Merck Deploys InterMap Systems HealthMap Platform to Improve Navigation on its Web Portals

The HealthMap Platform facilitates communication between patients and physicians by bridging Mercks new physician and consumer online health information offerings.

Emeryville, CA, March 15th, 2003 - InterMap Systems, Inc. announces that Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE: MRK) has successfully deployed the HealthMap Platform Version 2.0 as a resource indexing and contextual navigation platform for merckmedicus.com and mercksource.com, Mercks comprehensive health information portals.

The HealthMap Platform combines simple navigation and the ability to deliver relevant information from multiple sources in the context of an individual medical condition. Surveys conducted by Merck revealed doctors dissatisfaction with current medical content sites in terms of navigation and breadth of information. Integrated into both Mercks physician and consumer websites, the HealthMap Platform connects physicians and their patients through an easy-to-use source of credible, in-depth information.    

The HealthMap Platform fits Mercks continued commitment to bringing the best available health information to the public," said Dean Stephens, CEO of InterMap Systems. Our platform puts each user in context and one click away from a wealth of personalized, relevant information from multiple sources."

We call it 'contextual integration", Stephens explains, and it connects the average person seeking health information online to specific information about a medical condition, how it is treated and what resources are available. The HealthMap Platform breaks down complex diseases into types, stages and treatment decisions. Unrelated information is filtered out and, at each decision point, the patient has immediate access to focused, relevant content and resources from MerckSource."

Physicians using MerckMedicus access the same HealthMap Platform to educate their patients with medical knowledge from high-quality sources, including the Merck Manual -- Home Edition. The HealthMap Platform provides a common reference point to focus discussion between patients and healthcare professionals, while upholding Mercks century-long tradition of communicating important health information.

ABOUT INTERMAP SYSTEMS

Founded in 1999, InterMap Systems, Inc. develops software applications for healthcare organizations that want their customers to make better decisions through improved access to information and resources.    Our patent-pending products are built upon an innovative, physician-developed taxonomy covering over 2,600 medical conditions and their respective decision points. Our indexing, tagging, retrieval and navigational software components are currently deployed at Fortune 150 healthcare organizations and are being marketed to health plans, health systems and portals.

The HealthMap Platform, InterMap Systems flagship product, is a Web-based solution that puts people in the context of their condition and delivers relevant information, resources and tools so they can take action. By bridging the information gap, the HealthMap Platform helps people become knowledgeable and empowered about their healthcare and more connected with practitioners and health delivery systems.