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Autonomix Medical (NASDAQ: AMIX) Is Cracking the Code Of The Peripheral Nervous System With Its Breakthrough Technology To Treat Diseases

Autonomix Medical, Inc.

By Faith Ashmore, Benzinga The peripheral nervous system (PNS) is the network of nerves that extend from the brain and spinal cord to all parts of the body. Its main function is to facilitate communication between the central nervous system (CNS) and the rest of the body. The PNS is divided into two components: the somatic nervous system, which controls voluntary movements and senses, and the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary bodily functions like heart rate and digestion. Simply put, the PNS plays a crucial role in nearly every disease because it is responsible for transmitting signals and information throughout the body. Overactive nerves, disruption, or dysfunction in the PNS can lead to a variety of health issues, including conditions like pain, cardiovascular disease, such as hypertension, as well as gastrointestinal disorders. While many biotechnology companies are looking to treat symptoms for various conditions, Autonomix Medical Inc. (NASDAQ: AMIX) is targeting the root of the issue, which they associate with the PNS. The company’s first-in-class technology platform includes a catheter-based microchip sensing array that can detect and differentiate neural signals and perform nerve ablations, killing the nerve. This technology has the ability to sense individual neural signals with up to 3,000 times greater sensitivity than currently available technologies. The company says this breakthrough technology opens new possibilities in electrophysiology and pain management. Autonomix Medical aims to provide a comprehensive solution that combines the detection and treatment of nerve-related disorders in a single procedure, streamlining the process and potentially improving patient outcomes. Unlike the conventional ablation approaches, Autonomix Medical reports that its technology works like a GPS, allowing doctors to identify, treat and verify the right nerves causing the issue. The company is initially evaluating pancreatic cancer pain to demonstrate the ability of its technology. With current treatment options, pancreatic cancer-related pain can be particularly challenging to manage because it is located near critical nerves and vessels, leading to severe and treatment resistant pain. Traditional pain treatments can often prove inadequate, leaving patients in need of more effective solutions; some patients turn to opioids for relief. If Autonomix Medical’s ongoing trial is successful, it could pave the way for the company to target larger disease markets and expand the total opportunity for their technology, which they estimate exceeds $100 billion. Additionally, Autonomix believes it has the potential to decrease nationwide reliance on opioids, which could be a win for patients and physicians alike. Featured photo by Stefano Bucciarelli on Unsplash Autonomix is a medical device company focused on advancing innovative technologies to revolutionize how diseases involving the nervous system are diagnosed and treated. The Company’s first-in-class technology platform includes a catheter-based microchip sensing array that has the ability to detect and differentiate neural signals with approximately 3,000 times greater sensitivity than currently available technologies. We believe this will enable, for the first time ever, transvascular diagnosis and treatment of diseases involving the peripheral nervous system virtually anywhere in the body.We are initially developing our technology for pancreatic cancer pain, a condition that can cause debilitating pain and needs an effective solution. However, our technology constitutes a platform with the potential to address dozens of indications, including in cardiology, renal denervation and chronic pain management across a wide disease spectrum. Some of the statements in this release are “forward-looking statements,” which involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, without limitation, the timing of the completion of patient enrollment in the trial and the Company’s ability to successfully meet the milestones set forth in this press release on a timely basis, if at all. Such forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as ‘should,’ ‘may,’ ‘intends,’ ‘anticipates,’ ‘believes,’ ‘estimates,’ ‘projects,’ ‘forecasts,’ ‘expects,’ ‘plans,’ and ‘proposes.’Although Autonomix Medical, Inc. (or Autonomix) believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, there are a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking statements. You are urged to carefully review and consider any cautionary statements and other disclosures, including the statements made under the heading “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in the offering circular filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on January 26, 2024. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of the document in which they are contained and Autonomix does not undertake any duty to update any forward-looking statements except as may be required by law. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details JTC Team, LLC autonomix@jtcir.com Company Website https://autonomix.com/

April 11, 2024 08:55 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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LightPath Technologies announces commercialization for BlackDiamond-NRL Based New Infrared Glass

