Health Care Providers Beta Testing New URAC Accreditation for Clinical Integration

Washington, DC (PRWEB) May 08, 2013

Several organized physician groups are beta testing URACs new clinical integration accreditation program standards. URAC, an independent accreditation organization advancing quality and value throughout health care, created the new program to serve as a roadmap for health providers to achieve clinical integration and accountable care. By earning URAC accreditation, providers will demonstrate they are delivering improved patient care and reducing costs.

URACs clinical integration accreditation program guides health care providers in a number of areas for transforming care delivery, including operations, health information technology, clinical management, care coordination, and population health.

We value the insights the beta testers have shared about URACs clinical integration accreditation, said Jane Webster, senior vice president for research, development and planning at URAC. Feedback from health care providers helps to develop a product that matches industry needs. The beta testers also gain an advantage in the market by becoming early adopters, building the organizational foundation needed to become a fully accountable clinically integrated network.

Clinically integrated providers unite around the needs of each patient, delivering care based on a common set of clinical best practices. URACs new standards have been carefully designed to align with Federal Trade Commission (FTC) antitrust regulations. The program works for a variety of health providers, from small to large, including specialty groups.

The benefits of becoming clinically integrated are substantial for improving care delivery, reducing cost, and demonstrating evidence-based outcomes. Hallmarks include seamless care coordination, timely sharing of patient medical information, and close tracking of care referrals and follow-up.

The following health care providers are beta testing URACs clinical integration accreditation program:

About URAC URAC, an independent, nonprofit organization, promotes health care quality through its accreditation, education and measurement 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 provides 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.

As a leading national accrediting organization, URAC accreditation programs span the health care spectrum. URAC is recognized by State and Federal regulatory agencies for these programs. Most notably, the Administration has recognized URAC as an approved accreditor for health plans participating on health insurance exchanges.