Kaleida Health Specialty Pharmacy earns dual accreditation with an oncology distinction

Released: Thursday, April 16, 2026 10:30 AM

Kaleida Health Specialty Pharmacy earns dual accreditation with an oncology distinction

Kaleida Health proudly announces that the Specialty Pharmacy has achieved full dual accreditation from URAC and the Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC), including an ACHC Distinction in Oncology. Achieved in March 2026, this milestone reflects a major step in validating the pharmacy's quality, patient care and clinical excellence. The dual accreditation is regarded by payers and drug manufacturers as the highest recognized standard in specialty pharmacy. This allows us to expand our access to a broader portfolio of medications to better support patients across complex disease states, including oncology, rheumatology and other specialized therapies.

While based at Buffalo General Medical Center, the Specialty Pharmacy supports patients across the entire Kaleida Health system, ensuring access to high-quality, coordinated care for complex medications and chronic conditions. In 2025, the team provided $74,450.53 in patient financial assistance, helping reduce barriers to essential therapies.

"Now more than ever, specialty pharmacies are an essential part of the patient care team and the overall patient experience," said Karen Blount, MS, RN, NEA-BC, president at Buffalo General Medical Center/Gates Vascular Institute. "This achievement demonstrates excellence in pharmacy operations, patient education, medication management and our commitment to delivering high-quality care."

This achievement highlights the team's advanced expertise in supporting patients undergoing specialized cancer therapies, reinforcing Kaleida Health's commitment to delivering exceptional care and improving outcomes for the communities it serves.

A special recognition to William Loeffler, Pharm.D., MBA, vice president and chief pharmacy officer, Kaleida Health, and Jill Pogodzinski, RPh, director of outpatient pharmacy services, Kaleida Health, for their exceptional leadership and commitment to excellence in guiding the Specialty Pharmacy team to this dual accreditation milestone, including the Oncology Distinction, and for their continued dedication to advancing high-quality patient care across Kaleida Health.