Karmanos Cancer Institute issued the following announcement on Aug. 20.
Karmanos Specialty Pharmacy (KSP) is pleased to announce that it has received full accreditation from the Utilization Review Accreditation Commission (URAC). This accreditation is valid for three years. The achievement serves as a key differentiator and independent validation of quality.
With this designation, KSP is able to continue with its provision of specialty oral oncolytic agents. Additionally, it allows for the provision of agents in other specialized areas, such as HIV, gastroenterology, neurology and many others. KSP will now be able to access various specialty medications, which were previously only available through external pharmacies. This enables KSP to provide patients with the most cutting edge therapies available at an affordable cost.
"This achievement by the KSP staff will allow for continued growth and expansion of our services. With URAC accreditation, we can expand access further into the McLaren Network and serve patients outside of the field of oncology," said Stephen Smith, Chief Pharmacy Officer, Karmanos Cancer Institute. "It is an honor to be a part of this network and we look forward to offering our services to the patients who need it most."
URAC is an independent, nonprofit accreditation third party healthcare quality validator. Their high standards for Specialty Pharmacy accreditation examine standards for risk management, consumer protection, operations and infrastructure, performance monitoring and improvement, pharmacy dispensing, product handling and security, patient service and communication, performance measure reporting and patient management.
"Our team exceeded the criteria and passed through accreditation with flying colors. While the standards are rigorous, our commitment to efficient protocols and service proved to be deserving of accreditation," Smith said.
URAC auditors lauded KSP for its outstanding performance metrics, which met or exceeded industry standards.
This successful audit is the result of KSP's commitment to outstanding patient service and optimization of process.
"KSP staff members are committed to putting patients first. Many Karmanos patients are enrolled in patient assistance programs offered by drug manufacturers or independent foundations. Our goal is to aid them in obtaining the financial assistance that is needed for therapies that may be costly," Smith said.
To enable expeditious and outstanding service, KSP has the ability to access patients' electronic medical records (EMR), which allows pharmacists to review current diagnostic parameters, genetic sequencing, previous medication failures and the provider's plan of care. This promotes rapid insurance prior authorization, a step that can cause delays. In addition, KSP staff works closely with providers who have developed a library of current landmark literature to support medication use in off-label indications to provide patients with the most cutting edge therapies available.
About the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute
Karmanos Cancer Institute is headquartered in Detroit, with 16 locations throughout Michigan. As part of McLaren, Karmanos is the largest cancer care and research network in the state. It is among the nation's best cancer centers as one of the National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer centers in the United States and the only one located in metro Detroit. Karmanos cancer experts focus solely on cancer to prevent, detect and treat as well as eradicate all forms of cancer. Its long-term partnership with the Wayne State University School of Medicine enhances the collaboration of critical research and academics related to cancer care. For more information, call 1-800-KARMANOS (800-527-6266) or visit www.karmanos.org. Follow Karmanos on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube
Original source can be found here.
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