TORONTO, ON CANADA -- HIT/HIPAA UPDATE NEWS SERVICE(TM) -- FEBRUARY 7, 2006: Vantage Point & Associates, Inc. is pleased to announce the release of the EC-EDI Vendor Directory – 3rd Edition, a buyer’s guide for e-commerce products and services for the Healthcare & B2B industries.

“Healthcare providers are mandated by HIPAA legislation to use EDI and many don’t know where to begin,” said Lee Mrkonjic, Principal of Vantage Point & Associates. “The directory is an independent resource that will help providers research vendors in the marketplace and to make informed choices.”

There are over 130 vendors listed who provide E-commerce and EDI products and services for the healthcare industry. “We have received excellent support from the vendor community in putting this edition together. Clearinghouses, software providers, certification services and enrolment services are all represented,” said Mr. Mrkonjic.

Healthcare payers and associations will also benefit from the directory. Through the EC-EDI Vantage Point affiliate program, organizations can distribute the directory to their trading partners and members at no cost. “Quite often healthcare payers and associations are asked by their trading partners and members to recommend an EDI vendor. They can now refer the EC-EDI Vendor Directory without feeling obligated to endorse a particular vendor,” said Mr. Mrkonjic.

The EC-EDI Vendor Directory is available in online, PDF and printed editions. Vantage Point & Associates publishes the printed & PDF editions annually with periodic updates throughout the year. The online edition is updated immediately as changes are made by vendors.