Those using decision support packages or getting involved in
NHS-Direct projects might like to be aware that the two American
contenders are now one.   This doesn't affect Adastra or TAS users.


Access Health Signs Definitive Agreement to be Acquired by HBOC
BROOMFIELD, Colo., Sept. 28 --Access Health, Inc. (Nasdaq: ACCS) today
announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to be acquired by
HBO &
Company (Nasdaq:HBOC). HBOC delivers enterprisewide patient care,
clinical,
financial and strategic management software solutions, as well as
networking
technologies, electronic commerce, outsourcing and other services to
healthcare organizations throughout the world.
The acquisition, which is subject to regulatory approval, Access
Health
stockholder approval, customary closing conditions and consents, is
intended
to be accounted for as a pooling of interests and is anticipated to
close
during fourth quarter 1998. Stockholders of Access Health will receive
shares of HBOC common stock, in a tax-free transaction, with the
exchange
ratio to be determined by averaging the closing HBOC stock price for a
period ending shortly before Access Health's stockholder meeting. If
the
HBOC average price during this pricing period is $30.00 or below,
Access
Health stockholders will receive 1.45 HBOC shares for each Access
Health
share. If the price is greater than $30.00 per share, Access Health
stockholders will receive shares of HBOC stock to equal a value of
$43.50
per Access Health share.
"We are excited to become a part of the HBOC team," said Joseph P.
Tallman,
Access Health chief executive officer. "HBOC's leadership in
healthcare
technology offers Access Health a large distribution channel and
customer
base to leverage in selling our proven products and services.
Also, HBOC's vast knowledge and expertise in systems integration will
be an
important asset as consolidation in the healthcare industry
continues."
"Access Health's expertise in large-scale clinical call center
management
and its highly regarded reputation in triage and other forms of care
management services will significantly broaden HBOC's community
health,
access management and clinical management strategies," stated Charles
W.
McCall, HBOC president and chief executive officer. "We are confident
Access
Health will help solidify HBOC's position in both payor and provider
markets."
The board of directors of both companies unanimously approved the
merger.
Merrill Lynch & Co. acted as Access Health's financial advisor and
rendered
a fairness opinion to the Board of Directors of Access Health.
Access Health, Inc. is the leading provider of clinically based care
management programs and healthcare information services for: acute
care
management, population-based and person-based disease management, and
utilization management. Access Health provides services to over 27.5
million
members through their health plan, self-funded employer group,
integrated
delivery system or government group. Access Health's services address
the
full continuum of needs from well and at-risk to chronic and acute
conditions. Access Health is headquartered at 335 Interlocken Parkway,
Broomfield, CO 80021. The phone number is (303) 466-9500; the fax
number is
(303) 466-5949.
Certain statements contained in this release including the ability of
the
company to obtain stockholder approval, regulatory approval and to
satisfy
customary closing conditions are forward-looking statements and
therefore
are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private
Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results may differ and such
differences may be material. These statements involve risks and
uncertainties, including the ability of the company to complete the
transaction.
Matt Plavan
Investor Relations
[log in to unmask]

Amy Gustafson
Public Relations
[log in to unmask]
-- 
Lynn Woods
Managing Director, Adastra Software Ltd   www.adastra.co.uk
Call Management Systems/Mobile Data/Computer Networks/24hr support




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