandemic sent the world’s population into a scramble to find new ways to experience media & entertainment, teach & learn, and lead healthy lifestyles. These drivers led to a 300% growth in digital subscription activation globally. “As digital subscription growth continues to skyrocket, we believe every subscription needs a brain,” expressed Dipak M. Patel, CMO, CIPIO. “Without one, subscriptions become disposable because they’re not able to see and hear us, learn from us, and respond to our needs and feelings. We are Humanizing Subscriptions TM by giving every single subscription a brain.” By Humanizing Subscriptions TM, CIPIO empowers digital organizations to enhance the experience throughout the subscriber’s journey, including conversion from free to premium, proactively retain, and optimization of content acquisition costs. “I am obsessed with how data can truly serve humanity. Over the past year, we’ve seen a need to connect people in new ways,” said Sundeep Sanghavi, CEO, CIPIO. “As an investor and founder of multiple AI companies, CIPIO presents an opportunity to a game-changing influence on how the world interacts with their digital experiences. I’m excited to join a phenomenal team of technologists, market makers, and influencers that shares our passion for Humanizing Subscriptions TM.” About CIPIO CIPIO provides the leading patent pending AI technology platform that Humanizes Subscriptions TM for digital organizations. By bringing together human, machine, and domain data, CIPIO arms organizations with capabilities to sense, learn, predict and recommend digital experiences to strengthen the subscriber and subscription relationship. CIPIO impacts both the top and bottom line financials for some of the world’s leading brands such as Zype, InteliVideo, and Jonas Fitness. To learn more about CIPIO, visit www.cipio.ai Contact Details CIPIO Media Relations +1 925-548-7779 anita@cipio.ai Company Website https://cipio.ai/

June 24, 2021 02:55 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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With Lyme Disease on the Rise Nationwide, Quidel Corporation Urges Early Testing With Its Rapid Point-of-Care Test

Quidel Corporation

As America approaches the tail end of the COVID-19 pandemic, a quiet epidemic has emerged that has the potential to affect as many as 476,000 citizens before the year is out. The epidemic is Lyme disease, which is being identified in record numbers throughout the country.* Researchers at such institutions as Johns Hopkins, Colorado State University and SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse are all reporting an increased spread of Lyme disease. And they are finding it not only in the woodlands of New England and other forested regions as typically expected but in frightening and unexpected numbers on the beaches in Northern California, throughout the southwest and southeast and other parts of the country where reported cases are on the rise. One suspected reason for the uptick is the pandemic itself, which drove people to spend more time walking outdoors and now, with restrictions being lifted, are seeing these people hitting the road for open-air destinations throughout the country. To complicate matters, this past winter was one of the warmest on record; and lingering summer heat added weeks of outdoor activity to animals that carry ticks and which thrive in hot, humid conditions. Pests.org, which produces an annual 2021 Tick Forecast, projects that “most states will experience the warmer, wetter conditions that drive tick populations—and the prospect of tick-borne diseases—skyward.” As the prevalence and fear of Lyme disease intensifies, one thing that all experts agree on is the need for testing immediately if there are signs that someone may have contracted Lyme disease. These signs may include fever, headache, fatigue, joint pain, weakness in the limbs and often a characteristic skin rash with a bull's-eye pattern. For accurate and fast testing, more and more clinicians are turning to the Sofia® 2 Lyme FIA by Quidel. This revolutionary test provides the patient and physician with indicative results within 15 minutes, as opposed to days, which has historically been the norm (and during which time organisms can spread and become systemic). It can be performed in the privacy of a doctor’s office, local clinic or even by a nurse at a children’s summer camp; and it is the only test that can get results from a simple finger prick of blood. “Not having to wait days for test results allows physicians and nurse practitioners to treat patients with positive results more rapidly while more quickly pursuing other diagnosis and treatment for those who test negative,” said Judi Tilghman, Ph.D., vice president of technology assessment at Quidel Corporation. “For patients with a positive finding for Lyme, early treatment is the key; and excellent outcomes are common thanks to fabulous antibiotics now available. But if left undiagnosed or untreated, Lyme disease can lead to unintended consequences including neurological defects, heart problems (such as an irregular heartbeat), eye inflammation, liver inflammation, Bell’s palsy, meningitis and severe fatigue.” One fear that some researchers have is that some people experiencing symptoms of Lyme may have been reluctant to seek medical care over the past year, given their concerns about exposure to COVID at the doctor’s office or clinic. This could result in cases going undiagnosed and untreated, which makes Lyme disease much more serious and harder to treat later on. “As with all afflictions, the key is catching it early so effective treatment can begin as soon as possible,” said Dr. Tilghman. “Lyme disease can affect people of any age or gender. People should not hesitate to get tested, and physicians should have their radar up for signs of Lyme disease in their patients. With the general population’s increased awareness of Lyme disease, along with increased clinical awareness in the importance of early testing for tick-borne infections, later stages of Lyme disease and the life-threatening effects that accompany them should never happen.” *Sources on file at Quidel About Quidel Corporation Quidel Corporation (Nasdaq: QDEL) is a leading manufacturer of diagnostic solutions at the point of care, delivering a continuum of rapid testing technologies that further improve the quality of health care throughout the globe. An innovator for over 40 years in the medical device industry, Quidel pioneered the first FDA-cleared point-of-care test for influenza in 1999 and was the first to market a rapid SARS-CoV-2 antigen test in the U.S. Under trusted brand names, Sofia®, Solana®, Lyra®, Triage® and QuickVue®, Quidel’s comprehensive product portfolio includes tests for a wide range of infectious diseases, cardiac and autoimmune biomarkers, as well as a host of products to detect COVID-19. With products made in America, Quidel’s mission is to provide patients with immediate and frequent access to highly accurate, affordable testing for the good of our families, our communities and the world. For more information about Quidel, visit quidel.com. Contact Details Jim Yeager +1 818-264-6812 jim@breakwhitelight.com Company Website http://Quidel.com

