Sharp Rees-Stealy Medical Centers Launches Asthmapolis Mobile Asthma Management Program

MADISON, Wis., July 25, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Asthmapolis (az-MAP-o-lis), the FDA-cleared mobile health solution for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), today announced Sharp Rees-Stealy Medical Centers will offer the platform as part of their asthma respiratory health management program. The Asthmapolis system is designed to help patients and their physicians better understand and control their asthma, with the goal of reducing preventable emergency room visits and hospitalizations.

"At Sharp Rees-Stealy, we are always looking for ways to provide quality care and better the lives of our patients," said Dr. Parag Agnihotri, medical director of continuum of care at Sharp Rees-Stealy. "For patients with asthma, we sought an innovative way to help them understand their triggers to better manage their health."

Patients frequently report they don't always have the time or ability to track their medication use. The Asthmapolis snap-on sensor attaches to an inhaler and wirelessly syncs with a smart phone to create a mobile asthma diary solution.  Symptoms and triggers are tracked automatically, reports are accessible to physicians and patients, and email and text reminders are sent to patients to take their medication.

"This inspires patients to self-manage their disease," continued Dr. Agnihotri. "We chose Asthmapolis so we could offer a creative mobile solution that engages patients, encourages regular two-way communication between the patient and clinician, and yields new and useful information for our care teams."

"We're honored to contribute to Sharp Rees-Stealy's innovative efforts to improve the health and well being of their patients," said David Van Sickle, CEO and founder, Asthmapolis. "Working together, our organizations are creating new models of care that will reduce costs, improve care and most importantly, help reduce the burden of asthma in the lives of the patients we serve."

About Sharp Rees-Stealy Medical Centers
Sharp Rees-Stealy Medical Centers offer multispecialty care from a dedicated team including 1,800 staff members representing virtually every allied health profession, in addition to the more than 400 physicians who are members of the affiliated Sharp Rees-Stealy Medical Group.  Sharp Rees-Stealy Medical Centers are dedicated to delivering the extraordinary level of caring called The Sharp Experience, which combines clinical excellence, advanced technology and patient- and family-centered care. Sharp Rees-Stealy Medical Centers has 20 locations and accepts most health insurance plans.

Sharp Rees-Stealy Medical Centers is part of Sharp HealthCare, San Diego's most comprehensive health care delivery system and a 2007 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award recipient. To learn more about Sharp Rees-Stealy Medical Centers, visit www.sharp.com/srs or call 1-800-82-SHARP (1-800-827-4277) to choose a doctor who's right for you.

Sharp Rees-Stealy Medical Centers is proud to be affiliated with the physicians of the Sharp Rees-Stealy Medical Group, who have been recognized as offering among the highest overall quality of medical services based on the Integrated Healthcare Associations 2011 Pay for Performance program measures.

About Asthmapolis
Founded in 2010, Asthmapolis aims to improve the management of chronic respiratory disease for people and healthcare professionals. Backed by The Social+Capital Partnership, California HealthCare Foundation and other investors, Asthmapolis is now working with organizations like Dignity Health, Wyckoff Heights Medical Center, Amerigroup Florida and the City of Louisville. Company recognition includes TEDMED Innovation Showcase, White House Champion of Change and Bluetooth Breakthrough Product awards. The system has been featured in The Economist, Washington Post, Fast Company, Wired and Scientific American. For more information, go to http://asthmapolis.com or email info(at)asthampolis.com.

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David Van Sickle
http://www.profnetconnect.com/davidvansickle

SOURCE Asthmapolis