LightPath Technologies Inc

LightPath Technologies CEO Sam Rubin joined Steve Darling from Proactive to announce the commercial release of the company's newest BlackDiamond-NRL infrared glass, BDNL-4. This material represents a significant advancement and is a crucial component of the chalcogenide glass series licensed from the US Naval Research Laboratories (NRL), serving as a substitute for Germanium. Rubin explained to Proactive that BDNL-4 possesses a negative thermo-optic coefficient, a critical characteristic for creating athermalized systems. This feature enables the design of devices that remain unaffected by temperature changes. Furthermore, BDNL-4 is a genuine multi-spectral material suitable for use across short-wave infrared (SWIR), mid-wave infrared (MWIR), and long-wave infrared (LWIR) imaging bands. LightPath offers antireflective and protective DLC coatings for all its Chalcogenide materials, including BDNL-4. After years of development at NRL, BDNL-4 is exclusively licensed to LightPath. The company anticipates that BDNL-4 could become a pivotal material for thermal cameras used in drones and other systems requiring operation across a wide range of temperatures. This launch is particularly significant in light of export restrictions imposed on Germanium and Gallium by China, underscoring the strategic importance of BDNL-4 as a viable alternative. Contact Details Proactive North America Proactive North America +1 604-688-8158 na-editorial@proactiveinvestors.com

April 10, 2024 09:32 AM Pacific Daylight Time

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Vivos Therapeutics receives approval for Medicare reimbursement for flagship Oral Medical Devices

Vivos Therapeutics

Vivos Therapeutics CEO Kirk Huntsman joined Steve Darling from Proactive shared significant news regarding the regulatory approval for Medicare reimbursement of their oral medical devices designed for sleep apnea treatment. Huntsman emphasized the unique design of Vivos's medical devices, which are capable of enhancing the human airway and potentially eliminating sleep apnea symptoms after a 12-month treatment period. This FDA clearance positions Vivos as the only line of oral medical devices globally that can treat severe sleep apnea. The approval for Medicare reimbursement is described as a monumental achievement, as it is expected to benefit tens of millions of Medicare patients suffering from moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) without the need for lifetime intervention. This recognition by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) propels Vivos's devices as a viable alternative to traditional CPAP treatments, especially timely given the recent recalls in the CPAP market and Philips' withdrawal from the U.S. market. Huntsman expressed his excitement about the broader implications of this approval, including increased recommendations of Vivos's treatments by medical and dental providers and a growing awareness of their efficacy as an alternative to CPAP treatments. This development represents a significant step forward in transforming patient care for individuals suffering from sleep apnea. Watch the full interview to learn more about Vivos Therapeutics Inc.'s pioneering approach to treating sleep apnea and their vision for improving patient care. Contact Details Proactive Investors +1 347-449-0879 na-editorial@proactiveinvestors.com

April 09, 2024 11:45 AM Pacific Daylight Time

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HEALWELL AI shares major company milestones since its debut in Q4 of 2023

HEALWELL AI Inc.

HEALWELL AI CEO Dr. Alex Dobranowski joined Steve Darling from Proactive to provide a corporate update, including the release of preliminary financial results for its Fiscal Fourth Quarter and Year Ended December 31, 2023. HEALWELL AI, which debuted in the fourth quarter of 2023, has achieved significant milestones since its inception. HEALWELL successfully raised approximately $29.5 million, providing the company with significant financial resources to fuel its growth initiatives. HEALWELL completed the acquisition of a majority interest in Pentavere, an AI healthcare company. This acquisition enhances HEALWELL's capabilities and strengthens its position in the healthcare AI market. HEALWELL announced a partnership with WELL Health Technologies, whereby WELL Health adopted HEALWELL's AI-powered physician co-pilot product, WELL AI Decision Support. This marks a significant milestone in the adoption of HEALWELL's technology in the healthcare industry. HEALWELL announced the acquisition of Intrahealth, an enterprise-class Electronic Health Record (EHR) company. This acquisition has contributed to HEALWELL's yearly run-rate revenues, which now exceed $20 million, primarily driven by SaaS and services. Dobranowski expressed optimism about HEALWELL's outlook, citing its organic growth profile and M&A strategy. The company has a strong and active acquisition pipeline, with the potential to more than double its current revenue run-rate to over $40 million per year using existing cash on hand. HEALWELL's strategic alliance with equity investor WELL Health Technologies continues to flourish, with significant activity in both Canada and the United States. In Canada, WELL Health recently launched WELL AI Decision Support, an AI-powered physician co-pilot providing clinical decision support for rare disease diagnosis and preventative care, sourced entirely from HEALWELL. Overall, HEALWELL AI is well-positioned for continued growth and success in the dynamic healthcare AI market, leveraging its innovative technology, strategic partnerships, and robust acquisition strategy. Contact Details Proactive North America Proactive North America +1 604-688-8158 NA-editorial@proactiveinvestors.com

April 03, 2024 10:07 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Cloud DX Achieves nearly 100 % Contract Renewals worth 1.5 million in revenue

