American Imaging Management
Applauds Increase in FDA Oversight of Medical Radiation

FDA Actions Validate Concerns over Excess Radiation from Medical Imaging

Chicago, IL – February 16, 2010 - 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), applauded last week's announcement from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that the regulating body has launched an initiative to reduce unnecessary radiation from CT, nuclear medicine studies and fluoroscopy.

"The FDA's initiative is a welcome complement to existing efforts in the private sector to make medical imaging procedures more appropriate and safer," said Brandon Cady, President and Chief Executive of AIM. "Reducing unnecessary radiation helps ensure that patients benefit from the tremendous clinical value that these procedures can deliver without incurring needless risk."

Since 1989, AIM has worked with health plans to improve the appropriate use of medical imaging by integrating clinical guidelines into the ordering process. "Through the use of clinical guidelines and evidence-based criteria, AIM supports both physicians and patients in making decisions that are consistent with the most widely-accepted uses for these services," said David J. Soffa, MD, MPA, FACR, AIM's senior vice president, Medical Affairs. "Our programs help promote the right test at the right time to benefit both physicians and patients."

In addition to its clinical review programs, AIM has also been a leader in promoting patient safety within diagnostic imaging. In 2008, AIM launched its "Ask Aimee" website. This site provides information on the radiation dose and uses of commonly ordered advanced imaging tests, includes podcasts from AIM's clinical leadership on leading topics in imaging and offers links to other useful sites. Since the site's launch, it has attracted over 20,000 visitors.

In 2009, AIM launched provider radiation messaging. AIM aggregates member radiation exposure from imaging services that are covered under AIM's clinical review programs. When radiation levels from these services exceed certain thresholds, providers ordering further radiation emitting imaging studies receive messaging to inform them of the member's accumulated radiation exposure, so that this information can be used in determining the most appropriate treatment path for the patient. Started in mid-year, the program resulted in provider messages being delivered for almost 70,000 exams in 2009.

"We look forward to continuing our collaboration with the healthcare community across the country to promote more appropriate, safer and more affordable healthcare", said Mr. Cady.

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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. 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.

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