Free guide. Every rule links to its source.
CAQH re-attestation
Most commercial plans read your CAQH profile instead of asking for everything again. Two things keep it working: attesting on time, and authorizing each plan to see it.
Checked against each source on October 12, 2026. Rules change, so confirm with the payer or agency before you file.
Every 120 days
- The rule. DataSpring (CAQH's new name) says providers "are still required to attest to their data profiles every 120 days (every 180 days for IL providers)."
- If you miss it. "If providers do not attest within the required timeframe, their CAQH Provider Data Portal status will be changed to Expired."
- The quarterly shortcut. Completing the quarterly confirmation email counts: providers who do it "will, in fact, be re-attesting to their data every 90 days."
- Plans check it. UnitedHealthcare says that if you keep "a complete and current data attestation every 90 days, there's nothing more you need to do" when its 3-year recredentialing comes around.
Sources (checked Oct 12, 2026)
Why a plan says it cannot see your profile
Completing and attesting is one step; giving each plan access is another. DataSpring lists them separately: "Attest that all information is truthful and complete" and "Authorize plans or other organizations to access your profile."
- Aetna: "Register for CAQH and authorize Aetna to review your information. This lets us receive your data electronically and start the credentialing process."
- UnitedHealthcare: its checklist says to "Verify that DataSpring has authorized UnitedHealthcare to see the information."
- Status matters too. Aetna asks that the profile be in "Re-attestation" or "Initial Application Complete" status, with Aetna "listed as an authorized health plan."
Sources (checked Oct 12, 2026)
- DataSpring: Resources
- Aetna: Joining the network FAQ
- UnitedHealthcare: Join our network
- Aetna provider bulletin, Spring 2025 (PDF)
A simple routine
Set a reminder for day 100 after each attestation, update anything that changed (license, malpractice, practice locations), attest, and confirm every plan you work with is still authorized. Our Upkeep plans do this for you; Upkeep Basic covers re-attestation prep and expiring-document reminders.
More guides
- Virginia payer enrollment guide: Medicare, Virginia Medicaid and the commercial plans, in order.
- Virginia Medicaid enrollment: DMAS PRSS enrollment and the five Cardinal Care plans.
- How long credentialing takes in Virginia: Each payer's own published estimate, and Virginia's 60-day rule.
- Medicare revalidation: Due dates, notices, and what happens if you miss one.
- Adding a new clinician: Medicare reassignment and each insurer's own process.
- Medicare effective date: When billing starts, and the 30-day look-back.
- Type 1 vs Type 2 NPI: Which NPI you need, and choosing a taxonomy code.
- Credentialing readiness checklist: What to have ready before you apply (interactive).
We file it, follow up, and report every Friday.
We prepare and file each application within 5 business days of a complete packet, follow up with each payer, and send you a written status report every Friday. Nobody can promise an approval or a date; the payer decides both.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Rules and payer processes change; always follow the payer's or agency's current instructions. Payer, agency and product names belong to their owners and are used only to describe what each step involves.