ARMONK, NY & Danville, PA - Oct 10, 2006: Geisinger Health System and IBM (NYSE: IBM) today announced a strategic relationship that will create a technology and data infrastructure to help lay the foundation for 21st century patient-centered care. The goal is to improve patient outcomes, and provide more personalized care and information that will help patients and their doctors make better and smarter decisions.

As part of the agreement, Geisinger and IBM will collaborate to design and implement a first-of-its-kind Clinical Decision Intelligence System (CDIS) that leverages the health system's wealth of clinical data derived from its decade-long use of one of the industry's most advanced electronic health record systems. The CDIS, which utilizes open standard based technology, will serve as the foundation for Geisinger's integrated clinical, financial, operational, claims, genomic and other medical data in a format that allows for rapid analysis and reporting of vital insights from millions of patient encounters.

Most importantly, the CDIS will create an environment that will enable physicians and researchers at Geisinger to identify important clinical trends, help to ensure that patients receive all recommended care, support clinical trials, identify best practices and perform novel health services research. "The ultimate result will be the development of a customized healthcare approach based upon best practices and evidence-based standards that improve patient outcomes," said Glenn Steele Jr., MD, PhD, president and chief executive officer of Geisinger Health System.

Known for its innovative use of technology and the seamless delivery of electronic information that connects more than 2.5 million patients to physicians and other healthcare providers in Pennsylvania, Geisinger is teaming with IBM as part of its ongoing efforts to transform its clinical, operational and business processes to more efficiently and effectively address those critical issues around quality patient care, research, and innovation.

"Innovation and technology play a crucial role in Geisinger's Striving for Perfection vision," said Dr. Steele. "Building upon our electronic health record experience, our work with IBM now sets the stage for Geisinger to expand its role as a national model for patient engagement, research, and education, as well as leading to business and growth opportunities for the System."

As part of the relationship, Geisinger will also collaborate with the IBM Research Healthcare and Life Sciences Institute on new projects that may involve novel distribution channels in retail healthcare; remote patient monitoring; interoperable patient centric networks and translational research.

"Healthcare is at a critical juncture and innovation will play a major role in its transformation," said Dan Pelino, general manager, IBM Global Healthcare and Life Sciences. "By combining the technical and business expertise of IBM with Geisinger's unique clinical and operational expertise, we have the potential to create a leading, patient centric care approach for the broader healthcare market."

About IBM

For more information about IBM visit: www.ibm.com For more information about IBM Healthcare and Life Sciences visit: www.ibm.com/industries/healthcare

About Geisinger Health System

Geisinger Health System is one of the nation's leading fully integrated healthcare providers. Founded in 1915, Geisinger serves more than two million residents throughout central and northeastern Pennsylvania. The physician-led organization is at the forefront of the country's rapidly emerging electronic health records movement. Geisinger includes three major regional medical centers, a 650-member group practice, a not-for-profit health insurance company, and the renowned Geisinger Center for Health Research -- dedicated to creating innovative new models for patient care, satisfaction and clinical outcomes. For more information, visit www.geisinger.org.

Contact(s) information 
Jeanne Orfinik 
IBM Media Relations 
914-642-5410 
orfinik@us.ibm.com 

Patti Urosevich 
Geisinger Health System 
570-271-7441 
Purosevich@geisinger.edu