-By Gregory Solman

LOS ANGELES Independent Hydrogen Advertising has added creative and media duties for CRH Medical, according to Rick Peterson, shop president.
 
Richard Bear, client CFO, said he began looking at agencies in the spring before tapping Seattle-based Hydrogen as the company's lead shop.
 
The Vancouver, B.C.-based client operates hemorrhoid clinics in 13 states.
 
"We're very excited and feel fortunate to be working with Hydrogen, which showed us incredibly creative thinking backed by strong physical data," Bear said. "I'm looking forward to a successful partnership."

The agency will first undertake a segmentation study with work to follow based on its results.
 
"[CRH was] looking for agency experienced at making the phone ring," said Peterson. "They have been doing a lot of direct to consumer. With our experience in the healthcare sector, we are nimble, quick on our feet and can work on the national/local complexities of the media."

Tom Scherer, vp, ecd, will oversee the creative, which should break in the fourth quarter. Media will involve integrated and social marketing, including the possibility of broadcast.
 
"Hemorrhoids are a serious matter," said Peterson. "And it is great to work on a piece of business that is really helping people."

The agency, formed in 2001, handles projects for Microsoft, eBay and Precor, among others.