ABMSP is First Healthcare Certification Organization to Receive URAC Accreditation
The American Board of Multiple Specialties in Podiatry (ABMSP) is now the first healthcare certification organization to earn the accreditation of URAC, which represents one of the world’s most focused efforts to maintain standards in healthcare management. URAC accredits many types of health care organizations, including hospitals, health plans, HMOs, PPOs, TPAs, and provider groups. ABMSP’s accreditation in Health Utilization Management standards marks the first time URAC has awarded its endorsement to a healthcare certification organization.
Founded in 1980, URAC (formerly known as the Utilization Review Accreditation Commission) is a non-profit, independent organization chartered to promote continuous improvement in the quality and efficiency of healthcare management through the process of accreditation, education and measurement. ABMSP’s URAC accreditation is a notable moment in the history of healthcare standards, because it marks URAC’s recognition of the board as a steward of the rigorous benchmarking URAC has promoted for more than three decades.
To help maintain healthcare industry standards, URAC offers a wide range of quality benchmarking programs and services that model the rapid changes in healthcare and provide a symbol of excellence for organizations to validate their commitment to quality and accountability. URAC has a modular approach to accreditation which adapts to the continuing evolution of the healthcare system. Each module is a set of standards established for a particular healthcare function; ABMSP’s accreditation is in Healthcare Utilization Management, which covers the evaluation of the medical necessity, appropriateness, and efficiency of services, procedures, and facilities under the provisions of a health benefits plan, sometimes called “utilization review.”
“By applying for and receiving URAC accreditation, The American Board of Multiple Specialties in Podiatry has demonstrated a commitment to quality healthcare,” said URAC President and CEO Kylanne Green. “Quality healthcare 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.”
Through its broad-based governance structure and an inclusive standards development process, URAC ensures that all stakeholders are represented in establishing meaningful quality measures for the entire healthcare industry.
About ABMSP
The American Board of Multiple Specialties in Podiatry was organized by podiatrists for the purpose of granting board certification to office-based or ambulatory surgeons. Incorporated in 1986 as the American Institute of Foot Medicine (AIFM), the name was changed in 1992 to better reflect its mission. The Board now offers certification to qualified podiatrists in four areas of practice: Primary Care in Podiatric Medicine; Foot and Ankle Surgery; Prevention and Treatment of Diabetic Foot Wounds; and Limb Preservation and Salvage. The California Board of Podiatric Medicine has authorized diplomates of the American Board of Multiple Specialties in Podiatry to advertise their certification from the Board in the State of California. Also, the Board’s certification examinations have been approved for reimbursement by the VA as an educational benefit for eligible veterans. The American Board of Multiple Specialties in Podiatry is the only podiatric certification program accredited by the URAC and by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) under the ISO International Standards ANSI/ISO/IEC/17024:2003 for Accreditation for Bodies Operating Certification of Persons. For more information, visit www.abmsp.org.
Joan Campbell, Executive Director
212-356-0693
jcampbell@ptcny.com
Bonnie S Hayflick
PR Contact
904-679-5060
bonniepr@bellsouth.net
About ABMSP
The American Board of Multiple Specialties in Podiatry was organized by podiatrists for the purpose of granting board certification to office-based or ambulatory surgeons. Incorporated in 1986 as the American Institute of Foot Medicine (AIFM), the name was changed in 1992 to better reflect its mission. The Board now offers certification to qualified podiatrists in four areas of practice: Primary Care in Podiatric Medicine; Foot and Ankle Surgery; Prevention and Treatment of Diabetic Foot Wounds; and Limb Preservation and Salvage. The California Board of Podiatric Medicine has authorized diplomates of the American Board of Multiple Specialties in Podiatry to advertise their certification from the Board in the State of California. Also, the Board’s certification examinations have been approved for reimbursement by the VA as an educational benefit for eligible veterans. The American Board of Multiple Specialties in Podiatry is the only podiatric certification program accredited by the URAC and by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) under the ISO International Standards ANSI/ISO/IEC/17024:2003 for Accreditation for Bodies Operating Certification of Persons. For more information, visit www.abmsp.org.