Fall 2009

Availity security upgrade offers greater flexibility in managing user accounts

In order to offer greater flexibility in managing account permissions on the Availity^®1 Health Information Network, Availity is upgrading its security platform in a series of two phases that will be completed by January 2010.

In addition to a new "look and feel," the planned enhancements will establish time-saving self-service functionality so administrators can easily manage their Availity account(s) permissions and organizational maintenance functions online.

Once complete, the upgrade will enable streamlined account administration workflows and simplified delegation processes, by allowing administrators to apply unique Availity user roles. Roles will be organized to reflect connected business processes, allowing Primary Access Administrators (PAAs) to assign a group of permissions to a user, in addition to the individual settings currently available.

Initial changes currently in place

The first phase of the upgrade, delivered in August, included changes to the Availity portal login page, the Forgot My Password page and other login-related pages. New security controls aim to minimize password sharing and call attention to individual account ownership responsibilities (e.g., retiring old usernames and passwords from ex-employees).

Since August, users have been unable to log in or reset their passwords if they have entered an invalid password five consecutive times. In this situation, Availity locks the account and users must contact the PAA or Availity Client Services for a password reset.

More changes coming in January

In response to customer feedback, broader changes to the Availity portal will simplify account administration workflows. Since these changes may impact specific provider operations, more detailed information will be communicated to you closer to January 2010. Administrators should be prepared to update and verify account information and user profiles at some point in the future.

What you can do now: Verify your access administration

In preparation for the full security upgrade in January 2010, you are encouraged to verify the PAA and Primary Controlling Authority (PCA) information for your organization by clicking the Who Controls My Access link, located at the top of the screen when you log in to the Availity portal. If this information is not accurate, click either of the following two links on the Availity screen to access the appropriate change form:

• Complete the change request form to change your PAA
• Complete the change request form to change your PCA

For more information, contact an Availity Client Services Representative by calling (800) 282-4548 (AVAILITY), Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. (EST) or by completing the Contact Availity page on their website. If you are not currently using Availity, you can register at www.availity.com.