HIP Health Plan Receives EPO/PPO URAC Accreditation
New York, N.Y. June 15 - HIP Health Plan of New York today announced that its EPO and PPO products have been awarded URAC's Health Utilization Management Accreditation. URAC is a Washington, DC-based health care accrediting organization that establishes quality standards for the health care industry.
"We are pleased that HIP's continuing commitment to quality care is recognized by URAC," said Daniel T. McGowan, president and COO of HIP. "It demonstrates HIP's pursuit of medical excellence as well as dedication to our members."
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.
"By applying for and receiving Accreditation, HIP Health Plan of New York had demonstrated a commitment to quality health care," said Gary Carneal, 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."
HIP Health Plan of New York is the largest HMO in New York City based on membership. HIP provides access to physician services and hospital care in a variety of ways. We contract with more than 160 hospitals, including major acute care institutions, in New York, Connecticut and Massachusetts to provide member services. Members have access to HIP contracted doctors practicing in large multi-specialty outpatient medical centers and outpatient medical centers associated with some of New York's leading hospitals, including Beth Israel Medical Center, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, St. Barnabas Hospital, Lenox Hill Hospital and Montefiore Medical Center, as well as private physicians practicing in their own offices.
HIP's total network of physicians and other providers, including the networks of our subsidiaries, comprises approximately 39,000 physicians and other providers in over 57,000 locations in New York, Connecticut and Massachusetts. HIP acquired ConnectiCare, one of the largest health plans in Connecticut, in 2005 and Vytra Health Plans in 2001. Total membership is approximately 1.4 million. For more information about HIP, please visit our Web site, www.hipusa.com. It is available in English, Spanish, Chinese and Korean.
