Is the Cost of Credentialing Worth It for Small Practices?
The following questions may run through your mind when you run a small clinic or work as a solo provider: Is credentialing worth the cost? It is not cheap. It takes up a lot of your time, and you might wonder, Do I really want this?
When you have a tight budget, every dollar matters. Still, small practices will continue to incur the cost of credentialing in 2025. That is because credentialing turns you into a better provider. It can reach out to more patients, and it is even profitable. Credentialing, therefore, can be the smartest thing you do this year.
What Does Credentialing Provide Small Practices?
Credentialing makes you a member of insurance networks. It implies that insured patients would be able to use your services without paying for them on a case-by-case basis. That’s very important. The larger the patient base, the more consistent your revenue will be.
Credentialing is also useful in the development of trust. It demonstrates to the payers and patients that you are of high standards. It shows that you are serious about rendering quality care. Besides, it creates opportunities in terms of referrals and contracts with local health systems.
Typical Credentialing Costs for Solo Providers
The cost of being credentialed in 2025 as a solo provider in a solo practice environment can begin at $300. When you plan to join multiple insurance schemes, you will end up paying more than 500 dollars or more.
You will also have to pay the re-credentialing which is usually done every few years. It remains prolific with payers. These costs may seem high when you are new to the process.
Note, however, that being credentialed assists you in being reimbursed by insurance. It is basically another way of paying the bill, and a little more. At Credex Healthcare, there are no tricks and gimmicks. We have a straightforward pricing model that is aimed at doing the job without any unnecessary fuss in clinics.
Pros and Cons: Credentialing vs Private Pay
Other solo providers do not take the credentialing path and instead take the private pay option, where they receive direct payments (not through insurance) made by the patients. Although this may be very effective, it narrows down your potential audience. You can earn more money in this way per visit; however, fewer people will be able to afford it.
This may be feasible in a busy center, but in a small town, being out of network may be detrimental to your practice. Credentialing enables you to take care of many more patients. The price per visit will be less, but the number of visits will increase in general.
Thus, in regard to whether it is worth credentialing or not, take into consideration your long-term objectives. Credentialing is essential in developing a solid and expanding patient base.
Case Study: Cost vs Reimbursement Gains
Suppose, then, that you spend $400 to become credentialed with three payers. That will be out-of-pocket. What now happens is that you suppose that those plans will put ten new patients a month.
You have already made a profit greater than what you had invested within a month. Credentialing has a belief in power. Even small medical groups can have excellent ROI of credentialing of your medical group. We have assisted individual providers at Credex to create a couple of hundred dollars in monthly steady revenue. It is what we excel at. Get your healthcare growth partner: Say yes to a discovery call today.
Outsourcing Options for Budget-Conscious Practices
One of the things that may occur to you is attempting to do the credentialing yourself when you are trying to save money. However, the reality is that it is a complex thing. It is very time-consuming, and in case of any mistakes, there might be delays and refusals.
That is why most small practices seek outsourcing. With a service such as Credex Healthcare, you are spared all the hassles. We call payers, investigate your papers, renew CAQH, and pursue you until you get an approval. You are concerned about the well-being of your patients; we do the rest. Outsourcing is also not as big a pain, besides being cheaper in the long run. You do not suffer the losses incurred by delays, and payment is also received within a shorter period.
Conclusion
The process of credentialing is not free. It is sometimes the most viable method for small and solo practices to expand. It works to attract new patients, to build confidence and to make you stay competitive. The good news? You do not need to do everything by yourself.
At Credex Healthcare, we assist small practices like yours every day. We make the process straightforward and cost-effective. Now you know how to answer whenever you’ve wondered if credentialing is worth it.
Let’s learn the value of credentialing! Book a call and get a free quote now, no fuss, no fuss. Credentialing made simple.
FAQs
Do I need to become credentialed as a solo provider?
Yes, in case you want to accept insurance and expand your patient base. It assists you in reaching more individuals.
How much is credentialing worth?
The cost is recouped within the first month because many small practices cover it. The more patients, the more income.
Do small practices have the funds to pay for credentialing services?
Yes, and particularly in instances where the providers are clear, flat rates, such as Credex Healthcare.
What are the dangers of self-credentialing?
Errors may cause a delay, rejected claims, and lost revenue. The reason why outsourcing saves time and minimizes errors is that it eliminates guesswork.
What is the time frame of the credentialing process?
It may take multiple days. However, this becomes faster when the process is initiated at an early age and with the assistance of a reputable service.