Press Release

Catalyst for Payment Reform and URAC Partner in Developing Value-based Payment Principles and Accreditation Program

Issued by Catalyst for Payment Reform [CPR]

June 4, 2024

WASHINGTON – Catalyst for Payment Reform, an independent, nonprofit coalition of innovative employers and other health care purchasers, and URAC, the nation’s most complete health care accreditation organization, will partner to recognize value-based payment programs. The two organizations’ goal is to develop an accreditation program that will be available in 2025.

Most US payers have implemented some form of value-based payment for health care providers. These models (also known as “alternative payment models”) now influence payment and care delivery across broad sectors of the health care landscape. Currently, there are no national programs that validate whether these models meet accepted best practices.

“As value-based payment grows and matures, stakeholders have a shared interest in ensuring that health plans implement value-based payment programs thoughtfully and appropriately,” said Guy D’Andrea, CPR’s executive director. “This partnership with URAC allows us to establish appropriate guidelines with the input of a variety of health care stakeholders.”

Shawn Griffin, MD, URAC’s president and CEO, added, “URAC is proud to work with Catalyst for Payment Reform in convening experts from throughout health care to discuss the optimal way to identify and track the best practices in value-based care. We look forward to developing a program based on the principles that this committee endorses.”

As a first step in the process, CPR and URAC will develop value-based payment principles by consulting with experts and by convening a multistakeholder advisory committee. During the development process, the committee will invite review and comment. URAC will then use the principles to inform development of an accreditation program. Once implemented, employers and other stakeholders would be able to use the program to identify organizations that meet best practices for value-based payment.

About Catalyst for Payment Reform

Catalyst for Payment Reform is an independent, nonprofit corporation with the mission to catalyze employers, public purchasers, and others to implement strategies that produce higher value health care and improve the functioning of the health care marketplace. CPR’s members include the nation’s most innovative employers, public purchasers, union health plans, and health benefits consultants. www.catalyze.org

About URAC

URAC is the independent leader in promoting health care 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 nonprofit’s portfolio of accreditation and certification programs spans the health care industry, addressing health equity, workplace mental health, health care management and operations, pharmacies, telehealth, health plans, medical practices and more. URAC accreditation has been a symbol of excellence for nearly 35 years for organizations to showcase their validated commitment to quality and accountability. www.urac.org

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