Printer FriendlyUHA — HAWAII'S QUALITY LEADER IN HEALTH INSURANCE — AWARDED NATIONAL UTILIZATION MANAGEMENT ACCREDITATION
(HONOLULU, March 25, 2008) —By meeting strict quality standards to ensure clinically sound decision-making that respects the rights of both patients and medical providers, UHA has been awarded Health Utilization Management Accreditation from URAC, an independent non-profit organization that promotes health care quality through accreditation and certification programs.
"UHA is proud that URAC has recognized our commitment to improving the quality of health care for our members," said Max Botticelli MD, UHA Chief Executive Officer. "Accreditation is a significant accomplishment, the result of a dedication to quality we strive for throughout our company."
Since health insurers in Hawaii routinely review proposed medical care to determine if it is necessary and appropriate, most everyone in the state who is covered by health insurance is affected by the process of utilization review. So URAC's nationally recognized standards provide assurance of a fair and equitable review process.
To win its accreditation, UHA completed a rigorous, four-phase review to verify compliance with URAC's standards. URAC requires that only appropriately trained, qualified clinical personnel conduct and oversee utilization review, that a reasonable and timely appeals process is in place, and that medical decisions are based on valid clinical criteria.
"By applying for and receiving Health Utilization Management Accreditation, UHA has demonstrated its commitment to quality health care," said Alan P. Spielman, URAC president and CEO. "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."
Based in Washington, D.C., URAC offers the largest array of accreditation programs in the United States assessing health plan operations. 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 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.
Founded by physicians in 1996, UHA is dedicated to providing access to quality health care services while protecting its members from financial loss due to illness or injury. UHA provides competitively priced medical, drug, and vision plans to more than 1,700 employers. With more than 44,000 members, UHA is the third-largest commercial health insurer in Hawaii. For more information, visit www.uhahealth.com.