Lash Group wins URAC certification; plans expanded new headquarters

Lash Group, the AmerisourceBergen business unit that manages patient-support programs on behalf of pharma clients, is moving its office from Charlotte to a new headquarters in nearby Fort Mill, SC. The $57.3-million, 250,000-sq.ft. project (combining Lash’s investments and local real estate development companies) will be completed in March 2016. Lash Group currently employs around 1,200 in Charlotte (total employment in the unit is 3,000), and is planning for an eventual doubling of staff in the Charlotte metro area.

Just before the Fort Mill announcement, Lash Group also announced garnering accreditation from URAC, the standards body that evaluates healthcare provider practices. URAC Health Call Center accreditation was granted for Lash’s clinical services and adherence programs. URAC accreditation is well on its way to being the seal of approval for follow-on services in specialty pharmacy and patient support; the organization started out in accrediting hospital practices but has expanded its charter in recent years.

Lash Group’s services to pharma include managing reimbursement support programs, copay assistance, adherence programs, integrated pharmacy services (including prior authorization coordination) and a recently opened Affordable Care Act Coverage Expansion Service Center to help patients with ACA insurance programs.