News from Illinois CancerCare

Awarded Specialty Pharmacy Accreditation

Peoria, IL September 13, 2016 – Illinois CancerCare announced today that it has been awarded Specialty Pharmacy (SP) accreditation from URAC, a Washington, D.C.-based health care accrediting organization that establishes quality standards for the health care industry. URAC’s SP accreditation standards assess a range of professional activities, including specialty drug management, pharmacy operations, patient management, measures reporting and customer service, communications and disclosure.

“This accreditation is a significant accomplishment for us,” said Jason Harlow, PharmD, Director of Pharmacy, Illinois CancerCare. “This accreditation validates our excellence in specialty pharmacy as well as our ongoing commitment to quality.”

URAC defines a Specialty Pharmacy as a full service pharmacy that specializes in filling prescriptions for patients who need certain high-cost biotech and injectable medications. These specialty medications help patients with complex conditions including certain types of cancer. These drugs can be injected, infused or taken orally, and typically require special handling and other specialty expertise.

“By receiving URAC accreditation, Illinois CancerCare has demonstrated a commitment to quality health care,” said URAC President and CEO Kylanne Green. “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 and undergo rigorous evaluation by an independent accrediting body.”

Organizations that apply for URAC Specialty Pharmacy accreditation are duly licensed pharmacies in the jurisdiction of their practice that have at least one prescription intake processing site and at least one dispensing site that distributes through mail carrier. It serves patients with pharmacy needs that include drugs for chronic conditions, acute events, and fertility. It facilitates education and coordination with prescribers. It has 24/7 access to customer service, drug utilization review, and a comprehensive patient management program.

###