How to Get Credentialed with Insurance Companies as a Provider

If you’re a behavioral health provider, getting credentialed with insurance companies is one of the best ways to grow your practice. Credentialing lets you accept insurance, reach more clients, and get paid by payers. The process takes time, but it doesn’t have to be confusing.

At Mint Billing, we help providers nationwide manage credentialing from start to finish. This guide breaks down the steps, explains why credentialing matters, and shows you how to avoid delays.

What Is Insurance Credentialing?

Credentialing means an insurance company checks your qualifications. They verify your education, licenses, experience, and malpractice coverage. Once you’re credentialed, you become an in-network provider. That means clients using insurance can find and use your services more easily.

Why Credentialing Matters

Getting credentialed with insurance companies helps your practice by:

• Increasing access: Clients want to use their insurance for therapy or counseling.
• Boosting visibility: Your name appears in the insurance directory.
• Speeding up payment: Being in-network simplifies claims and billing.
• Building trust: Clients see credentialed providers as more reliable.

Step-by-Step: How to Get Credentialed

1. Gather Your Documents

Collect everything you need before you start:

• State license and national certifications
• Malpractice insurance
• NPI number
• Resume or CV
• Practice address and contact info
• Tax ID and W-9
• CAQH profile (keep it updated and attested)

2. Choose Insurance Companies to Apply With

Think about what insurance your clients use. Apply to 3–5 companies that match your location and specialty. These often include:

• Blue Cross Blue Shield
• Aetna
• Cigna
• UnitedHealthcare
• Medicaid (check your state rules)

3. Fill Out the Applications

Each insurance provider has its own process. Some use online portals; others require paper forms. Make sure you:

• Fill out all sections
• Include all documents
• Keep copies of what you submit

4. Update Your CAQH Profile

Most insurers check your CAQH profile. This is a shared database with your professional information. To avoid issues:

• Complete the profile
• Attest it every 120 days
• Make sure it matches your applications

5. Wait for Verification

The review process usually takes 90–120 days. During this time:

• Follow up every 3–4 weeks
• Log all your communication
• Respond fast to requests for more info

6. Sign Your Contract

Once approved, the insurance company will send you a participation agreement. Review it closely. It covers:

• Reimbursement rates
• Claims submission rules
• Payment timelines

Sign it, and you’re now officially in-network.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using an outdated CAQH profile
• Leaving out required documents
• Skipping follow-ups
• Missing re-attestation deadlines
• Applying to plans you’re not licensed for

Can You Get Help with Credentialing?

Yes. Many providers use credentialing services to save time. At Mint Billing, we handle:

• Paperwork
• Application tracking
• Insurance follow-ups

We work with:

• Therapists and counselors
• Nurse practitioners and psychiatrists
• Solo providers and group practices

We also offer help with insurance verification, claims follow-up, and billing services.

Keep Your Credentialing Updated

Credentialing isn’t one-and-done. Most insurance companies require re-credentialing every 2–3 years. To stay current:

• Renew your license and malpractice coverage
• Re-attest to CAQH on time
• Track all expiration dates

Ready to Start?

If credentialing feels overwhelming, Mint Billing is here to help. We guide behavioral health providers through every step of the process. From choosing networks to submitting paperwork, we’ve got it covered.

Contact us today to become an in-network provider and grow your practice.