ABOUT A5
By accelerating physician onboarding and reducing administrative complexity, we help your team stay focused on care — not paperwork. We act as an extension of your staff, bringing deep industry expertise, innovative tools, and a commitment to operational excellence.
ABOUT A5
By accelerating physician onboarding and reducing administrative complexity, we help your team stay focused on care — not paperwork. We act as an extension of your staff, bringing deep industry expertise, innovative tools, and a commitment to operational excellence.
We exist to simplify and elevate credentialing and enrollment through guidance, innovative technology, and a client-forward mindset. We help healthcare organizations reduce administrative burden, improve accuracy, and accelerate onboarding so they can deliver quality care with confidence.
Our credentialing pros hold CPMSM, CPSM, MBA, FMSP, CPLS and MHA credentials.
We support both delegated and non-delegated models — and deliver with trust.
From solo practices to national networks, we scale with your needs.
Managing applications and renewals to keep
providers certified and compliant.
Because we’re more than a service provider. We’re an extension of your team. We show up with integrity, deliver with accuracy, and stay focused on what matters most, your success.
To ensure we are continually building a culture where happy people deliver outstanding results for our clients and community, we base our actions on these core values. We share these values with our partner, Anders.
Doing the right thing. Always.
Promoting an environment of trust and respect.
Aligning passions and expertise to focus on what matters most.
Leading with confidence to challenge the expected.
Inspiring people to be the best they can be.
Living a true spirit of family and fun.
Giving back because we care.
A5 is proud to be NCQA accredited and trusted by leading healthcare payers and partners.
Get the support you need to simplify and scale with confidence.
800 Market Street, Suite 500 St. Louis, MO 63101-2501
Partner, Chief Executive Officer, and Co-Founder
Joe Spann brings over 20 years of healthcare leadership and innovation to his role as Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Fifth Avenue Healthcare Services. A recognized industry leader, Joe has led the creation and growth of several healthcare companies, including Fifth Avenue Healthcare Services, 5ACVO, Fifth Avenue Agency, and Primoris Credentialing Network. These organizations leverage proprietary software platforms and highly refined credentialing and enrollment processes to serve thousands of healthcare providers nationwide.
Joe’s career began in risk management at Hillcrest Healthcare System in Tulsa, where he advanced to oversee multiple physician networks, utilization management, revenue cycle operations, and risk-bearing managed care contracts. His expertise spans Eligibility EDI transactions, UM/UR, claims adjudication, financial decision-making support, and revenue cycle optimization at both the physician practice and hospital level.
In 2003, Joe co-founded Fifth Avenue Healthcare Services, building the team, technology infrastructure, and client base from the ground up. Under his leadership, Fifth Avenue’s family of companies has expanded to include:
Joe has led the development of multiple IPAs, designed credentialing programs, built innovative malpractice risk management solutions, and created critical software applications to automate and optimize credentialing and enrollment workflows. His deep understanding of technology, operations, and healthcare business models has positioned his organizations at the forefront of credentialing excellence and client service.
He continues to speak nationally on healthcare trends, credentialing innovation, and risk management and has authored key presentations and industry publications.
PRINCIPAL AND HEALTH CARE PRACTICE LEADER
Merella brings over 30 years of experience to Anders as a principal and health care practice leader, having worked with all facets of the industry. She advises clients in the areas of accreditation, regulatory compliance, credentialing, privileging, operational efficiency, technology, credentialing policies and procedures, enrollment, delegation, practice startups, clinic conversion to FQHC or RHC and business development.
Merella has been a member of the National Association of Medical Staff Services (NAMSS) since 2001 and is dual-certified as a Certified Professional Medical Services Management (CPMSMP and Certified Provider Credentialing Specialist (CPCS). As a previous NAMSS Instructor (2013 to 2021) she presented the Leadership Certification Program, CPCS Certification, Becoming Your Own Advocate and developed new content for NAMSS education programs. She also trained new instructors to teach NAMSS education material.
Merella is also a former President of the Missouri Association of Medical Staff Services (MOAMSS) and the Greater St. Louis Chapter. She served two terms as the MOAMSS President. Merella has been an industry speaker since 2012; developing and presenting various programs to state and national audiences. She has authorized and contributed to a variety of industry-related publications including NAMSS Synergy, St. Louis Metropolitan Medicine, and Anders Blogs. She is the author of the HCPro book, “Credentialing and Privileging Toolbox”.
PARTNER AND HEALTH CARE PRACTICE LEADER
Brian is a partner and health care practice leader. He has been instrumental in leading the group to become one of the fastest-growing in the firm. He helps physicians, their practices and hospitals solve complex financial and operational challenges. Working with clients, he focuses on key areas like revenue cycle, physician compensation, partnership agreements, retirement planning and estate planning. Brian has more than 20 years of accounting and consulting experience.
