On July 1, 2016, a new law will take effect that requires insurers/plans to ensure that physician directories are accurate and up-to-date. The law (SB 137) includes multiple components aimed at providing patients with more accurate and complete information to identify which providers are in their payors' networks. SB 137 not only places new requirements on insurers/plans but on physicians as well.

To help physicians understanding how to update their provider demographic information, until the electronic online option is required, the California Medical Association (CMA) queried the major payors on their processes. Their responses have been compiled into this members-only resource for physicians. For more questions or further assistance, contact the ACCMA at 510-654-5383 or accma@accma.org.

All physicians and other providers with a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) license must be registered to use the Controlled Substance Utilization Review and Evaluation System (CURES) database no later than July 1, 2016. CURES is a prescription drug monitoring database containing information on Schedule II through IV controlled substances dispensed in California. ACCMA has developed the following guidance to help members with the CURES registration process.