How Long Does BCBS Credentialing Take?

Blue Cross Blue Shield credentialing is an important step for healthcare workers who want to join one of the largest insurance networks in the United States, which has over 110 million members. Knowing how long BCBS licensing takes helps providers plan the opening of new practices, make decisions about hiring, and set financial goals during enrollment times, when overhead costs stay the same, but income doesn’t decline.  

Many providers are confused by the BCBS licensing timeline because it changes a lot depending on the type of provider, the number of applications that are complete, and the amount of work that payers must accomplish at different times of the year. This detailed guide explains why BCBS credentialing takes an average of 60–120 days for most providers, breaks down the process step by step, and shows what happens during each phase from application submission to network activation.  

Average BCBS Credentialing Timeline 

The typical BCBS credentialing timeline spans 60–120 days, from initial application submission to final approval and network activation. However, this range represents ideal scenarios with complete applications and efficient processing. Many providers experience longer timelines when applications contain errors, documentation is incomplete, or verification processes encounter delays from third parties slowly responding to requests. 

Timeline Breakdown

• Fast Track (60-75 days): Complete applications with no issues, efficient CAQH profiles, and streamlined verification 

• Standard (75-90 days): Most providers with well-prepared applications experience approval within this range. 

• Extended (90-120 days): Complex applications, verification delays, or minor documentation issues extend timelines. 

• Prolonged (120+ days): Incomplete applications, significant issues requiring investigation, or multiple resubmission cycles 

Step-by-Step BCBS Credentialing Timeline 

Submitting an application (Week 1-2) 

For the BCBS licensing process to begin, providers must first send applications through the CAQH ProView or specific BCBS plan sites. Credentialing offices conduct basic reviews to ensure that applications are complete, that all the necessary papers are attached, and that there  

Getting a BCBS pass usually takes between 60 and 120 days, from when the first application is sent in to when it is approved and the network is activated. This range, on the other hand, shows the best-case situations, with all apps running smoothly. Many providers have to wait longer when apps have mistaken, paperwork is missing pieces, or proof processes are held up because third parties are taking too long to reply to requests.  

Breakdown of Timeline

• Fast Track (60–75 days): Complete applications without any problems, CAQH accounts that work well, and easier proof.  

• Standard (75–90 days): This is the time frame in which most well-prepared applications are approved by providers.  

• Extended (90–120 days): Longer wait times are caused by complicated applications, delays in checking, or small problems with paperwork.  

• Long (120 days or more): Applications that aren’t complete, major problems that need to be investigated, or multiple resubmission rounds  

Step-by-Step BCBS Credentialing Timeline 

Sending in an application (Weeks 1-2)  

Providers must first send in applications through the CAQH ProView or certain BCBS plan sites before the license process can begin. Credentialing offices check forms to make sure they are full, include all the necessary paperwork, and don’t have any obvious mistakes. They also look at CAQH accounts to see what’s going on with them. Two to four weeks can be added to the wait time for applications that aren’t fully filled out.  

Review of the CAQH (Week 2–4)  

After the first review, BCBS license staff make sure that provider CAQH profiles are full and up to date by looking for missing information, making sure documents are valid, and checking the state of identification. This step should only take two to four weeks if the accounts are full. There may be delays, though, if accounts aren’t full, papers haven’t been turned in, or information is missing. Before filing, providers should make sure that all of their information is up to date and that their CAQH profiles are also up to date. 

Verification of Primary Sources (Week 4–8) 

In this step, BCBS contacts schools, licensing boards, and other places to make sure the information the providers gave them is correct. It includes making sure they have valid medical degrees, have completed their training, and have current licenses, board certifications, DEA registrations, accident insurance, and a work background. Verification of primary sources usually takes 4 to 8 weeks, but it can take longer if institutions take a long time to respond or if the background is complicated. 

Review and Approval by The Committee (Week 8–12) 

BCBS’s licensing groups check finished provider files to ensure they are final. Committees convene once a month or every two weeks to review applications based on the results of proof and the skills of the providers. The review duration depends on meeting times, application completeness, and case complexity. 

Start Date and Network Signup (Final Step) 

Once accepted by the licensing group, BCBS gives providers start dates and makes them eligible to join their networks. This step involves communicating approval to providers, signing deals, setting effective dates, and preparing networks for claims processing. To make sure of proper patient proof, providers should quickly review and sign agreements, check when they take effect, keep practice management systems up to date, and let staff know about their involvement with BCBS. 

