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.
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Anthony Centore
Interested in pricing on helping to credential independently. I am already credentialed via a group practice and I would like to branch out on my own.
About credentialing
If a position is 1099, does that usually mean that the practice you join as a 1099 has you credentialed under their group NPI or they’ll do the credentialing for you but it’ll be as if you’re independently credentialed with insurances and your profile would list them as your place of service?