FAQ Directory: Utilization Management, Credentialing and Provider Network

Filter Results
  • Save

    Save your favorite pages and receive notifications whenever they’re updated.

    You will be prompted to log in to your NCQA account.

  • Email

    Share this page with a friend or colleague by Email.

    We do not share your information with third parties.

  • Print

    Print this page.

expand all

2.15.2019 Language in denial letters May an organization send a single denial letter to a member and a practitioner that contains the reason for the denial in both layman terms (for the member) and clinical terms (for the practitioner)?

Yes. The organization may send a single letter to the member and practitioner that includes the specific reason for the denial, in language that would be easily understood by the member. The letter may also include, in a separate section, additional clinical or technical language directed toward a practitioner.

When NCQA reviews the letter to ascertain if the reason for the denial would be easy for the member to understand, it considers both the written reason and the context of the language and whether the information can be understood in context.
 

UM_CR 2019

12.15.2018 Mutually Agreed-Upon Dates in the Delegation Contract What date on the delegation agreement is considered the “mutually agreed-upon” date?

NCQA considers the implementation date as the date when the delegate can start performing delegated activities. But because the organization and delegate may have mutually agreed on and implemented delegated activities before signing the delegation agreement, NCQA is changing the policy for evidence of the implementation date.

When reviewing a delegation agreement, NCQA will consider the effective date or start date specified in the agreement as the mutually agreed-upon implementation date, for Element A (of the delegation standards), factor 1. This date may be before or after the signature date on the delegation agreement. If the agreement does not contain an effective date/start date, NCQA considers the date when the agreement was signed as the mutually agreed-upon implementation date.

NCQA may also accept other evidence of the implementation date: a letter, meeting minutes or other form of communication between the organization and the delegate that references their agreement on the delegated activity start date.

If an organization references the effective date/start date of the delegation agreement as the implementation date, NCQA will require submitted evidence for all other delegation factors to conform to that date as the implementation date.

The language in the explanation will be updated in a future Policy Update for applicable 2019 publications.

UM_CR 2019

10.15.2018 80% must-pass threshold for UM elements Because NCQA raised the UM must-pass threshold from 50% to 80%, will NCQA create an 80% scoring option for requirements without such a scoring option?

No. To keep scoring simple, NCQA set a threshold of 80% or higher for all UM must-pass elements, rather than setting a specific threshold for each element based on its scoring options. If an element does not have an 80% option, the “or higher” applies. Keep in mind that an organization may miss the requirements for a few files and still score 100% on the element. For additional information on file review scoring, refer to the scoring table in each element or to the file review worksheet in the Interactive Review Tool (IRT).

UM_CR 2019

9.15.2018 Revised Look-back Period for UM 7, Elements C, F, I (factors 2 and 3) In the 2019 HPA Standards and Guidelines, NCQA added a fifth bullet to the factor 2 Explanation and revised the factor 3 Explanation in UM 7, Elements C, F and I. Will NCQA give organizations a grace period for the added information in factors 2 and 3 of UM 7, Elements C, F and I?

The intent of the added language in factors 2 and 3 was to clarify the minimum information required for expedited appeals. NCQA recognizes these are new requirements, and for this reason, has added the following language to the scope of review:

Organizations must implement the changes in factors 2 and 3 for files processed on or after 11/1/18.

NCQA will post an update in December for the 2019 HP publication to reflect this change.

UM_CR 2019

9.15.2018 Terminated arrangements more than 90 calendar days before submission If an organization terminated an arrangement with an NCQA-Accredited/Certified/Recognized delegate more than 90 calendar days before it submitted the completed survey tool, is the organization eligible for automatic credit for the portion of the look-back period when activities were performed by the delegate?

Yes. For non-file review requirements, if the arrangement was terminated more than 90 calendar days before submission of the completed survey tool, the organization is eligible for automatic credit for the portion of the look-back period when the NCQA-Accredited/ Certified/Recognized delegate conducted activities. For file review requirements, automatic credit is applied if the delegate processed (or handled) the file, regardless of when the delegation arrangement was terminated.

UM_CR 2019

8.24.2018 What is the process for earning Provider Network Accreditation?

The first step to earning accreditation is a discussion with an NCQA program expert. Purchase and review the program resources, conduct a gap analysis and submit your online application.

Align your organization’s processes with the Provider Network standards. NCQA conducts the survey and determines your accreditation status within 30 days of the final review.

 

  See a step-by-step process.

UM_CR 2019

8.24.2018 How does Provider Network Accreditation help my organization?

Use the NCQA Provider Network Accreditation standards to perform a gap analysis and determine improvement areas. The standards provide a framework for implementing industry best practices to:

  • Improve operational efficiencies.
    • Consistent monitoring of practitioner availability and accessibility of services.
    • Efficient collection and analysis of member-experience data.
    • Appropriate credentialing of practitioners and providers.
  • Elevate your organization’s reputation. Accreditation demonstrates that your organization has the processes and procedures to provide effective network management services.
  • Align with state requirements. Use accreditation standards to improve your internal operations and align with state requirements.
  • Improve contracting opportunities. Ability to reduce administrative responsibility for NCQA-Accredited organizations that delegate network management and credentialing activities.
 

UM_CR 2019

8.24.2018 Where can I find information to help me get started with Provider Network Accreditation?

8.24.2018 How do I get started with Provider Network Accreditation?

If you are not currently accredited and want to learn more, contact NCQA. If you are currently accredited and want to talk to someone about your status or about renewing or adding accreditations, submit a question through My NCQA.

UM_CR 2019

8.24.2018 What organizations are eligible for Utilization Management Accreditation?

Utilization Management Accreditation is for organizations that provide full scope utilization management services. Eligible organizations:

  • Must not be licensed as an HMO, POS, PPO or EPO.
  • Must not be eligible for NCQA Accreditation as a health plan or an MBHO.
  • Must perform utilization management functions directly or through a contract.
  • Must perform utilization management activities for at least 50% of the members.
​Note: “Members” refers to membership of clients and organizations.

UM_CR 2019

8.24.2018 Where can I find the Utilization Management Standards and Guidelines?

8.24.2018 What is the price for Utilization Management Accreditation?

Pricing is based on multiple factors. Obtain full pricing information by submitting a request through My NCQA.

UM_CR 2019