CAQH - Universal Provider Datasource (UPD)

Universal Provider Datasource (UPD)

The CAQH Universal Provider Datasource (UPD) is achieving its vision of simplified data collection by reducing paperwork and millions of dollars of annual administrative costs for more than 1 million providers and over 650 health plans and networks across the United States.

Launched in 2002, UPD allows registered physicians and other health professionals in all 50 states and the District of Columbia to enter their information free of charge into a single, uniform online application that meets the data needs of health plans, hospitals and other healthcare organizations. Approximately 7,000 new providers begin using the service each month. The provider data-collection service streamlines the initial application and re-credentialing processes, reduces provider administrative burdens and costs, and offers health plans and networks real-time access to reliable provider information for claims processing, quality assurance and member services, such as directories and referrals.

UPD is supported by the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American College of Physicians, the Medical Group Management Association, America’s Health Insurance Plans, the American Health Information Management Association, and other provider organizations. Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, New Jersey, New Mexico, Ohio, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Vermont and the District of Columbia have adopted the CAQH Standard Provider Application as their mandated or designated provider credentialing form. The UPD form meets all related URAC, National Committee on Quality Assurance and the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Operations standards.

The Ongoing Sanctions Monitoring Module, UPD’s add-on feature, is quickly identifying providers with sanctions and/or disciplinary actions through daily updates drawn from all state licensing boards, the Office of Inspector General, Office of Personnel Management and Medicare/Medicaid sources -- more than 480 in all.