Merge Healthcare (NASDAQ:MRGE), a leading provider of enterprise imaging and interoperability solutions, announced the solutions it is demonstrating at the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) in booth #6219 to help providers improve image interoperability and achieve Meaningful Use.

Merge Honeycomb is a new cloud-based platform that the company is proud to unveil at RSNA. In addition, Merge is announcing its first application in the cloud – free image sharing. With free image sharing, users can upload, download, view, and share medical images anywhere, anytime.

No additional software is needed to use the free image sharing application in Merge Honeycomb; it can be used from any device with a web browser including PCs, Macs, tablets and mobile devices.

With 6,000 clinics across the United States, Merge has the nation’s largest image sharing network opportunity. Merge Honeycomb will be launched in the first quarter of 2012. Users can sign up now for free accounts at http://www.merge.com/honeycomb.aspx and will be notified once live.

“Moving images to the cloud provides a number of operational benefits, including increased storage capacity and availability,” said Jeff Surges, CEO of Merge Healthcare. “Plus, it reduces costs and IT complexities as images are shared safely and securely over the Internet.”

Merge Enables Enterprise-Wide Image Interoperability with Merge iConnect®

Merge iConnect is a suite of image interoperability solutions that can improve workflow, reduce care delays and lower costs by enabling access to any image, anywhere, at any time, on any device. iConnect supports an enterprise-wide imaging strategy by providing access to medical images from any approved Web-enabled device and facilitates the sharing of images between referring centers without the need for additional equipment or software.

Components include:

Merge iConnect® Access: A zero-download, browser-based image viewer
Merge iConnect® Share: An Internet-gateway capable of receiving and morphing studies from outside the enterprise, allowing for prompt electronic transfer of images (vs. burning and sending on a CD)
Merge iConnect® VNA: A vendor neutral archive to create a patient-centric record of images and data across all sites and modalities, enabling physicians to manage content from disparate storage solutions
Merge iConnect® Kiosk: A patient check-in device to automate the front office
“We’re excited to showcase the latest developments in the iConnect suite, which include more powerful interfaces and increased functionality,” continued Surges. “We’ve listened closely to clients such as Children’s Memorial Hospital, HealthPartners and Catholic Healthcare West, and have incorporated features that will significantly improve ease of use and streamline operational workflow.”

Merge Showcases Radiology-Specific, Complete EHR Certified for Meaningful Use: Merge RIS™ v7.0

Merge RIS is a web-based, feature-rich information system used by hundreds of ambulatory care practices, imaging centers and radiology group practices. Merge RIS provides radiologists the capability to capture and report on the metrics required to demonstrate “meaningful use” of electronic health records.

“With more than 90% of radiologists able to qualify for Meaningful Use incentives, it is essential that they develop a strategy to meet criteria, earn incentive funds and more importantly, avoid future penalties,” said Surges. “And now that Merge RIS has received the federal government’s Meaningful Use ‘stamp of approval,’ providers can utilize our single, radiology-specific solution to demonstrate MU.”

Merge RIS provides the functionality needed to achieve Meaningful Use requirements, including:

Data collection: Gather mandated patient data intuitively
Reporting: Access pre-configured, easy-to-use reports to assist with Meaningful Use data submission
Patient portal: Provide patients with clinical summaries, electronic copies of their health information, educational information, reminders and more
Merge Demonstrates Anywhere, Anytime Image Access with Merge PACS™

Merge PACS enables you to store and access images from any Web-based device so you can review and share images and data more efficiently. Radiologists can read, review, archive and share images and reports from a common user interface.

“With Merge PACS, radiologists can enhance clinical, operational and administrative functions,” said Surges. “It enables them to operate with fewer resources, improve workflow efficiency and deliver faster results to referring physicians.”

Merge Hosts Hands-On CADstream™ Workshops for MRI Studies

With Merge CADstream, providers can automate the analysis, reporting and interventional planning of their MRI studies for breast, liver and prostate and benefit from higher quality imaging studies, lower costs and improved communication with referring physicians.

Merge will be hosting hands-on CADstream workshops for MRI study interpretation and reporting at RSNA in booth #6265.

About Merge Healthcare

Merge Healthcare is a leading provider of enterprise imaging and interoperability solutions, with a client base consisting of more than 1,500 hospitals and 6,000 clinics across the country. Merge solutions facilitate the sharing of images to create a more effective and efficient electronic healthcare experience for patients and physicians. Merge provides enterprise imaging solutions for radiology, cardiology, orthopaedics and eye care; a suite of products for clinical trials; software for financial and pre-surgical management, and applications that fuel the largest modality vendors in the world. Merge’s products have been used by healthcare providers, vendors and researchers worldwide to improve patient care for more than 20 years. Additional information can be found at www.merge.com.

Merge Honeycomb as described herein is a works-in-progress. Merge Healthcare is not legally obligated to develop or continue to develop such works-in-progress that may include the features and functionality described herein.

Cautionary Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

The matters discussed in this news release may include forward-looking statements, which could involve a number of risks and uncertainties. When used in this press release, the words “will,” “believes,” “intends,” “anticipates,” “expects” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Actual results could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, such forward-looking statements. Except as expressly required by the federal securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to update such factors or to publicly announce the results of any of the forward-looking statements.