New Communication Center in Availity Essentials, Aetna
Streamlining Credentialing Communication for Healthcare Providers
Aetna's recent announcement about the addition of a new Communication Center in Availity Essentials marks a significant step forward in provider enrollment and network management. Starting in March 2024, providers will be able to access credentialing-related correspondence directly through the Availity platform, eliminating reliance on traditional mail and improving efficiency.
This update reflects a broader industry shift toward digital transformation, reducing administrative burdens and enhancing access to critical information. Let’s explore what this change means for providers and how they can take full advantage of this improved system.
What’s Changing?
Previously, credentialing correspondence was primarily handled through physical mail, requiring providers and administrators to sort through stacks of paper, wait for delivery, and manually store important documents. The introduction of the Communication Center within Availity Essentials eliminates these inefficiencies by allowing providers to:
Access credentialing letters digitally at any time, from anywhere.
Download correspondence as a PDF for easier record-keeping.
Reduce reliance on physical mail, saving time and resources.
Improve response times by accessing notifications as soon as they are available.
This enhancement aligns with the industry's increasing emphasis on secure, electronic document management to safeguard sensitive provider and patient information.
Why This Matters for Providers
The shift to digital credentialing correspondence brings several tangible benefits for healthcare providers and their administrative teams:
1. Convenience: Less Paperwork, More Efficiency
Sorting through mailed credentialing documents can be a time-consuming task. By having instant access to letters through the Communication Center, providers no longer need to track down lost mail or sift through piles of paperwork. Everything is in one centralized location, available with just a few clicks.
2. Faster Access to Important Information
Waiting for physical mail delivery can cause delays in credentialing and other time-sensitive processes. With digital access, providers receive correspondence as soon as it’s available, reducing waiting periods and enabling quicker action on credentialing requirements.
3. Improved Compliance and Documentation
Keeping track of credentialing communications is crucial for maintaining compliance with payer requirements. The new system allows providers to download and store all correspondence digitally, reducing the risk of misplaced documents and ensuring better record-keeping for audits or renewals.
4. 24/7 Availability and Accessibility
Providers can now access their credentialing correspondence at any time, from any device with internet access. This is particularly beneficial for multi-location practices and providers who travel frequently.
5. Environmental and Cost Benefits
Reducing the use of paper mail helps cut down on printing and mailing costs while also supporting sustainability efforts. By transitioning to electronic documentation, healthcare organizations can contribute to eco-friendly initiatives while saving money.
How to Access the Communication Center in Availity Essentials
To take advantage of this new functionality, providers must log in to Availity Essentials and navigate to the Communication Center. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Log in to Availity Essentials.
Select your market from the available options.
Click on Payer Spaces in the top navigation menu.
Choose Aetna (or your corresponding brand) from the list.
Accept the User Agreement (this needs to be done once every 365 days).
Under the Applications tab, select Provider Enrollment and Network Management.
In the side menu, locate My Communications and click on Communication Center.
Enter your TIN (Tax Identification Number) and NPI (National Provider Identifier) to access your credentialing letters.
By following these steps, providers and administrators can quickly retrieve credentialing-related correspondence and stay on top of their documentation requirements.
What You Need to Do Before March 2024
If your organization is not yet registered for Availity Essentials, it’s essential to set up an account before the Communication Center goes live. Here’s how:
The designated Availity administrator for your organization should visit Availity.com and click Get Started to begin the registration process.
If you need assistance with registration, visit the Availity Customer Support page.
For organizations already using Availity Essentials:
Administrators will automatically receive access to the provider enrollment tool.
Staff members who need access must be assigned the Provider Enrollment user role by an administrator.
To find your administrator, go to My Account Dashboard > My Account > Organization(s) > Administrator Information.
Important Note: At this time, Carelon Behavioral Health is not included in this update, meaning providers working with Carelon may not see credentialing letters in the Communication Center.
Adding the Communication Center in Availity Essentials is a welcome upgrade for providers looking to streamline their credentialing and enrollment processes. By eliminating the inefficiencies of paper mail, Aetna is making it easier for providers to manage correspondence, reduce administrative burdens, and ensure faster access to critical information.
Digital transformation, tools like this help providers stay organized, compliant, and efficient. If your organization hasn’t yet made the switch to Availity Essentials, now is the time to prepare for this transition and take advantage of the new capabilities that will soon be available.
By staying proactive and embracing these digital solutions, providers can save time, reduce paperwork, and improve overall workflow efficiency—ultimately allowing them to focus more on patient care.
Are you ready for the change? Make sure your organization is registered and prepared to maximize the benefits of the new Communication Center in Availity Essentials.