Cloud DX

Cloud DX CEO Robert Kaul joined Steve Darling from Proactive to unveil some exciting developments as the company aims for a 100% renewal rate among its clients whose contracts are expiring in the first quarter of 2024. As of the current date, 11 out of 14 potential renewals have been secured, with the remaining 3 expected to follow suit. Cloud DX specializes in executing contracts with various healthcare providers, offering Connected Health Kits that include approved medical devices and customized tablet computers. These kits are prescribed to patients for chronic care management, post-surgical recovery, remote rehabilitation, or palliative care purposes. Kaul highlighted the diverse range of clients renewing their contracts in the first quarter, including Canadian hospitals, primary care clinics in Alberta, family health teams in Ontario, community paramedic services in Ontario, the Canadian Lung Health Foundation, and a Canadian Provincial health ministry. These clients collectively enrolled approximately 2,900 unique patients in 2023. With the renewal of these contracts, Cloud DX has received orders for Connected Health Kits valued at $96,000 CAD.Furthermore, recurring subscription revenues from these contracts are projected to increase to $575,000 CAD per year, amounting to a total contract value of $1.5 million CAD by December 31, 2025. It's worth noting that Cloud DX maintains a robust gross margin of approximately 77%, as indicated in the company's most recent Financial Statements. Overall, these developments underscore Cloud DX's commitment to advancing healthcare through innovative technology solutions, while also solidifying its position as a leader in the industry. Contact Details Proactive North America +1 604-688-8158 NA-editorial@proactiveinvestors.com

April 02, 2024 12:46 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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9 Home Remedies Backed by Science

