Dallas, Texas - NEXTcare Management, a subsidiary of ppoNEXT, announced today that it has been awarded Health Utilization Management Accreditation from URAC, a Washington, DC-based health care accrediting organization that establishes quality standards for the health care industry.

"We are very excited about our re-accreditation with URAC. We have worked diligently to maintain the highest levels of quality and excellence in our business practices, and this acknowledgement from URAC only serves to motivate us to continue in that effort," says Mary Cassol, Vice President of NEXTcare Management.

NEXTcare Management (formerly Health Care Evaluation) has offices in Stockton, California and Dallas, Texas that provide Health UM services, as well as other products.

"By applying for and receiving Health UM Accreditation, NEXTcare Management 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.

For more information contact Etta Jones, Corporate Marketing, at 214-267-3394 or visit www.pponext.com