Getting credentialed with an insurance company like Cigna is one of the most important steps for any healthcare provider looking to grow their practice.
It’s what allows you to join Cigna’s provider network, see patients covered by their plans, and get paid for your services without billing headaches.
In simple terms, credentialing is the process where Cigna reviews your qualifications — such as your license, education, certifications, and background — to make sure you meet their professional standards.
Once approved, you become an in-network provider, which can help you reach more patients and build trust through Cigna’s nationwide network.
At Get Credentialing Done, we understand that credentialing can feel time-consuming and confusing — especially with different forms, timelines, and requirements.
That’s why this guide breaks down the Cigna provider credentialing process step by step, helping you know exactly what to expect and how to get it right the first time.
Key Takeaways
- Required for Payment: Credentialing grants Cigna network access and allows you to bill them.
- CAQH First: You must update and attest your CAQH ProView profile to begin the process.
- Long Wait: The full Cigna approval process takes 60 to 120 days (2-4 months).
- Causes Delays: Incomplete CAQH data or expired supporting documents are the top delay factors.
- Final Step: Enrollment is finalized only after signing the participation agreement.
What Is Cigna Provider Credentialing?
Cigna provider credentialing is the process that verifies a healthcare provider’s qualifications, background, and professional standing before allowing them to join the Cigna network.
This ensures that all in-network providers meet the company’s standards for quality and compliance — giving patients confidence that they’re receiving care from trusted professionals.
In simple terms, it’s Cigna’s way of saying, “We’ve checked your credentials, and you’re qualified to treat our members.”
The process includes reviewing important details such as:
- Your state medical license and DEA certification
- Education, training, and board certifications
- Malpractice insurance and work history
- Any prior disciplinary actions or sanctions
Once you’re approved, you’ll be officially part of Cigna’s provider network, which means you can accept Cigna insurance, bill for your services, and receive timely reimbursements.
Step-by-Step Process to Get Credentialed with Cigna
Getting credentialed with Cigna might seem overwhelming, but when you break it down, the process is pretty straightforward. Here’s a simple guide to help you understand each step:
Complete Your CAQH Profile
Cigna, like most major insurers, uses the CAQH ProView database to collect provider information.
Before you start, make sure your CAQH profile is:
- Fully updated with your latest credentials
- Marked as “attested” (verified by you)
- Accessible to Cigna (you can grant permission inside your CAQH account)
A complete CAQH profile is the foundation of your application — missing or outdated info can delay your approval.
Apply with Cigna
Once your CAQH profile is ready, submit your provider application through Cigna’s Join Our Network page on their official website.
You’ll need to provide:
- Practice information (address, NPI, TIN, etc.)
- Tax and W-9 forms
- Specialty and service details
Cigna will then start reviewing your application and cross-checking your details with the CAQH database.
Credentialing Review
Cigna verifies your:
- Licenses and certifications
- Education and training
- Malpractice coverage
- Work and disciplinary history
They may contact you or your references for additional details if needed. This review process can take anywhere between 60 to 120 days, depending on how quickly documents are verified.
Contracting and Approval
Once credentialing is approved, Cigna sends you a participation agreement to finalize your network enrollment.
After you sign and return the contract, you officially become a Cigna in-network provider and can begin seeing patients covered under Cigna insurance plans.
Documents You’ll Need for Credentialing
Before starting your Cigna credentialing application, it’s important to have all your documents ready. Missing or outdated paperwork is one of the most common reasons for delays.
To make things easier, here’s a quick checklist of what you’ll typically need:
🗂 Basic Provider Information
- Legal name (as it appears on your license)
- National Provider Identifier (NPI)
- Tax Identification Number (TIN)
- Practice address and contact details
📄 Licensing & Certifications
- State medical license (active and in good standing)
- DEA certificate (if applicable to your specialty)
- Board certifications or residency completion proof
🛡 Insurance & Compliance Documents
- Malpractice insurance certificate with active dates and limits
- Professional liability coverage details
- Background check or attestation statement
🎓 Education & Work History
- Medical school transcripts or diplomas
- Employment history (including previous practice details)
- Explanation for any work gaps (if required)
Having these documents organized and up to date will help speed up Cigna’s verification process.
Common Challenges and How to Avoid Them
Even though Cigna’s credentialing process is straightforward, many providers still face delays or denials because of small, overlooked mistakes. Being aware of these issues early can save valuable time and effort.
One of the most common problems in credentialing is having an incomplete or outdated CAQH profile. Since Cigna relies on CAQH for your professional details, missing or unverified information can put your application on hold. Make sure all information is current and your profile is attested.
Another issue is missing or expired documents. Many applications get delayed simply because a provider’s license, malpractice certificate, or DEA registration has expired. Keeping all credentials organized and up to date can prevent unnecessary slowdowns.
Delays in verification are also common. Cigna confirms your education, licenses, and work history directly with issuing organizations, and if any of them have outdated information, the process can take longer than expected.
Lastly, lack of follow-up often causes avoidable delays. Providers sometimes miss emails or requests for additional documentation from Cigna’s credentialing team. Regularly checking your inbox and responding quickly can help move your application forward.
How Get Credentialing Done Helps Providers with Cigna Credentialing
At Get Credentialing Done, we understand that managing the Cigna credentialing process can be time-consuming, especially when you’re focused on patient care.
From gathering documents to keeping up with application updates, even small errors can cause unnecessary delays. That’s why our team takes care of the entire process — from start to finish — so you don’t have to.
We begin by reviewing your information and ensuring that your CAQH profile, licenses, and documents are accurate and up to date. Our specialists then prepare and submit your Cigna application on your behalf, handling all communication with the payer.
Throughout the process, we closely monitor your application status and follow up with Cigna until approval is complete.
But our support doesn’t stop there — we also help with recredentialing and ongoing maintenance to make sure your credentials never lapse.
Whether you’re a solo provider or part of a group practice, we streamline the entire process, helping you stay compliant and avoid interruptions in reimbursement.
With Get Credentialing Done, you can expect faster approvals, fewer denials, and complete peace of mind knowing your credentialing is in expert hands — so you can focus on what truly matters: providing quality care to your patients.
FAQ
Cigna’s credentialing process verifies a provider’s professional qualifications, background, licenses, and training to ensure they meet the insurer’s quality standards. Approval is essential to join the Cigna network, accept Cigna-insured patients, and receive reimbursement for covered services.
The full credentialing review with Cigna generally takes 60 to 120 days (about two to four months). The timeline varies based on how complete your application is and how quickly external verification agencies confirm your documents. Keeping everything updated can significantly speed up the process.
Your first and most critical step is ensuring your CAQH ProView profile is fully updated, accurate, and officially attested. Cigna pulls your details directly from CAQH, so incomplete or un-attested profiles are the number one cause of preventable delays.
Prepare key documents such as your active state license, DEA certificate (if applicable), education or board certification proof, and your current malpractice insurance certificate. Missing, expired, or inconsistent documents can immediately stall your application.
The most common reason for delays is having an incomplete or outdated CAQH profile, especially when licenses, liability coverage, or other credentials have expired. Keeping CAQH accurate and current is the best way to avoid unnecessary hold-ups.
You become an in-network provider only after Cigna approves your application and you sign and return the official participation agreement (contract). Approval alone is not the final step—the contract must be completed to activate your in-network status.