WASHINGTON DC, USA -- PATIENT SAFETY UPDATE NEWS SERVICE(TM) -- SEPTEMBER 11, 2006: Health care management executives, quality leaders and medical professionals from across the nation will share innovative practices and address the evolving role of health care organizations at URAC's 7th Annual Quality Summit, Oct. 11-13 in San Diego . The Annual Summit attracts the country's industry pioneers and top thought leaders to examine issues at the forefront of quality and health care today.

The theme of the national Summit is "Discover New Ways to Focus on Quality." Through keynote speakers, expert panel discussions and breakout sessions, the Summit will focus attention on three critical topics in health care: consumer empowerment and protection; leadership in care coordination; and best practices in quality and accreditation initiatives.

"The consumer is taking on a more independent, responsible role in health care, and the corresponding role of health care management organizations is changing as well," said Alan P. Spielman, URAC's president and chief executive officer. "URAC's focus is to bring together the recognized leaders in quality health care to inspire ideas and lead in-depth discussion, so participants will walk away with solid business solutions that address issues in consumerism, care coordination and best practices in accreditation initiatives."

The rise of consumerism is attracting more emphasis in the health care environment. On day one of the Summit, URAC will host a general session panel discussion, led by nationally respected experts and leaders in health care to discuss the changing role of the consumer. The presentation, entitled "The Role of Consumerism in Redesigning Health Care Delivery," will offer insight from the perspectives of health plans, purchasers, and consumers. Panel speakers are Vicky Gregg, CEO, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee; Arnold Milstein, MD, U.S. thought leader, Mercer Health & Benefits; and Grace-Marie Turner, president, Galen Institute.

"Consumerism as we know it today is going to change over time," Gregg said. "But as far as health plans are concerned, I think the two words that are going to be tied to consumerism, regardless of products and features that may be developed, are transparent and supportive."

The conference will include content-rich breakout sessions with substantive takeaways for participants. A sample of sessions include:

• "Improving Medication Compliance in Patients Through Education, Motivation and Coaching," presented by James Bonk, PhD and Krissy Cusimano, RN, both of NurseWise and Neil Krohn, PhD, senior health information Consultant for WellPoint Behavioral Health;
• "Informed Decision Making with Outcomes Measures" presented by Tracey Moorhead, executive director, Disease Management Association of America; and
• "Raising the Bar on Quality Improvement Projects: Ensuring They Meet Accreditation Standards and Add Value to Your Organization" presented by Anne Llewellyn, RN.C, BHSA, CCM, CRRN, and Valerie Nosek, RN, BSN, CPHQ, both URAC accreditation reviewers.

"The Annual Summit is the premier forum to explore advances in quality," Spielman said. "By bringing together experts in information technology, care coordination and quality best practices, it is highly anticipated as a valuable networking opportunity. The Annual Summit provides the right environment for participants across the medical management spectrum to interact with experts and the URAC management and accreditation staff, so we can better understand the dynamic health care environment."

The Annual Summit will be held at the La Costa Resort and Spa in San Diego . For a complete agenda, registration, hotel, and travel information visit the URAC Web site at www.urac.org or call (202) 216-9010.

For a preview of Vicky Gregg's presentation go to: www.urac.org/documents/issuebrief-Gregg.pdf.