Spark Metro

Many Home remedies are available to address a range of issues including colds, inflammation, and pain. While not all of these remedies are backed by scientific research, some have garnered support from scientists indicating their potential effectiveness. You've likely experimented with a home remedy before, whether it involved herbal teas for a cold, essential oils for a headache, or natural supplements for better sleep. Perhaps you heard about it from your grandma or stumbled upon it online. Regardless, you gave it a shot, and now you're contemplating its efficacy. The exact mechanism behind why home remedies work remains unclear. Is it due to a physiological change in the body, or is it simply the placebo effect at play? Fortunately, in recent years, scientists have delved into these questions within the confines of a laboratory. Their findings suggest that many of our traditional plant-based remedies hold genuine therapeutic value beyond mere folklore. So, for the skeptics seeking evidence beyond the power of suggestion, rest assured, there's scientific backing to validate the effectiveness of certain home remedies. Here are 9 Home Remedies Backed by Science: Turmeric for Pain and Inflammation: Turmeric, a golden spice used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries, contains an active compound called curcumin. Research suggests that curcumin is effective in treating pain associated with inflammation. For example: A study found that curcumin was more effective in reducing arthritis pain than an anti-inflammatory drug called diclofenac sodium. Turmeric extract was as effective as ibuprofen in treating pain related to knee osteoarthritis. To benefit from turmeric, consider taking curcumin supplements (about 2 to 5 grams per day) along with a pinch of black pepper to enhance absorption Chili Peppers for Pain and Soreness: Capsaicin, the active component in chili peppers, has a long history in folk medicine. It’s now widely accepted for managing pain. Capsaicin works by causing a warming sensation on the skin, followed by numbness. You can find prescription capsaicin patches (like Qutenza) that contain a high concentration of capsaicin (8 percent) for pain relief. If you have sore muscles or generalized body pain, consider using hot peppers or cayenne pepper topically. Ginger: Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and may help with nausea, especially during pregnancy or after surgery. You can consume ginger as a tea, in cooking, or take ginger supplements. Shiitake Mushrooms: Shiitake mushrooms contain compounds that support the immune system and may have antiviral properties. Incorporate shiitake mushrooms into your diet for overall health. Eucalyptus: Eucalyptus oil is commonly used for respiratory issues. It may help relieve symptoms of colds and congestion. Use eucalyptus oil in a diffuser or as a chest rub. Lavender: Lavender essential oil is known for its calming effects. It may help reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality. Use lavender oil in a diffuser or add a few drops to your bath. Mint: Peppermint oil can alleviate symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), including bloating and abdominal pain. Consider using peppermint oil capsules or drinking peppermint tea. Fenugreek: Fenugreek seeds may help regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity. Soak fenugreek seeds overnight and consume them in the morning. Magnesium: Magnesium supplements can help with muscle cramps, migraines, and sleep disturbances. Consult a healthcare professional before starting magnesium supplementation. Remember that while these remedies have scientific support, individual responses may vary. Always consult with a healthcare provider before trying any new remedy or supplement. What other natural remedies can I try? Here are some additional natural remedies you can explore: Honey and Lemon for Sore Throats: Mix warm water with honey and a squeeze of lemon. Gargle this solution to soothe a sore throat. Honey has antimicrobial properties, and lemon provides vitamin C. Apple Cider Vinegar for Digestive Issues: Dilute apple cider vinegar in water and drink it before meals. It may help with digestion, bloating, and acid reflux. Peppermint Tea for Digestive Discomfort: Peppermint tea can ease indigestion, bloating, and gas. It also has a calming effect on the stomach. Chamomile Tea for Sleep and Anxiety: Chamomile tea is known for its calming properties. It can help with anxiety and promote better sleep. Garlic for Immune Support: Garlic contains compounds that boost the immune system. Incorporate fresh garlic into your meals. Aloe Vera for Skin Irritations: Aloe vera gel can soothe sunburns, minor cuts, and skin irritations. Apply it topically. Cranberry Juice for Urinary Tract Health: Cranberry juice may help prevent urinary tract infections by preventing bacteria from adhering to the bladder wall. Oatmeal Baths for Itchy Skin: Add colloidal oatmeal to your bathwater to relieve itchy skin caused by conditions like eczema or insect bites. Ginger Tea for Nausea: Ginger tea or ginger candies can alleviate nausea, especially during pregnancy or motion sickness. Epsom Salt Baths for Muscle Relaxation: Dissolve Epsom salt in warm water and soak to relax sore muscles and reduce inflammation. Remember that individual responses may vary, and it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider before trying any new remedy. What are some natural remedies for headaches? Here are natural remedies that you can try to alleviate headaches: Drink Water: Hydration is crucial. Dehydration can trigger headaches, so make sure to drink enough water throughout the day. Water-rich foods like fruits and vegetables also contribute to hydration. Magnesium: Magnesium deficiency has been linked to frequent migraines. Consider taking magnesium supplements or consuming magnesium-rich foods. Apply Cold Compress: Place a cold compress on your forehead or the back of your neck. Cold temperatures can help reduce inflammation and ease headache discomfort. Ginger Tea: Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and may relieve nausea associated with headaches. Brew ginger tea or chew on ginger candies. Peppermint Oil: Peppermint oil applied to your temples or massaged onto your forehead can provide relief from tension headaches. Lavender Oil: Inhaling lavender essential