Factors That Affect BCBS Credentialing Time 

• Provider Type: Due to the need for thorough verification, physicians usually must wait 60 to 120 days. Therapists, psychologists, and other mental health professionals may have to wait 75 to 120 days, based on how complicated their license process is.  

• State-Specific BCBS Plan: Each Blue Cross Blue Shield branch operates on its own and has its own licensing procedures and due dates. The way Anthem Blue Cross (California) works might be different from how Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts or Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey functions. 

• Incomplete Documentation: Missing licenses, medical insurance certificates that have expired, work records that aren’t full or don’t account for gaps, and board certifications are just a few of the things that cause immediate delays and add 2 to 6 weeks while providers gather and send the missing items. 

• CAQH Errors: Processing is significantly slowed by incomplete CAQH profiles, old attestations, information that doesn’t match CAQH and applications, and incomplete details in CAQH.  

• Payer Workload: The number of BCBS credentialing requests varies throughout the season. There are fewer requests in the summer and more in January, after people choose their new plans for the year. Processing times are longer during high-volume periods, but they can be shorter during low-volume periods.  

BCBS Credentialing Timeline by Provider Type 

Physicians: The time it takes to get credentialed ranges from 75 to 120 days for primary care doctors and medical specialists. The thorough verification of medical school, residency, internship, board qualification, and multiple licenses leads to longer wait times.  

Nurse Practitioners: Nurse practitioners usually get their BCBS credentials in 60 to 90 days, and they don’t have to go through as many proof steps as doctors do. NPs with a clean record of licenses and necessary paperwork can usually get their credentials in 60 to 75 days. 

Therapists and Counselors: It usually takes 75 to 100 days to be a licensed professional counselor, licensed clinical social worker, or marriage and family therapist. There are specialty-specific standards for behavioral health credentials, such as proof of supervision hours, confirmation of licensure level (provisionally licensed vs. fully licensed), and justification of the area of practice based on degree and training. 

Behavioral Health Providers: Psychiatrists are specialty doctors, so they follow the 75–120-day schedule. To avoid route delays, all behavioral health providers should make sure that their CAQH accounts clearly indicate that they specialize in behavioral health. 

BCBS Credentialing vs Re-Credentialing Timeline 

Initial Credentialing  

The full 60–120-day process for first-time BCBS network registration is outlined above. This includes verifying all IDs from official sources. Initial authentication takes the most time because BCBS must do a lot of research on new network members. 

Re-Credentialing  

BCBS requires current network providers to undergo recredentialing every two to three years. Recredentialing takes 30 to 60 days, which is a lot less time than initial credentialing because BCBS already has provider files on file. Only updated information needs to be verified, and providers keep their CAQH profiles active with up-to-date documents. Additionally, processes focus on ensuring continued compliance rather than conducting new reviews. 

Recredentialing should start 90–120 days before the current licenses expire. This way, providers won’t lose access to the network, which means they can’t generate revenue right away.   

Common Reasons for BCBS Credentialing Delays 

Missing Documents: Incomplete applications, such as updated malpractice insurance certificates, board certifications, DEA certificates, state licenses, and completed transparency forms, lead to immediate licensing delays. 

License Issues: Issues with medical licenses, including expired, restricted, or under probation statuses, as well as unconfirmed licenses from other states, contribute to delays in BCBS licensing. 

Malpractice Insurance Gaps: Gaps in malpractice insurance during the licensing process result in automatic application denial; doctors must maintain minimum coverage of $1 million per incident and $3 million total. 

CAQH Profile Not Attested: Providers must ensure their CAQH profiles are attested every three months, as outdated attestations halt the licensing process, leading to delays of two to four weeks. 

Slow Follow-Ups: Slow responses to BCBS requests for additional information can prolong application processing. Providers should respond within 48 to 72 hours to avoid restarting forms after a 30-day period. 

How to Speed Up BCBS Credentialing 

Complete CAQH Early: Make changes to your profiles 30 to 60 days before you send in your BCBS application. Make sure that all the required paperwork is sent in in its most up-to-date form, that personal currency is checked every three months, and that all the information given is true and fits what is written on the application. Since BCBS has full CAQH records, they can start checking right away, without having to wait for account problems. 

Accurate Documentation: When you send in your forms, make sure they are fully filled out, error-free, and have all the files they need. Make certain that everything you know is right. Names, NPI numbers, license numbers, and more are all in this list. Scans of high-quality papers should be easy to read and free of mistakes because they are so clear.   

