What is required of organizations regarding access to care in the URAC standards?

Organizations are required to ensure that members can access services promptly, which reflects a commitment to timely and effective care. This aspect of the URAC standards is crucial because timely access to healthcare services directly affects patient outcomes and overall satisfaction. Ensuring prompt access means that organizations must have systems in place to minimize wait times and barriers to care, thereby supporting members in receiving the necessary services when they need them.

Prompt access aligns with the broader goals of quality care and patient-centered service delivery. While enhancing member communication and other options may play important roles in overall care delivery, the specific requirement within the URAC standards focuses primarily on the ability of members to obtain the services they need without unnecessary delays. Thus, the emphasis on prompt access makes it a cornerstone for achieving high-quality healthcare standards within the framework set by URAC.