oil can promote relaxation and reduce headache intensity. Use it in a diffuser or add a few drops to your bath. Stay Consistent with Meals: Skipping meals can trigger headaches. Maintain regular eating patterns and avoid extreme hunger or undereating. Limit Caffeine Intake: While caffeine can sometimes help with headaches, excessive consumption or sudden withdrawal can worsen them.Find a balance that works for you. Practice Relaxation Techniques: Techniques like deep breathing, meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation can reduce stress and prevent tension headaches. Get Adequate Sleep: Lack of sleep can contribute to headaches. Prioritize quality sleep to support overall well-being. What are some acupressure points for headaches? Acupressure involves stimulating specific pressure points on the body to alleviate headaches. While scientific evidence is limited, some people find relief through these techniques. Here are a few acupressure points to try: Third Eye (GV 24.5): Locate the third eye pressure point between your eyebrows, slightly above the bridge of your nose. Apply gentle pressure or massage it in a circular motion. This point is believed to help with headache relief. Back of the Head (Occiput): There are two points on the back of the head (occiput) that can relieve tension headaches. Apply pressure to these points to ease discomfort. Neck-Shoulder Junction: Focus on the area where your neck meets your shoulders. Massage this junction to release tension and reduce headache symptoms. Hands: The hands contain several acupressure points that may help with headaches. Explore the webbing between your thumb and index finger (known as Hegu or LI4 ). Apply pressure here to potentially alleviate headaches. Tell me more about acupressure for other conditions. Acupressure is a traditional Chinese therapy that involves stimulating specific pressure points on the body. While scientific evidence varies, many people find relief from various conditions through acupressure. Here are some areas where it may be beneficial: Insomnia: Acupressure can help manage sleep disturbances and promote better rest. Stress Management: Certain pressure points may alleviate stress and induce relaxation. Headaches: Massaging specific points can ease tension headaches and migraines. Menstrual Cramps: Acupressure may provide relief from menstrual discomfort. Motion Sickness: Applying pressure to specific points may reduce symptoms of motion sickness. Muscle Tension and Pain: Acupressure can target muscle knots and tension. Nausea and Vomiting During Pregnancy (Morning Sickness): Some pregnant individuals find relief through acupressure. Cancer Treatment Side Effects: Acupressure may help manage side effects of cancer treatments. Immune System Problems: It’s believed that acupressure can positively influence immune function. Infertility: While not a standalone treatment, acupressure may complement fertility therapies. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Some individuals with IBS report symptom improvement with acupressure. Menopause and Hot Flashes: Acupressure might help manage menopausal symptoms. Pregnancy Discomforts: From back pain to nausea, acupressure may offer relief during pregnancy. Repetitive Strain Disorders and Overuse Syndrome: Acupressure could be part of a holistic approach to managing these conditions. How can I use acupressure for stress relief? Certainly! Acupressure is a natural technique that involves stimulating specific pressure points on your body to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being. Here are some acupressure points you can try for stress relief: Hall of Impression Point: Located between your eyebrows, this point is said to help with both anxiety and stress. To use this point: Sit comfortably and close your eyes. Touch the spot between your eyebrows with your index finger or thumb. Take slow, deep breaths and apply gentle, firm pressure in a circular motion for 5 to 10 minutes. Heavenly Gate Point: Found in the upper shell of your ear, at the tip of the triangle-like hollow. Stimulating this point may relieve anxiety, stress, and insomnia. To use this point: Locate it in your ear (a mirror might help). Apply firm, gentle pressure in a circular motion for two minutes. Shoulder Well Point: Located in your shoulder muscle. To find it, pinch your shoulder muscle with your middle finger and thumb. This point helps with relieving stress, muscle tension, and headaches. Avoid using this point if you’re pregnant, as it can also induce labor. To use this point: Pinch the muscle with your thumb and middle finger. Apply gentle, firm pressure with your index finger and massage the point for four to five seconds. Union Valley Point: Found in the webbing between your thumb and index finger. Stimulating this point is said to reduce stress, headaches, and neck pain. Like the shoulder well point, avoid it during pregnancy. To use this point: With your index finger and thumb, apply firm pressure to the webbing between the thumb and index finger of your other hand. Final words on 9 Home Remedies Backed by Science In conclusion, these home remedies offer promising natural alternatives supported by scientific research for various health concerns. Turmeric's curcumin, capsaicin from chili peppers, and ginger showcase anti-inflammatory properties, while shiitake mushrooms and fenugreek contribute to immune health and blood sugar regulation, respectively. Essential oils like eucalyptus and lavender offer respiratory and calming benefits. Incorporating these remedies into daily routines, such as in teas or topical applications, can provide significant relief. Additionally, considering alternative remedies like honey and lemon for sore throats or apple cider vinegar for digestive issues broadens the spectrum of natural solutions available. For headache relief, acupressure presents an intriguing avenue, targeting specific pressure points linked to tension and migraine headaches. However, individual responses may vary, emphasizing the importance of consulting healthcare professionals before integrating these remedies. With a holistic approach, leveraging these home remedies alongside conventional treatments can empower individuals to manage their health effectively and naturally. Contact Details Medicoworlds Alex +1 302-597-6768 Apexreviews154@gmail.com Company Website https://medicoworlds.com/

