- EFT Payments Issued as Checks:CareFirst identified on or around May 10 an issue in which some providers who were set up to receive ACH/EFT payments instead received paper checks. This issue remains under active investigation. Providers do not need to take any action at this time. We are working toward resolution and will continue to share updates as more information becomes available, including expected timing.
- ERAs Reflecting Check Information Instead of ACH:CareFirst is aware of an issue in which some Electronic Remittance Advices (ERAs) reflected check payment information instead of ACH/EFT details. This issue was resolved on May 29, 2026. CareFirst is currently working to reissue impacted ERAs to include the correct ACH/EFT information. Providers do not need to take any action at this time.
- PreAuth/Provider Portal/CFD applications will be unavailable Sat,July 18 from 8AM to 2PM and Sun, July 19 from 8AM to 2PM
How To Apply
The application process includes two important steps.
- As CareFirst utilizes the Council for Affordable Quality Healthcare (CAQH) ProView® solution as our Credentialing Verification Organization, register with CAQH and log into CAQH ProView®.
- Complete the appropriate CareFirst Questionnaire based on your provider type/need.
Your application cannot be reviewed until all steps are completed. The information below includes everything you need to know to complete this process.
Note: If you are interested in completing the application process for CareFirst CHPMD, please go here.
Professional Providers
- Document your CAQH Identification Number.
- You will need this to complete step 2.
Complete the CareFirst Questionnaire
If you are a professional practitioner:
- Establishing a New Group
- To join or add a Practitioner to an Existing group please log into the Provider Portal. Navigate to the CareFirst Direct menu and select 'Provider Updates and Attestation' to access the self-service tool. If you need assistance access this step by step guide.
For a list of information you will need to include in your request, please review the all required documentation link below.
Or select from the following specialties:
You must complete this step and upload all required documentation for your application to be considered complete.
Examples of information needed to complete a CareFirst Questionnaire (see individual questionnaires for more details):
- Applicable Group Tax IDs and Billing NPIs
- W9, if applying as a new group or new solo/individual practice
- A complete list of applicable practitioners, including CAQH IDs or Rendering NPIs
- An electronic copy of licenses and insurance policies
Important Note: Be sure to save your CAQH Proview authorization settings to reflect the desired organization access. If you choose to review each payor’s request individually, please first contact CareFirst directly at credentialingstatus@carefirst.com to be added to the CAQH roster before beginning the CareFirst CAQH questionnaire.
Keep your Information Up to Date
The CareFirst Provider Directory is the single most used resource available to our CareFirst members. It is where they go to find a doctor to meet their healthcare needs. It is important to you and your patients (future and current) your information in our directory is accurate. If not, patients get very frustrated trying to find a doctor in their time of need.
- CareFirst Directory Data: CareFirst’s self-service tool is not integrated with CAQH ProView. Federal law requires all providers to attest and/or update their directory information at least every 90 days with CareFirst directly. For more information on how to access and utilize CareFirst’s self-service tool, review the Update Your Practice Info page.
- CAQH ProView Application: Once you are registered with CAQH, please continue to review, and make regular updates any time your credentialing information changes (or at least once each quarter). You will be sent a reminder from CAQH to review, update, and attest your data.
Dental Network Application Process
If you are interested in applying for our dental networks, visit the Dental Credentialing page to apply.