Now here’s something ya don’t see every day….. a leading accreditation body cutting a deal to offer a discount on specialty pharmacy accreditation.
Yes, URAC has hitched up with AmerisourceBergen (ASB) to offer a special rate for specialty pharmacy accreditation. It would appear that the discount is available to those pharmacies that use ASB as their wholesaler of record, which gives that pharmacy access to the ASB PSAO portfolio. It is not clear whether this is an offer for new (first time) URAC accreditations or if renewals are also included. Since the cost of a new and renewal accreditation can be pricey any savings could be welcome.
So why offer discounts at all?
The value of a specialty pharmacy accreditation is now well established. In fact, most SPs now obtain two or more accreditations….. often from competing agencies. In prior years we received many inquiries from pharmacies seeking to enter the SP segment….. and accreditation was always a key consideration. But, in the last 24 months, the number of pharmacies making the leap into SP has significantly dried up. That would have an impact on the number of new SP accreditations. As with any business, when market dynamics change marketing tactics respond to those changes. Just sayin’.
URAC and AmerisourceBergen Announce Strategic Relationship
Washington, DC, (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — URAC, the nation’s largest independent health care accreditation organization and recognized leader in pharmacy accreditation, announced today that is has entered into an agreement with global health care company, AmerisourceBergen to provide discounted pricing on URAC accreditation and designation programs, as well as value-added services to AmerisourceBergen’s dispensing provider customers seeking new accreditation.
This relationship exemplifies URAC’s continuing goal of improving the quality of health care across the country, by making its meaningful accreditation programs available to even more organizations.
“Providers, hospitals and health systems are increasingly building specialty pharmacy and telehealth capabilities, and it’s vitally important they are accredited, so as to ensure the best outcomes for their patients,” said Shawn Griffin, MD, URAC’s President and CEO. “We are really excited about how this partnership will allow us to accredit more provider and hospitals pharmacies and telehealth practices.”
“URAC is glad to work with a world-class organization like AmerisourceBergen that shares the same goal of improving health care for individuals,” concluded Griffin.
“Improving health and wellness of patients through quality care is the cornerstone of our partnership with URAC,” said John Ryan, Vice President of Service Solutions and Operations at AmerisourceBergen. “We understand the critical role accreditation plays in enhancing patient outcomes, and we’re excited to offer this opportunity to our customers and assist them in the accreditation process.”
“We’re hopeful that this relationship will continue to enable pharmacies to provide accessible community-based care and create new and improved opportunities to access the medications their patients need.”
About URAC
Founded in 1990 as a non-profit organization, URAC is the independent leader in promoting health care quality and patient safety through renowned accreditation programs. We develop our evidence-based standards in collaboration with a wide array of stakeholders and industry experts. Our portfolio of accreditation and certification programs span the health care industry, addressing pharmacies, health care management and operations, telehealth, health plans, medical practices and more. URAC accreditation is a symbol of excellence for organizations to showcase their validated commitment to quality and accountability.