Regular Payer Follow-Ups: Every two to three weeks, call the BCBS credentialing company to see how your application is going, make sure you don’t need any more information, and confirm that proof requests have been sent to third parties. You should let them know if the deadlines are too long. Following up on a regular basis is a better way to find and fix problems than just waiting for answers. 

Outsourcing Credentialing Services: It can take providers 90 to 150 days or more to get BCBS approval when they do it themselves, but professional licensing companies can get it done in 60 to 90 days. Experts in credentials make sure that forms are filled out completely the first time they are sent in and that verification requests are regularly followed up on. They have built relationships with BCBS that make it easier to get in touch with them, and they put resources into proactive management that other provider can’t match. 

Should You Hire a Credentialing Company for BCBS? 

Pros of Professional Credentialing Services

• Professional Credentialing Services offer shorter approval wait times (60-90 days compared to 90-150+ days for DIY). 

• Applications must be complete and error-free to prevent rejection. 

• Follow-up systems that make sure paperwork is done on time 

• Set up BCBS ties that make conversation easy. 

• Providers save 30–50 hours of work. 

• Knowing how to deal with complex problems like a person’s criminal record or training gaps 

• Ongoing support with upkeep and recredentialing 

Cons of Professional Services

• Getting a BCBS credential usually costs between $500 and $1,500 upfront. 

• Some companies like having direct control over apps. 

• More planning is needed with the licensing company. 

When Outsourcing Makes Sense

• Providers starting new services that need to make money quickly 

• Not just BCBS, but multiple provider credentials are needed. 

• Providers with complicated backgrounds that could make getting credentialed harder 

• Not enough time for workers to handle the registration process 

• Practices that hire more than one provider need to organize their credentials 

Analysis of Saved Cost & Time 

Professional services that cost $500 to $1,500 can save 30 to 50 hours of time that would have been billed at hourly rates of $3,000 to $10,000 or more. The services also speed up the process of improving cash flow by 30 to 60 days, which is worth $10,000 to $30,000 or more in earlier bills. Professional credentialing saves providers time and helps them get paid faster, so it’s a good investment for most of them. 

Conclusion 

BCBS credentialing typically requires 60-120 days from application submission to network activation. However, this time frame can change depending on the type of service, how full the application is, how hard it is to verify, and how fast the Blue Cross Blue Shield plan handles requests. By having this realistic schedule, you can properly plan for practice launches, employment onboarding, and financial expectations during licensing periods. 

Providers can speed up the credentialing process with BCBS by keeping their CAQH profiles up to date and accurate with quarterly attestations, sending in complete applications with all necessary paperwork the first time, responding quickly to any requests for more information from BCBS, and keeping in touch with the credentialing departments on a regular basis to keep track of progress. For providers who want to get registered as quickly as possible, professional licensing services offer knowledge, organized steps, and committed management that can get approval in 60 to 90 days while freeing up busy providers from routine tasks. 

Ready to accelerate your BCBS credentialing process?  

Contact Credex Healthcare for expert support. Our credentialing specialists achieve BCBS approval faster through complete applications, proactive follow-up, and established BCBS relationships.  

FAQs 

How long does BCBS credentialing usually take? 

BCBS credentialing usually takes between 60 and 120 days, from when the application is sent in to when it is approved, and the network is activated. Most providers get approved within 75 to 90 days if their forms are complete, and there are no problems. 

Can BCBS credentialing take longer than 120 days? 

Yes. BCBS credentialing can take longer than 120 days if applications aren’t complete, verifications take too long, or unresolved issues arise. Complex cases with a background of discipline or training from outside the country may take 150 days or more. 

Does BCBS credentialing time vary by state? 

Yes. The time it takes to get credentials varies between Blue Cross Blue Shield companies because they are all separate. Plans in different states work faster than others, depending on their means, volume, and how they do things internally.  

How long does BCBS re-credentialing take? 

Recredentialing with BCBS for current network providers usually takes 30 to 60 days, which is a lot less time than the initial credentialing. When you recredential, you are updating lapsed credentials instead of conducting new verification.  

Can credentialing companies speed up BCBS approval? 

Yes. Professional credentialing companies usually get BCBS approval within 60–90 days. This is compared to 90–150+ days for providers to get approval on their own by submitting full forms, following up regularly, and establishing a relationship with BCBS.