As cardiovascular and thoracic surgeons, we know how important credentialing is—it’s the gatekeeper that allows us to treat patients, access hospital privileges, and get reimbursed for our work. But credentialing delays aren’t just a minor inconvenience—they can have real financial consequences, especially for high-revenue procedures.
In this article, we’ll walk through how long credentialing typically takes, the potential revenue lost when the process is delayed, and the hidden costs that often go unnoticed. We’ll also share practical tips and strategies to help you minimize delays, keep your practice running smoothly, and protect both your income and your patients’ access to care.
How Long Does Credentialing Really Take?
Credentialing for cardiovascular and thoracic surgeons can be a lengthy process. On average, it takes 60–120 days, and in some cases, it can stretch up to 150 days or more before a surgeon is fully approved to practice and bill payers.
A big reason for these delays is incomplete paperwork—studies show that 85% of applications contain errors or missing information. Even small mistakes, like an outdated license or a missing board certificate, can add weeks to the process. For high-earning surgeons, these delays aren’t just frustrating—they’re expensive.
Each day that credentialing isn’t complete means postponed procedures, idle operating rooms, and delayed reimbursements. Over a 3–4 month period, this can add up to tens of thousands of dollars in lost revenue, highlighting why staying organized and proactive is so important.
The Financial Loss Surgeons Face
Credentialing delays don’t just slow down your schedule—they hit the bottom line hard. For physicians in the U.S., studies show that a 120-day credentialing delay can result in as much as $122,144 in lost revenue. That breaks down to roughly $10,122 per day in missed income for a high-revenue surgeon.
For cardiovascular and thoracic surgeons, these numbers can be even more dramatic. Because the procedures we perform—like bypass surgeries, valve replacements, and complex thoracic operations—are high-reimbursement procedures, even a few weeks of delay can add up to hundreds of thousands in lost revenue.
It’s not just about individual income, either. Hospitals feel the impact when operating rooms sit idle, staff aren’t fully utilized, and scheduled procedures are postponed. That means lost revenue for the facility, too, and can create a ripple effect that affects patient access and overall workflow.
These figures highlight why credentialing isn’t just an administrative task—it’s a financial and operational priority. Being proactive about completing applications accurately and following up regularly can save both time and substantial money for surgeons and their hospitals.
Hidden Costs of Credentialing Delays
Credentialing delays do more than just cost money—they create several hidden challenges for surgeons and their practices. One major issue is claim denials. If a surgeon isn’t fully credentialed or enrolled with a payer, insurance claims for procedures can be denied, meaning even completed surgeries may go unpaid until the paperwork is resolved.
Delays also drive up administrative costs. Staff may spend hours redoing paperwork, chasing missing documents, or following up with hospitals and insurers. This not only wastes time but also increases frustration for everyone involved.
Beyond the numbers, these delays can affect staff efficiency and morale. Idle operating rooms, postponed surgeries, and unclear schedules can frustrate nurses, assistants, and support staff, making day-to-day operations harder.
Finally, there’s a reputational impact. When patients experience delays in scheduling procedures, it can erode trust and make them hesitant to move forward.
For high-stakes specialties like cardiovascular and thoracic surgery, timely access is crucial, and delays can affect both patient confidence and satisfaction.
How to Minimize Financial Risk
- Start Early
Begin the credentialing process at least 120 days before your planned start date. Giving yourself extra time allows for unexpected delays, missing documents, or additional requests from hospitals and payers. Early action is the simplest way to reduce financial risk.
- Keep Documents Updated and Error-Free
Ensure all your paperwork for credentialing, like licenses, board certifications, malpractice insurance, CVs, and hospital privileges, is current and complete. Even small mistakes, like a missing signature or an outdated certificate, can create major delays. Double-check everything before submission.
- Follow Up Regularly
Check in with hospitals and payers every 2–3 weeks. Proactive communication keeps your application active, identifies missing items quickly, and prevents long hold-ups.
- Be Transparent About Your History
Disclose any malpractice claims, work gaps, or disciplinary actions upfront. Transparency prevents surprises that can flag your application and cause weeks of delays.
- Consider Outsourcing Credentialing
For busy cardiovascular and thoracic surgeons, professional credentialing services can handle paperwork, communicate with payers efficiently, and reduce errors.
Final Thought on Impact of Credentialing Delays
As cardiovascular and thoracic surgeons, we understand that credentialing delays aren’t just paperwork; they can cost tens of thousands of dollars and disrupt patient care. The stats speak for themselves: a 120-day delay can mean over $120,000 in lost revenue, plus idle operating rooms, denied claims, and frustrated staff.
We also know that staying on top of every document, follow-up, and payer requirement is time-consuming and stressful. That’s why many of us turn to professional credentialing services. By outsourcing or using automated platforms, we reduce errors, speed up approvals, and protect both our income and our patients’ access to care. Staying proactive is not optional—it’s essential.