Leading Independent Dispute Resolution Entity sets new quality benchmark for No Surprises Act compliance
Wilkes-Barre, PA – November 4, 2025 – Federal Hearings & Appeals Services (FHAS), a national leader in medical review and dispute resolution, today announced it has become the first organization to receive the URAC Independent Dispute Resolution (IDR) Designation. This achievement adds to FHAS’s existing URAC accreditations in Independent Review Organization (IRO) and Health Utilization Management (HUM), underscoring the company’s leadership in meeting the highest industry standards for dispute resolution under the No Surprises Act.
“Receiving the first URAC Independent Dispute Resolution Designation represents a pivotal moment not just for FHAS, but for the entire healthcare industry,” said Jim Bobeck Esq., CEO of FHAS. “This designation validates our unwavering commitment to delivering the highest quality dispute resolution services, ensuring fair, impartial, and efficient outcomes for all stakeholders across the healthcare ecosystem.”
URAC, the nation’s independent leader in promoting healthcare quality through accreditation and innovation, developed the IDR Designation to assess organizations on key criteria such as conflict-of-interest safeguards, decision-making integrity, data security, and continuous quality improvement. FHAS’s achievement demonstrates its adherence to rigorous standards of neutrality, transparency, and clinical review excellence in resolving payment disputes arising from out-of-network surprise medical billing.
“URAC’s Independent Dispute Resolution Designation establishes clear expectations for fairness, transparency and quality in how disputes are managed under the No Surprises Act,” said Shawn Griffin, MD, President and CEO of URAC. “We congratulate FHAS for being the first to earn this designation and for demonstrating leadership in protecting patients and strengthening trust in health care.”
FHAS’s comprehensive suite of services, including medical reviews, appeals management, hearings, and adjudication, drives measurable results for clients, including reduced overturn rates, faster resolution times, and improved compliance outcomes. Earning this new URAC designation further strengthens FHAS’s position as a trusted partner to providers, health plans, and government agencies navigating the complex independent dispute resolution landscape.
About FHAS
Federal Hearings & Appeals Services (FHAS) is a URAC-accredited Independent Review Organization (IRO) and trusted national leader in dispute resolution, medical claims and appeals reviews, legal adjudication services, utilization management reviews, and business process outsourcing. As the industry’s premier Independent Dispute Resolution Entity (IDRE) and a leading medical claims review partner, FHAS leverages 30 years of experience to deliver fair, accurate, and timely outcomes for healthcare providers, payors, federal and state government agencies, and industry partners supporting government-subsidized programs. FHAS operates at the intersection of healthcare, regulation, and government programs, advancing transparency, quality, and trust in the healthcare system.
About URAC
Founded in 1990, URAC is the independent leader in promoting healthcare quality through leadership, accreditation, measurement, and innovation. URAC is a nonprofit organization using evidence-based measures and developing standards through inclusive engagement with a range of stakeholders committed to improving the quality of healthcare. Our portfolio of accreditation and certification programs spans the healthcare industry, addressing healthcare management, healthcare operations, health plans, pharmacies, telehealth providers, physician practices, and more. URAC accreditation is a symbol of excellence for organizations to showcase their validated commitment to quality and accountability.
Media Contact:
Michael Deckman
579-550-4466
deckmanmi@fhas.com
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