American Imaging Management Awarded NCQA Certification for Utilization Management Services

NORTHBROOK, Ill April 2, 2004 -- American Imaging Management (AIM) announced that its utilization management (UM) program has been awarded certification from the National Committee on Quality Assurance (NCQA).

Since 1989, AIM has been developing comprehensive business solutions that improve the quality and utilization of diagnostic medical imaging services in high-tech and low-tech radiology utilization management while providing effective cost and benefit management solutions. This is accomplished through prior notification and preauthorization programs that are focused on promoting the most appropriate and effective use of diagnostic imaging services for millions of covered lives.

“AIM values its partnerships with our client health plans,” said David Harrington, President and CEO of AIM. “What better way to express that partnership than to mirror their same commitment to quality by being NCQA UM certified? We're delighted that our current customers are responding so favorably to the news of our new standing with NCQA.”

AIM’s NCQA UM certification is effective March 16, 2004 through March 16, 2006. NCQA certification in utilization management is a voluntary quality assessment program that focuses on consumer protection and customer service improvement. Standards recognize that organizations that apply for certification have a commitment to improve the service quality and utilize customized structures to meet purchaser needs.

“In combination with our URAC accreditation, it is a validation of our long standing commitment to quality,” said David Soffa M.D., Chief Medical Officer for AIM. "Our work with accreditation agencies has helped us put into daily practice the highest quality standards and ‘best practices’ in Utilization Management of diagnostic imaging.”

NCQA is an independent, not-for-profit organization dedicated to assessing and reporting on the quality of managed care organizations with a mission to improve the quality of healthcare delivered to people everywhere. NCQA has reviewed and certified AIMs’ Utilization Management functions only. To obtain AIMs’ certification results please visit the Health Plan Report Card via www.ncqa.org.

AIM currently manages millions of lives and continues to maintain the role as the leader in provider utilization, cost, and quality management solutions for diagnostic imaging services on behalf of health plans nationwide. AIM promotes the most appropriate, effective use of diagnostic imaging services, while significantly reducing financial and administrative costs for its nationwide clients. With over 14 years of experience, AIM provides its services via web, phone, fax, or paper for prior authorization, pre-notification, eligibility, and claims processing.

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Brandon Cady
Senior Vice President of Sales & Account Management
847.564.8500
www.americanimaging.net

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