U.S. Family Health Plan Receives URAC Health Network Accreditation

Since 02-15-05

From: Waspscpo@aol.com
Sent: Monday, February 14, 2005 2:01 PM
To: undisclosed-recipients
Subject: U.S. Family Helath Plan (USFHP)

This is the health plan I belong to.  Its a Tricare designated provider.
If you're lucky enough to have the plan in your area, check it out.
If was formerly called Uniformed Services Family Health Plan.

http://www.usfhp.com/portal/default.asp


Don Harribine
http://home.businesswire.com/portal/site/google/index.jsp?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20050214005917&newsLang=en


 
February 14, 2005
    11:48 AM US Eastern Timezone


US Family Health Plan Receives URAC Health Network Accreditation

HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 14, 2005--The US Family Health Plan announced today that it has been awarded the Health Network Accreditation from URAC, a Washington, DC-based health care accrediting organization that establishes quality standards for the health care industry. URAC's Health Network accreditation is the premier accreditation program for PPOs and similar networks. The standards comprise the first set of quality benchmarks applied on a wide scale for PPO-based operations in the United States.

"At US Family Health Plan, we are always reviewing our procedures and processes to ensure that our program at CHRISTUS Health is meeting or exceeding the national standards for health care delivery," said Marshall Bolyard, program director for US Family Health Plan at CHRISTUS Health.

"With the announcement of this accreditation, our military family beneficiaries know that we will always be there for them as a stable, high quality, TRICARE Prime option available in Texas and Louisiana."

A TRICARE Prime option, US Family Health Plan is locally available though CHRISTUS Health to families of active-duty military, including activated reservists, retirees and their eligible family members in the Houston, Galveston, and Golden Triangle areas.

The program was evaluated against the Health Network Standards that provide a comprehensive assessment of PPO-based networks, covering network management issues, quality management and improvement, provider credentialing, and consumer rights and protection. "By applying for and receiving the Health Network Accreditation, US Family Health Plan has demonstrated a commitment to quality health care," Garry Carneal, 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."

The Health Network Standards apply to health networks such as preferred provider organizations (PPOs) and specialty networks. These standards encourage open-panel networks to become more integrated in their operations with a strong emphasis on quality assurance and improvement. The Health Network Standards cover three areas: network management, credentialing and consumer protection. In addition to these specific standards, organizations seeking Health Network Accreditation must also comply with URAC Core Standards. URAC, an independent, nonprofit organization, is a leader in promoting health care quality through accreditation and certification programs.

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 their 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. For more information contact CHRISTUS Health at 1-800-678-7347 or go to www.usfamilyhealthplan.org.

Contacts


Marion, Montgomery Inc., Houston
Amanda Hansen, 713-523-7900
amanda@mmihouston.com
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Contributed,
YNCS Don Harribine, USN(ret)