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News update

Jul 31, 2026

Selected California Providers Must Complete the 2026 Provider Appointment Availability Survey

California-based providers should be aware that between August and December 2026, some may be selected to take part in the Provider Appointment Availability Survey (PAAS). This is an annual survey required by the California Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC), and if you are selected, participation is not optional.

The survey is administered by Sutherland Healthcare Solutions (Sutherland) on behalf of participating health plans, including UnitedHealthcare.

What Providers Need to Do

If selected, Sutherland will reach out by email, fax, or phone to provide your assigned survey window and instructions. The survey itself takes less than 10 minutes to complete and asks for the next available appointment date and time for urgent, non-urgent, and follow-up care. Providers must complete the survey during their assigned window.

To avoid any delays, office staff who handle scheduling and appointment availability should be made aware of this survey ahead of time so they are ready to respond if contacted. Also worth noting: if you are contacted by more than one health plan, you are required to complete a separate survey for each request.

If You Don't Participate

Failing to respond may negatively affect your compliance with both state requirements and your UnitedHealthcare contractual obligations.

For questions, connect through chat 24/7 in the UnitedHealthcare Provider Portal.

Services

Credentialing

Credentialing is the rigorous process of verifying a healthcare provider’s qualifications, including their education, training, licenses, and clinical experience. This service ensures that practitioners meet the high standards required by insurance networks and hospitals to provide care and receive reimbursement.

Billing & Collection

Billing and Collection service involves confirming a patient’s insurance coverage, active status, and specific benefits before their appointment. By identifying co-pays, deductibles, and required prior authorizations upfront, staff can prevent claim denials and help patients understand their financial responsibilities.

Eligibility Verification

Eligibility verification is the process of verifying a patient’s health insurance coverage and benefits to determine what services are covered and the level of coverage available. This process is essential for healthcare providers to ensure that they receive proper reimbursement for services rendered and that patients are not left with unexpected medical bills.

Revenue Cycle Management

RCM is the financial process that manages the entire lifecycle of a patient’s account, from the initial appointment scheduling to the final balance payment. It integrates eligibility, coding, billing, and collections into a single, cohesive workflow aimed at maximizing a practice's profitability.

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