March 30, 2024 06:28 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Nevis Brands releases financial numbers seeing a 44% increase in quarterly revenue

Nevis Brands

Nevis Brands CEO John Kueber joined Steve Darling from Proactive to announce the company's financial results for fiscal year 2023 and the fourth quarter ending November 30, 2023. Nevis Brands reported revenues of $671,000 for the year, with Cost of Goods Sold amounting to $278,604. For the fourth quarter alone, Nevis generated revenues of $395,876, primarily derived from royalties received from Licensees in five states, while Cost of Goods Sold stood at $134,223. Kueber expressed satisfaction with the conclusion of the fiscal year, highlighting the significant expenses and charges incurred during the transition from Pascal Biosciences Inc., the company's previous business entity. Notably, Nevis Brands achieved growth in revenues and managed to reduce costs of goods sold in the fourth quarter, signalling positive momentum in its operations. Furthermore, Kueber emphasized the company's ongoing efforts to expand its revenue streams, particularly in states where Nevis is currently operating. He expressed excitement about the additional revenues expected from licensees that have been secured but have yet to contribute to revenues. Notably, revenues for the fourth quarter did not include contributions from Nevada and California, both of which are now revenue-generating states. Additionally, Michigan and Missouri are anticipated to contribute to revenues in 2024, further bolstering Nevis Brands' financial performance. Looking ahead, Nevis Brands sees significant growth opportunities for its major brand, not only through expansion into new markets but also through the introduction of new products. Kueber emphasized the potential for diversification beyond beverages into other edible products, underscoring the company's commitment to innovation and market expansion. In summary, Nevis Brands' financial results for fiscal year 2023 and the fourth quarter reflect steady progress and positive momentum in its operations. With a strategic focus on revenue growth and product diversification, the company is well-positioned to capitalize on emerging opportunities in the cannabis market and deliver value to its shareholders. Contact Details Proactive North America Proactive North America +1 604-688-8158 NA-editorial@proactiveinvestors.com

