Broadspire News

Broadspire receives URAC Independent Review Organization accreditation

PLANTATION, FLA., AUGUST 16, 2005 - Broadspire, a Platinum Equity company and leading provider of casualty and disability claims management and risk and safety consulting to companies in North America, has been awarded Independent Review Accreditation from URAC, a Washington, DC-based health care accrediting organization that establishes quality standards for the health care industry. URAC's Independent Review Organization Accreditation Standards require companies to establish and adhere to proper process and procedures for assessment, planning and implementation of all Independent Review Services.

"Broadspire is honored to receive full Independent Review Accreditation from URAC," said Dennis Replogle, Broadspire president and CEO. "We are very pleased to be recognized in the industry for providing outstanding services. Such a distinction also underscores the quality of work we provide to our clients by demonstrating compliance with national standards for Independent Review Organization services."

The Independent Review Organization Accreditation applies to the Physician Review Services (PRS) unit of Broadspire's medical department, and validates the comprehensive nature and rigorous processes Broadspire uses in the unit. Broadspire's review panel of more than 100 credentialed and board-certified providers covers 33 specialty areas and renders nearly 50,000 determinations annually. This experienced panel has a thorough understanding of the key elements associated with workers' compensation and short- and long-term disability programs. Reviewers are matched to the specialty of the treating physician to help secure true peer review.

Following achievement of the URAC IRO Accreditation, Broadspire's PRS unit will now actively seek additional and diversified opportunities to apply its physician review capabilities in the marketplace. In addition to the IRO Accreditation, Broadspire has achieved URAC accreditation for case management, workers' compensation utilization management, health utilization management and core accreditation.

URAC standards assure that organizations that perform independent review services are free from conflicts of interest, establish qualifications for physician reviewers, address medical necessity and experimental treatment issues, have reasonable time periods for standard and expedited reviews, and offer appeals processes. An organization with the Independent Review Organization Accreditation strives for a fair and impartial review process that is of benefit to both patients and physicians with grievances.

"By applying for and receiving URAC Independent Review Organization Accreditation, Broadspire has demonstrated a commitment to quality health care," said Charles Stellar, URAC board chair. "Quality health care is crucial to our nation's welfare and it is important to have organizations that are willing to measure themselves against national standards."

URAC, an independent, nonprofit organization, is a leader in promoting health care quality through accreditation and certification programs. URAC's standards keep pace with the rapid changes in the health care system and provide a mark of distinction for health care organizations to demonstrate their commitment to quality and accountability. Through its broad-based governance structure and an inclusive standards development process, URAC ensures that all stakeholders are represented in setting meaningful standards for the health care industry. For more information, visit www.urac.org.

About Broadspire

Broadspire (www.choosebroadspire.com), a Platinum Equity company, offers the broadest array of absence management services in the industry. Those services include risk and safety consulting; workers' compensation, auto liability, general liability and short- and long-term disability claim management services; Family Medical Leave Act administration; total disability management programs; and field care and medical management services. Broadspire, based in Plantation, Fla., with 3,400 employees throughout the United States, creates customized solutions designed to increase employee productivity and contain costs.

About Platinum Equity

Platinum Equity (www.platinumequity.com) is a global M&A&O® firm specialized in the merger, acquisition and operation of companies that provide services and solutions to customers in a broad range of business markets, including information technology, software, telecommunications, logistics, manufacturing, health care products and entertainment distribution. Since its founding in 1995 by entrepreneur Tom Gores, Platinum Equity has acquired more than 50 businesses and built a multibillion-dollar portfolio of operating companies. In 2004, Platinum was named the 32nd largest private company in the United Stated by Forbes magazine.

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Contact:
Kathy Bradley
Office: 954-693-1135 Cell: 954-552-3275
kbradley@choosebroadspire.com