1. Understand URAC Standards: Thoroughly familiarize yourself with URAC accreditation and standards applicable to your organization. Use them as a guide to ensure compliance and quality improvement.
  2. Conduct a Gap Analysis: Assess your current practices against URAC standards to identify areas of strength and areas needing improvement.
  3. Develop an Action Plan: Create a detailed plan based on the gap analysis, outlining specific steps to address deficiencies and implement necessary changes.
  4. Implement Changes: Make necessary changes to policies, procedures, and practices to meet URAC standards. Ensure all staff are trained on new processes and requirements. .

Are you considering URAC accreditation for your organization? Understanding the process and requirements is key to achieving this important healthcare accreditation. Accreditation consulting services can help guide you through the process and ensure your organization meets the necessary standards. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the seven steps to successfully achieve URAC recognition for your organization.URAC Accreditation

Understand the Basics: What Does URAC Stand For?

URAC stands for Utilization Review Accreditation Commission. It is a nonprofit organization that aims to promote healthcare quality through accreditation, certification, and measurement. URAC accreditation is recognized as a symbol of quality in the healthcare industry.

The Importance of URAC Standards in Healthcare

URAC standards are designed to ensure that healthcare organizations meet high-quality standards in areas such as patient safety, care coordination, and quality improvement. Achieving URAC accreditation demonstrates your organization’s commitment to providing high-quality care to your patients.

How BHM’s Accreditation Consultants Can Help Your Organization

BHM Healthcare Solutions’ accreditation consultants can provide expert guidance and support throughout the accreditation process. They can help you understand the requirements, develop policies and procedures, and prepare for the accreditation survey. Additionally, consultants can assist in identifying areas for improvement and implementing best practices to enhance your organization’s operations.

Key Steps in the URAC Accreditation Process

The URAC accreditation process typically involves several key steps:

  • Preparing for Accreditation: This step includes reviewing the accreditation standards, assessing your organization’s current practices, and identifying areas for improvement.
  • Submitting the Application: Once you have prepared for accreditation, you will need to submit an application to URAC.
  • Documenting Compliance with Standards: URAC requires documentation to demonstrate compliance with its standards. This may include policies, procedures, and other relevant documentation.
  • Undergoing a Site Visit or Desktop Review: Depending on the type of accreditation you are seeking, URAC may conduct a site visit or a desktop review to assess your organization’s compliance with its standards.
  • Receiving Accreditation Decision: After completing the accreditation process, you will receive a decision from URAC regarding your accreditation status.

Common Challenges in Achieving URAC Accreditation and How to Overcome Them

Some common challenges in achieving an accreditation include understanding the requirements, developing policies and procedures, and preparing for the accreditation survey. Working with a accreditation consultant can help you overcome these challenges and achieve accreditation successfully.

The Benefits of URAC Accreditation

Achieving URAC accreditation offers several benefits to your organization, including:

  • Enhanced Credibility: URAC is recognized as a symbol of quality in the healthcare industry, enhancing your organization’s credibility among patients, providers, and payers.
  • Improved Patient Care: URAC standards are designed to improve patient care by promoting best practices and quality improvement initiatives.
  • Access to Networks: Accreditation may provide access to preferred provider networks and other opportunities for collaboration within the healthcare industry.

1. Become Familiar With URAC Standards: 

URAC accreditation standards are comprehensive and cover various aspects of healthcare operations, including quality improvement, utilization management, and credentialing. It’s essential to familiarize yourself with the relevant URAC standards for your organization’s industry and services. These standards outline the requirements and expectations for accreditation, serving as a roadmap for achieving compliance.

2. Conduct a Gap Analysis

Conducting a gap analysis is crucial to assess your organization’s current practices and policies against URAC standards. Identify areas where your organization meets the standards and areas that require improvement to meet accreditation requirements. The gap analysis will help you understand the specific areas that need attention and guide your action plan.

3. Develop an Action Plan

Based on the findings of the gap analysis, develop a detailed action plan to address deficiencies and implement necessary changes to meet URAC standards. Assign responsibilities and set timelines for completion to ensure that the action plan is implemented effectively. The action plan should be comprehensive and cover all aspects of your organization’s operations that need to be addressed for accreditation.

4. Implement Changes

Implement the action plan by making necessary changes to policies, procedures, and practices to meet URAC standards. Ensure that all staff members are trained on new processes and requirements to facilitate smooth implementation. Continuous communication and feedback mechanisms can help address any challenges that may arise during the implementation phase.

5. Document Compliance

Maintain detailed documentation of your organization’s compliance with URAC standards. Document policies, procedures, and practices to demonstrate adherence to accreditation requirements. Documentation is a critical aspect of the accreditation process, as it provides evidence of your organization’s commitment to quality and compliance with URAC standards.

6. Prepare for Site Visit (if applicable)

If a site visit is required as part of the accreditation process, prepare your organization by ensuring all documentation is in order and staff are prepared to answer questions related to URAC standards. Provide training to staff members on what to expect during the site visit and how to effectively communicate your organization’s compliance with URAC standards.

7. Submit Application

Once you have met all URAC standards and requirements, submit your application for accreditation. URAC will review your application and supporting documentation to determine if your organization meets the standards for accreditation. Be prepared to provide additional information or clarification if requested by URAC during the review process.

How BHM Can Help You Achieve URAC Accreditation

Achieving URAC accreditation is a significant achievement for your organization. By following these seven steps and working with URAC accreditation consultants, you can successfully achieve accreditation and demonstrate your commitment to providing high-quality care to your patients. BHM Healthcare Solutions offers comprehensive accreditation consulting services to help you navigate the accreditation process successfully. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you in achieving URAC for your organization.

Partner With BHM To Achieve URAC Accreditation