RadNet Announces Its Entry into Comprehensive Breast Disease Management Services

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--RadNet, Inc. (NASDAQ:RDNT), a national leader in providing high-quality, cost-effective diagnostic imaging services through a network of owned and operated outpatient imaging centers, today reported that it has expanded its service offering in Southern California to provide a comprehensive approach to diagnosing and treating all forms of breast cancer and breast disease. RadNet’s new BreastLink division was formed with the acquisitions of a prominent Southern California Breast Medical Oncology business and a leading breast surgery business.

According to the American Cancer Society, women living in North America have the highest rate of breast cancer in the world. At this time, there are about 2.5 million breast cancer survivors in the United States. Behind skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women in the United States. The chance of developing invasive breast cancer at some time in a woman's life is about one in eight (or 12%). It is estimated that in 2008 about 182,460 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed among women in the United States. In addition, carcinoma in situ (CIS), the earliest form of breast cancer, will account for about 67,770 new cases in 2008.

“The continuum of care for breast cancer is highly inefficient. When a woman has her annual or bi-annual mammogram and an abnormality is found, the process by which she pursues further diagnosis and treatment is ordinarily poorly managed and organized.” said Dr. Howard Berger, President and Chief Executive Officer of RadNet. “In many cases, women endure anxious weeks or months pursuing referrals for further tests and investigating treatment options with multiple physicians in disparate locations. Patient frustration, confusion and worry often result. Patients often are not well informed of their treatment options and can waste valuable time seeking knowledge and evaluating their choices.”

“With BreastLink, we have bundled focused breast disease expertise including imaging, interventional procedures, genetic counseling, medical oncology and surgery. This service offering is an efficient comprehensive solution for women.” added Dr. Berger. “Essential to the continuum of care is imaging, RadNet’s core business. Imaging is utilized extensively throughout the breast cancer process. Mammograms, breast MRI, stereotactic, MRI and ultrasound guided biopsies and other radiology services are integral in identifying and determining the most favorable courses of action.”

Related to the formation of BreastLink, Beverly Radiology Medical Group (“BRMG”), a medical group affiliated with RadNet in Southern California, acquired the services of prominent breast medical oncology physicians John Link, MD and James Waisman, MD, who will continue to provide services at their locations in Fountain Valley, Hawthorne and Long Beach as well as RadNet’s existing women’s facility in Orange, CA. Additionally, John West, MD, a preeminent breast surgeon, has also joined BRMG and provides his services at RadNet’s Breast Care and Imaging Center in Orange, CA.

“We are privileged to begin our Breast Disease Management operations in Southern California with quality physicians such as Dr. Link, Dr. Waisman and Dr. West, who are leaders in their fields of breast cancer treatment and who will join our existing staff of well recognized radiologists specializing in breast imaging.” added Dr. Berger. “Although breast imaging and related interventional procedures is not new to RadNet, the BreastLink comprehensive care offering brings RadNet solely from diagnostics into the realm of treatment. We further believe there may be opportunities for RadNet to replicate this offering to other core markets inside and outside of California.”

“We also believe Breast Disease Management will be attractive to payors as it represents a more efficient diagnostic and treatment continuum to address a serious disease process they face with their insured population. As a result, we will discuss with payors various reimbursement options which should prove attractive to both them and to RadNet.”

About RadNet, Inc.

RadNet, Inc. is a national market leader providing high-quality, cost-effective diagnostic imaging services through a network of 155 fully-owned and operated outpatient imaging centers. RadNet’s core markets include California, Maryland and New York. Together with affiliated radiologists, and inclusive of full-time and per diem employees and technicians, RadNet has a total of approximately 4,000 employees. For more information, visit http://www.radnet.com.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Specifically, statements concerning RadNet’s ability to successfully acquire and integrate new operations as well as RadNet's financial guidance, its statements regarding increased business from new equipment or operations, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Safe Harbor. Forward-looking statements are based on management's current, preliminary expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties, which may cause RadNet's actual results to differ materially from the statements contained herein. Further information on potential risk factors that could affect RadNet's business and its financial results are detailed in its most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Forms 10Q, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements, especially guidance on future financial performance, which speaks only as of the date they are made. RadNet undertakes no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect new information, events or circumstances after the date they were made, or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.