PDM capability available on Symphony Provider Directory and Availity Essentials are now the only intake channels for demographic change requests, including roster uploads

As we communicated in October, November, and December 2023, Availity Essentials Provider Data Management (PDM) and Symphony file-based data exchange are now the only two options for care providers to submit demographic change requests, including submitting roster uploads. Availity Essentials PDM and Symphony will replace all previous intake channels for demographic change requests and roster submissions as of January 1, 2024.

While there are two options available, providers only need to use one or the other. The Availity Essentials PDM application option is available at no cost to providers, and the Symphony option is a premium service available for an additional cost if providers choose to sign up for it. 

Providers should continue to use the Provider Enrollment application in Availity Essentials to submit requests to add new practitioners under existing groups that require credentialing. 

Training is available

Availity Essentials PDM application specific training:

• An Availity Essentials account is required for accessing these training options. If not registered yet, see information below for registration details. Note: You must log in to Availity Essentials first. Then, select the link:
• Learn about and attend one of our live webinars here.
• View the Availity Essentials PDM quick start guide here.

Roster Automation Template and Rules of Engagement specific training:

• If you missed one of our trainings throughout November and December 2023, register and listen to a recording here.

Option one: Availity Essentials PDM application via Availity Essentials (available at no cost to care providers)

The Availity Essentials PDM application allows you the flexibility to request data updates via either one of the following options within Availity Essentials PDM:

• Multi-payer platform option: Allows providers to make updates once and have that information sent to all participating health plans, submitting each change separately
• Roster upload option: Allows providers to submit multiple updates within one spreadsheet via the Upload Rosters feature:
• The Upload Roster feature is currently only available and shared with, Anthem Blue Cross.

Benefits to our care providers using Availity Essentials PDM

The benefits of the Availity Essentials PDM application include the following:

• Ability to attest and manage current provider demographic information
• Provides consistently updated data
• Decreased turnaround time for updates
• Compliance with federal and/or state mandates
• Improved data quality through standardization
• Increased provider directory accuracy

Option two: Symphony file-based data exchange (premium service available to care providers for a fee)

As we communicated in February, Anthem is participating with Symphony, California’s centralized platform for provider directory data, led by the nonprofit organization, Integrated Healthcare Association. Providers can choose to work directly with Symphony for file-based data exchange and for multi-plan data submission, attestation, and reporting. Symphony benefits medical groups by reducing administrative burden, improving data quality, and supporting compliance. Contact the Symphony team here if you are interested in learning more.

Benefits to our care providers using Symphony:

• Submit and attest to data for many health plans at one time with 17 health plans currently participating.
• Improve data quality through standardization and reports that highlight data discrepancies.
• Comply with federal and/or state mandates as well as with health plan requirements.
• Partner with Symphony Client Success team members who advocate for each Symphony participant’s unique needs.

Want to submit a roster using Availity Essentials PDM?

Now you can. Roster Automation is the new technology solution designed to streamline and automate provider data additions, changes, and terminations that are submitted using a standardized Microsoft Excel submission. Any provider, whether an individual provider/practitioner, group, or facility, can use Roster Automation today:

1. Use the Roster Automation Standard Template:
   • For your convenience, there is a standard roster Excel document. Find it online here.
2. Follow the Roster Automation Rules of Engagement:
   • This reference document is available to ensure error-free submissions, driving accurate and more timely updates through automation. Find it online here.
   • More detailed instructions on formatting and submission requirements can also be found on the first tab of the Roster Automation Standard Template (User Reference Guide).
3. Upload your completed roster via the Availity Essentials PDM application.

How to access the Availity Essentials PDM application

Log on to Availity.com and select My Providers > Provider Data Management to begin the attestation process. If submitting a roster, find the TIN/business name for which you want to verify and update information. Before you select the TIN/business name, select the three-bar menu option on the right side of the window, and select Upload Rosters (see screen shot below) and follow the prompts.

Availity administrators will automatically be granted access to PDM. Additional staff may be given access to PDM by your Availity administrator. To find your Availity administrator, go to My Account Dashboard > My Account > Organization(s) > Administrator Information.

Not registered for Availity yet?

If you aren’t registered to use Availity Essentials, signing up is easy and 100% secure. There is no cost for your providers to register or to use any of our digital applications. Start by logging into Availity.com and selecting the Register icon at the top of the home screen, or you can use this link to access the registration page. If you have more than one TIN, please ensure you have registered all TINs associated with your account.

If you have questions regarding registration, reach out to Availity Client Services at 800‑AVAILITY (800-282-4548).

Exclusions

Behavioral health providers assigned to Carelon Behavioral Health of California, Inc. will continue to follow the process for demographic requests and/or roster submissions, as outlined by Carelon Behavioral Health of California.

We are focused on reducing administrative burdens, so you can do what you do best – care for our members.