Credentialing is the gate to in-network reimbursement. Here's the exact process, in order, and what makes it move faster.
To get credentialed with insurance companies you (1) gather your provider and facility documentation, (2) build and attest a CAQH profile, (3) submit each payer's credentialing application, (4) complete the payer's verification and respond to any requests, and (5) once approved, sign the participating-provider contract to go in-network. Each payer runs its own process, so credentialing typically takes about 90 to 150 days per insurer.
Licenses, accreditation, malpractice/liability insurance, NPI, tax ID, and provider CVs. A complete packet is the single biggest factor in speed.
Most payers pull from your CAQH ProView profile. Keep it accurate and re-attested so applications don't stall.
Submit credentialing applications to the insurers whose members you want to serve. Prioritize the largest commercial payers in your market.
Payers verify your credentials and may request more information. Consistent follow-up is what keeps applications from sitting idle for weeks.
Once credentialed, you finalize the participating-provider agreement and become in-network — then you can bill.
Gather your documentation, build and attest a CAQH profile, submit each payer's credentialing application, complete verification and respond to requests, and once approved sign the participating-provider contract to go in-network.
Credentialing typically takes about 90 to 150 days per payer, because each insurer runs its own application, verification, and approval process. Complete applications and consistent follow-up shorten the timeline.
CAQH ProView is an online profile most payers use to pull a provider's credentialing information. Maintaining an accurate, attested CAQH profile prevents many common credentialing delays.
Credentialing generally comes first. The payer verifies your qualifications through credentialing, and only then is the participating-provider contract that sets your reimbursement finalized.
What credentialing is and how long it takes.
How payers decide what care they'll cover.
The full sequence from level of care to opening.
Level Up Compliance guides behavioral health founders through every step — licensing, accreditation, contracting, and operations.