HSCSN Health Provider Credentialing FAQs

If you do not see the information you need, visit the Council for Affordable Quality Healthcare (CAQH) website for more information.

What is CAQH?

CAQH is a national 3rd party vendor used to collect provider data for credentialing purposes. Any participating health plan with CAQH may use the application. This streamlines the credentialing process for practitioners by reducing paperwork.

What if I do not have a CAQH ID?

HSCSN will only accept CAQH applications.

How long does the credentialing process take?

On average, complete applications are processed within 60 days.

What can cause a delay in the credentialing process?

When an application is not complete in CAQH, this will cause a delay in the credentialing process. Before informing HSCSN of your intent to become a provider, please be sure to:

Review your CAQH application.
Check for expiring documents.
Sign and date the Attestation.
Update all material as needed.

How soon am I able to begin seeing patients?

Upon approval of your application, you will receive a certified letter or email informing you of the effective date.

Can I become credentialed before I have a contract with HSCSN?

No. You must obtain a contract before being credentialed.

Who can I contact for further assistance?

Please contact the Credentialing Department at credentialing@hschealth.org for further assistance.

The following are a list of common mistakes made on the CAQH application:

Name changes not updated.
Provider group does not have a registered NPI.
Expired attestation.
Provider NPI number missing.
Last 5 years of work history missing: an explanation of gaps over five months not provided.
Incomplete group practice and service location(s) on application.
Liability (Include practitioner’s name and/or specialty).
Liability coverage policy must be 1 million occurrences and 3 million in aggregate.
If the liability is under the group’s insurance policy (attach a letterhead stating that the provider is covered under the group’s insurance policy.
CAQH will not release incomplete applications to the health plan.
CAQH will review the application and documents for accuracy and completeness.
Documents typically take 2-5 days for CAQH’s approval.
Required documents must be successfully uploaded and approved by CAQH before the CAQH ProView profile is considered complete and accessible to HSCSN.
Providers are notified when a health plan is requesting access to their profile and when viewing their profile.
Complete application status is indicated as Initial Profile Complete and Re-Attestation. Any other status indicates the application is incomplete.
Health Plans are unable to view incomplete profiles.
View the Provider Documentation page for the missing required documents.
Email notifications are sent as a reminder to complete the application.
Incomplete applications will delay HSCSN’s credentialing process.
CAQH will not release incomplete applications to the health plan.

Who is the Council for Affordable Quality Care (CAQH)?

CAQH is a national 3rd party vendor who collects provider data for credentialing purposes. The application may be used by any participating health plan with CAQH. This streamlines the credentialing process for practitioners by reducing paperwork.

FAQ’s on CAQH

Providers must complete the Council for Affordable Quality Care application or contact the CAQH Provider Help Desk at 1-888-599-1771.

CAQH will review the application and documents for accuracy and completeness.
Documents typically take 2-5 days for CAQH’s approval.
Required documents must be successfully uploaded and approved by CAQH before the CAQH ProView profile is considered complete and accessible to HSCSN.
Providers are notified when a health plan is requesting access to their profile and when viewing their profile.
Complete application status is indicated as Initial Profile Complete and Re-Attestation. Any other status indicates the application is incomplete.