June 24, 2021 01:07 PM Eastern Daylight Time

MCR Labs to Celebrate “Oil Day” with Extraction-focused Educational Virtual Event

MCR Labs

Massachusetts-based cannabis analysts MCR Labs will host a virtual event on July 8 focused on cannabis extractions and concentrated products. The event, titled “What to Expect When You’re Extracting,” will feature a panel of extraction experts discussing best practices, recent innovations, and troubleshooting tips meant to help entrepreneurs and industry colleagues refine their extraction and infusion processes. “There are a lot of variables to account for with extraction that can affect the final product,” said Kara Tracy, a lead scientist at MCR Labs. “Understanding which methods are optimal for achieving different results and knowing how to run an extraction safely is critical for anyone looking to work in an extraction lab.” Tracy will join Director of Extraction at Levia Jordani Joseph, CEO of Cannabakeri Erin Colton, Lab Director at Trade Roots Samuel Adam, and owner of Hole in The Wall Cultivation Education Mark Huard Jr. on the panel, which will be moderated by MCR Labs’ Business Development Manager Sohan Shen. The event is timed to coincide with “Oil Day” or “Dab Day,” which occurs on July 10 (7/10) and is an unofficial cannabis community holiday akin to 4/20 that is meant to celebrate concentrated cannabis products. “We’re always looking to encourage knowledge sharing and collaboration, and there’s no better time to spread some extraction advice than just before Dab Day,” said Shen who helps MCR Labs’ clients with using product testing data to improve products and processes. “What to Expect When You’re Extracting” will take place virtually on Thursday, July 8 starting at 6 p.m. Those interested to view the event live and participate in a Q&A with the panelists can register at the event homepage. A recording of the discussion and panelist responses will be posted on the MCR Labs YouTube page after the event concludes. About MCR Labs: MCR Labs is one of the longest operational cannabis testing laboratories on the East coast with multiple facilities in the Northeast region. We are ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited providers of analytical cannabis product testing and R&D services committed to assisting licensed marijuana establishments, patients, researchers, entrepreneurs, and advocates. Our team of chemists and pharmaceutical scientists are dedicated to advancing public health and safety through leading-edge chemical analysis of cannabis products and offering unparalleled guidance and support for partners, regulators, and the communities we serve. For more information visit http://mcrlabs.com. Contact Details MCR Labs Joe Crinkley +1 857-230-0839 joe@mcrlabs.com Company Website http://mcrlabs.com

June 24, 2021 11:48 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Goodway Group Selected as Digital Agency of Record for Air Methods, Leading Air Medical Service Provider

