by Emily Stembridge
Vanderbilt Specialty Pharmacy (VSP) has received accreditation from the Utilization Review Accreditation Commission (URAC) as a Rare Disease Pharmacy Center of Excellence. VSP is the eighth specialty pharmacy in the United States and one of only three health system-based specialty pharmacies to receive this designation.
“VSP is considered a leader in specialty pharmacies throughout the country,” said Jim Hayman, MS, MBA, Chief Pharmacy Officer for Vanderbilt University Adult Hospital and Clinics. “This is an opportunity for us to continue distinguishing our service. We strive to be the gold standard for health system-based specialty pharmacies, and this designation keeps us ahead of the curve.”
The Rare Disease Pharmacy Center of Excellence designation demonstrates VSP’s continued commitment to maintain the highest level of professional standards to patients, manufacturers and providers. The designation was developed with the input of rare disease experts to ensure the distinction reflects current and proven best practices.
VSP works closely with patients who have rare diseases, managing their prior authorizations, ensuring their medications are delivered on time and managing patients on a case-by-case basis when they begin taking their medication. Currently, more than 40 VSP pharmacists are embedded into 25 clinics across VUMC.
“As advances in science offer more treatments for rare diseases, VSP remains devoted to optimizing both the clinical outcomes and the patient experience of those in need of these therapies,” said Tara Kelley, PharmD, executive director of Specialty Pharmacy Services. “The URAC Rare Disease Center of Excellence designation recognizes specialty pharmacies who are committed to attain the highest level of professional standards and is an important step in recognizing VSP’s steadfast dedication to personalized patient care.”
