ValueOptions® Receives Health Utilization Management Accreditation from URAC
Norfolk, Virginia — May 29, 2007
ValueOptions announced today that it has been awarded Health Utilization Management accreditation from URAC, a Washington, D.C.-based health care accrediting organization that establishes quality standards for the health care industry. The URAC Health Utilization Management Standards establish consistency in UM processes. The standards ensure that appropriately trained clinical personnel conduct and oversee the utilization review process, that a reasonable and timely appeals process is in place, and that medical decisions are based on valid clinical criteria.
The URAC accreditation process demonstrates a commitment to quality services and serves as a framework to improve business processes through benchmarking organizations against nationally recognized standards.
"ValueOptions is honored to receive Health Utilization Management accreditation by URAC," said Michele Alfano, Chief Operating Officer of ValueOptions. "It's rewarding to know that our utilization management program has met our customers' needs, achieved high-quality results and is fully accredited by URAC."
"By applying for and receiving URAC Health Utilization Management Accreditation, ValueOptions has demonstrated a commitment to quality health care," said Charles Stellar, URAC Board Chair. "Quality health care is crucial to our nation's welfare and it is important to have organizations that are willing to measure themselves against national standards."
The accreditation is for the following ValueOptions service centers:
- Colorado Service Center, Colorado Springs, Colo.
- Empire Service Center and the Northeast Service Center, Troy, N.Y.
- Great Lakes Service Center, Southfield, Mich.
- Health Management Strategies, Topeka Service Center, Topeka, Kan.
- New York City Service Center, New York
- North Carolina ESD Service Center, Research Triangle Park, N.C.
- Tampa Service Center, Tampa, Fla.
- Texas ESD Service Center and the Texas PSD Service Center, Coppell,Texas
About URAC
URAC, an independent, nonprofit organization, is a leader in promoting health care quality through accreditation and certification programs. URAC's standards keep pace with the rapid changes in the healthcare system, and provide a mark of distinction for health care organizations to demonstrate 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 setting meaningful standards for the health care industry. For more information, visit www.urac.org.