The Pediatric Pulse is a quick way to capture real-time data and insights from pediatrics practices across NJ. Gathering key information on issues pediatric practices face on an ongoing basis helps identify trends, advocate for improvements in care delivery and payment structures, and effectively communicate with insurance plans. Take the Pulse to help fuel change. Thank you for your voice!

The Pediatric Pulse: The Provider Portal Experience

Health plans increasingly rely on provider portals for claims submission, prior authorizations, eligibility verification, payment information, referrals, and communications with practices. We want to better understand how physicians use health plan provider portals, what works well, and where improvements are needed. Your feedback will help inform discussions with health plans to advocate for efficient, user-friendly systems that support pediatric practices and patient care. Thank you!

To complete a previous Pediatric Pulse, please click on the link(s) below:

• The Impact of Provider Credentialing on Practice Management and Patient Care: Credentialing and recredentialing processes for pediatric physicians can vary significantly across insurance plans. We invite you to share your experiences with provider credentialing, including timelines for approvals, instances of delays or denials, recredentialing requirements, and any administrative challenges encountered. Thank you for your time and valuable input! Thank you!
• Utilization of Immunization Counseling Codes without Administration (90482-90484): Amid a dramatic rise in vaccine hesitancy and fear, immunization counseling remains a critical component of pediatric care, even when vaccines are not administered. This survey aims to better understand awareness and use of counseling-only billing codes (90482–90484), as well as barriers and opportunities to support practices. Your feedback will help guide NJAAP education, resources, and advocacy efforts with plans. Thank you!
• The Impact of Point-of-Care Testing within the Pediatric Practice on Patient Care: In-office molecular and antigen point-of-care (POC) testing, such as flu, strep, COVID, RSV, and urinalysis, plays a critical role in diagnosing and treating children quickly and effectively. Please complete this survey to report your feedback on POC testing-related issues within the pediatric practice. The information will help advocate for appropriate process enhancements. Thank you!
• Strengthening NJ Vaccines for Children (VFC) – Insight from Pediatric Practices Across NJ: The NJ Vaccines for Children (VFC) program provides vaccines at no cost for eligible children, helping ensure access to routine recommended immunizations and reducing financial barriers for families. Your feedback will help identify what works well, where administrative or operational challenges exist, and how the program can better support pediatric practices across NJ. Thank You!
• Your Voice Matters! How can NJAAP support your practice and patients?: How can NJAAP better support you, your practice, and the children you care for? Please share feedback on current programs, suggest fresh ideas, and highlight your priorities. While we may not be able to implement every suggestion, we are committed to driving innovation, collaboration, and meaningful change. Thank you!
• The Impact of Vaccine Delivery and Payment Coverage on Patient Care: As part of our ongoing commitment to improve immunization access and delivery for patients across NJ, please complete this survey to share your feedback on vaccine accessibility, administration, and payment coverage. Thank you!
• The Impact of Pediatric Lead Screening and Testing Barriers on Patient Care: Lead screening and testing are critical to pediatric patient health. We want to hear directly from you and your practice about your experiences and challenges, from lab access to payment and beyond. The information will help advocate for meaningful change. Thank you!
• The Impact of PCP Assignment Changes on Patient Care and Practice Billing: We understand that patients assigned to primary care physicians (PCPs) through insurance plans can suddenly change, often causing issues in patient care and practice billing/payments. Please complete this survey to report your feedback on PCP changes. Thank you!
• Medicare-Medicaid Parity: NJAAP, along with several partners in New Jersey, continue to advocate for the state to pass Bill S2504. This bill requires Medicaid reimbursement rates for certain primary and mental health care services match reimbursement rates under Medicare. We welcome and encourage ALL Primary Care practices and providers to please complete this quick survey. Thank you!

Become an NJAAP Member for Access to this Exclusive Benefit

New Jersey Hassle Factor Form*

NJAAP uses a process to monitor payer trends and address member-payer issues to improve coverage and payment for pediatric services. The Hassle Factor Form is a tool that members can use to report payer problems and collect data. This information is then utilized to identify and prioritize payer issues and guide conversations and meetings with insurance partners.  

*Member Benefit – Must be logged into NJAAP Member Page to access the form