Pharmacy First Receives Renewed URAC Accreditation as a Credentials Verification Organization
The industry leader for comprehensive credentialing and compliance solutions, Pharmacy First is proud to have earned renewed national accreditation as a Credentials Verification Organization (CVO) from URAC, an independent, non-profit organization that works to improve healthcare and patient safety by setting evidence-based standards for the industry.
Pharmacy First is the only pharmacy services administrative organization (PSAO) to have received URAC’s CVO accreditation, having first achieved “gold star” accreditation in 2021. Following a rigorous review and compliance process, Pharmacy First accreditation has been renewed through 2027. To maintain its accreditation, Pharmacy First has continuously demonstrated a commitment to supporting pharmacies with proven credentialing tools, complete compliance training, and expert support services.
“We set the standard for credentialing and compliance, and our member pharmacies raise the bar for service, quality, accountability and integrity,” said Pharmacy First CEO Todd Wormington. “Pharmacy First is dedicated to keeping independent pharmacy strong and competitive in rural, urban and suburban markets across the country – and that starts by supporting our members to elevate their operational efficiency for full compliance with all federal, state and payor network requirements.”
As a PSAO serving more than 2,300 independent pharmacies across the United States and Puerto Rico, Pharmacy First has verified more than 20,000 credentials for its pharmacies and their staff members.
“By examining the pharmacy as a whole – from its people through its processes collectively – we help strengthen the competitive position of our member pharmacies within the industry,” said Michael Ace, Vice President of Managed Care, Pharmacy First. “Furthermore, rigorous verification and compliance helps elevate the entire Pharmacy First PSAO member network above the rest in quality, operational efficiency and essential patient services.”
Advancing quality care doesn’t end with credentialling. Pharmacy First reduces the administrative burden of maintaining proper compliance and credentialing with a streamlined process that allows member pharmacies to stay focused on their patients. The PSAO’s secure credentialing portal provides members with 24/7 access to the documents and reports necessary to remain compliant and avoid operational interruptions.
To help pharmacies develop in-house policies and procedures that comply with requirements at every level, Pharmacy First provides a collection of state and federal best business practices. These assets serve as the basis for creating Pharmacy Operations Manuals that effectively guide staff in adhering to the standards of state pharmacy boards, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and all other applicable agencies.
As the healthcare landscape continues to shift, Pharmacy First delivers access to the most up-to-date continuing education and training required by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs) and other applicable governing bodies. This goes beyond Fraud, Waste, and Abuse, and HIPAA Training, to include resources that help pharmacies safely handle and dispose of hazardous drugs and deliver culturally competent care to their communities.
Because compliance and credentialing requirements vary by state and region, Pharmacy First designed its solutions to give its members the flexibility to select the services they need to drive 100% compliance. Beyond providing tools and resources to drive compliance, Pharmacy First makes sure independent pharmacies are represented on Capitol Hill and in the state house.
“We don’t just track key issues and proposed legislation, we advocate for our members for shaping sound public policy that protects independent pharmacies and their patients alike,” Wormington said. “Organizational compliance excellence starts by informing the development of effective and logical standards. As a licensed pharmacist for the past 35 years, I clearly recognize the importance of our continued work with URAC and other industry partners to clearly demonstrate our commitment to community-based pharmacy.”
When independent pharmacies have a PSAO partner with solutions and services to protect the health of their business, they can focus on protecting the health of their community.
About Pharmacy First
Serving over 2,300 independent pharmacies in the U.S. and Puerto Rico, Pharmacy First provides services and support to keep its members competitive in an evolving market. Pharmacy First eases the administrative overhead of independent pharmacy operations by assisting with credentialing, third-party contract management and reconciliation, quality assurance, medication adherence services and more. For more information, call 800-460-1575 or visit pharmacyfirst.com.
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. URAC develops its evidence-based standards in collaboration with a wide array of stakeholders and industry experts. The company’s portfolio of accreditation and certification programs span the health care industry, addressing health care management and operations, pharmacies, 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. Learn more at urac.org.
