Wellmark announced in a news release that it has saved or recovered nearly $2.8 million in 2003 through aggressive health insurance fraud investigations. This news release occurred at the same time that the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association revealed that it has established a “strike force” to work more closely with the FBI, OIG (Office of Inspector General), and other law enforcement agencies to combat healthcare fraud. IMS has corresponded twice with Wellmark and at Wellmark’s invitation, will meet with representatives of its Special Investigations Unit to address IMS concerns on behalf of its physician members. For more information about BCBSA's antifraud efforts, go to http://www.bcbsa.com/antifraud/ .

For copies of Wellmark's response please contact Traci Hellman.