vRad partnership with Ver2 Digital Medicine brings expert radiology services to the Middle East
MINNEAPOLIS, MN — (January 21, 2015) vRad (Virtual Radiologic), the nation’s largest telemedicine company and radiology practice with over 500 physicians, today announced an exclusive partnership agreement with Ver2 Digital Medicine (Ver2), a leading telemedicine services company based in Dubai. vRad is now the exclusive U.S.-based provider of remote professional radiology interpretation services for Ver2, which offers an integrated portfolio of digital medicine services, including teleradiology, telepathology, as well as remote patient monitoring and remote medical education.
“vRad is the U.S. leader in teleradiology, and we are fortunate to share their clinical and technical expertise with our expanding client network,” said Brian de Francesca, Chief Executive Officer of Ver2. “With vRad, we will address the general shortage of healthcare workers across the region, especially subspecialty radiologists. Together we will provide hospitals and health systems in the Middle East and Africa access to a robust network of highly qualified U.S.-board certified radiologists, patented teleradiology workflows and exclusive imaging analytic tools – all reinforced and supported by a strong local partner presence. We believe this partnership will improve healthcare utilization, quality and access, while lowering costs in our targeted geographic regions.”
The vRad/Ver2 partnership already has led to an early success: a contract for final interpretations and a Quality Assurance peer review program with Oasis Hospital, which offers healthcare in the Eastern Region of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
Oasis Hospital has been serving the Al Ain and surrounding communities for 53 years. Founded in 1960 at the invitation of the late Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, it is the first private hospital in Abu Dhabi to achieve Joint Commission International Accreditation. Its radiology and imaging center provides services that include CT scans, contrast dye diagnostics, mammography, ultrasound, and various diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed under ultrasound and CT guidance.
“With Ver2 and vRad, we are pleased to have access to highly qualified U.S.-trained radiologists that are providing 24/7 final interpretations to our skilled physicians,” said Alex Jankuloski, Chief Executive Officer of Oasis Hospital. “Ver2’s and vRad’s commitment to quality, technical innovation and clinical excellence ultimately will benefit the patients we care for and allow Oasis to continue offering state-of-the-art health care that is among the best in the emirate.”
In addition to its well-known obstetrics, gynecology and pediatric departments, the 50-bed hospital offers specialty services in general surgery, urology, ophthalmology and pediatric cardiology. Oasis Hospital, which will be moving into a 100+-bed facility later this year, treats approximately 175,000 outpatients annually, admits 7,600 patients annually and delivers 2,800 - 3,000 babies per year.
“Given the market opportunity that Ver2 has in this region, this partnership offers both parties significant growth prospects,” said Jim Burke, President and CEO of vRad. “We have the experience to help healthcare partners worldwide develop world-class imaging services. Given the increasing number of new hospital projects, coupled with growth in smaller clinics and ambulatory centers in the region, there is a critical need for access to highly trained and qualified physicians. We look forward to working with Ver2 and their team to meet the need for 24x7 quality imaging diagnostic services.”