How to Become a Spectera Provider

With a focus on ensuring access to its 20 million members, Spectera provides a network of vision providers that range from small, independent practices to large, nationwide brands. Spectera helps providers who are focused on patient health and practice growth by delivering profitable plans on an intuitive platform with a 24/7 online portal and Provider Relations Advocates for additional support. Spectera is part of United Health Care.

Here are some basic guidelines on how to join the Spectera network as an optometrist.

This article was originally published in April 2015 and has been updated for 2021.

Step 1: Complete the introductory requirements

In order to become a Spectera provider, you must:

Get your optometry license (see our guide that gives step-by-step instructions on how to get your optometry license in each state)
Find a place to practice
Get liability insurance
Obtain your NPI number
Begin the medicare enrollment process (see our 41 Step Guide to Become a Medicare Provider w/ Screenshots)
Register with CAQH

See this in-depth guide for additional guidance on satisfying these core requirements. You’ll need to satisfy these requirements to become a provider with nearly every medical or vision plan.

For guidance on applying to additional plans, check out our in-depth Optometrist Credentialing Guide.

Step 2: Begin the application to become a Spectera provider

Visit Spectera's website and click the "Join Our Network" link.

Step 3: Complete the form

Complete the form with the following information:

Name
Degree
Practice Name
Address
Email
Phone Number
Comments

Please note that you'll need to use a non-Google Chrome browser (e.g., Safari) to complete the application.

Step 4: Wait for the email

Spectera will then e-mail you within a few days to ask for your CAQH number.

Step 5: Wait 4-6 weeks

You may receive an email similar to the below:

Thank you for your quick reply – I will be sending your information over to our Contracting Department for processing – the credentialing process to activation normally takes approximately 4 to 6 weeks to process. Please feel free to contact me in the interim with any questions.

After four weeks have passed, you can call 949-589-4615 to check on the status of your application.

Step-by-step credentialing guides

The credentialing process for different insurance plans varies quite a bit. Some plans are relatively simple and others require much more work. The below guides walk you through the process for the most common vision and medical insurance plans.

Note: The author of the content you just read worked hard to provide you with this article. Even though we try our best, there is no guarantee the article is error free. Eyes On Eyecare, its sponsors, advertisers, staff and writers make no representation, warranty, or guarantee that this article and its contents are error-free and will bear no responsibility or liability for the results or consequences of the information contained within.