HealthGrades (Nasdaq:HGRD) is the nation's leading independent healthcare ratings company, providing ratings and profiles of hospitals, nursing homes and physicians to consumers, corporations, health plans and hospitals. Millions of consumers and hundreds of the nation's largest employers, health plans and hospitals rely on HealthGrades' ratings, advisory services and consumer decision-support tools to make informed healthcare decisions based on the quality and cost of care. Founded in 1998, HealthGrades is headquartered in Golden, Colo., and has 140 employees.

HealthGrades helps more than 350 hospitals understand, improve and communicate the quality of care they deliver through a range of products and clinical advisory services:

Ratings and Awards
Hospitals that are rated highly or receive a quality award from HealthGrades are able to engage HealthGrades to build a reputation for high quality among patients, payors, employers, staff, the news media and the public. Building a brand based on quality helps hospitals differentiate themselves in their marketplaces and build market share.
www.healthgrades.com/newratings

Clinical Excellence Consulting
The physician-led consultants in HealthGrades' Clinical Excellence Research & Consulting group utilize HealthGrades industry-leading research as a foundation for helping hospitals nationwide fast-track clinical excellence initiatives. The group's proven techniques assist hospitals in preventing complications, lowering costs and creating a culture driven by excellence.
www.healthgrades.com/cerc

Internet Patient Acquisition
HealthGrades allows hospitals to increase patient traffic to their physicians via HealthGrades.com, the leading destination for consumers to choose a provider. The Internet Patient Acquisition program allows hospitals to expand their physicians' profiles on HealthGrades.com and make them free to consumers, dramatically increasing their visibility among individuals just as they are seeking a doctor.
www.healthgrades.com/ipac

LifeRewards^T, from HealthCare Credit Solutions, HealthGrades company
LifeRewards is a co-branded credit card program that helps hospitals attract and retain patients, build brand recognition and loyalty, generate new revenue and reduce self-pay uncollectibles. By offering patients a Visa or Mastercard with your hospital's logo, patients receive instant on-site credit, interest-free or low-interest rates a rewards program that helps them save on health care costs.
www.healthcarecreditsolutions.com

More information on all HealthGrades' products and services for hospitals, visit www.healthgrades.com/hospitalsolutions.