Advertisement
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20030501/URACLOGO )
URAC is the Washington, D.C.-based independent accreditor which offers more than 20 accreditation and certification programs along the continuum of care. Currently URAC accredits more than 400 health care management organizations operating in all 50 states.
Advertisement
URAC's Pharmacy Quality Management Program standards, developed concurrently with the Pharmacy Benefit Management standards and released in 2007, are designed to help organizations drive appropriate therapeutic outcomes for consumers with a clear focus on patient safety, outcomes measurement and quality improvement. They address a broad range of functions, such as development of clinical policies using evidence-based medicine; patient communication regarding medication use; and promoting consumer rights, shared decision making and education.
"These companies are at the forefront of this industry sector, and have stepped out voluntarily to seek a rigorous evaluation of their operations," said Alan P. Spielman, URAC's president and CEO. "Accreditation is a validation that companies are committed to quality and are willing to be accountable throughout their operations."
URAC's Pharmacy Quality Management Accreditation Programs are applicable to a broad range of health management organizations--pharmacy benefit management companies, or care management companies with oversight of a clinical Drug Therapy Management program, such as case management or disease management organizations. The companies that are In-Process are:
Diplomat Specialty Pharmacy (Drug Therapy Management and Disease Management accreditations); MaxorPlus, Ltd. (Pharmacy Benefit Management and Drug Therapy Management accreditations); MemberHealth, LLC, a subsidiary of Universal American Corp. (Pharmacy Benefit Management and Drug Therapy Management accreditations); and UnitedHealth Pharmaceutical Solutions, a division of United HealthCare Services, Inc. (Pharmacy Benefit Management and Drug Therapy Management accreditations)
"The emphasis on patient safety and continuous quality improvement these companies must demonstrate to become accredited sets them apart as leaders in the field," said Christine G. Leyden, RN, MSN, URAC's chief accreditation officer. "Consumers and purchasers can be assured the URAC seal means accredited organizations demonstrate ongoing accountability and a dedicated focus on quality."
For more information about URAC's Pharmacy Quality Management Accreditation Programs go to www.pbm.urac.org
About URAC
URAC, an independent, nonprofit organization, is well-known as a leader in promoting health care quality through its accreditation and education programs. URAC offers a wide range of quality benchmarking programs and services that keep pace with the rapid changes in the health care system, and provide a symbol of excellence for organizations to validate their commitment to quality and accountability. Through its broad-based governance structure and an inclusive standards development process, URAC ensures that all stakeholders are represented in establishing meaningful quality measures for the entire health care industry. For more information, visit www.urac.org.
SOURCE URAC
