WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS Health’s Advanced Care Scripts (ACS) has gained specialty pharmacy accreditation from Washington, D.C.-based health care standards body URAC.

Alan Lotvin

CVS said Tuesday that the URAC designation signifies that its ACS unit has demonstrated a commitment to quality care, improved processes and better patient outcomes.

ACS manages and dispenses specialty medications to patients with complex chronic conditions, such as multiple sclerosis, hemophilia and cancer. Its patient care model provides adherence support and cost-effective solutions for all classes of specialty drugs, according to CVS.

“We are pleased to receive this accreditation from URAC, which underscores our commitment to providing high-quality care to our patients,” Alan Lotvin, executive vice president of CVS Specialty, said in a statement. “Through our programs and services at ACS, we provide comprehensive, patient-centered care and treatment support for patients taking specialty medications to help improve patient outcomes.”

A URAC-accredited specialty pharmacy has policies in place to ensure that patients have access to appropriate medications; maintains methods to gauge customer satisfaction; and has a patient-centered strategy including coordination of care, communication and education, patient rights and responsibilities, among other factors.

“It’s necessary for specialty pharmacies to provide a higher level of treatment for patients so desired outcomes are achieved. ACS shows a dedication to patient education and safety through the recognition of quality it received with URAC’s independent accreditation,” stated URAC president and chief executive officer Kylanne Green. “With URAC accreditation, people know that ACS strives to adhere to industry best practices.”