CAQH Board of Directors Elects David Wichmann of UnitedHealth Group as New Chairman

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Sep 15, 2010, 03:14 ET

WASHINGTON, Sept. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- CAQH® announced today that its board of directors has elected David S. Wichmann, executive vice president, UnitedHealth Group and president, UnitedHealth Group Operations, to serve as the new board chair.

"Dave will assume this leadership role for CAQH at a critical time in the evolution of the healthcare system," stated Robin Thomashauer, CAQH executive director. "The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act passed earlier this year addresses healthcare administrative processes in ways that are consistent with CAQH efforts. We are moving into a period of accelerated change that will affect the administrative infrastructure of healthcare. CAQH is delighted to be able to work with Dave, with his experience in this arena, as we collaborate across the industry on needed change."

Wichmann succeeds CAQH Board Chair Ronald A. Williams, chairman and chief executive officer of Aetna Inc. Williams served as board chair since his election in April 2007. He will continue to serve as the immediate past chairman of CAQH.

"We have been very fortunate to have Ron Williams leading our efforts to advance the CAQH mission over the last three years," said Thomashauer. "As a result of his strong leadership, CAQH is well-positioned to expand its current initiatives, while considering new opportunities to streamline healthcare administrative processes."

Wichmann brings deep industry expertise and a strong commitment to improving the interactions between plans and providers to reduce the costs and frustrations associated with the administrative and transactional aspects of healthcare. He is currently responsible for leading business performance optimization across UnitedHealth Group. Wichmann has held several positions within the company, including past president, commercial markets group; president and chief operating officer, UnitedHealthcare; president and chief executive officer, specialized care services; and senior vice president, corporate development. In 2009, he coauthored a report by the UnitedHealth Group Center for Health Reform and Modernization that details how more than $300 billion in U.S. healthcare expenditures can be saved over the next decade through improved use of technology and streamlining administrative processes.

"The current national priority for simplifying healthcare administration has confirmed the importance of CAQH efforts to advance the industry. Administrative simplification is key to the establishment of an improved and sustainable healthcare system," said Wichmann. "CAQH has already taken significant steps down this road and has proven itself to be a trusted facilitator for collaboration with key industry participants, offering solutions that have and will continue to result in a more efficient and effective system."

About CAQH

CAQH serves as a catalyst for industry collaboration on initiatives that simplify healthcare administration for health plans and providers, resulting in a better care experience for patients and caregivers. CAQH solutions help promote quality interactions between plans, providers and other stakeholders; reduce costs and frustrations associated with healthcare administration; facilitate administrative healthcare information exchange; and encourage administrative and clinical data integration. Visit www.caqh.org for more information.

About UnitedHealth Group

UnitedHealth Group is a diversified health and well-being company dedicated to making healthcare work better. Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minn., UnitedHealth Group offers a broad spectrum of products and services through six operating businesses: UnitedHealthcare, Ovations, AmeriChoice, OptumHealth, Ingenix and Prescription Solutions. Through its family of businesses, UnitedHealth Group serves more than 70 million individuals nationwide. Visit www.unitedhealthgroup.com for more information.

SOURCE CAQH