News

The ODS Companies Receives URAC Accreditation

ODS Healthcare Services Department Recognized for Commitment to Quality Care

Portland, Ore., February 4, 2004—The ODS Companies (ODS) is pleased to announce that it has received Case Management Accreditation from URAC, a Washington, D.C.-based healthcare accrediting organization that establishes quality standards for the healthcare industry.

As part of the accreditation process, relevant ODS programs, services and member materials were reviewed by URAC and found to meet its accreditation criteria. "URAC accreditation recognizes the effectiveness and consistently high quality of the ODS case management program and staff. Our case management professionals provide valuable services to employees and purchasers by controlling costs and striving to keep healthcare benefits affordable," said Dr. Csaba Mera, ODS Medical Director. “We will continue to work to uphold and surpass the standards that URAC has established.”

In addition to case management, the ODS Healthcare Services department also provides disease management, health promotion, medical review, healthcare quality improvement, provider credentialing and health data analysis. These valuable services improved the health of ODS members while saving over $5.3 million for members and employers in 2003.

“By applying for and receiving URAC Case Management Accreditation, ODS has demonstrated a commitment to quality healthcare,” said Garry Carneal, URAC President and CEO. “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.” URAC’s Case Management Accreditation ensures that 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. More information regarding URAC can be found at www.urac.org.

The ODS Companies (ODS) is a multi-faceted organization that provides dental, medical, and professional liability insurance products, along with a variety of business services including dental practice management software and benefits administration. ODS serves more than 600,000 Oregonians. Founded in 1955, ODS is Oregon’s leading dental insurer and a member of the Delta Dental Plan Association, the nation’s largest and most experienced dental benefits provider. ODS is headquartered in Portland, Oregon and has offices in Milwaukie and La Grande.