Why Delegating Credentialing and Enrollment Can Help Practices Run More Efficiently
Payer enrollment is not a one-time task: it demands ongoing attention to applications, revalidations, and updates for provider changes like new locations or specialties. Each step carries strict deadlines and complex documentation. Managing this in-house pulls valuable time from patient care and practice growth. Outsourcing healthcare credentialing services to experts like Preferred HCP saves providers significant time, reduces payer enrollment delays, and ensures applications are done right the first time.
The Burden of In-House Enrollment
In-house staff often handle payer enrollment alongside patient scheduling, billing, and clinical duties, leaving little room for the precision this process requires. Payer rules are complex and ever-changing: a single oversight can delay reimbursements or lead to denied claims. Industry estimates suggest a single credentialing application takes 20 to 30 hours to complete. Multiply this by multiple providers and payers, and the workload becomes overwhelming, diverting hours from revenue-generating tasks like patient support and practice expansion.
The Risks of In-House Payer Enrollment
Beyond the time burden, in-house enrollment carries significant risks. Delayed submissions, incomplete CAQH profiles, or missed payer-specific requirements can lead to denied applications, stalling reimbursements for weeks or months. These delays frustrate providers, disrupt patient access to care, and increase costs for resubmitting paperwork. Practices relying on overstretched staff often face bottlenecks that keep new providers sidelined, costing thousands in lost revenue.
How Outsourcing Simplifies Healthcare Credentialing
Outsourcing payer enrollment to credentialing specialists like Preferred HCP streamlines the process. Our experts know payer requirements, track deadlines, and submit accurate applications, often cutting approval times by weeks. Outsourcing offers:
- Consistency: Real-time monitoring ensures applications and revalidations stay current.
- Expertise: Specialists stay updated on Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial payer rules.
- Scalability: Growing practices can add providers without enrollment delays.
This efficiency frees staff to focus on core operations, boosting practice productivity.
The Real Value: More Time for Patients
Outsourcing healthcare payer enrollment services does more than reduce administrative headaches: it gives providers and staff more time for patients. By minimizing paperwork, practices can enhance patient care, expand services, and grow their business. Our last article highlighted how enrollment delays cost providers $15,000 to $30,000 per provider in lost revenue. Outsourcing prevents these losses, ensuring providers are credentialed quickly and accurately. Next, we’ll compare in-house versus outsourced credentialing to help you choose the best approach for your practice.
Take Control of Your Credentialing Today
Do not let payer enrollment delays slow your practice or drain your revenue. Preferred HCP’s expert credentialing services save time, reduce risks, and keep your providers active. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discover how outsourcing can transform your practice’s efficiency.
