In order to help practices and facilities understand and use the Provider Engagement Analy​tics and Reporting (PEAR) portal to the best of its capabilities, Independence has put together some key definitions and best practices to get the most out of using the PEAR portal.

Key phrases and definitions

The following is a list of key phrases/terms and definitions that end-users should know as they navigate the PEAR portal:

• Organization Administrator. This person has unrestricted access to all licensed materials and license data including value-based arrangements delivered through the portal for your organization. He or she is responsible for provisioning access to the PEAR portal and each application on the PEAR portal to end-users within your organization.
• Location Administrator. This person is assigned by the Organization Administrator and is permitted to delegate Portal User management responsibilities for one or more provider practice or facility that is granted access to the PEAR portal.
• Portal User. Someone in the practice or facility that is granted access to specific PEAR portal applications and roles as defined by the Organization Administrator or Location Administrator. This can be multiple people within a practice or facility.
• Provider Administration Tool (PAT). PAT supports the designated Organization Administrator or Location Administrator with provisioning access to the portal and applications, including roles within the PEAR portal.

A designated Organization Administrator and Location Administrator within a practice or facility plays a key role in managing end-user access to the PEAR portal.

Best practices

Review the following informational tips to help you get acquainted with the PEAR portal:

• The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) standards apply to all end-users using the PEAR portal and all applications provided through the PEAR portal.
• The PEAR License Agreement and Terms of Use documents provide detailed information on permitted use, responsibilities, and restrictions of the PEAR portal.
• All PEAR portal users, including Organization Administrators and Location Administrators, are required to be employees of your provider organization.
• Access to the PEAR portal is not currently permitted to third-party organizations that support your provider organization including, but not limited to, billing agencies, clearinghouses, or vendors. Third-party access to the PEAR portal will be introduced in the coming months.
• Your email address and username represent your log on credentials to the PEAR portal. HIPAA email security rules apply to protected health information.
• A unique email address and username is required for all portal users.
• PEAR portal usernames, passwords, and email addresses should not be shared.
• When employees leave your organization, the Organization Administrator or Location Administrator will need to terminate the associate’s access to the PEAR portal.

If you have any questions regarding the PEAR portal, please contact our Provider eBusiness team through the Provider eBusiness Inquiry form.​