Credentialing is one of the most burning questions in the healthcare industry. How much does it take to get the credentialing process? Well, there is no specific solution to this problem as there are constant changes in every method as time passes.
According to estimation, it may take 90 to 120 days on the guidelines. Sometimes, it may take 90 days, or in some cases, it may take more than 120 days.
So bear in mind that medical credentialing is a simple process, and you can’t have a cookie-cutter approach. However, you can outsource the physician credentialing to a professional medical billing company.
Before we dive deep into the complexities of the credentialing process, let’s look at what medical credentialing is.
Medical credentialing is an integral part of any healthcare. Credentialing is the process of verifying the physician’s credentials to ensure they are eligible for patient verification. It is the same as having a driving license that enables you to drive your car in legal ways. In addition, your medical credential allows you to provide medical assistance to patients. Credentialing is required for any medical organization, especially in Medicaid, Medicare, and all other private insurance companies.
However, you must provide all necessary documents to begin credentialing, including insurance, medical licensee, and DEA.
You might still have a question in your mind. Let’s answer the question of how long it takes. And what precautions you can take to speed up the process.
Steps for physician credentialing
Step 1: Credentialing applications can be intimidating, especially if you have never filled one out. Depending on your area of specialization, the form may have anywhere from 3 to 300 pages. In addition, you may have to write a letter of interest to get an application form.
Step 2: After applying, your most complicated process will start. You must be careful while filling out the necessary form and keep all the papers in apple-pie order. Every step requires extra care. Keeping everything in order would help because mission and concerns, like certificates or diplomas, may hinder credentialing. Last but not least, be prepared and have a ready-made answer to all the questions related to previous job experience, certifications, etc.
Step 3: Your application and all the required documents must be submitted once you have completed the application form. Your work continues; you must actively follow up for updates on your application. Even though you have been told it may take time, you should follow up on your application.
How to speed up the process
Completing the required application form is the best and fastest way to catalyze your medical credentialing. First, you must use the latest version of the credentialing applications. Take your time, do hassle and fill, and fill the form accurately.
Do not pass a malpractice report; otherwise, it may cause a big challenge in later life. As any company processes, your applications may contact the National Practitioner Data Bank( NPDB) for clarification. The NPDB is the organization that provides the malpractice report for the transparency of the physician’s work. Unfortunately, many physicians have suffered a career blockage while not having malpractice claims in their applications.
Read the application form twice and put your signature where required; the missing signature box will not get you credentialed, and resubmission may take longer than expected. Furthermore, be accurate about the current date. Some documents will demand a copy of your medical license (s), diploma, copy of board certification, and other related certificates if you have done so.
If you remember to put the signature where necessary, you might get into more trouble as it falls into the misleading or false information category. The healthcare company should spend proper time filling out all the ceiling applications. According to the estimation, you must wait 120 days for a new provider to submit the application and wait for the rest.
Further collecting the complete and proper documents is also a necessary part. In the second stage, the application verification process starts with the careers. And the final status is acceptance of the application. Finally, you need to contact the medical billing company that offers a reliable credentialing process and helps the healthcare provider cut extra time and costs.
Final thoughts
Medical credentialing is verifying the practitioners to make them eligible to offer their services in the best range possible. The processing time may vary from person to person according to the insurance company he is going to register with. However, it is suggested that you always fill out all the necessary details and ensure the applications are correct to avoid unpredictable delays.
