I recently purchased “How to Thrive in Counseling Private Practice” and enjoyed reading it, thank you. I had a question about insurance credentialing. I would like to start a private practice but don’t imagine I will be ready for clients for at least 6 months from now. I have been offered a “fee for service” position and will be credentialed through their practice. The owner of the practice told me he would get me a CAQH and do the credentialing. My question is do I still need to be credentialed individually and if I do would it be in my best interest to take the position and get the help with the CAQH? I appreciate any feedback you can give me!
Thank you,
Counselor (name redacted)
Hi Counselor,
Good question.
You asked: “My question is do I still need to be credentialed individually…”
Maybe. If you’re put on a group contract–then yes, it is likely individual credentialing will need to be completed (though the process might go a little faster than if you were starting completely from scratch). If you’re being independently credentialed, you might just need to update your practice address (or add an address) if you were wanting to practice elsewhere.
You also asked: “…and if I do would it be in my best interest to take the position and get the help with the CAQH?”
Take the position if you want to be part of the company and want to build a caseload and do good work for this practice. Don’t take the position because you want someone to complete your CAQH and pay for your credentialing so you can leave in a few months and build a caseload elsewhere.
I’m not saying you’re doing this, but some counselors (and other healthcare providers) do. Be very upfront with your potential employer about your long term goals. If they are investing in your credentialing, it’s likely they’ll want you to stay on their team for a long time.
You can work with a credentialing team who will take over the process for you. If you’re looking for medical billing or credentialing help, consider our friends at East Meadow Management Group. They’re available to offer a timely quote, or help you find a solution. You can reach them at 516-277-8291 or by filling out this quick and easy form here.
Let’s keep in touch! Sign up to receive our newsletter:
Anthony Centore
Can a physician be credentialed with a group practice and his/her own practice at the same time?
Hello Thriveworks representative,
I joined a group practice who has a person complete credentialing for me for the practice. I work at the group practice three days a week and also have an office at home-private practice.
What do you charge to assist me with credentialing for my home office?
Thank you,
Ditto to both “Scarlet” and “alyce d lee” questions. I have worked for a group practice since December 2016, and the owners are very proprietary; do not like the idea that I have a small, fee-for-service private practice independent of their’s. I also believe these owners are not acting in my best interest, and would like to grow my very small, fee-for-service practice into an insurance-based, client based practice.
How do I go about this properly? And, I have been told I should invest in the services of a credentialing expert, who can then get me on various insurance panels, independently. Please advise me. Thank you for your time and attention to this inquiry.
Sincerely,
Linda Y., LMHC
Largo, FL
This sort of addresses my issue with my current employer who is not acting in my best interest. I have just contacted your agency.