Goodway Group

Goodway Group, the digital partner advertisers trust to deliver campaign performance and media efficiency, has been named the digital agency of record (DAOR) for leading air medical service provider, Air Methods Corporation. The multi-million-dollar partnership will be focused on the core services of digital media planning, execution, reporting and analytics, as well as additional services such as creative concepting and development, and enhancing dashboard analytics. Goodway Group will drive the company’s thought leadership engine by marrying their business expertise with digital strategy to create a full-funnel customer journey. As a provider responsible for delivering life-saving care to more than 70,000 people every year, Air Methods needed a digital partner who could help solve crucial challenges to deliver business outcomes in the many communities in which they operate. Goodway Group was chosen for this task largely due to their reputation for delivering strong results on multi-faceted campaigns. Throughout the partnership, Goodway Group will overcome challenges such as running ads that focus on B2C and B2B demographics and reach target audiences that change often depending on the campaign initiative. To do this, Goodway Group will focus on creating a holistic digital media strategy that utilizes all forms of media, social, SEM and display, audio, native, video, OTT and CTV. “We were thoroughly impressed with Goodway Group’s audience-first approach and how it directly aligns to our business,” said Julie Barys, Vice President of Marketing at Air Methods Corporation. “Knowing that the Goodway Group team prioritizes data first and foremost gives us confidence that they will provide full-funnel measurement across the customer journey. We couldn’t be more excited to be moving forward with them and can’t wait to see the success of our upcoming campaigns.” To continuously offer the best possible results, the Goodway Group team will be utilizing a “Test and Learn'' approach that heavily relies on data. Throughout this process, Goodway Group will also work with the Air Methods team to educate them on the value of understanding their own data to create better data segmentation for future campaigns. This will allow for audience segmentation to match their unique creative and in turn, drive better business outcomes. “From our first conversations, we knew that we had to work with the Air Methods team,” said Jed Lambert, VP Business Development and Strategy. “As one of the largest community-based providers of air medical services, the work that the company does is noble to say the least. We’re confident our data-driven approach could only help them better progress towards their mission of delivering life-saving care to communities across the country. We’re thrilled to be moving forward with this partnership and are looking forward to driving real results for their business.” About Goodway Group: Goodway Group is the digital partner advertisers trust to drive campaign performance and media efficiency. Proud to be completely independently owned and operated, Goodway provides trustworthy expertise that meets its clients' needs – and no one else's. Using predictive intelligence, Goodway helps advertisers get the most value out of every impression across all paid digital media. Through the combination of employing the smartest technology and the most experienced people in the industry, Goodway delivers authentic results. Find Goodway Group online at goodwaygroup.com. Goodway Group. Honestly Smart Digital. Contact Details Kite Hill PR for Goodway Group Bridget Callahan +1 631-338-7248 bridget@kitehillpr.com Company Website https://www.goodwaygroup.com/

June 24, 2021 10:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Paralyzed Veterans of America works to end handicapped parking abuse, marks 75th year advocating for accessibility

YourUpdateTV

A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/ulJa59_iS_w Accessible parking spaces designed specifically for people with disabilities are often misused, causing added difficulties for paralyzed veterans and others with disabilities. A survey found that 85% of Americans with disabilities struggled to find accessible parking in their communities, and over 50% turned back when they couldn’t find accessible parking. What can be done to combat this problem? Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) has launched the Honor the Spot campaign to encourage all Americans to do their part to keep handicapped parking spaces open for people who need them to be independent. The campaign reminds people that accessible spots are a civil right, and taking them means people with disabilities may not get to appointments and errands. The call to Honor the Spot comes as public spaces open up to larger capacities as pandemic restrictions ease, and as PVA marks its 75 th year as a voice for veterans with spinal cord conditions, and all people with disabilities. PVA is asking people to pledge to be part of the solution at pva.org/HonortheSpot, not to make excuses for taking accessible spots, and not to share handicapped placards for any reason. About Paralyzed Veterans of America: For 75 years, Paralyzed Veterans of America has been the only Veterans service organization dedicated solely to helping Veterans with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D), and diseases like MS and ALS. Our team of legislative advocates, architects, medical professionals, lawyers, and other highly trained professionals strives to ensure that every Veteran regains the freedom, independence, and quality of life they fought for. PVA is a major support system for our nation’s paralyzed heroes, their families, and caregivers, through ensuring quality health care; securing earned benefits; fighting for disability civil rights; making America more accessible; helping Veterans find meaningful careers; empowering them through sports, recreation, and wellness programs; and funding both research and education in search for a cure and improved care and autonomy for individuals with paralysis. Operating more than 70 offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, PVA helps paralyzed Veterans and all people with disabilities live fuller, more productive lives. Learn more at pva.org. About YourUpdateTV: YourUpdateTV is a social media video portal for organizations to share their content. It includes separate channels for Health and Wellness, Lifestyle, Media and Entertainment, Money and Finance, Social Responsibility, Sports and Technology. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

June 23, 2021 03:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Human and Environmental Physiology Research Unit (HEPRU) at the University of Ottawa and Innovation Canada to work with SYMP2PASS by SmartCone on COVID screening enhancements

SmartCone Technologies, Inc.

