# How to choose the ideal provider network management solution for your healthcare system **Rahul Shivkumar** **Updated On:** April 10, 2025 **Published On:** November 13, 2024 Did you know that healthcare organizations spend [billions of dollars](https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2785480?guestAccessKey=564039ca-0fa3-4e7a-bda5-4ae4e57c3ed0&%5C#google_vignette) on administrative and non-clinical tasks, of which payer-provider collaborations are a huge percentage? A provider network management (PNM) system solves this issue and many others by simplifying provider recruitment, credentialing, contracting, claims, and service. The right PNM solution can transform how you manage your provider network, streamlining processes, improving compliance, and enhancing provider satisfaction. In a survey by Bain & Company and KLAS Research, [56%](https://www.bain.com/insights/2023-healthcare-provider-it-report-doubling-down-on-innovation/) of healthcare provider executives cited software and technology as one of their top three strategic priorities. But how can you choose the ideal PNM solution that meets your healthcare system’s needs? This article will help you. Let’s get started already. ## 12 things to consider when choosing a provider network management solution Choosing the ideal healthcare [provider network management](/content/blog/what-is-provider-network-management/index.html) software for your practice may be difficult because of the many factors to consider and the numerous options available in the market. To make an informed decision, you'll need to compare and evaluate different healthcare PNM software and decide the best fit for your practice. Here are the questions to ask when comparing and evaluating PNM software: ### 1. What key features should a provider network management solution include? A good PNM solution should be your one-stop shop for managing providers. Look out for these features: - **Licensing, Credentialing, and Enrollment:** You need a solution that automates the manual and recurring tasks involved in licensing, credentialing, and enrollment. Choose software encompassing these features. With such software, hospitals have reported a 20% reduction in credentialing timelines and a [50%](https://www.symplr.com/blog/the-cost-of-a-credentialing-mistake) reduction in committee review meetings. - **Data Management and Analytics:** A good PNM solution should centralize your data, giving you insights on a single dashboard. Choose a secure, privacy-compliant solution to ensure optimum data protection and prevent breaches. - **Roster Management:** Choose a solution that automates roster creation, tracks provider status changes, and fosters digital transformation in provider network management. - **Compliance Support:** The right solution should include built-in compliance tools to help you stay up-to-date with regulatory requirements. For example, [Assured](/content/products/network-management/index.html) provides real-time network monitoring to ensure your provider network is always compliant, valid, and current. - **Provider Enrollment Management:** Prioritize solutions that offer multi-payer enrollment by providing centralized management of enrollment processes across multiple insurance plans. - **PECOS Integration:** Look out for direct submission capabilities to Medicare's Provider Enrollment, Chain, and Ownership System. - **Enrollment Tracking:** You need real-time status updates on all pending enrollments. - **Document Management:** There should be centralized storage and management of enrollment-related documents. ### 2. How easily can the PNM integrate with our existing systems? You’ve probably experienced the headache of systems that just don’t work together. A few things to consider: - **System Compatibility:** Does your PNM solution integrate with your electronic health record (EHR), billing, ATS, EMR, and Salesforce? - **Interoperability:** A 2022 report found [75% of healthcare organizations](https://cloud.google.com/blog/transform/data-diagnosis-why-healthcare-ready-connect-records-secure-meaningful-way) prioritize interoperability when choosing a new system. ### 3. Is the solution user-friendly and easily automated? Ever had to train staff on a new system, only to have them revert to old methods? Look for a solution that your team will actually want to use. - **User-Friendliness:** Ensure that the solution is easy to use, which leads to increased employee usage. - **Automation Capabilities:** Consider features that allow workflows and routine processes to be automated. - **Training and Support:** Make sure your vendor offers comprehensive training and ongoing support for employees. ### 4. What are the total costs associated with implementing the solution? - **Total Cost of Ownership:** Beyond the initial cost, inquire about maintenance, updates, and any hidden fees. ### 5. How does the solution help reduce operational costs? A good PNM solution should pay for itself through automation and efficiencies that alleviate employee burnout and increases productivity. ### 6. What security measures are in place to protect sensitive provider data? Look for features like regulatory compliance, data security measures such as encryption and multi-factor authentication. ### 7. What is the vendor's reputation in the healthcare industry? Check for vendor track records, case studies, and testimonials from other healthcare systems. ### 8. Can the PNM solution be tailored to your organization? Consider customization options and scalability of the solution. ### 9. Is the PNM solution agile and up-to-date with trends? Select a solution that receives frequent updates and is prepared to incorporate emerging technologies. ### 10. What kind of customer support does the vendor provide? Look for holistic customer support including 24/7 technical support, account managers, and user community forums. ### 11. How does the solution encourage provider engagement? Check the comprehensive communication tools and robust self-service capabilities. ### 12. How does the PNM solution manage the enrollment process with multiple payers? A PNM solution should centralize payer requirements to speed up the enrollment process. ## Choose Assured for effective healthcare provider network management Choosing the right Provider Network Management solution isn’t just a box to tick—it’s a strategic decision that can significantly impact your healthcare system’s efficiency. [Assured](/content/site-root.html) is a platform proven and trusted to meet the above criteria. The Assured platform automates the process of credentialing, licensing, enrollment, and network management.