BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina

S.C. BlueCross BlueShield Receives URAC Case Management Accreditation

November 20, 2007

Columbia, S.C. -- BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina announced today that it has been awarded Case Management Accreditation from URAC, a Washington, D.C.-based health care accrediting organization that establishes quality standards for the health care industry.

URAC’s Case Management Accreditation standards require companies to establish a process to assess, plan and implement case management interventions.

"BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina is honored to receive Case Management Accreditation from URAC," said Dr. John Little, chief medical officer of BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina. "We are very pleased to be recognized in the industry for providing outstanding services. Such a distinction also underscores the quality of our work with customers, patients, clients, payors, and providers by demonstrating compliance with national standards for case management services."

BlueCross BlueShield’s case management provides oversight of any illness or complex medical situation by a nurse care manager to ensure that the member receives all necessary services. In the past year, the company provided case management services to approximately 8,500 members.

"By applying for and receiving URAC Case Management Accreditation, BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina has demonstrated a 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 and undergo rigorous evaluation by an independent accrediting body."

URAC’s Case Management Accreditation standards address approaches to ensuring appropriate patient protections have been established, such as policies for confidentiality of patient information, informed consent, dispute resolution and other issues. The standards cover staff structure and qualifications, quality improvement, information management, oversight of delegated functions, ethics, complaints, and the case management process.

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.

Headquartered in Columbia, S.C., BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina and its family of companies include more than 20 subsidiaries involved in health insurance services, U.S. DoD health program and Medicare contracts, and other insurance and employee benefits services.