Why is care continuity significant in URAC’s evaluation process?

Care continuity is significant in URAC’s evaluation process because it ensures that patients receive consistent and cohesive treatment throughout their healthcare journey. This aspect is crucial for promoting effective communication among healthcare providers, allowing them to share critical information about a patient's care. When there is a clear continuity of care, patients are less likely to experience fragmented treatments or misunderstandings regarding their medical history and care plans. This cohesive treatment approach helps in improving patient outcomes, satisfaction, and ultimately contributes to better overall health management.

In the context of URAC accreditation, care continuity directly aligns with the organization’s focus on quality and patient-centered care. By emphasizing this continuity, URAC encourages organizations to adopt streamlined processes and best practices that promote coordinated care efforts among all members of a patient's healthcare team, ensuring that patients receive the best possible treatment at every stage.