SAN DIEGO, Nov 27, 2001 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- American Specialty Health Networks, Inc. (ASHN) has become the first organization in the country to receive URAC accreditation for its massage therapy, dietetics and naturopathy programs. URAC -- also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission -- provides accreditation standards that are recognized nationally as the benchmarks for quality in managed care organizations.

ASHN received this first-ever accreditation in the areas of Health Utilization Management, Health Plan and Health Network with Credentialing. ASHN has also received URAC re-accreditation for its chiropractic and acupuncture programs in the areas of Health Utilization Management, Health Plan, Health Network with Credentialing, Workers' Compensation Utilization Management and Workers' Compensation Network.

Douglas Metz, D.C., senior vice president, Health Services and Quality Management for American Specialty Health, said, "Becoming the first organization to receive this type of recognition further validates our commitment to quality and to positively impacting the healthcare industry."

URAC is a non-profit organization that has issued over 1,200 accreditation certificates to over 300 managed care organizations doing business in all 50 states. URAC-accredited companies provide or administer healthcare benefits to more than 120 million Americans.

"By applying for and receiving URAC accreditation, American Specialty Health has demonstrated a commitment to quality healthcare," said Garry Carneal, URAC president and CEO. "Quality healthcare is crucial to our nation's welfare, and it is important to have organizations that are willing to measure themselves against national standards."

American Specialty Health Networks (ASHN) provides network access programs and managed care programs nationwide to health plans, insurance carriers, employer groups and trust funds. Its affiliate, American Specialty Health Plans of California, Inc. (ASHP) provides benefits to members in California and is the nation's first and largest health plan for chiropractic and acupuncture services. Based in San Diego, American Specialty Health and its affiliates have over 500 employees and cover more than 60 million members nationwide through various managed benefit, network access and affinity discount programs.

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SOURCE American Specialty Health Networks, Inc.

CONTACT: Ross Goldberg, +1-818-537-8453, for American Specialty Health

From Prnewswire.com