Symp2Pass by SmartCone has partnered with the HEPRU in offering the first ever personal advanced COVID screening process using ScentsiBLE a patent pending smell test process. SmartCone Technologies, Canada’s leader in IoT (Internet of Things) solutions and developer of Symp2Pass is proud to announce a strategic partnership with Innovations Canada and Dr. Glen P. Kenny, Director of the HEPRU at the University of Ottawa, Canada to further develop technologies and proprietary processes to help strengthen the return-to-work solution for COVID-19. For the past 27 years, the HEPRU has been leading innovative and cutting-edge research on the assessment of the environmental and human factors affecting health and performance ( www.hepru.ca ). This includes the development of sophisticated heat protection technologies to safeguard health and safety in partnership with SmartCone Technologies. SmartCone Technologies and its strategic partners (like Disney SyncLink) have many valuable screening, monitoring and cleaning patents and processes that will be integrated into Symp2Pass and other processes to help in the prevention and spread of COVID-19 and protect the health and wellbeing of the general population and workers Symp2Passes by SmartCone is a personal and private advanced screening process that uses a patent pending smell test (ScentsiBLE) along with a key symptom survey and required government COVID questions to quickly test individuals for key symptoms of COVID. Symp2Pass is currently being tested by Disney, Ontario Tech University (funded by the Canadian Government) and a leading nuclear power company which, will increase safety for employees, site visitors and protect the assets (buildings, complexes etc.) so that everyone carry work responsibilities and socialize safely. “We are excited to work with Symp2Pass and SmartCone to help test, verify and finalize their COVID back-to-work screening process. In combination with a COVID self- assessment questionnaire, the system offers individuals a rapid screening test that can help stop the spread of COVID and keep individuals safe and workplaces open. “ Dr. Gen P. Kenny, Director of the HEPRU uOttawa” About SYMP2PASS Powered By SmartCone SYMP2PASS, developed in conjunction with doctors and researchers, is the first anonymous end-to-end advanced health screening web process. Using our patent pending ScentsiBLE scent test paired with multi-symptom survey, SYMP2PASS will help reduce the spread of COVID and save businesses and countries millions of dollars. Learn more at www.symp2pass.com About SmartCone Technologies, Inc. SmartCone Technologies Inc. (SCTI) is a unique data sensory company that commercializes new Internet-of-Things (IoT) technologies powering a wide array of sensors, edge computing, sensor fusion and artificial intelligence (AI). TheSmartCone™ solutions have been used most recently in “ Return to Work ” solutions during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as securing dangerous work sites, controlling bicycle lane traffic, managing vehicle fleets, smart warehouses, crowd control, and more. Visit us at www.thesmartcone.com ### For more information, please contact Richard Harris 604-808-2124 ric@symp2pass.com Contact Details Symp2Pass Richard Harris CMO +1 604-808-2124 ric@symp2pass.com Company Website https://www.thesmartcone.com

June 23, 2021 01:56 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Phase 4 Services Adds “Science and Quality Powerhouse” Duo to Roster of Cannabis Testing Experts

Phase 4 Services

MCR Labs Director of Scientific Operations Scott Churchill and former ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) Accreditation Manager Matthew Sica have joined Phase 4 Services, a laboratory management and consulting firm looking to solidify its status as a leader in the marijuana and hemp testing space. Churchill, an analytical testing and pharmaceutical science expert with nearly a decade of cannabis industry experience, has been named Phase 4’s vice president of scientific development. Sica, a compliance testing and accreditation expert with 30 year of experience in the field, has joined the firm as vice president of regulatory compliance & quality. “Scott and Matt have both been integral to growing MCR Labs into a successful multistate organization,” said Michael Kahn, founder and CEO of MCR Labs, a cannabis testing lab operating in several legal cannabis markets. “Together, these two are an absolute science and quality powerhouse that bring critical knowledge and experience to Phase 4’s consulting team.” In their respective roles at Phase 4 Services, Churchill and Sica will assist the firm’s laboratory partners with method development, process improvement, regulatory compliance, and managing the challenges of scaling operations effectively. Phase 4 Services works with cannabis testing labs in both the marijuana and hemp industries to streamline management processes, advance testing capabilities, and implement business strategies designed for the evolving cannabis industry. About Phase 4 Services: Phase 4 Services is a scientific consulting and laboratory management firm dedicated to growing, supporting, and enhancing hemp and cannabis testing laboratories. Founded by experts in analytical testing, pharmaceutical chemistry, business administration, and development strategy, our team is equipped with the knowledge and experience necessary to ensure partner laboratories are successful in their pursuit of advancing public health and safety for cannabis patients and consumers. For more information visit http://phase4services.com. Contact Details Phase 4 Services Joe Crinkley +1 857-230-0839 PR@phase4services.com Company Website https://phase4services.com/

