ATLANTA - (July 31, 2008) - Implantable Provider Group (IPG) announces a new partnership with Smith & Nephew that will expand its medical devices offerings. IPG will provide its Implantable Device Management SM (IDM) service to Smith & Nephew's customers, offering access to a streamlined billing and reimbursement process and eliminating their financial risk.

"Working with Smith & Nephew offers an opportunity for us to partner with a leading global manufacturer of orthopedic devices," said Jay Ethridge, chief executive officer of IPG. "New technology and an increasingly active population are driving demand for these implantables. As healthcare providers and commercial payors seek solutions to manage increased utilization, we're pleased to offer our services to Smith & Nephew and its customers."

"We are excited to work with IPG, and look forward to the partnership opportunity. Their service will help us support our hospital customers and in turn, the patients who receive our implants," said Rich Szulewski, director, partnership strategies of Smith & Nephew.

Smith & Nephew is a market leader in the $10.5 billion global orthopedic reconstruction market. Reconstructive orthopedic therapies are highly beneficial to patients with degenerative and arthritic joint conditions and provide patients with a higher quality of life. IPG will provide support to Smith & Nephew by working with healthcare providers and commercial payors to alleviate inherent challenges of implantables that can limit procedures and patients' access to these life-improving technologies.

Founded in 2004, IPG focuses on large, fast-growth device intensive markets, such as cardiology, neurology and orthopedic implants. The company experienced triple-digit growth after its inception, secured $8 million in private funding and recently doubled its office space.


About IPG
Implantable Provider Group (IPG) works with commercial payors to fully manage all aspects of high-cost implantable medical devices. The company's Implantable Device ManagementSM solution simplifies the complex procurement, contracting and billing associated with these devices, thereby streamlining the process and normalizing costs for all parties, while also delivering many valuable ancillary capabilities. Implantable Device Management also offers benefits for health care providers and manufacturers. IPG focuses on large, fast-growth device intensive markets, such as cardiology, neurology and orthopedic implants. For more information about IPG, visit www.ipgsurgical.com.

About Smith & Nephew
Smith & Nephew is a global medical technology business, specializing in Orthopaedic Reconstruction, Orthopaedic Trauma & Clinical Therapies, Endoscopy and Advanced Wound Management products. Smith & Nephew is a global leader in arthroscopy and advanced wound management and is one of the leading global orthopaedics companies.

Smith & Nephew is dedicated to helping improve people's lives. The Company prides itself on the strength of its relationships with its surgeons and professional healthcare customers, with whom its name is synonymous with high standards of performance, innovation and trust. The company operates in 32 countries around the world generating annual sales of nearly $3.4 billion.

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