KCH Outpatient Pharmacy, located on the third floor of Knox Community Hospital, is proud to announce that it has earned URAC accreditation and is now considered a “Specialty Pharmacy.” URAC (Utilization Review Accreditation Commission) is the independent leader in promoting healthcare quality by setting high standards for clinical practice, consumer protections, performance measurement, operations infrastructure, and risk management. By achieving this status, KCH Outpatient Pharmacy has demonstrated its commitment to quality care, enhanced processes, patient safety, and improved outcomes.
“When we opened our pharmacy in August of 2021, we were initially focused on filling employee prescriptions here at the hospital. Soon after, we implemented a Meds 2 Beds program, which started a relationship between the pharmacy and patients of the hospital,” Andrew Wasem, outpatient pharmacy coordinator, said. “Now, with attaining our Specialty Pharmacy status we can expand our offerings to additional patients who may not be able to fill specialty medication prescriptions at their regular home pharmacy.”
“Our pharmacy has grown quickly, but we have been able to provide adequate staffing to meet the growing demands,” said Robbi Jo Mitchell-Enderle, director of pharmacy. “We have a great staff, convenient hours, and a good relationship with many of the providers. I am very proud of our URAC accreditation and extended services it will allow us to provide.”
This designation demonstrates a meaningful commitment to quality healthcare.
“Now more than ever, specialty pharmacies are an essential part of the patient care team and overall patient experience. URAC congratulates Knox Community Hospital and the Outpatient Pharmacy on its achievement of Specialty Pharmacy Accreditation. This achievement demonstrates excellence in pharmacy operations, product handling, patient education, and patient management. When an organization achieves URAC accreditation, it demonstrates its commitment to improving its quality of care, which is important to patients,” the press release stated.
Founded in 1990 as a non-profit organization, URAC is the independent leader in promoting healthcare quality and patient safety through renowned accreditation programs. URAC develops its evidence-based standards in collaboration with a wide array of stakeholders and industry experts. The company’s portfolio of accreditation and certification programs spans the healthcare industry, addressing healthcare management and operations, pharmacies, telehealth, health plans, medical practices, and more. URAC accreditation is a symbol of excellence for organizations to showcase their validated commitment to quality and accountability.
