Availity

A multi-payer health information network and portal used by providers to verify eligibility, submit claims, check claim status, and manage prior authorizations across multiple payers.

Availity is the portal that connects providers to multiple payers through a single interface. Instead of logging into separate portals for Aetna, Anthem, Humana, and Florida Blue, you can do eligibility checks, claim submissions, claim status inquiries, and prior authorizations for multiple payers through Availity. Many Blue Cross Blue Shield plans use Availity as their primary provider portal. Aetna, Humana, and several other major payers also use Availity. When you credential with these payers, they will direct you to register on Availity to manage your day-to-day administrative transactions. Availity is free for providers. The payers pay Availity for the service. You register with your NPI and tax ID, and then you can access tools for the payers connected to the platform. The eligibility verification feature is particularly useful. Before a patient visit, you can check their coverage, deductible status, copay amount, and whether the service requires prior authorization. Doing this before every visit prevents a significant number of claim denials. From a credentialing perspective, some payers allow you to track your credentialing application status through Availity. You can see whether your application has been received, whether it is in review, and whether any additional information is needed. This is much more efficient than calling the payer's provider services line and sitting on hold. Availity also offers a remittance viewer where you can see your electronic remittance advice (ERA) showing how claims were adjudicated. This replaces paper EOBs for many transactions and gives you faster visibility into payment details. If you are not using Availity and your major payers support it, register. It consolidates a lot of the multi-payer administrative work that otherwise requires logging into five different portals.