Credentialing and IPA Membership

The IPA contracts with Vanderbilt University Medical Center’s Provider Support Services to credential each new physician joining the IPA. Credentialing for the IPA can be done in conjunction with credentialing for Vanderbilt privileges. Credentialing and re-credentialing is done in full compliance with JCAHO, NCQA, and URAC's published standards as well as the requirements agreed upon by and with delegated plans.

New Provider(s) Joining an Existing IPA Practice:  

1. Complete New Provider Application Request Form to the left of this screen.  Return by Email--devona@cpipa.org, Fax--(615) 327-1052, or IPA office--1900 Church Street, Suite 502, Nashville, TN 37203. 
2. A full application will be returned to the provider's office within 2 - 3 business days. Complete and submit all the requested documentation to Cumberland Pediatric IPA (address above). The file and requested documents will be delivered to VUMC's Provider Support Services to begin the credentialing verificaiton process.
3. The process takes 60 - 90 days from date the full credentialing file is returned to the IPA. Please refer to the 'Calculate Start Date' link to determine application due date for a particular start date.
4. The IPA Credentialing Committee meets monthly to review completed provider applications. Once a provider is approved, a letter will be sent as verification of acceptance into the IPA and any privileges granted at Vanderbilt-clinics and hospital. The IPA will send notification to each of the managed care contracts the practice elects to be a part of.

New Practice--How To Become an IPA Member:

1. Download and complete the Provider Participation Agreement Form and the New Provider Application Request Form for each provider at the practice. Return to IPA office by email (devona@cpipa.org) or fax: (615) 327-1052.
2. A full credentialing application will be returned to the provider's office within 2 - 3 business days. Complete and submit all the requested documentation to Cumberland Pediatric IPA--1900 Church Street, Suite 502, Nashville, TN 37203. The IPA will then deliver the application to VUMC's Provider Support Services to begin all necessary checks required for credentialing. The process takes 60 - 90 days from date the full credentialing file is returned to the IPA. Please refer to the 'Calculate Start Date' link to determine application due date for a particular start date.
3. The IPA Credentialing Committee meets monthly to review completed files, once the provider file is approved a letter will be sent out verifying effective date. The IPA will send notification to each of the managed care contracts the practice elects.

 How To Terminate Provider(s) Leaving or Transferring to another Practice:

1. Submit a letter to the IPA stating the provider's name, anticipated termination date and reason for termination. 
2. If provider is leaving practice to become affiliated with another in-state facility, please indicate this in the letter to avoid having to start credentialing process from beginning.