September 24, 2003 CareWorks is first MCO to earn URAC's two-year re-accreditation

The American Accreditation HealthCare Commission/URAC has granted CareWorks two-year re-accreditation for workers’ compensation case management, extending through 2005.

CareWorks is one of the first workers’ compensation MCOs in the United States - and the first in Ohio - to re-earn URAC accreditation in workers’ compensation case management, recognizing compliance with stringent national standards.

"Operating within a service industry, CareWorks' success will continue to be based on consistently delivering individualized products and services that exceed the expectations of our customers," said William W. Pfeiffer, CareWorks' President and Chief Executive Officer.

"Being the first MCO to re-earn URAC's prestigious two-year re-accreditation is a vivid example of how we lead with quality, teamwork and service," he added.

CareWorks is Ohio's largest workers’ compensation managed care organization (MCO), providing high quality medical management services to more than 80,000 Ohio employer customers, representing nearly $600 million in workers’ compensation premium.

There are 43 core standards and 24 case management standards which comprise the URAC accreditation program including staff qualifications, quality improvement, organizational structure, ethics standards, information systems and case management processes. CareWorks was successful in earning full two-year accreditation with its initial application.

Based in Washington, D.C., URAC offers 12 accreditation programs for the managed care industry. The nonprofit group’s membership includes employers, consumers, care providers, government regulators, and MCO and workers’ comp professionals.

"The MCO industry is all based on service," Pfeiffer said. "Employers partner with CareWorks because we have the resources and quality associates necessary to meet each of our customer’s unique medical management needs.”