When does the cycle for credentialing time frame for NCQA and URAC begin?

The cycle for credentialing time frame for NCQA (National Committee for Quality Assurance) and URAC (Utilization Review Accreditation Commission) begins on a monthly basis. This is important because both NCQA and URAC have specific accreditation standards that dictate how frequently healthcare organizations need to conduct credentialing activities to ensure that all practitioners are properly vetted and maintained within their systems.

Credentialing is an ongoing process, and starting the cycle monthly allows for more timely updates and evaluations of practitioners’ qualifications, ensuring that patient safety and care quality are prioritized. A monthly cycle aids organizations in systematically managing the credentialing process, allowing for regular reviews and updates to practitioners' credentials, making it a more effective way to maintain standards over time. This practice aligns with the needs of healthcare organizations to adapt quickly to changes in practitioner status, licensure, and other critical factors affecting credentialing.