WEST CALDWELL, N.J., Jan. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Ricoh Americas Corporation, a leading provider of digital office equipment, today announced it will host Ricoh Healthcare InfoBriefs, seminars for healthcare professionals seeking to streamline paper-intensive medical processes. Held in seven cities across the country, attendees will hear from experts from both the healthcare and information technology industries on critical steps to maximize federal stimulus funding for healthcare, as well as achieve overall efficiency for the industry. Attendees will also participate in a technology showcase that will acquaint them with solutions that can securely integrate paper records, such as patient data, billing and claims, to an electronic-based system. Online registration is available at www.ricoh-healthcare.com.

A primary focus of the Ricoh Healthcare InfoBriefs will be the $20 billion in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) allocated to healthcare IT. The package, which is set to be released in late 2010, rolling into early 2011, will include incentive payments to physicians who implement and use eligible electronic medical records systems. Healthcare organizations that achieve "meaningful use" – as defined by the federal government – will benefit from near-term stimulus funding for patient care, as well as long-term incentives and investments in core healthcare technology. Attendees will gain the knowledge and insights necessary to successfully navigate funding requirements, integrate qualified technology and follow key dates issued by the government.

Each InfoBrief will feature keynote speaker Dann R. Lemerand, FHIMSS who is currently serving his second two-year term as the president of the Michigan chapter of the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS), and is a HIMSS Fellow. Dann is also vice president of marketing and business development for RelWare and has been with the healthcare information technology company since it was founded in 1999. At each InfoBrief, Dann will address the stimulus package requirements, the timing of incentives and the steps providers and hospitals should take to maximize available funding through ARRA/HITECH. In addition to Dann's keynote presentation, Ricoh's Mark Minshull will provide a technology overview, describing how solutions from Ricoh will enable healthcare organizations to shave operating costs as well as achieve "meaningful use."

"The healthcare allocation of the ARRA stimulus provides a tremendous opportunity for the industry to enhance efficiencies that will ultimately benefit patients," said Mark Minshull, vice president and chief technologist, Ricoh Americas Corporation. "By offering the Ricoh Healthcare InfoBriefs in advance of the release of these federal funds, healthcare professionals will be educated on the value technology solutions provide today, and be prepared to maximize the stimulus when it is available."

In addition to the educational benefits of the InfoBriefs, attendees are eligible to win a $500 donation to the charity of their choice on behalf of their company. The Healthcare InfoBriefs kick off in Tustin, California on January 12, 2010 and wrap up in New York City on February 25, 2010. The full schedule is listed below:

To learn more about and to register for the Ricoh Healthcare InfoBriefs, please visit http://ricoh-healthcare.com/.

About Ricoh Americas Corporation

Ricoh Americas Corporation, headquartered in West Caldwell, N.J., is a subsidiary of Ricoh Company Ltd., the 73-year-old leading supplier of office automation equipment and electronics, with fiscal year 2008 sales in excess of $20 billion.

Ricoh Americas Corporation is a leading provider of document solutions. Ricoh's fully integrated hardware and software products help businesses share information efficiently and effectively by enabling customers to control the input, management and output of documents.

Ricoh Americas Corporation directly or through its network of authorized dealers markets and distributes products in North, Central and South America.

Information about Ricoh's complete range of products and services can be accessed on the World Wide Web at www.ricoh-usa.com.

Ricoh Web Site: www.ricoh-usa.com

SOURCE Ricoh Americas Corporation