Achieving URAC accreditation is a significant milestone for healthcare organizations committed to quality and accountability. But make no mistake—it’s a detailed, multi-stage process that can take anywhere from 6 to 12 months depending on your readiness. The key to success? Strategic planning and disciplined execution at every stage.

Here’s a clear breakdown of what to expect, how long each stage takes, and what you can do to stay on track.

Stage 1: Pre-Application (Preparation & Readiness)

🕒 Timeframe: 2–6 months

This stage sets the foundation for your entire accreditation process.

• Understand the Standards: Get familiar with the URAC standards relevant to your program (e.g., HUM v8.2, Health Plan v8.1).
• Conduct a Gap Analysis: Identify where your policies and operations fall short of URAC requirements.
• Develop a Compliance Action Plan: Assign responsibility for each standard and outline steps to close gaps.
• Build Your Documentation: Create or revise policies, procedures, and reports that demonstrate compliance.
• Secure Leadership Buy-In: Strong executive support ensures proper resources are in place.

💡 Tip: Start early—some organizations take longer if they need to build new processes from scratch.

Stage 2: Application Submission

🕒 Timeframe: 1–2 weeks

Now that you’re ready to move forward, it’s time to go official.

• Submit the Application through URAC’s Accreditation Management System (AMS).
• Define Your Scope: Include all services, locations, and business lines.
• Pay the Fees to trigger the accreditation timeline.

Meet Your Client Relations Manager: They’ll be your go-to for navigating the process.

Stage 3: Document Review (Desktop Review)

🕒 Timeframe: 8–12 weeks

This is where URAC evaluates your written documentation.

• Upload All Required Evidence: Think policies, meeting minutes, staff credentials, and reports.
• Wait for Surveyor Feedback: URAC will review the documentation you submitted and may request clarifications or additional evidence.
• Use Pre-Survey Feedback to address any deficiencies before moving on.

Stage 4: Validation Review (Virtual or On-Site)

🕒 Timeframe: 30–60 days after document approval

This is where documentation meets practice.

• Complete Required Interviews: URAC interviews leaders, staff, and sometimes external stakeholders.
• Show Your Processes in Action: Surveyors may observe operations, review case files, or request demonstrations.
• Provide Actual Evidence of compliance as requested by the Surveyor.

Stage 5: Accreditation Committee Review

🕒 Timeframe: 4–6 weeks after validation review

The final decision is made based on findings from your validation review.

• Findings Are Compiled by the URAC Surveyor and submitted to URAC’s Accreditation Committee.
• Accreditation Decision Issued: You’ll receive one of three outcomes—Full Accreditation, Provisional Accreditation, or Denial.

Final Report Delivered: This includes your strengths, improvement opportunities, and required follow up

Post-Accreditation: Ongoing Compliance

🕒 Timeframe: Throughout the 3-year cycle

Accreditation is not a one-and-done achievement.

• Annual Reporting: Submit quality data and updates.
• Mid-Cycle Check-Ins: URAC may request progress documentation.
• Continuous Quality Improvement: Keep evidence current for your next cycle.

Summary: Total Time Commitment: 6–12 Months

Tips to Accelerate the Process

• Start policy updates before applying.
• Keep a URAC readiness binder with all required documentation.
• Assign a compliance project manager to keep tasks on track.
• Respond quickly to URAC clarification requests.

Final Thoughts
URAC accreditation is an investment in your organization’s excellence. By understanding the timeline and proactively managing each phase, you can move through the process efficiently—and with confidence.

🔍 Ready to begin your journey? Learn more about how MHR can help by visiting this link: https://www.managedhealthcareresources.com/urac-consulting-services