The Minnesota Credentialing Collaborative (MCC) is a Limited Liability Corporation (LLC) owned by the Minnesota Council of Health Plans (MCHP), Minnesota Medical Association (MMA) and Minnesota Hospital Association (MHA).

MCC Members

Julie Brunner, MCHP
Lawrence Massa, MHA
Bob Meiches, MMA

Board of Governors

Officers
Chairperson: Janny Dwyer Brust, MCHP
Chair Elect: Jan Hennings, MHA
Secretary/Treasurer: George C. Lohmer, MMA

MCHP Representatives:
Patty Dennis, Medica
Kathy Ohmann, HealthPartners
John Frederick, PreferredOne

MHA Representatives:
John Rau, Stevens Community Medical Center, Morris
Chris Hughes, Allina, Minneapolis

MMA Representatives:
Richard Simmons, M.D., President
James Breitenbucher, M.D., University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview, Minneapolis
Darla Morris-Prebble, MMGMA Representative

 MN Credentialing Collaborative (MCC) 


 Overview

What is the MCC?
The MCC provides a secure, centralized, web-based technology that allows a provider to collect, send and store credentialing data and supporting documents. These documents include licenses, attestations and privilege forms.  

Who belongs to the MCC?
The MCC was formed by a community-wide consortium of representatives from health plans, hospitals, providers, clinics and government. The owners of the MCC are the MN Council of Health Plans (MCHP), the MN Hospital Association (MHA) and the MN Medical Association (MMA), with endorsement from the MN Medical Group Management Association (MMGMA). The MCC board of directors is comprised of members from the owners’ organization.  

Why is the MCC needed? 
The MCC was formed to address the concerns of providers. Providers stated that the credentialing process was one of their top three administrative hassles. Providers asked for a centralized, secure, web-based solution for credentialing.  This formed the basis of the MCC. 

Sending information via paper is simply no longer feasible.  Electronic credentialing joins other efforts to streamline the health care system including electronic billing, electronic health records and electronic prescribing. 


What are some of the benefits of the MCC?

•  Saves time:
  • Provider enters data one  time versus completing multiple applications for many organizations
  • Information is typed versus hand writteno    Information is sent via the web versus mailing  
  • Information is complete; data fields are audited for completion before submission is allowed   
• No software required. The MCC is internet-based.   
• Tracks the status of the credentialing application   
• Reduces paper and mailing costs    
  

How does the on-line credentialing system work? 
A provider or clinic administrator enters credentialing data and supporting documents into ApplySmart, the software that the MCC licenses. Turbo Tax-like functionality audits providers' application for completeness based upon each organization's specific requirements. There are document attachments and uploads that enable providers to easily send needed materials to  hospital,  health plans, county-based organizations and the MN Department of Human Services. The application tracking function allows providers to track the status of their application at each organization. Once credentialing data is entered into the system, recredentialing and updates are easy to complete. 
           

What types of providers use the MCC?
Clinical providers who use the Minnesota Uniform credentialing application or the DHS enrollment application physicians, chiropractors, psychologists, nurse practitioners, occupational and physical therapists, licensed social workers etc.) use the system. 

Does the MCC handle all components of the credentialing process?
No.  Primary source verification continues to be done by individual hospitals and health plans.  Also, each individual hospital makes its own decision about credentialing and privileging just as each health plan makes its own decision about credentialing an individual.   

Who is participating in the MCC?
As of May 2011, more than 5,000 providers, 10 payers, 400-plus clinic groups, 20- plus hospitals/hospital systems are enrolled in the MCC.  For a complete list of who is currently enrolled visit This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .   In all more than 4,000 credentialing applications have been processed.   

What if I want to be credentialed with a hospital that does not participate in the MCC?
At this time, the MCC will allow you to print the application and mail or fax it to the non-participating hospital.  

Are there organizations that are requiring the use of the MCC?
PreferredOne, Medica and UCare are requiring the use of the MCC for initial applications. Hennepin County Medical Center requires the use of the MCC for mid-level credentialed providers and some non-physician providers of the medical staff. 

How much does the MCC cost?
Providers pay an annual fee of $25 regardless of the number of applications sent during that year.  Hospitals and health plans pay according to size.         

How long does it take to enter an application?
An initial application may take about 60 to 120 minutes to complete, depending on the availability of information and familiarity with software. Updates are anticipated to take less than 5 minutes from login.  Additionally, a clinic may upload its existing data into ApplySmart, reducing significant data entry. A provider will still need to establish an account, complete missing data, review and attest to the information. The MCC can also discuss with you additional methods for uploading data that may make sense given your particular circumstances.

Is there help to use the system?
Yes.  Customer service is available, Monday-Friday during normal business hours.  Also, free training is offered. 

What is in store for 2011?
Significant growth in participation is expected by late 2011 and into 2012.  As organizations have become aware of the MCC and its benefits, enrollment has grown each month.   

How do I get started?
For more information, go to www.mncred.org. To contact us directly, call 612-360-9793 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .