Nuance acquires Commissure

Speech recognition software developer Nuance Communications has acquired Commissure, a medical documentation and communications company.

The Burlington, Mass.-based Nuance said that the acquisition will expand its Dictaphone Healthcare Solutions division that caters to the radiology market.

Another benefit of the Commissure acquisition is an exclusive technology license agreement with Massachusetts General Hospital, according to Nuance.

Under the terms of the acquisition and in accordance with NASDAQ Marketplace Rule 4350, Nuance said it will grant 217,975 shares of its common stock, in the form of stand-alone restricted stock units, as an inducement that is material to 21 individuals entering into employment arrangements with Nuance.

Around the web

Positron, a New York-based nuclear imaging company, will now provide Upbeat Cardiology Solutions with advanced PET/CT systems and services. 

The nuclear imaging isotope shortage of molybdenum-99 may be over now that the sidelined reactor is restarting. ASNC's president says PET and new SPECT technologies helped cardiac imaging labs better weather the storm.

CMS has more than doubled the CCTA payment rate from $175 to $357.13. The move, expected to have a significant impact on the utilization of cardiac CT, received immediate praise from imaging specialists.