Astera Care Announces the Launch of its 24-hour Call Center

Santa Barbara, CA   August 13, 2003 - Astera Care LLC announced today that it’s clients and participating physicians now have 24-hour access to the Astera Care Call Center. There is also a dedicated line for Participating Physicians. The 24-hour Astera Care Call Center staffs Registered Nurses who are specially trained to provide prompt confidential health information.  This can help clients make quick and informed decisions about health and medical care.

Clients may call anytime to get answers on a wide variety of health issues, for example:

• Symptom Assessment

• Information about self care and techniques for common symptoms

• Information on diagnostic and surgical procedures

• Prescription and over-the-counter medication

For after-hours scheduling issues, the call center personnel can also direct clients and participating physicians to the correct Astera Care on-call scheduler so that caregiver-scheduling needs are immediately addressed.

Evelyn Bertanyi, R.N., M.H.A, co-founder and Chief Care Manager, stated: “Astera Care is excited to offer this new service.  We feel this is an absolutely critical service and we are confident our clients and participating physicians will find the service to be of exceptional quality.”

Ken Bleakley, President of FONEMED, indicated that” FONEMED is pleased to be collaborating with Astera Care in delivering health information, products and services to Santa Barbara by providing Medical Call Center services accredited by the American Health Care Accreditation Commission.”

About Astera Care

Astera Care is an At-Home Assisted Living company, providing sophisticated care management and caregiving services including: professional assessments and care plans, RN supervised in-home care, and 24-Hour crisis management and call center access.

About FONEMED

FONEMED offers health information and advice from experienced registered nurses by phone and Internet serving medical practices, insurers and individuals throughout the world. (See www.fonemed.com)