Sanovia Corporation, in conjunction with Advanced Concepts Institute (ACI), a research and education department of the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia, are responsible for researching and developing evidence-based prior authorization criteria for selected injectable, biotechnology, specialty, and other pharmaceutical products. In existence since May 2007, this multidisciplinary council, chaired by a physician, also includes rotating specialized physicians, who are present for discussion of what is considered best practice guidelines in their respective field. The council members and specialized physicians are not affiliated with Sanovia and ACI and meet on a regular basis to review, discuss, and approve guidelines to treat specific disease states with current drug therapy. These best practice guidelines focus on the appropriate usage of high-cost pharmaceuticals to improve both quality and outcomes. These criteria are designed to support Sanovia's customers with the clinical rationale for determining appropriate usage of clinically managed pharmaceuticals.
Sanovia Corporation received Health Utilization Management Accreditation from the Utilization Review Accreditation Commission (URAC) in September 2008. Initially accredited in 2006, this recertification continues to demonstrate a commitment to quality services and assures patients, providers, purchasers, regulators and employers there is also a commitment for accountability. These standards ensure that appropriately trained clinical personnel conduct and oversee the utilization review process, that a reasonable and timely appeals process is in place, and that medical decisions are based on valid clinical criteria. It serves as a framework to improve business processes through benchmarking organizations against nationally recognized standards.