URAC Announces Call For Early Adopters For New Consumer Directed Health Accreditation Program

WASHINGTON, July 19 /PRNewswire/ -- The following is being issued by URAC:

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20030501/URACLOGO ) WHAT: URAC, one of the country's leading health care accreditation organizations, is seeking EARLY ADOPTERS for its new Consumer Directed Health Accreditation program. The accreditation program will focus on consumer support and education, as these characteristics are critical to helping consumers have positive experiences in consumer directed health plans. WHO: URAC is seeking consumer directed health plans as well as traditional health plans for this accreditation program. URAC will review and accredit the function of consumer education and support, regardless of the structure and benefits design of the organization. WHEN: Immediately WHERE: Organizations interested in participating as an Early Adoptor should contact the URAC Business Development Department at (202) 216-9010 or BusinessDevelopment@urac.org.

ADDITIONAL BACKGROUND INFORMATION: URAC convened an Advisory Committee to develop an accreditation program for consumer directed health care. The Advisory Committee, charged with developing quality benchmarks for consumer directed health options, represent constituents from all areas of the health care industry including trade association representatives, experts in consumer education, benefits consultants, and leading consumer directed health plans. Specific issues that will be addressed in the URAC standards are:

  *  Pre-enrollment communications
  *  Assistance with preventative and wellness care
  *  Choice of providers (including cost and quality data)
  *  Health coaching (one-on-one support)
  *  Assistance with financial issues

Members of the media interested in learning more about URAC's Consumer Directed Health Accreditation Program and Advisory Committee can contact Danielle Potuto, Communications Manager, at (202) 216-9010 ext. 8829 or dpotuto@urac.org.

CONTACT: Danielle Potuto, Communications Manager of URAC,+1-202-216-9010 ext. 8829 or dpotuto@urac.org

Web site: http://www.urac.org/