Pharmacy First Earns URAC Accreditation as a Credentials Verification Organization
With a mission to provide the best, most comprehensive suite of services for community pharmacies, Pharmacy First proudly announces it has achieved URAC accreditation as a Credentials Verification Organization (CVO).
Pharmacy First, a pharmacy services administrative organization (PSAO) serving thousands of independent pharmacies across the United States, is the first and only PSAO to earn this prestigious distinction. Completing the rigorous URAC accreditation process demonstrates Pharmacy First’s commitment to better healthcare and supporting pharmacies in improving quality, efficiency and patient outcomes.
“Because we embrace the value of high standards in credentialing and the role it plays in protecting patients, providers and payers, we are proud to distinguish ourselves as a URAC-accredited PSAO,” said Pharmacy First CEO Robert Dickey. “Our accreditation, which has been a longtime goal for our company, sets a new standard in the industry for ensuring high quality in service and care for patients served by community pharmacies.”
The URAC accreditation process demonstrates a commitment to quality services and serves as a framework to improve business processes through benchmarking organizations against nationally recognized standards. To achieve and maintain URAC accreditation, Pharmacy First’s credential verification process goes beyond the norm of simply validating whether a pharmacist is licensed. The licenses and credentials of each member of the pharmacy staff is verified in the same manner, testifying to a high level of excellence throughout the entire organization. The focus on the pharmacy as a whole – including its process, operations and integrity – ultimately translates to better, safer care, which can improve patient outcomes and experiences.
As part of the URAC accreditation process, Pharmacy First verified credentials for more than 2,000 network pharmacies and 10,000+ pharmacy staff members who share the same high standards and dedication to organizational quality.
“Increased scrutiny of healthcare quality makes credentials verification a vital component in delivering safe and successful care,” said URAC President and CEO Shawn Griffin, M.D. “Pharmacy First is showcasing a commitment to quality by achieving Credentials Verification Organization Accreditation from URAC that’s designed to increase patient confidence, maintain provider excellence, and reduce legal exposure.”
According to Craig Bentley, Vice President of Managed Care Operations, Pharmacy First has made substantial investments in time and technology to support this endeavor. “We must store and readily access credentialing data and documentation from all staff at all member pharmacies, while also streamlining the process for those submitting their information and files,” he said. “We’ve made this possible through our deep commitments and investments in technology, accountability, and data management and integrity – including the development of a dedicated credentialing web portal.”
Pharmacy First’s credentials verification solution also includes continuing education and training for member pharmacies, particularly on fraud, waste and abuse prevention and HIPAA compliance. Members will have access to these training opportunities at substantially lower costs than they could achieve themselves.
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, URAC is the independent leader in promoting healthcare quality through leadership, accreditation, measurement and innovation. URAC is a nonprofit organization using evidence-based measures and developing standards through inclusive engagement with a range of stakeholders committed to improving the quality of healthcare. Our portfolio of accreditation and certification programs span the healthcare industry, addressing healthcare management, healthcare operations, health plans, pharmacies, telehealth providers, physician practices, and more. URAC accreditation is a symbol of excellence for organizations to showcase their validated commitment to quality and accountability.
