ChromaVision now named Clarient

ChromaVision Medical Systems (San Juan Capistrano, California) reported that its previously announced name change to Clarient became effective March 15 and that at the opening of trading today, the company's Nasdaq symbol will change to CLRT.

CEO Ron Andrews said, "Last year at this time we embarked on a significant transformation of our company strategy, and we believe this change mandates a new name to capture our broader strategic intent going forward. We also believe that the new corporate identity will provide us an opportunity to differentiate our company from competitors in each of the market segments that we serve and bring greater clarity to our business purpose."

Clarient provides technologies, services and support for the characterization, assessment and treatment of cancer.

Orion consolidates Houston surgery centers

Orion HealthCorp (Atlanta) said that it had strengthened its operations by consolidating two ambulatory surgery centers, Bellaire SurgiCare and SurgiCare Memorial Village (both Houston).

The company is closing the Bellaire facility and expects the consolidated facility, SurgiCare Memorial Village, to benefit from increased physician participation and accelerating admissions. Orion said it anticipates that synergies and other cost savings will increase the contribution margin of this facility.