June 23, 2021 11:38 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Comcast Business Helps Sabey Bring High-Speed Connectivity to Washington Area Data Centers and Offer Better IT Continuity

Comcast Washington

Comcast Business today announced it is investing in local Washington data centers in partnership with the Sabey Data Centers to bring better IT continuity and connectivity to businesses. Specifically, Comcast Business will integrate its connectivity into data centers located in Tukwila and Quincy, giving businesses a private connection to regional Sabey data centers. The collaboration will also help advance digital transformation initiatives and enable Washington state businesses to better support their employees working remotely. Most recently, Washington state has made a name for itself in the data center sector for hosting the digital assets of California-based enterprises. Thanks to these benefits, Washington is currently experiencing rapid growth across its data center market. Recognizing the benefits of hosting data in Washington state, Sabey Data Centers has brought to market a combined 2.2 million square feet of data center space throughout the state, and is providing tenants with access to reliable, price-stabilized affordable power via sustainable generation, superior connectivity and turnkey infrastructure deployment. As one of the largest privately-owned data center operators in the world, Sabey needs reliable, credible partners to help capitalize on the booming data center market in Washington. They have teamed up with Comcast Business for comprehensive solutions that support the broad connectivity initiatives data centers demand. “CIOs and IT decision makers are often challenged with managing connections to multiple data centers and cloud solutions, managing application performance as well as troubleshooting latency and throughput issues from their data center connections,” said John Ford, VP and General Manager, Sabey Data Centers, Seattle. “Comcast Business’ data center connectivity helps our customers simplify their workloads by providing direct access on a network that can be tied to a business’s physical location – this means great performance, reliability, and scalability, and ultimately greater network agility for businesses.” By integrating Comcast Business’ Hybrid Fiber Coax (HFC) system, Sabey Data Center customers will be able to take advantage of high network availability. Comcast Business has also built diverse 100 Gbps connections through separate network locations in its HFC system, so if there is an outage along one path, alternative paths are available for backup connectivity and support so Sabey customers can stay online. As part of the partnership, Comcast Business will also offer Sabey customers an “on-ramp” to popular cloud services like Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure and IBM Cloud via the Comcast Business Direct-to-Cloud platform, which connects customers to the cloud without going through the Internet. “Comcast Business is focused on empowering businesses with a choice in hybrid IT solutions and massive Ethernet network reach,” said Scott Woodard, Director of Sales Engineering for Comcast Business’ WA Region. “Our goal is to connect data centers and cloud services to more than one million Ethernet-enabled buildings and businesses nationwide.” In addition, businesses already using Comcast Business Ethernet and IP services will have efficient and secure access to Sabey’s data centers. Plus, workers with Xfinity internet who need to remotely access information or upload files will be able to send their information through Comcast’s statewide network. “We’ve already seen that the demand for digital transformation has the power to completely revolutionize how a business operates,” said Rob Brenner, Vice President of Comcast Business for Comcast’s Washington Region. “As a provider of comprehensive technology solutions for businesses, we are thrilled to partner with the Sabey Data Centers to help local businesses in Washington transform their backend operations and modernize in anticipation of a data-driven future of work.” For more information, please visit http://business.comcast.com. About Comcast Business Comcast Business offers a suite of Connectivity, Communications, Networking, Cybersecurity, Wireless, and Managed Solutions to help organizations of different sizes prepare for what’s next. Powered by the nation’s largest Gig-speed broadband network, and backed by 24/7 customer support, Comcast Business is the nation’s largest cable provider to small and mid-size businesses and one of the leading service providers to the Enterprise market. Comcast Business has been consistently recognized by industry analysts and associations as a leader and innovator, and one of the fastest growing providers of Ethernet services. For more information, call 866-429-3085. Follow on Twitter @ComcastBusiness and on other social media networks at http://business.comcast.com/social. Contact Details Comcast Nick McDonald +1 425-977-5565 Nick_McDonald@Comcast.com FINN Partners Chloe Huard +13132094957 chloe.huard@finnpartners.com Company Website https://washington.comcast.com/

