Introducing the new Symphony integration with Availity's Provider Data Management (PDM) Portal
Thank you for being a part of the movement to improve the quality of provider data in California so that consumers can make more informed decisions about their coverage and care.
The new Symphony integration with Availity integration allows providers to attest using Availity's Provider Data Management (PDM) portal, streamlining the way they share provider directory information with health plans. As of April 2020, Kern Health Systems receives provider information through this integration.
Below are Frequently Asked Questions that offer additional details about this new integration.
Need help? Additional resources can be found here to guide you through registration and using the Availity PDM.
If you need more support, please log in to the PDM to open a ticket or contact Availity support directly at (800) 282-4548 on Monday-Friday from 5:00AM - 5:00PM PST.
Overview
What is the Symphony Provider Directory?
Led by non-profit organization, Integrated Healthcare Association (IHA), the Symphony Provider Directory is California’s statewide platform for provider data management, streamlining the way plans and providers share, reconcile, and validate provider information in compliance with state and federal regulatory requirements.
Why is Symphony partnering with Availity to make this new integration available to providers?
Our goal is to streamline the way that plans and providers share, reconcile and validate provider information. As we grow our participation in California, Symphony is becoming the central repository for provider data. Leveraging key technology partners is part of IHA’s approach to expanding the reach of our Symphony platform to all California-based providers. We are partnering with Availity, a provider engagement platform, to provide a new gateway for provider users via Availity’s Provider Data Management (PDM) portal.
Why am I being asked to attest in the Availity portal?
Kern Health Systems is one of the many health plans participating in the Symphony Provider Directory, California's centralized platform for provider data management. To further streamline the attestation process for providers, Symphony is excited to introduce a new integration with Availity’s Provider Data Management (PDM) portal to support the needs of providers.
- Providers who already use Availity’s platform can simply opt-in and attest directly in PDM.
- Providers who are new to Availity will need to register first before opting in and attesting in PDM.
Please note that there is no cost to you or your practice to use the Availity Portal, including the PDM application. All provider information that Kern has previously provided to Symphony will be pre-populated on your provider profile for your review and verification.
Why do I need to opt-in in order for my information to be shared with my contracted plans?
By opting in, you are allowing Availity to share your attestation and provider data updates with your health plans via the Symphony integration. When you submit your verified profile, you should see the Symphony logo on the confirmation page, in addition to any health plans who are already participating with Availity’s PDM. Your information will never be shared with any 3rd party sources.
What happens if I do not opt-in to share my information with Symphony?
Kern is partnering with Symphony as its sole method of collecting provider attestations. If you do not opt-in to share your attestation information with Symphony, your Q2 2020 attestation will not be shared with Kern Health Systems and you may be at risk of not meeting state and federal compliance requirements. Failure to attest may result in delay of payment or reimbursement and/or removal from health plan provider directories. If you have concerns about this, please contact Kern directly to ensure your attestation is received.
I am already using Availity and/or Availity's PDM.
I am already using the Availity portal and/or PDM, do I need to do anything differently?
Providers who already use Availity’s platform can simply log in and attest directly in PDM as usual. Please note that when you log-in, you will be asked to opt-in in order for your attestation to be shared with your contracted plans through Symphony. You must opt-in in order for Kern to receive your attestation.
Once you opt-in, the Symphony logo will appear on your attestation screen as one of the health plans that your information will be shared with. Symphony will only share your information with participating plans that you are directly contracted with. Neither Symphony or Availity will ever share your information with any 3rd party sources without your explicit permission.
I am new to Availity and/or PDM.
How do I register for the Availity PDM?
If you or your organization are new to Availity, you can get started by registering here.
Before you begin this process, it is recommended that you have this information about yourself and your organization:
- Physical and billing addresses
- Tax ID (EIN or SSN)
- NPI (if you have one)
- Primary specialty/taxonomy
Detailed instructions for how to register for the Availity portal can be found here. For more help, please contact Availity Client Services at 1-800-282-4548.
How do I update or attest to my data in the Availity Portal?
Once you are registered and logged in:
- Select “My Providers”
- Select “Provider Data Management”
- Select the business you wish to attest for
- Complete the 3 step confirmation
- Repeat step #4 for any additional organizations
- Once everything has been edited and reviewed, click on “Submit”
You may also select “PDM” in your top applications or via any PDM related notifications visible on your Availity dashboard. When asked, make sure you are selecting “Opt-in” in order for your attestation and updates to be shared with Kern Health Systems.
Detailed instructions for how to use the Availity PDM can be found here. For more help, please call Availity Client Services at 1-800-282-4548.
I previously attested in the Symphony portal, do I have to switch to using Availty’s PDM?
Thank you for complying with previous requests to attest in the Symphony portal. Kern is partnering with Symphony to leverage this new Availity integration as its sole method of collecting provider attestations beginning in Q2 2020 and you will no longer be able to attest directly in the Symphony portal for Kern.
Please note that you must opt-in in Availity's PDM to share your attestation information with Symphony and Kern in compliance with state and federal requirements. Failure to attest may result in delay of payment or reimbursement and/or removal from health plan provider directories. If you have concerns about this, please contact Kern directly to ensure your attestation is received.
Need help?
Additional help resources can be found here for registration and Availity PDM.
If you need more help, please log in to PDM to open a support ticket or contact Availity support directly at (800) 282-4548. (Monday-Friday from 5:00AM - 5:00PM PST)
