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The largest customer of INSURx was Blue Cross Of California, now known as WellPoint Health Plans, Inc. although Ben eventually assume the responsibility of chief operating officer of INSURx, his activities were focused upon guiding the development of the EDI-oriented information systems architecture that enable the company to deliver its services.

Subsequent to the INSURx venture, Ben became involved in another start-up company in the area of physician practice management systems. This company, called Conceptual Systems Inc. was eventually sold to National Data Corporation.

During the preceding four years, Ben's focus has been upon guiding the medical management operation of a major regional health care plan which has 1.6 million members in a variety of network products including PPO, POS, and HMO programs (Medical Mutual Of Ohio). Although Ben is not clinically trained, his understanding of managed care components provides him with strong capabilities to lead the development of the information systems infrastructure that supports delivery of medical management.

Ben's long term interests are in health care policy, managed care information systems, and entrepreneurial ventures related to these areas. Although Ben's work has resulted in significant travel including commuting to Los Angeles and Atlanta, Ben is a lifelong Cleveland resident who lives in the culturally diverse community of Cleveland Heights, Ohio. Ben's avocational interests are in the study of time and timekeeping devices (horology), and photography.

Ben considers himself to have a good sense of humor, and he prides himself upon his open mindedness, creativity, and pragmatic approach to life's personal and professional challenges. One of my favorite quotes that characterizes my attitude towards life is- "To avoid criticism: Say Nothing, Do Nothing, Be Nothing (LadyBird Johnson, 1958).

Ben gained significant entrepreneurial experience as a result of his role over six years as a principal in a pharmaceutical benefits management firm called

INSURx, Inc.

INSURx, which was sold to a publicly held concern called SysteMed, Inc. was the first company to successfully introduced drug utilization review and negotiated reimbursement to the "major medical" structure of most health insurance plans. SysteMed was sold to Merck/Medco approximately two years after it acquired INSURx.