BOSTON, April 18, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Partners HealthCare today announced that its Specialty Pharmacy has been accredited by URAC. URAC is an independent, nonprofit organization that promotes health care quality through its accreditation, education, and measurement programs. URAC accreditation is based on nationally recognized health care standards that support improvements and innovation in health care management and delivery.
“Working across the Partners HealthCare system, our program is designed to support patients with complex health conditions through the appropriate management of specialty medications, which are often complicated and expensive,” said Michael Carter, RPh, Corporate Director of Specialty Pharmacy. “URAC accreditation is a rigorous process and is further recognition of our commitment to the highest standards and continuous quality improvement.”
The Partners Specialty Pharmacy replaces typical third-party pharmacies by delivering medications directly to patients, securing the medications and supplies at a lower cost. The team also provides medication management guidance and financial assistance services. In just over a year since opening, the Specialty Pharmacy has already saved patients who use the pharmacy services more than $500,000 on pharmaceutical costs.
Any pharmacy located in the United States that dispenses specialty drugs to consumers with specific chronic conditions, acute events, or complex therapies, and provides comprehensive patient education services and coordination with the patient and prescriber is eligible to apply for the URAC Specialty Pharmacy Accreditation program. URAC accreditation requires applicants to submit policies, procedures, and other organizational information that is followed by a lengthy review.
Partners Specialty Pharmacy dispenses and manages medications that treat complex health conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, hepatitis, inflammatory bowel disease and multiple sclerosis. These medications may need special storage and many patients who are prescribed specialty medications may need help understanding how to use these medications. Partners Specialty Pharmacy helps patients manage their medications and provides consistent support to ensure better patient outcomes and quality of life.
About Partners HealthCare
Partners HealthCare is an integrated health care system, founded by Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital, that offers patients a continuum of coordinated and high-quality care. In addition to its two academic medical centers, the system includes community and specialty hospitals, a health insurance provider, a physician network, community health centers, home health and long-term care services, and other health care entities. Partners is a non-profit organization that is committed to patient care, research, teaching, and service to the community. In addition, Partners is one of the nation’s leading biomedical research organizations and is a principal teaching affiliate of Harvard Medical School. For more information, please visit www.partners.org.
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. URAC’s 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.
Contacts:
Rich Copp
617-278-1031
Bridget Perry
Partners HealthCare
bperry7@partners.org