American Imaging Management Awarded NCQA Certification in Utilization Management

CHICAGO, March 25 /PRNewswire/ -- American Imaging Management, Inc. (AIM), a leading diagnostic imaging benefit management and technology company with health plan clients representing over 35 million consumers and an operating subsidiary of WellPoint, Inc. (NYSE: WLP), announced that it was awarded Certification in Utilization Management by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) for a two-year period through February 2012.  AIM first achieved NCQA Certification in Utilization Management in 2004.

NCQA is an independent, not-for-profit organization dedicated to assessing and reporting on the quality of managed care plans, managed behavioral healthcare organizations, preferred provider organizations, new health plans, physician organizations, credentials verification organizations, disease management programs and other health-related programs. NCQA Utilization Management Certification is a quality assessment program that focuses on consumer protection and customer service improvement. NCQA Certification is a voluntary process.

"Achieving Utilization Management certification from NCQA demonstrates that American Imaging Management has the systems, processes and personnel in place to conduct utilization management in accordance with the strictest quality standards," said Margaret O'Kane, President of NCQA.

"AIM is delighted to once again receive NCQA Certification in Utilization Management," said Brandon Cady, President and Chief Executive of AIM.  "This type of external validation is a clear recognition of our commitment to delivering excellent service and quality to our customers."

A leader in providing innovative solutions for managing outpatient clinical services, AIM has instituted a culture of promoting initiatives to improve the quality of its programs and operations such as the company's recent expansion of its Patient Safety program.  This program utilizes AIM's web and technology capabilities to provide key information on radiation exposure to support more informed decision making by patients and their physicians.

"Our commitment to quality goes beyond being accredited," said Cady. "At AIM, quality is about delivering the best product in the most effective manner to meet and exceed the needs of our clients and their members."

About American Imaging Management

American Imaging Management, Inc. ("AIM") is a leading company in the radiology benefit management industry. AIM promotes the appropriate use of diagnostic imaging through the application of widely accepted clinical guidelines delivered through an innovative platform of technologies and programs. AIM pioneered the use of web technology in diagnostic imaging management and has continually integrated service and technology to create a more effective and efficient clinical review process to support the physician-patient relationship.   AIM also manages cardiac services and specialty pharmaceuticals.  Through a commitment to delivering excellence in clinical content, service, innovation and operational performance, AIM has developed a national client base of health plans, and currently provides management services to over 35 million health plan members.  AIM is an operating subsidiary of WellPoint, Inc. (NYSE: WLP; www.wellpoint.com). For more information on AIM, please visit http://www.americanimaging.net.

SOURCE American Imaging Management, Inc.