<strong>BadgerCare</strong> <strong>Plus</strong> & <strong>Medicaid</strong> <strong>SSI</strong> <strong>Provider</strong> <strong>Manual</strong> - GHC of Eau Claire May 2012 SECTION 2 - CREDENTIALING GHC is proud of the professionals and facilities that make up the network of healthcare providers. <strong>Provider</strong>s and facilities must meet rigorous credentialing standards in order to be included in the provider network. Once credentialed, providers and facilities must be re-credentialed every three years in order to meet our credentialing standards. GHC is accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory <strong>Health</strong>care, Inc. (AAAHC). <strong>Provider</strong>s and facilities are reviewed against the standards set by AAAHC, including a current valid license, clinical privileges, valid DEA or CDS certification, educational background (including board certification), work history, malpractice history, professional liability, claims history, and accreditation status. Site visits are required for all primary care, OB/GYN, behavioral health clinics and a percentage of specialty clinics and other service providers. The purpose of the site visit is to ensure that the facility meets basic quality expectations and clinical processes are in place to provide our members quality care. This process is also an avenue that allows the contracted provider and GHC to develop a relationship that will lead to increased member participation in their care, and provides an opportunity for education and communication. GHC wishes to be a collaborative partner in the provision of health services. Questions or requests for information should be directed to the Quality Improvement Manager at the Administrative Offices at PO Box 3217, 2503 N. Hillcrest Parkway, Eau Claire WI 54702, or call 715-552-4300, or toll free 1-888-203-7770. Your comments and recommendations are always welcome. In some instances, credentialing is delegated. Please contact the GHC Credentialing Coordinator/QI Specialist at 715-852-2013, or toll free at 1-888-203-7770 for clarification. CREDENTIALING GUIDELINES: GHC will not pay claims to a provider who is not fully credentialed at the time services are provided to GHC members. <strong>Group</strong> <strong>Health</strong> expects that you will not bill GHC members who are seen prior to credentialing and approved affiliation. Credentialing applications must contain complete and accurate information before submission to GHC. Applications with incomplete information will be returned and providers instructed to re-submit with an updated signature and date. <strong>Provider</strong>s requesting affiliation should have their completed application to GHC at least ten weeks prior to scheduling GHC members as patients. This is to allow GHC adequate time to process the application and complete all the required primary source verification. GHC currently credentials physicians (MD, DO, oral surgeon), dentists, podiatrists, audiologists, optometrists, chiropractors, therapists (physical, occupational, speech) and other licensed independent providers (e.g. NP, PA, CRNA, CNM, mid-level mental health practitioners, clinical psychologists, social workers, counselors, CADC’s, CSAC’s, etc), with whom GHC contracts who treat members outside of the inpatient setting. In addition, any provider who disaffiliates from GHC’s network (whether voluntarily or through termination) is subject to credentialing if they apply to re-affiliate. For Locum Tenens, GHC requires prior written/telephone notification if the Locum Tenens will be providing services for less than 60 consecutive days. [30]
<strong>BadgerCare</strong> <strong>Plus</strong> & <strong>Medicaid</strong> <strong>SSI</strong> <strong>Provider</strong> <strong>Manual</strong> - GHC of Eau Claire May 2012 If the Locum Tenens will be providing services for more than 60 consecutive days, GHC requires full credentialing. The GHC Management Team grants final approval. The Credentialing Committee meets monthly to help expedite provider credentialing and affiliation. <strong>Provider</strong>s will be notified with a letter stating GHC’s Committee decision and effective date. GHC will re-credential Network providers every three years. Any provider not credentialed within 36 months from previous credentialing approval date will no longer be considered part of the provider network. [31]