If you’ve been asked to “update your CAQH” or a payer says your file is on hold, you’re probably wondering: what is CAQH, and why does it affect credentialing?
CAQH plays a central role in provider enrollment, credentialing, and recredentialing. If your profile is incomplete or inactive, payers may pause approvals and delay reimbursement. This guide explains what CAQH is, how it works, how to get your CAQH number, and what to do next.
Quick Answer: What Is CAQH?
CAQH (Council for Affordable Quality Healthcare) is a centralized provider data system used by insurance payers to review credentialing information. Through CAQH ProView, providers store licensing, work history, malpractice, and practice data that payers access during enrollment and credentialing.
If your CAQH profile isn’t complete or attested, your payer approvals can stall.
What Is CAQH? (Meaning + What CAQH Stands For)
CAQH stands for the Council for Affordable Quality Healthcare. It is not an insurance company. It is not a payer.
Instead, CAQH operates a centralized data platform (ProView) that allows providers to submit professional and practice information one time and authorize multiple payers to access it.
In simple terms:
- CAQH = centralized provider profile database
- ProView = the portal where providers enter and maintain data
- Payers = organizations that review the data during credentialing
CAQH reduces repetitive paperwork across payers, but it also creates a dependency: if your CAQH profile is incorrect, multiple payers may be affected at once.
Why CAQH Matters?
Payers rely on CAQH for:
- Initial credentialing
- Recredentialing
- Provider enrollment
- Demographic verification
- Malpractice confirmation
- Work history review
If your CAQH credentialing application is incomplete, payers may:
- Pause approval
- Request clarification
- Mark your file inactive
- Delay contract activation
Want this handled for you? We manage CAQH + payer enrollment end-to-end.
CAQH ProView Explained
CAQH ProView is the online portal where providers:
- Register
- Create their CAQH profile
- Upload documents
- Authorize payers
- Complete attestation
The official portal is available at the CAQH website.
CAQH ProView vs “CAQH Credentialing”
- ProView = the portal
- Credentialing = the payer’s review process
- Enrollment = joining a payer’s network
CAQH supports credentialing, but it does not approve you — payers do.
How to Register / Apply for CAQH
Providers typically start CAQH registration in one of two ways:
- A payer invites you to register
- You self-register through CAQH ProView
Before applying, prepare:
- State license
- DEA (if applicable)
- Malpractice certificate
- Education history
- Work history
- Hospital privileges
- Practice locations
If you’re expanding networks or onboarding new providers, our provider enrollment team can coordinate CAQH alongside payer applications.
How to Complete Your CAQH Profile (High-Level Overview)
1. Login / Access the Portal
Use your CAQH ID to sign in to ProView.
Need login help? Read our ProView login guide.
2. Fill Out Profile Sections
Complete:
- Personal data
- Education & training
- Work history
- Licensure
- Practice locations
- Hospital affiliations
Ensure dates match payer applications.
3. Upload Required Documents
Upload:
- Active license
- Malpractice insurance
- DEA (if required)
- Board certification (if applicable)
4. Authorize Payers
Authorize each payer to access your CAQH profile.
If you skip this, payers cannot proceed.
CAQH Number / CAQH Provider ID
Your CAQH number (also called CAQH ID or CAQH Provider ID) is the unique identifier assigned to your profile.
How to Get a CAQH Number
Once you register in ProView and complete your initial setup, CAQH issues your ID.
Where to Find Your CAQH ID
- In your ProView dashboard
- In confirmation emails
- In payer correspondence
Forgot Your CAQH ID?
Use the recovery tools inside ProView or contact official CAQH support through their help page.
CAQH Attestation (Why Profiles Go Inactive)
CAQH attestation means you confirm your information is accurate.
Most providers must reattest approximately every 120 days. If you fail to reattest:
- Your profile may become inactive
- Payers may not be able to verify your data
- Credentialing may pause
Need reattestation help? See our CAQH Attestation guide.
CAQH vs Credentialing vs PECOS vs NPI
Quick clarity:
- CAQH = centralized provider data system
- Credentialing = payer approval process
- PECOS = Medicare enrollment system
- NPI = National Provider Identifier number
They work together but serve different purposes.
Common CAQH Mistakes That Delay Credentialing
- Not reattesting on time → Set calendar reminders
- Uploading expired malpractice → Update before attesting
- Mismatched practice addresses → Match payer applications
- Not authorizing payers → Confirm access
- Incomplete work history → Fill all date gaps
CAQH Help: Website + Support
For official help, visit the CAQH website and ProView support section.
If calling support, use the phone number listed on the official CAQH support page (hours may vary).
Avoid relying on outdated third-party numbers.
Next Steps
Choose your path:
- Need your CAQH number? → CAQH number guide
- Need reattestation help? → CAQH Attestation guide
- Need a state release form? → State release form guide
- Want full-service support? → Contact our team
Need help? We manage CAQH + payer enrollment end-to-end.
FAQs
What is CAQH?
CAQH is a centralized provider data system used by payers during credentialing and enrollment.
What does CAQH stand for?
Council for Affordable Quality Healthcare.
Is CAQH required for credentialing?
Most major commercial payers require CAQH participation.
How do I know if I have a CAQH?
Check your ProView account or payer correspondence.
What is a CAQH number?
A CAQH Provider ID assigned when you register.
How do I look up my CAQH ID?
Log into ProView or use official recovery options.
What is CAQH attestation?
Confirming your profile is accurate.
Who pays for CAQH?
Costs vary depending on payer relationships and program structure.
How do I contact CAQH support?
Use the official CAQH website’s support section.
