HealthSmart Preferred Care Receives URAC Full Health Network With Credentialing Accreditation

Lubbock, TX  - May 24, 2007 - HealthSmart Preferred Care (HSPC), a nationwide Preferred Provider Organization (PPO), announced today that it has been awarded Full Health Network with Credentialing Accreditation from URAC, a Washington, DC-based health care accrediting organization that establishes quality standards for the health care industry.

URAC's Health Network Accreditation is the premier accreditation program for PPOs and similar networks. The standards provide a comprehensive assessment covering network management, quality management and improvement, provider credentialing and consumer protection.

“HealthSmart Preferred Care is honored to receive the Full Health Network with Credentialing Accreditation from URAC,” said Ted Parker, President and CEO of The Parker Group, HealthSmart’s parent company. “HealthSmart has held this accreditation since 1999 and we are pleased to be recognized in the industry for providing outstanding services.”

“By applying for and receiving URAC accreditation, HealthSmart Preferred Care has demonstrated a commitment to quality health care,” said Alan P. Spielman, URAC President and CEO. “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 and undergo rigorous evaluation by an independent accrediting body.”

About URAC
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 HealthSmart Preferred Care
HealthSmart Preferred Care (HSPC) is the largest independently owned Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) in the southwest United States. HealthSmart maintains an extensive network of quality physicians and facilities that supports more than 500,000 members. HSPC is the industry leader in successfully integrating efficient technologies to expedite receipt, repricing and electronic transfer of claims. HSPC takes pride in offering outstanding products at competitive rates with excellent customer service. For more information about HealthSmart Preferred Care, visit www.healthsmart.net.

About The Parker Group, Inc.
The Parker Group, led by Ted L. Parker, Chairman and CEO, has developed a strong senior management team for each of the company’s operations including: American Administrative Group, 6th largest employee benefit third-party administrator; CareVu Corporation, information technology provider; Free First Healthcare Clinics, employer-sponsored health care clinics; HealthSmart Preferred Care, URAC accredited, largest independent PPO in Texas and Q-elements, URAC accredited, full-service utilization review company. To learn more about The Parker Group, visit www.theparkergroup.com.

Media Relations Contact:

Jane Williamson
Senior Vice President,
Business Development Support Services
806-473-2510
[email protected]