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

8.24.2018 How long does it take to earn Utilization Management Accreditation?

The typical evaluation time frame is 12 months from application submission to decision, depending on an organization’s readiness. Some organizations may already be working within NCQA guidelines.

UM_CR 2019

8.24.2018 What are the Utilization Management Accreditation requirements?

Utilization Management Accreditation assesses an organization’s performance in the following areas:

  • Improving operations through an internal QI process
  • Ensuring appropriate agreements and collaboration with clients
  • Maintaining member confidentiality
  • Ensuring involvement of appropriate professionals
  • Making fair and timely decisions
  • Handling member appeals in a fair and timely manner
  • Measuring member and provider experience

 
To see all program requirements, get the Standards & Guidelines document.
 

UM_CR 2019

8.24.2018 What is the process for earning Utilization Management 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 utilization management standards. NCQA conducts the survey and determines your accreditation status within 30 days of the final review.

UM_CR 2019

8.24.2018 How does Utilization Management Accreditation help my organization?

NCQA Utilization Management Accreditation is designed to ensure that organizations pursuing accreditation can deliver fair and timely determinations to get the proper care to patients while effectively managing resources. The standards provide a framework for adopting industry best practices to objectively and efficiently evaluate the appropriateness of requested health care services.

UM_CR 2013

8.24.2018 What is Utilization Management Accreditation?

NCQA Utilization Management Accreditation is a comprehensive program that evaluates the operations of organizations providing full-scope utilization management services, which include using evidence-based criteria, relevant clinical information and qualified health professionals to make utilization management decisions.

UM_CR 2013

8.24.2018 Where can I find information to help me get started with Utilization Management Accreditation?

8.24.2018 What other organizations have earned Utilization Management Accreditation?

More than 50 organizations have earned NCQA Utilization Management Accreditation. See the NCQA Report Card for a directory of accredited organizations.

UM_CR

8.24.2018 Where can I find the Provider Network Standards and Guidelines?

8.24.2018 How do I get started with Utilization Management 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 are the Provider Network Accreditation requirements?

Provider Network Accreditation assesses an organization’s performance in the following key areas:

Credentialing and recredentialing
Network management
  • Protecting information
  • Maintaining adequate network
  • Verifying credentials
  • Providing access to appointments
  • Ongoing monitoring of sanctions and complaints
  • Continuity and coordination of care
 
  • Providing directory information
 

UM_CR 2019

8.24.2018 What is Provider Network Accreditation?

NCQA Provider Network Accreditation is a comprehensive, evidence-based program dedicated to quality improvement that evaluates the accessibility and transparency of organization networks and credentialing of practitioners and providers. NCQA-Accredited organizations demonstrate they have the internal processes and procedures to effectively manage access to care and member experience while ensuring that practitioners and providers are appropriately credentialed.

UM_CR 2019

8.24.2018 What other organizations have earned Provider Network Accreditation?

Several organizations have earned NCQA Provider Network Accreditation. See the NCQA Report Card for a directory of accredited organizations.

UM_CR 2019