If you’re a new provider ready to launch your practice, there’s one key hurdle you can’t skip: getting credentialed.
Credentialing is what lets you join insurer networks, bill for services, and actually start seeing patients—they don’t just hand you that approval overnight. When it takes too long, your billing is stalled, and your revenue drops.
The average credentialing process takes 90–120 days. During that time, your overhead keeps running, but you can’t bill. Some providers lose over $122,000 while they wait. That’s why this article matters.
In this guide, we’ll walk you step-by-step through how to choose the best credentialing service so you don’t end up stuck in paperwork limbo.
Whether you’re flying solo or building a small team, the right partner can make all the difference between waiting months and billing within weeks.
Let’s get you credentialed faster—so you can focus on what you came to do: treat patients and build your practice.
Key Takeaways
Delays cost money: The process takes 3–4 months, and minimizing this wait prevents lost revenue.
Check the specialty fit: Choose a service that knows your specialty and the local insurance payers.
Get real-time updates: Insist on a partner who provides technology for tracking your application status.
Demand a clear price: The quote must be fully transparent, covering initial setup and future renewals, with no hidden fees.
Avoid big promises: Be wary of vendors who promise “instant approval” or use vague pricing, as these are major red flags.
What to Look For in a Good Service
Choosing the right credentialing service isn’t just about handing off paperwork—it’s about picking a partner who can get you approved quickly, accurately, and with fewer surprises.
Here’s what you should check:
- Experience & Specialty Fit
Make sure the service has done this kind of work before—with providers like you (your specialty, your region).
A team that knows the payers you need and the state rules you face will save you time and headaches. According to one report, practices that outsourced credentialing saw improved efficiency.
- Technology & Tracking
You’ll want visibility—real-time updates, dashboards, alerts for missing information or renewal deadlines. Services using automation reduce errors and speed the workflow.
- Clear Cost & Value
Watch out for hidden fees. Ask: What exactly is included? Initial credentialing? Re-credentialing later? Monitoring renewals? A higher upfront cost is sometimes worth it if it means fewer denials and faster billing.
- Strong Communication & Support
You’ll need a service that responds when you have questions, gives you a main contact person, and keeps you posted. If the provider disappears when things slow down, you’ll feel the impact.
- Proven Track Record & References
Ask for examples—how many providers they’ve credentialed, how fast they do it, what specialties they serve. A service with positive reviews and real clients will inspire more confidence.
- Adaptability & Scalability
Since you’re new, you might grow. Choose a service that can handle adding more providers, new locations, multi-state credentialing, or evolving payer contracts. A one-size-fits-all service won’t cut it long term.
- Compliance & Quality Assurance
Credentialing is highly regulated—state laws, payer requirements, and federal rules. Make sure the service follows industry standards and audits its work. This protects your practice from errors and denials.
Questions to Ask Before You Hire
Before you choose the best credentialing service, it’s important you ask the right questions. These help you see if the service can handle your needs and avoid headaches later.
- How many payers do you enroll providers with?
You want a service that knows both large national payers and the regional ones you’ll face. A vendor limited to just a few payers may slow you down. - What is your average time to complete credentialing?
Time is money. Inquire about a realistic timeline for credentialing according to your specialty and state. If they promise unrealistic speeds, that could signal rushed or incomplete work. - How do you handle renewals and ongoing monitoring?
Credentialing doesn’t end once you’re approved. Ask how they track expirations, re-credentialing schedules, and keep you compliant. - What happens if an application is denied or delayed?
Even the best vendors face delays or denials. Ask what their escalation process is, who manages the follow-up, and how you’ll be kept in the loop. - What is included in your service, and what are the costs?
Make sure you know exactly what you’re paying for: initial credentialing, provider enrollment, renewals, re-credentials, tracking, and support. Hidden fees can add up. - How will you communicate with us and provide updates?
Good communication is key. Ask how often they’ll update you, what tools they use (dashboard, email alerts), and who your point person will be.
