Insurance Credentialing Services: What You Need to Know

Medical practitioners are aware of how difficult it can be to devote time to their practice while also handling the administrative work involved in running their business. This is where insurance credentialing services come in. These services take on the responsibility of managing insurance contracts and the insurance credentialing process, saving practitioners time and increasing their revenue. This article will explore everything you need to know about insurance credentialing services and how they can benefit your practice.

What are Insurance Credentialing Services?

Insurance credentialing services are external companies that manage the insurance contracting and credentialing process on behalf of medical practitioners. These services help practitioners with the complex and tedious process of getting “in network” with insurance companies. This includes completing the necessary applications, following up with insurance companies, and ensuring that practitioners are properly credentialed with insurances.

These services are beneficial for both the practitioner and their patients. Patients are more likely to visit practitioners who are in their insurance network and practitioners benefit from increased revenue due to an increase in patient visits.

How Do Insurance Credentialing Services Work?

The first step in utilizing insurance credentialing services is to select a service that is right for your practice. After selecting a service, you will work with them to complete the necessary documentation required by insurance companies. Once the paperwork is completed, the service will submit the applications to the insurance companies and follow up with the companies until the practitioner is credentialed.

During the credentialing process, the insurance credentialing service will communicate with the practitioner and insurance companies to ensure that all the necessary information is provided and that the process goes smoothly. These services are responsible for keeping track of deadlines and ensuring that all continuing education requirements are met for the practitioner to remain credentialed.

Benefits of Using Insurance Credentialing Services

There are numerous benefits to using insurance credentialing services:

Benefit
Description
Increased Revenue
Practitioners who are in insurance networks can see increased patient visits, resulting in increased revenue.
Time Saving
Insurance credentialing is a time-consuming process. Practitioners can focus on their practice while the service takes care of the administrative work.
Expertise
Credentialing services have experience and expertise in the insurance credentialing process, ensuring that practitioners are properly credentialed and in compliance with all requirements.
Compliance
Credentialing services keep up to date with the constantly changing regulations, ensuring that practitioners remain in compliance with all requirements.

FAQs:

1. How long does it take to get credentialed with an insurance company?

The credentialing process can take anywhere from 90 to 120 days. This timeline depends on the insurance company, the number of applications, and any complications that may arise during the process.

2. Do I need to hire an insurance credentialing service?

While it is not necessary to hire an insurance credentialing service, it can be beneficial for practitioners who want to focus on their practice and not worry about the administrative work involved with insurance credentialing. Additionally, practitioners who are not in network with insurance companies may see a decrease in patient visits and revenue.

3. How much does an insurance credentialing service cost?

The cost of an insurance credentialing service varies depending on the service and whether it is a one-time fee or an ongoing monthly fee. It is important to research and compare different services to find one that fits your budget and needs.

4. How often do I need to renew my insurance credentials?

The frequency of renewal depends on the insurance company and state regulations. However, most insurances require renewal every 2-3 years, with some requiring annual renewal.

5. What information do I need to provide to the insurance credentialing service?

The information required includes personal information, practice information, and license information. The service will provide the necessary forms and assist with completion and submission.

Conclusion

Insurance credentialing services can save medical practitioners time and increase revenue by managing the insurance contracting and credentialing process. By using these services, practitioners can focus on their practice and leave the administrative work to experts. It is important to research and compare different services to find one that fits your budget and needs.