Health insurance giant Humana has joined efforts alongside other national health benefits companies to improve healthcare provider directories.
Specifically, Humana is participating in CAQH DirectAssure, an initiative from industry association CAQH that aims to simplify the data collection and evaluation process when it comes to provider directories. DirectAssure is a platform already used by more than 1.6 million providers that allows providers to submit or review existing practice, program and plan affiliation information.
Keeping healthcare provider directories updated is an essential administrative task that demands up-to-date information for consumers to know about the providers in their networks. A study from 2019 found providers collectively spend $2.76 billion annually just to maintain these directories. Providers are also facing more scrutiny from regulators and policymakers to improve the accuracy of provider directories, as some studies of online directories for Medicare Advantage plans have found as much as half of the information could be incorrect.
Beginning in 2020, Humana will launch CAQH DirectAssure nationwide.
"This partnership with CAQH will help providers save time and money, and at the same time, improve network provider directories, access and convenience for our health plan members," said Jim Augustus, Humana Vice President of Provider Network Operations. "And it will enable Humana to take a leadership role in improving provider data across our nation's healthcare system."
Humana’s participation in the network is a boon to DirectAssure and will help reduce the burden on physician practices. Humana has a network of more than 425,000 providers nationwide, according to the announcement.
"Our nation's fragmented approach to maintaining provider directories is undermining the quality of the data and imposing a costly burden on providers," CAQH President Robin Thomashauer said in the same statement. "The best way to overcome this challenge is for the industry to work together.
Amy joined TriMed Media as a Senior Writer for HealthExec after covering home care for three years. When not writing about all things healthcare, she fulfills her lifelong dream of becoming a pirate by sailing in regattas and enjoying rum. Fun fact: she sailed 333 miles across Lake Michigan in the Chicago Yacht Club "Race to Mackinac."