How to Spot Red Flags
When you’re looking at the best credentialing services, you deserve one that’s honest, transparent, and reliable. Here are warning signs to watch for:
- Vague pricing — If the service says “we’ll quote you later” or “all packages differ” without giving ballpark numbers, that could mean hidden fees or surprises later.
- Promises of “instant approval” — Really? If someone says you’ll be done in a week or two, that’s unrealistic. Payer credentialing takes time and is rarely instantaneous.
- No proof of past performance — A good service will show you how many providers they’ve helped, what specialties, and how fast they got approved. If they don’t, ask: “Where are your success stories?”
- Poor communication — Are you left waiting for calls or emails? Do you get updates or a status dashboard? If you don’t know what’s happening, you’ll feel anxious and in the dark.
- Lack of a provider tracking system — A strong vendor gives you a way to watch your application’s progress. If you’re stuck asking “Where are we?” each week, that’s a red flag.
If you see one or more of these signs, pause and dig deeper—choosing a bad partner here could cost you months of delays and thousands in lost revenue.
Cost vs Value: What New Providers Should Budget For
Okay—let’s talk money. You’re new in practice, so you want clarity on what credentialing services cost and how you’ll know you’re getting value.
Typical Costs
- Full-service third-party credentialing often runs $2,000–$3,000 per provider per year for full enrollment and support.
- Some simpler services charge between $200–$800 per provider per application (for each payer), depending on specialty, state, and number of payers.
- In-house credentialing (with your staff doing everything) may look cheaper upfront, but you still pay for hours of staff time, credentialing mistakes, delays, and lost revenue.
What’s Included (Check This)
- Submission of applications to key payers you need
- Document collection and verification (licenses, credentials, work history)
- Tracking of applications, follow-ups with payers
- Renewal or recredentialing plan (every ~2-3 years)
- Dashboard or updates so you know where things stand
How to Evaluate If the Cost Is Worth It
- If the service gets you credentialed faster, you bill sooner—and that means revenue.
- Fewer errors = fewer denials = fewer lost claims.
- Ask for an ROI estimate: For example, if you’re not credentialed for 2 months, and your average revenue per month is $X, then paying $2,000 now may save you $4,000+ later.
- Check what they don’t include: Are renewals separate? Are there extra fees for multiple payers or states?
Key Tip
Budget not just for the upfront cost, but for what delays will cost you if you do it poorly. Sometimes spending more now means less pain and better cash flow later.
Final Thoughts
We understand that you are building something meaningful—your practice, your reputation, your future. Every day you’re not on panel is revenue lost, and every week your doctor sits idle waiting for approval is time you can’t get back.
Choosing the best credentialing service isn’t just a convenience—it’s a strategic move. With our help, you get a trusted partner who knows how to navigate the insurer maze, avoid the hidden traps, and hit the ground running. We offer a clear, affordable range of $200 to $800 per provider, no smoke and mirrors.
By choosing wisely now, you’ll earn approval faster, face fewer claim issues, and get your providers billing sooner. We’ll handle the details so you can treat patients, build your team, and grow your practice without the constant admin drag.
FAQ
Usually, it takes about 3–4 months for full credentialing, though times can vary. Starting early helps you avoid revenue loss while waiting for approvals.
A solid service covers initial credentialing, payer enrollment, document tracking, renewals, and ongoing compliance monitoring. Make sure yours ticks all these boxes.
Choose a service with experience in your specialty and geographic region—they’ll already know your payer requirements and can accelerate approval.
Typical full-service credentialing runs around $2,000–$3,000 per provider per year, while simpler options may charge $200–$800 per application, depending on payers and scope.
You should expect real-time status updates, dashboards, and automated reminders—so you always know where your application stands and never lose track of deadlines.
Watch out for vague pricing, promises of “instant approval”, weak communication, and no proof of past performance. These warning signs often mean trouble ahead.