June 23, 2021 05:58 AM Pacific Daylight Time

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CMS Renews Bellese Technologies Contract for Hospital Quality Reporting (HQR)

Bellese Technologies, LLC

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) awarded Bellese Technologies the Hospital Quality Reporting (HQR) II contract. Bellese is the incumbent prime contractor for this project and has been awarded the HQR contract for the second time. This contract period consists of one base-period with three additional option-years. Under the direction of the Center for Clinical Standards and Quality's (CCSQ) Information Systems Group (ISG), Bellese worked closely with CMS to modernize the legacy HQR system using modern digital service methods. Pam Offutt, Bellese Chief Executive Officer, stated that “The past four years of partnership with CMS on the HQR system have been incredibly rewarding. We have made significant progress in the modernization of HQR and in the adoption of agile, lean, and human-centered design methods. Through this work, we are paving the way for CMS, other agencies, and their users to enjoy better performing and more usable services.” "With improved access to hospital quality measure data and participation in data interoperability initiatives, HQR II will reduce barriers between patients, healthcare providers and policy makers," said John duClos, Bellese Chief Technology Officer. The CMS and Bellese partnership has a history of producing meaningful results. In the initial contract period, the Bellese team completed modernization of the HQR infrastructure. The HQR system is now entirely hosted on cloud infrastructure. The time it took users to generate reports dropped dramatically from over 24 hours in the legacy system to approximately one second in the new system. Previously, downtime was required for almost all system updates and maintenance. Legacy system deployments could take over 20 hours to complete. Now, updates and maintenance can be done with zero downtime and no impact to users. In the first two years of the HQR contract, Bellese saved CMS nearly $1M as a result of system optimizations and automations. “I've worked on HQR for 11 years in different roles. It wasn't until I joined Bellese five years ago when we really started to make significant progress on enhancements through the use of research, design thinking and product development methodologies,” said Karen Waters, Bellese Program Director of HQR. “From our focus on human-centered design to using modern technology while also successfully maintaining all that legacy code, the HQR team tackled some extraordinary challenges. I am extremely proud to work alongside each of our team members, CMS, support contractors, and the HQR users.” The modernization of HQR is part of a larger CMS initiative called Patients over Paperwork. This initiative seeks to increase efficiencies, improve the end-user experience for end-users, and lower the overall provider burden. HQR allows facilities to directly report their quality measures. This reduction in time to use the system and submit data is now precious time gained by hospital staff to spend on their main job -- running a hospital and caring for patients. At Bellese the process of reducing burden started with understanding the people using the system, their environment, and importantly, their behavior. “Fundamentally we want to make using the system as easy to use as possible.“ said Lesley Humphreys, Bellese Human-Centered Design Lead for HQR. “We did that through multiple research methods and ensuring our researchers, designers, and developers worked as one to meet user needs.” Together, CMS and Bellese achieved the goal of legacy system modernization and positioning the HQR program for its role in the future of digital quality measurement. The HQR ecosystem includes several federal incentive programs including: Inpatient Quality Reporting (IQR), Outpatient Quality Reporting (OQR), Inpatient Psychiatric Facility Quality Reporting (IPF), PPS-Exempt Cancer Hospital Quality Reporting (PCH), and Ambulatory Surgical Center Quality Reporting (ASC). All of these incentive programs are supported by the HQR solution. ABOUT BELLESE TECHNOLOGIES: Founded in 2009, Bellese Technologies is a human-centered service design company in the Baltimore metro area. Bellese partners with health and human services clients in the public and private sectors. The firm leverages modern technology, human-centered design, and silo-busting collaboration to help its clients expand and accelerate the positive impact they have on society. Currently, Bellese works with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, supporting price transparency, Medicare payment system modernization, and quality of care initiatives.Bellese holds the GSA IT 70 Schedule and two CMS agile blanket purchase agreements (BPA) — the Medicare Payment System Modernization (MPSM) BPA and the Agile Delivery to Execute Legislative Endeavors-Quality Related Initiatives (ADELE-QRI) BPA. Bellese was recently recognized as a “Top Workplace” by the Baltimore Sun for the third year in a row. Visit bellese.io/careers for more information on careers at Bellese. Contact Details Bellese Technologies Mark Adkins +1 202-335-0065 press@bellese.io Company Website https://bellese.io/

June 22, 2021 12:35 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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