KANSAS CITY, Mo., April 7, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cerner Corp., a U.S. leader in health care technology, North Kansas City Hospital, K2 Consulting Solutions, LifeWise Renovations and Northland Shepherd's Center have collaborated to create a joint, public-private community program designed to help older adults stay in their homes after the transition from the hospital.

The program, called Aging in Place, is based on the vision that a full continuum of care, including wellness and prevention, is essential for a healthy population. With Cerner's patient engagement solution, HealtheLife℠, participants can engage in their wellness journey with access to their health information, education tailored to their specific conditions and risk factors, and by tracking data retrieved from their remote patient monitoring devices. Additionally, the program encourages wellness interventions that focus on nutrition, exercise and education designed to help individuals remain healthy and reduce the likelihood of readmission. Cerner will also showcase the HealtheLife portal in the Cerner booth (913) at HIMSS15.

"With 77 million baby boomers transitioning into retirement over the next 25 years, challenges associated with independence, quality of life and health are likely to grow," said Cheryl Hertel, vice president of population health, Cerner. "The importance of monitoring the health of populations outside the hospital and identifying preventable risks that can lead to readmission increases as this aging group grows. Effective population health management requires collaboration within the community, localized to the specific needs of a specific population."

North Kansas City Hospital will develop a case management program to monitor and assist participants with their transition from hospital to home, identify opportunities to reduce hospital readmissions, educate patients and their families, ensure their care needs are addressed, and oversee a remote health monitoring program. The participant will also have access to other local resources that will assist with progress following discharge. For example, members of the program could receive coordinated home evaluations to ensure safety and accessibility.

"We are committed to offering case management care to Northland residents, and this program will allow us to meet the unique health care needs of the aging population so its members can continue living independently for a longer period of time with a reduced risk of readmission to the hospital," said Judy Springer, vice president, quality/case management, North Kansas City Hospital.

Additional local organizations that will contribute to successful transitions are expected to join the program.

About Cerner

Cerner's health information technologies connect people, information and systems at more than 18,000 facilities worldwide. Recognized for innovation, Cerner solutions assist clinicians in making care decisions and enable organizations to manage the health of populations. The company also offers an integrated clinical and financial system to help health care organizations manage revenue, as well as a wide range of services to support clients' clinical, financial and operational needs. Cerner's mission is to contribute to the improvement of health care delivery and the health of communities. On February 2, 2015, Cerner Corporation acquired substantially all of the assets, and assumed certain liabilities, of the Siemens Health Services business from Siemens AG. (Nasdaq:CERN) For more information about Cerner, visit cerner.com, read our blog at cerner.com/blog, connect with us on Twitter at twitter.com/cerner and on Facebook at facebook.com/cerner.

Certain trademarks, service marks and logos set forth herein are property of Cerner Corporation and/or its subsidiaries. All other non-Cerner marks are the property of their respective owners.

About North Kansas City Hospital

For more than half a century, North Kansas City Hospital has been the Northland's preferred healthcare provider. Named a 2014-2015 U.S. News & World Report Best Regional Hospital, NKCH is an acute-care facility with 451 licensed beds and 550 physicians representing 49 medical specialties. From a Level III neonatal intensive care unit, to award-winning cardiovascular and orthopedic programs, to home health and hospice, NKCH provides a lifetime of care. 

NKCH offers advanced treatment options, including world class cancer care through a partnership with the region's only National Cancer Institute-designated program.

The hospital's mission, vision and values reflect a strong commitment to the health and well-being of the Northland community and beyond. Last year, NKCH sponsored 50 charitable and community organizations and served more than 17,000 people through its dynamic Community Health & Wellness programs.

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CONTACT: Angela Vogen
         angela.vogen@cerner.com

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