Many companies provide background and insight to journalists via meetings in one-on-one and group settings. But for health companies, such sessions are especially useful.

The topics of health, drugs, diseases, and devices are complex and always evolving, says Todd Ringler, MD of national health media relations at Edelman. Therefore, background briefings are a good way to educate reporters when they are not facing imminent deadlines.

Device-maker Radi Medical Systems invited a Wall Street Journal reporter, who was seeking information to about interventional ...