The American Lung Association of Minnesota (ALAMN) and QRS Diagnostic, a developer of software-based medical devices contained in computer cards, are cooperating in a statewide effort to improve asthma care for Minnesota children by offering primary care providers training and technology once reserved for specialists.

ALAMN plans to conduct 15 Physician Asthma Care Education (PACE) seminars for 300 primary care providers in various locations around the state over the next 12 months. QRS Diagnostic has donated each participating physician group and clinic a SpiroCard, a $1,500 device that inserts into the PC Card slot of standard laptop and handheld PCs and converts them into a spirometer, a diagnostic tool used to measure pulmonary function and manage asthma and other respiratory illnesses.