In order to comply with recent Indiana state mandates, SIHO has changed our policy regarding the credentialing process. Effective July 1, 2005 we may only accept the Council for Affordable Quality Healthcare (CAQH) credentialing application. Below you will find easy to follow instructions for completing the CAQH application. We also have provided a number of links if you would like more information regarding CAQH or the new Indiana Department of Insurance policy.

Section 2.IC 27-8-11-7 is added to the Indiana Code as a new section to read as follows (Effective July 1, 2005): "Sec.7.

(a) This section applies to an Insurer that issues or administers a policy that provides coverage for basic health care services (as defined in IC 27-13-1-4).

(b) The Department of Insurance shall prescribe the credentialing application form used by the Council for Affordable Quality Healthcare (CAQH) in electronic or paper format, which must be used by:

(1) a provider who applies for credentialing by an insurer; and (2) an insurer that performs credentialing activities."
(End Indiana Senate Bill 43)

CAQH is free to the provider and available in all states. Once registered, the provider may transmit credentialing information in electronic or paper format.

The provider completes the credential application in paper or electronic format via interview style questions. By registering with CAQH, the provider will eliminate extra time completing credential and re-credential applications. CAQH notifies the provider every 120 days to attest information currently in their database.

The provider can register and access the CAQH Universal Application by going to either the CAQH or Department of Insurance websites.

SIHO has not yet joined CAQH, however, we now recognize and accept the new CAQH Universal Application. We anticipate participating with CAQH in the 1st quarter of 2006.

Once registered with CAQH, you can print out the completed CAQH provider application from the documentation menu. We cannot accept the data summary sheets. The data summary sheets are intended for the provider's review only and not for submission.

You may submit the completed CAQH provider application by either faxing (812) 314-2535 or by attaching to an email to Jana Griner, or mailing to SIHO Insurance Services, PO Box 1787, Columbus, Indiana 47202.

REMINDER NOTE: Now that the adoption of the CAQH Universal Application has gone into effect, all providers and insurers must use the CAQH Universal Application for credentialing purposes.