March 27, 2024 10:21 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Tennr puts fax machines back in vogue for healthcare organizations using AI, as it secures $18m from a16z

Tennr

Fax machines are older than telephones and the internet. Despite being a legacy technology, the healthcare industry still sends 9 billion faxes a year because they are more reliable than telephone calls and emails. While most startups have been trying to digitize faxes out of existence, Tennr has raised $18M to bridge healthcare’s problems in an unconventional way: working with, not against, the fax machine. Tennr’s $18m series A funding round was led by a16z with participation from Foundation Capital and The New Normal Fund. Other investors (from the seed round) include YCombinator, Zaza Pachulia, Jennifer Kaehms, and other notable health and AI focused investors. With this funding round, Tennr has now raised over $25m. Tennr’s founders, Trey Holterman, Diego Baugh, and Tyler Johnson, met as freshmen at Stanford where they worked together studying machine learning. They saw early on how good contextual models were becoming at doing repetitive, manual tasks and how much power this had to ‘magic away’ busywork in traditional industries. After graduation, the team dedicated years to building powerful, robust systems for reading unstructured documents, automating data entry, and applying them specifically to healthcare. Today, practices nationwide are using Tennr to automate referral processing, payment posting, claims auditing, medical record management and more. Many thought faxes would face their end in 2009 when the HITECH Act put $27 billion towards encouraging healthcare to use EHRs, become “paperless,” and set up integrations. Fifteen years later, most providers and hospitals have implemented EHRs, but still default to e-faxing for sending or receiving patient records, audit requests, and referrals back to coordinate patient care. This manual work triggers an endless cascade of issues for practices: it’s time-consuming, takes longer for patients to receive critical care, is vulnerable to human error, leads to expensive claim denials, creates needless back-and-forth between practices delaying care, and increases employee burnout and turnover. While most products that streamline healthcare workflows attempt to sever the dependency on faxes, Tennr is taking a different approach. Instead of expecting practices to change, Tennr meets them where they are — working inside the solution they already know and trust. When a practice receives a digital fax through email or their EHR inbox, Tennr reads the documents and automates the work associated with processing them. This act of finding and moving information quicker and with more accuracy resolves most of the problems digital faxes cause. For example, when a patient is referred from a primary care provider to a specialty practice through a faxed referral, Tennr, in real time, extracts the key patient information and coordinates with the patient so they can be scheduled quickly and accurately; if a fax or referral is incomplete, Tennr automatically requests the missing information. As a result, patients get the care they need, allowing practices to maintain stronger referral relationships, provide continuity of care and improve patient outcomes. “When building Tennr and this healthcare integration, we looked at what’s actually needed and saw what was possible with technology. Our number one integration today is across fax providers, on-prem file storage systems and EHRs from the 90s. And this is the real life need of the industry. But beyond that, what people miss the most in all of this is that it’s not about just automating work or making teams faster. Lots of people can build tools that make admins marginally faster–that just doesn’t move the needle. Instead, our research team is building models based around this very complex information flow, being able to parse it for one practice at a time, and then do the work so well that you can turn it into very clear growth for a business. And yes, the e-fax ends up being in the middle of it all,” said Trey Holterman, CEO and co-founder of Tennr. Insurance denials are often the result of poor or unclear information which impacts the provider and patient. Tennr works on both sides of the insurance/provider relationship, automating the flow of information to commercial payors, as well as reading the information that’s returned. Ultimately, this helps service providers catch and correct wrong information before they submit to a commercial payor. Moreover, when Tennr identifies wrong information it’s able to request the correct information, in the correct format – minimizing insurance denials and helping practices get paid faster. And since Tennr is automating this work, there are no manual errors, less employee burnout, and crucially, returns time back to staff. The hard part is of course, actually reading the faxes, and integrating with archaic systems. Documents that can be many pages long with dozens of patients attached are unstructured, messy blobs of data that are nearly impossible for computers to work with. To make matters worse, actually getting data where it needs to go (onto an electronic health records system) requires maintaining integrations with archaic and fragmented systems. Rommy Foteh, the Chief Operations Officer at NMA, a national specialty practice serving tens of thousands of patients a month said: “it's been about effectively seeing more patients while being the kind of partner our customers need. When we’re able to respond to our partners as quickly as we do now using Tennr, and ensure we have everything we need to see a patient, those patients remember their great experience with NMA, encouraging our surgeons and hospitals to continue to refer to us.” Commercial health plans like Prominence Health have begun to excitedly embrace this new technology as well, seeing it as a driver for better experiences for providers which means a better experience for patients subscribed to Prominence Health. Dominic Henriquez, Chief Development Officer at Prominence Health said, “At Prominence Health, we lead the charge in innovating value-based care, constantly seeking disruptive technologies to enhance operational efficiency. The Tennr product seamlessly aligns with our mission to deliver higher value to our customers. By eliminating traditional administrative burdens like scanning medical records and data entry, Tennr enables us to prioritize elevating patient experiences, improving health outcomes, and enhancing care coordination.” Cleaning up the messy data coming in from faxes to automate patient intake and insurance communications is just the beginning of Tennr’s vision. If Tennr can read faxes, understand what information needs to be extracted from them, and where that information needs to go, it can chip away at many of the most costly problems within the US health system. For now, Tennr is using this investment to grow its team, scale its operations, and help organizations automate everything that starts with a fax. “Amidst the theoretically unbounded possibilities of AI, the Tennr team has impressed us with their unwavering focus on building applications solving specific, tangible problems for their customers, said Kristina Shen, general partner at Andreessen Horowitz. About Tennr Based in New York, Tennr automates the messy, painful, manual work holding healthcare organizations back from seeing more patients, increasing revenue, and growing their business. These automations are configurable to the intricacies of each organization’s workflows – meaning they can perform exactly the way a human would, using a practice’s existing tools. As a result, organizations can automate any work that begins with a fax without migrating to a new tool or increasing their headcount. These organizations can also use the data Tennr structures to take advantage of trends that can grow their practice. Learn more at https://www.tennr.com/ About a16z Andreessen Horowitz (aka a16z) is a venture capital firm that backs bold entrepreneurs building the future through technology. We are stage agnostic. We invest in seed to venture to growth-stage technology companies, across AI, bio + healthcare, consumer, crypto, enterprise, fintech, games, and companies building toward American dynamism. a16z has $35B in assets under management across multiple funds. Contact Details Tennr Bilal Mahmood +44 7714 007257 b.mahmood@stockwoodstrategy.com Company Website https://www.tennr.com/

