American Medical Gets McKesson Link

American Medical Alert (AMAC Quote) signed a five-year licensing pact with drug distributor McKesson (MCK Quote).

The Oceanside, N.Y., provider of healthcare communication services said it would provide San Francisco-based McKesson with personal emergency response systems and 24/7 monitoring services.

American Medical said McKesson intends to offer the services as McKesson Telehealth Guardian under its McKesson Telehealth Advisor remote patient monitoring product offering. The parties have agreed to certain marketing arrangements, subject to certain performance milestones.

"We are extremely pleased to be selected by McKesson as a strategic partner to enhance their portfolio of health monitoring devices designed to reduce costs and improve quality of care across the entire healthcare delivery system," said CEO Howard Siegel. "This relationship immediately provides AMAC with a national footprint for significant growth. With McKesson's leadership position in the healthcare industry and extensive distribution network, together we will create an opportunity for increased utilization and further position PERS as a vital component of our comprehensive home health management solution."

On Wednesday, American Medical rose 6 cents to $6.50.

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