Frequently Asked Questions List

Credentialing in healthcare is the process of verifying a provider’s qualifications, experience, and background so that they can participate in an insurance network. During credentialing (sometimes called insurance credentialing, provider enrollment, or insurance panel enrollment), insurance companies review your education, licenses, certifications, and work history to ensure you meet their standards for quality care. This process gives patients access to qualified, vetted professionals. For therapists, counselors, nurse practitioners, and other providers, credentialing is a necessary step to become an in-network provider for various insurance plans – it’s what allows you to bill those insurance companies for the services you provide. It’s an important foundation that makes your services available to clients who want to use their health benefits.

The average credentialing timeline is 60–120 days, depending on the insurance payer and how quickly we receive all required documents from you. We’ll keep you updated throughout the process and follow up regularly with payers to prevent delays.

The credentialing timeline can vary depending on the insurance company, but typically it takes a few months for most providers to get fully credentialed. On average, you might expect around 60 to 90 days for an insurance panel to review and approve an application, though it can sometimes extend to 120 days or more for certain networks. Factors like the completeness of your application and how quickly the insurance company processes new provider enrollments can affect the timeframe. Bridge Credentialing Solutions works to make this as quick and smooth as possible: we submit your paperwork promptly and follow up regularly with the insurers to check on the status. Throughout the waiting period, we keep you informed of any updates, so you’re never left in the dark about where you are in the process.

You’ll need to provide your NPI number, CAQH profile, license(s), malpractice insurance, and a completed intake form. We’ll send you a checklist to simplify this process during onboarding.

We primarily work with licensed behavioral health providers, including therapists, counselors, social workers, psychologists, and nurse practitioners. If you're unsure whether we can support your specialty, feel free to reach out—we're happy to help!

Bridge Credentialing Solutions offers comprehensive credentialing services for therapists, counselors, and other healthcare providers. We’re here to streamline the credentialing process for you by handling the time-consuming paperwork and online applications, so you don’t have to navigate it alone. Our team will gather all the necessary information (licenses, certifications, references, etc.) and submit complete, accurate applications to each insurance panel or provider network you want to join. We also provide provider contracting support – once you’re approved by an insurance network, we assist with reviewing and finalizing the contract to get you in-network. Throughout the process, we act as your advocate, communicating with insurance companies on your behalf, following up on the status of your applications, and addressing any issues that arise. By letting us manage these details, you save valuable time and can focus on your practice while we make sure you get credentialed efficiently and correctly.

Getting credentialed with insurance networks (also known as becoming paneled with insurance companies) allows you to accept clients who want to use their health insurance for therapy or medical services. By enrolling in insurance panels, you make your counseling or healthcare services more accessible and affordable to a wider range of clients, since many people prefer to see providers who are “in-network” to reduce their out-of-pocket costs. In short, credentialing helps you expand your practice by connecting you with more clients who might not otherwise be able to afford services. It also adds credibility to your practice, as being in-network with major insurers signals that you have met their professional standards.

When you work with Bridge Credentialing Solutions, you’ll have support at every step of the credentialing journey. We pride ourselves on being accessible and communicative – you can reach out with questions at any time, and we provide regular updates so you always know the status of your applications. From the initial paperwork gathering to the final approval, our team is by your side to explain each phase and handle any follow-up requests from insurers. If an insurance company needs additional information or if any issues arise, we take care of it and let you know what’s happening. Our goal is for you to feel confident and informed throughout the process, never overwhelmed by jargon or red tape.

Credentialing verifies your qualifications (licenses, education, malpractice insurance, etc.) while contracting is the agreement between you and an insurance company outlining your reimbursement rates and terms. We assist with both, guiding you through the full process to become in-network.

Yes! We offer credential monitoring and re-credentialing services to ensure your information stays up-to-date with payers and doesn’t lapse. This service helps you stay in-network and compliant

Bridge Credentialing Solutions provides a range of services to meet your credentialing and contracting needs. Whether you’re a brand-new practice or an established provider, we tailor our assistance to help you navigate insurance requirements smoothly. Our key services include: Credentialing for new practices and providers – We help new therapists and healthcare practices with initial credentialing for insurance panels. Our team guides you through each step of enrolling in the insurance networks that fit your new practice from day one. Credentialing for established practices – For existing practices or established providers, we assist with expanding your in-network coverage. This includes helping add new insurance network contracts or credentialing additional providers in your practice. Insurance contract review – We review insurance contracts and fee schedules with you. We’ll explain all the terms and ensure you understand your obligations and reimbursement rates before you sign. Contract maintenance – After you’re credentialed, we help manage your ongoing relationships with insurance panels. This can include updating contracts when changes occur, negotiating renewals or terms if needed, and addressing any issues with the insurance companies. Ongoing credentialing maintenance – We also provide ongoing support to maintain your credentials over time. This includes keeping your CAQH profile up to date, handling periodic re-credentialing requests from insurers, and ensuring your licenses and certifications stay current.