Frequently Asked Questions

How can I access the service?
If you already contract with a participating plan, hospital, or other managed care organization, you should have received a Provider ID number from CAQH. You can also get your Provider ID from a participating organization, or by calling the CAQH Help Desk at 888.599.1771. Your Provider ID allows you to log on to the system at https://caqh.geoaccess.com/oas/. Providers who don't have Internet access can contact the CAQH Help Desk and request a paper application by mail. Completed copies can be faxed to a toll-free number.

Am I required to use Universal Credentialing Datasource?
Participation in Universal Credentialing Datasource is voluntary. Some health plans and other healthcare organizations have requested that their network providers use Universal Credentialing Datasource starting with their next recredentialing event. To find out if the healthcare organizations you contract with are participating in the service, contact the organization's provider relations staff or call the CAQH Help Desk at 888.599.1771.

How do I control who can access my information?
When completing the application, you are required to indicate which participating health plans and healthcare organizations can access your application data. Only organizations that you authorize will have access to your credentialing information.

Is there a cost to use Universal Credentialing Datasource?
There is no cost for healthcare providers to use Universal Credentialing Datasource.

How often do I need to update my information?
CAQH will send you e-mails quarterly to remind you that it's time to update your credentialing data in Universal Credentialing Datasource. By reviewing your data periodically, you avoid the need for separate recredentialing applications. Updates can be made quickly and easily online or by calling the CAQH Help Desk at 888.599.1771.

Can I use Universal Credentialing Datasource to report changes to my practice, such as address, phone numbers, or new associates?
With Universal Credentialing Datasource, you only need to enter changes to practice information one time. This information is automatically sent to the participating organizations that you authorize. You will still need to contact any non-participating organizations directly.

Why does the CAQH application ask for such detailed practice information?
Detailed practice information helps participating health plans, hospitals, and other managed care organizations improve and maintain provider directories and data systems. This helps patients make informed provider selections without having to contact your office. The application's broad scope also ensures that participating organizations can obtain all the information they need without having to contact you directly. Because the application is so comprehensive, you only have to enter your data once, rather than multiple times for each participating orgnaization.

Do I need to complete the entire application?
Yes. The online application only asks questions that are relevant to your particular specialty or provider type. Before participating organizations can access your data, the entire application must be completed, and you must authorize which organizations can view the information. If you need to log off before your application is complete, you can save your work and return to it later.

Do I notify the health plans I contract with to tell them I am using the system?
No. All you need to do is complete the application and the organizations that you authorize are automatically notified.

If I already use Universal Credentialing Datasource for another health plan, do I need to resubmit my data if I contract with additional health plans?
Physicians who have already completed a Universal Credentialing Datasource application do not need to resubmit their data. However, if you contract with additional health plans, please update your list of authorized plans on the application.

How do I submit my credentialing data if I do not have Internet access?
If you don't have Internet access, you can call the CAQH Help Desk at 888.599.1771 and request a paper application by mail. You can fax the completed application to a toll-free number.

Which health plans participate in Universal Credentialing Datasource?
The list of health plans and other healthcare organizations that participate in Universal Credentialing Datasource grows everyday. Click here for the latest list of participating organizations.

What if I contract with a health plan that is not participating in Universal Credentialing Datasource?
If you contract with a health plan that is not participating in Universal Credentialing Datasource, you should continue to work with that organization to complete its credentialing requirements. CAQH invites all health plans and other healthcare organizations to participate in Universal Credentialing Datasource and encourages them to visit the CAQH Web site or call CAQH toll-free at 866.676.0764 for more information.

Who can I contact for help, or if I have questions about the service?
The CAQH Help Desk provides telephone service support for assistance with any questions you may have.