PORTLAND, Ore. —Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon announced today that it has been awarded Full Health Plan Accreditation for its commercial line of business from URAC, a Washington, DC-based health care accrediting organization that establishes quality standards for the health care industry. This is the first time that Regence sought, and received, health plan accreditation from URAC.
URAC accreditation is a nationally recognized symbol of excellence, respected throughout the industry and by the federal and state governments as an assurance that accredited organizations meet rigorous standards of quality and operational integrity that emphasize consumer protection and patient engagement.
“Achieving URAC accreditation is validation of our commitment to quality – both in terms of the care our members receive and in our business practices. It clearly demonstrates that we have met the rigorous standards of URAC, an independent organization and national leader in promoting health care quality,” said Richard Popiel, M.D., M.B.A., executive vice president, Health Care Services and chief medical officer for Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon. “This is an important way Regence can create value for our members and advance the Triple Aim goals of improving the health of patients and their care experience, and lowering costs.”
To achieve URAC’s health plan accreditation, Regence was required to establish goals and measure performance related to access to care, availability of providers and provider selection criteria. Regence also had to address approaches to ensuring appropriate patient protections have been established, such as policies for confidentiality of patient information, informed consent, dispute resolution and other issues.
These standards cover staff structure and qualifications, quality improvement, information management, oversight of delegated functions, ethics, complaints, and the case management process.
“By applying for and receiving URAC accreditation, Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon has demonstrated a commitment to quality health care,” said URAC President and CEO Kylanne Green. “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 and undergo rigorous evaluation by an independent accrediting body.”
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 health care 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.
About Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon
Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon is a leading health plan in Oregon, with nearly 750,000 members, offering health, life and dental insurance. Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon is a nonprofit independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, and is affiliated with Regence BlueShield of Idaho, Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Utah and Regence BlueShield (selected counties in Washington). Together, the companies serve more than two million members in the Northwest/Intermountain Region. The Regence affiliated companies are committed to improving the health of its members and communities, and to transforming the health care system. For more information, please visit www.regence.com or www.twitter.com/RegenceOregon.