Patient XP Summit Aims To Transform Care Across The Healthcare Continuum

Welch Allyn and HIDA collaborate to offer special event designed to inspire a patient experience movement

Health Industry Distributors Association Streamlining Healthcare Conference, District of Columbia, September 26, 2013-Transforming healthcare amidst the myriad of changes in the marketplace requires all stakeholders working together with an unrelenting focus on improving patient care and satisfaction. Welch Allyn, a leading medical diagnostic device company that specializes in helping clinicians improve patient outcomes, and the Health Industry Distributors Association (HIDA), announced today that they are bringing together a panel of experts from around the country to rethink the patient experience in a special event-Patient XP 2013. Taking place on October 29, 2013, at the Lodge at the Welch Allyn corporate headquarters in Upstate New York, the Patient Experience Summit is designed to inspire a patient experience movement throughout the healthcare industry.

"The total patient experience is something that all players in healthcare need to focus on together, from medical device manufacturers and distributors to healthcare providers and payers, the government and, ultimately, the patient," said Steve Meyer, president and CEO at Welch Allyn. "This will be an opportunity for leaders across the healthcare continuum to discuss and share new approaches to improving the patient experience. Our hope is that this event will encourage all participants to exchange ideas and foster a new patient-centered culture in healthcare."

The event's keynote speaker, Michael Graves, is a renowned architect and founding partner of the Michael Graves Design Group. Graves has become an internationally-recognized healthcare design advocate and was recently named one the Top 25 Most Influential People in Healthcare Design by the Center for Health Design. Other featured speakers at the Patient Experience Summit include Jim Merlino, MD, chief experience officer at Cleveland Clinic, and Mike Stoecklein, director at Healthcare Value Network. Senior executives from Henry Schein, McKesson, Cardinal Health and Fidelis Care will also be a part of panel discussions.

"Patient XP will be the opportune forum to address the uncertainties associated with healthcare today and the kinds of transformations that need to occur in order to drive patient satisfaction," said Matt Rowan, president and CEO at HIDA. "It is an opportunity for stakeholders to come together in one place to discuss what's changing in our industry, the overall impact it is having on patients and how we can help make it better."

Patient XP 2013 is presented by Welch Allyn and HIDA and is co-sponsored by PDI and TIDI Products.  Event details and registration information can be found at www.HIDA.org/PatientXP.

About Welch Allyn
Welch Allyn is a leading global healthcare company that offers a complete range of digital and connected diagnostic solutions that help reduce risk and enhance workflow in a variety of clinical settings.

Founded in 1915 and headquartered in Skaneateles Falls, N.Y. (USA), Welch Allyn is a family-owned business that employs nearly 2,500 employees in 26 different countries. The company specializes in helping doctors, nurses and other frontline practitioners across the globe enhance care by developing innovative products, breakthrough technologies and cutting-edge solutions to improve patient outcomes, safety and satisfaction. More information about Welch Allyn and its complete line of connected products and solutions may be found at www.welchallyn.com. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

About HIDA
The Health Industry Distributors Association (HIDA) is the premier trade association representing medical products distribution. HIDA members primarily serve the nation's hospital, long term care, and physician/alternate care markets. For more information, visit www.HIDA.org,www.streamlininghealthcare.org.