March 26, 2024 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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NAVEX 2024 Global Incident Management Benchmark Study Reveals Significant Third-Party Reporting to Companies

NAVEX Global

NAVEX, the global leader in integrated risk and compliance management software, has released its 2024 Whistleblowing & Incident Management Benchmark Report. The annual benchmark report offers valuable insights into workplace culture, analyzing trends from 1.86 million global reports spanning thousands of organizations that together employ more than 50 million employees. Amid a record number of tips to the SEC and a burgeoning DOJ whistleblowing program, NAVEX’s comprehensive analysis sheds a critical light on the state of workplace environments worldwide, guiding organizations toward program improvement. "NAVEX remains the gold standard in risk and compliance data analytics, continually innovating our benchmarks to enhance corporate compliance programs and offer business leaders insights into the trending risk areas for their organizations," says NAVEX Chief Risk and Compliance Officer Carrie Penman. "This year's report introduces crucial third-party reporting insights, highlighting an organization’s need to adopt internal and external reporting avenues to bolster integrity, foster accountability and equip the organization to tackle emerging challenges effectively.” This year’s analysis of the data revealed several key themes and notable findings, including: Report volume and case substantiation reach milestones. Internal reporting programs saw a record level of use as measured by NAVEX’s Reports per 100 Employees metric. In addition, the Substantiation Rate metric reached an all-time high, meaning more reports were received and more were found to be true. Report volume, and the substantiation rates of the reports received, are two of the most highly watched metrics in the annual NAVEX publication. To see both reach the highest levels ever is good news. For those with trusted and effective internal reporting programs, this added up to greater visibility into the trends of risk, ethics and culture playing out in their organizations’ operations – real-time intelligence to inform business decision-making. In 2023, organizations received a median 1.57 Reports per 100 Employees across their internal reporting systems, exceeding the previous record of 1.47 set in 2022. More organizations (23%) received five or more Reports per 100 Employees, making this population the largest in the NAVEX data set. And while year-over-year values fluctuated, every size of organization – from the smallest companies to enterprises with over 100,000 employees – has seen report volumes rise comparing 2021 and 2023. At 45%, the overall median share of substantiated or founded reports in 2023 reached an 11-year high. Third parties more likely to report business integrity and financial misconduct issues. In a first for this report, NAVEX analyzed its database by both employees and third-party reporters. Its analysis shows these two groups are distinct across several metrics, highlighting the insight organizations see by promoting their reporting programs internally and externally. Third parties as a group delivered a far greater median share of reports related to Business Integrity matters than employees in 2023 (50% versus 17%). Encompassing topics like conflicts of interest, vendor issues, fraud, global trade and human rights, this category of issues can manifest in various elements of a supply chain. Third-party reporters also showed twice the median share of Accounting, Auditing & Financial Reporting reports as employees in 2023 (10% versus 4.5%). Story emerging on accounting-related reporting – internally and externally. Accounting-related reports -- while lower in overall percentage of reports received internally by organizations at a median of 4.3.% in 2023 -- often receive an outsized share of attention due to potential for regulatory action and the well-publicized bounty program offered by the SEC and its Office of the Whistleblower. The SEC's program is witnessing unprecedented growth in tips and generously rewarding valuable information. Now, the U.S. Department of Justice is launching a similar initiative. Specifically, reports related to Accounting, Auditing, and Financial reporting: Showed the longest time between when an incident was observed and when it was reported to the organization By a large margin, were least likely to be reported anonymously Comprised an outsized share of cases for organizations that receive very few Reports per 100 Employees – meaning while these organizations received well below the benchmark number of reports, they had a much more significant percentage of accounting-related reports Experienced the longest time to investigate and close the case Had among the highest median Substantiation Rates, at 50% Were most likely to cause an employment separation event as a result of a substantiated case Accounted for twice as many of the reports submitted by third parties than those submitted by employees Small increase in report volume shows big payoff in healthy report mix. A diverse array of topics, inquiries, and allegations in internal reporting indicates a robust program. NAVEX’s findings reveal that even minor efforts to promote internal reporting significantly improve the mix of report types received. For instance, in organizations with the lowest report volume, only 8.7% of reports pertain to HR, Diversity, and Workplace Respect. However, in the next tier, this proportion jumps to 36.3%. This trend persists across different report volumes, emphasizing the importance of fostering a reporting culture. A varied mix of report types signifies trust in internal reporting to address a broad spectrum of issues. Even a slight increase from minimal reporting yields a more comprehensive and insightful flow of reports. "With NAVEX's integrated data platform, companies gain unparalleled risk signal data that empowers them to foster healthier workplace cultures, helping them achieve outcomes that matter most,” explains NAVEX Chief Product Officer A.G. Lambert. "Data isn't just numbers; it's the compass guiding organizations toward success and ensuring they stay ahead in the ever-evolving landscape of risk and compliance." Additional notable findings include: Workplace behaviors and discord were clearly visible in the data as more organizations return to office environments. As is always the case in these reports, workplace behaviors and other human resources related matters are by far the highest percentage of reports received by organizations. Workplace Civility matters continued to increase in prominence in 2023, representing a median of 18% of reports and the highest median reporting rate in 2023. This was followed by Discrimination, at a median 12%, Harassment, at a median 7.1%, then Retaliation at a median of 2.0%. The HR, Diversity and Workplace Respect category overall has seen a multi-year increase in its median share of all reports (from 50% in 2021 to 55% in 2023). These figures underscore the growing importance of fostering a respectful and inclusive work environment. Highlighting the seriousness with which organizations are taking reports received, more substantiated reports (18%) resulted in separation from employment in 2023, up significantly from 14% in 2022 and 12% in 2021. The share of reports resulting in no action – effectively the opposite end of the outcome spectrum – fell from 17% in 2022 to 14% in 2023. Nearly nine out of 10 reports of Imminent Threat to a Person, Animals or Property were substantiated in 2023 highlighting the importance that reporters possess the training, knowledge, tools and trust that promote rapid reporting of dangerous issues. This need is made even greater by a new California workplace violence prevention law expected to take effect this year that includes requirements for reporting, incident management and training around this issue. For more insights on the 2024 Whistleblowing & Incident Management Benchmark Report, join Jane Norberg, Arnold & Porter partner and former chief of the SEC Office of the Whistleblower, Keith Thomas, FedEx corporate integrity & compliance lead counsel, Carrie Penman, NAVEX chief risk & compliance officer, and Anders Olsen, NAVEX senior data scientist, for an informative webinar where they will discuss the results of this year’s analysis in detail. Watch the webinar here. NAVEX is trusted by thousands of customers worldwide to help them achieve the business outcomes that matter most. As the global leader in integrated risk and compliance management software and services, we deliver solutions through the NAVEX One platform, the industry’s most comprehensive governance, risk and compliance (GRC) information system. For more information, visit NAVEX.com and our blog. Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn. Contact Details Navex Global scott.levesque@navex.com Company Website https://navex.com

March 26, 2024 06:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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