BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina

National Organization Accredits S.C. BlueCross' Disease Management Programs

December 03, 2010

Columbia, S.C. – BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina has earned disease management accreditation from URAC, a Washington, DC-based health care accrediting organization that establishes quality standards for the health care industry.
 
“The rigorous URAC accreditation process helps us benchmark our disease management program against national standards, and we are proud to have achieved the distinction of full accreditation. It tells us that we are hitting the mark in helping our customers manage and improve their health,” said Dr. Laura Long, vice president of clinical quality and health management at BlueCross.
 
BlueCross’ program identifies members with asthma, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), diabetes, congestive heart failure, cardiovascular disease, hypertension and high cholesterol. Health coaches reinforce the physician’s plan of care by reaching out to these members to help them better understand their medications and prevent or manage complications from their illness. They also help the individual feel comfortable asking questions and advocating for themselves.
 
Through these programs, BlueCross hopes to improve quality and disease outcome measures as well as the overall health of its members. Members may opt out of the programs at any time.
 
“By applying for and receiving disease 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.”
 
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. The only South Carolina-owned and operated health insurance carrier, BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina comprises more than 30 companies involved in health insurance services, U.S. DoD health program and Medicare contracts, other insurance and employee benefits services, and a philanthropic foundation that funds programs to improve health care and access to health care for South Carolinians.