CGHS Empanelment Guidelines 2025
Updated: January 18, 2025

CGHS Empanelment Guidelines 2025

Comprehensive guide to the revised Central Government Health Scheme empanelment criteria, digital processes, and quality requirements

Major Revisions in CGHS Empanelment 2025

Significant updates focusing on digital transformation, quality enhancement, and streamlined processes

Digital-First Application

Complete transition to online application portal with digital document submission and real-time tracking.

100% Paperless Process

Enhanced Quality Standards

Mandatory NABH pre-accreditation for hospitals above 50 beds and stricter infrastructure norms.

NABH Accreditation Required

Faster Processing Timeline

Reduced empanelment processing time from 180 days to 90 days with automated verification systems.

50% Faster Approval

Revised Package Rates

Updated treatment package rates with 12% average increase and performance-based incentives.

12% Rate Enhancement

Performance Monitoring

Real-time quality monitoring dashboard with patient feedback integration and outcome tracking.

Continuous Assessment

Patient-Centric Approach

Enhanced patient rights framework with mandatory grievance redressal and satisfaction monitoring.

Patient First Priority

CGHS Empanelment Categories

Different empanelment categories based on facility type, specialties, and service complexity

Category A

Multi-specialty Hospitals

• 100+ bed capacity
• All major specialties
• 24/7 emergency services
• ICU and critical care
• NABH accreditation mandatory

Category B

Specialty Hospitals

• 50+ bed capacity
• Focused specialties
• Advanced equipment
• Quality certification
• NABH pre-accreditation

Category C

Diagnostic Centers

• NABL accreditation
• Advanced diagnostics
• Quality assurance
• Digital reporting
• Home collection

Category D

Pharmacies

• Drug license validity
• Stock maintenance
• Digital billing
• 24/7 availability
• Quality assurance

Digital Application Process

Streamlined online application with automated verification and real-time status tracking

1

Online Registration

Create account on CGHS empanelment portal and verify email/mobile credentials.

Duration: 1 day
2

Document Upload

Upload all required documents in prescribed formats with digital signatures.

Duration: 7 days
3

Automated Verification

System performs initial document verification and completeness check.

Duration: 15 days
4

Site Inspection

Physical verification of infrastructure, equipment, and quality systems.

Duration: 30 days
5

Final Approval

Committee review, approval notification, and empanelment certificate issuance.

Duration: 37 days

Required Documentation

Registration Certificates

Hospital/clinic registration under relevant acts

Accreditation Certificates

NABH, NABL, or equivalent quality certifications

Medical Staff Credentials

Valid medical council registration for all doctors

Infrastructure Compliance

Fire safety, pollution control, building approvals

Financial Documents

Bank statements, PAN, GST registration

Application Fees

Category A:₹50,000
Category B:₹30,000
Category C:₹15,000
Category D:₹10,000

Enhanced Quality Standards

Stringent quality benchmarks aligned with international standards and patient safety protocols

Mandatory Requirements

NABH Accreditation

Mandatory for hospitals with 50+ beds

Digital Infrastructure

Hospital management system with digital records

Emergency Services

24/7 emergency care with qualified staff

Infection Control

Certified infection control protocols

Quality Assurance

Continuous quality monitoring systems

Performance Metrics

Patient Satisfaction Score≥ 4.2/5.0
Hospital-Acquired Infection Rate≤ 2.5%
Readmission Rate (30-day)≤ 8%
Claim Processing Time≤ 48 hours
Digital Compliance Rate100%

Benefits and Incentives

Enhanced benefits package for empaneled healthcare providers with performance-based rewards

Increased Package Rates

12% average increase in treatment package rates across all categories.

Effective: April 2025

Quality Bonus

Up to 10% bonus for hospitals exceeding quality benchmarks.

Quarterly Assessment

Faster Payments

Guaranteed payment processing within 30 days for compliant claims.

30-Day Payment Cycle

Preferred Provider Status

Priority referrals and preferred provider listing for high-performing facilities.

Merit-Based Ranking

Training Support

Free training programs for staff on CGHS protocols and quality standards.

Continuous Education

Dedicated Support

24/7 helpdesk support for empaneled providers with dedicated relationship managers.

Round-the-Clock Support

Common Challenges and Solutions

Key obstacles healthcare providers face during CGHS empanelment and proven solutions

Documentation Gaps

Incomplete or expired certificates causing application rejections.

Solution:

Implement digital document management with automatic renewal alerts 90 days before expiry.

NABH Accreditation Delay

Long NABH accreditation timelines affecting empanelment schedules.

Solution:

Start NABH pre-accreditation process 18 months before intended empanelment date.

Digital Infrastructure

Inadequate IT systems for digital compliance requirements.

Solution:

Invest in cloud-based HMS with CGHS integration and staff training programs.

Site Inspection Failures

Infrastructure deficiencies identified during inspection visits.

Solution:

Conduct internal mock inspections using CGHS checklist 3 months before application.

Performance Monitoring

Difficulty maintaining quality metrics post-empanelment.

Solution:

Establish quality dashboard with real-time monitoring and monthly review meetings.

Claim Processing Delays

Slow claim submission and processing affecting cash flow.

Solution:

Train billing staff on CGHS procedures and implement automated claim processing.

Ready to Begin CGHS Empanelment?

Our CGHS empanelment specialists have successfully guided 150+ healthcare providers through the revised guidelines. Start your empanelment journey with expert support.

Free Gap Analysis

Comprehensive assessment against CGHS 2025 requirements

Application Support

End-to-end assistance with documentation and submission

Post-Empanelment Care

Ongoing compliance monitoring and performance optimization