Insurance Credentialing Tips for Dentists

To best stay on top of communications with, and status updates of, insurance companies, it's crucial to put together a solid insurance credentialing management and tracking process. Before putting this process together, there are a few tips to be aware of and common mistakes to avoid.

Dental Insurance Credentialing Tips

• The first thing to do is get organized! Keep a spreadsheet with each application's status, as well as details including insurance company name, contact information, call log, and detailed notes about contact with the insurance company.  
• Make sure your malpractice insurance is kept up-to-date during the insurance credentialing process. Keep an eye on the dates, and if your policy is due to expire during the 90 days, we recommend extending it a bit.
• Double-check to make sure you've completed every application response. Even if a question doesn't apply to you, fill it in with "N/A." If any answer is left blank, the insurance companies may consider it incomplete.
• Be patient and allow plenty of time for the approval of your dental insurance credentialing. This is not a quick process, typically around three months but sometimes as long as six months, which can be very frustrated for dentists. This approval impacts which patients (in-network vs. out-of-network) you can treat.
• Lastly, it's a good idea to follow up with the insurance companies every week. Be friendly but consistent until you have confirmation. We recommend reaching out via email, as this method provides you with a written record of communication.

Dealing with insurance credentialing can be a long and challenging process requiring diligent follow-up and ongoing management. As frustrating as it is, insurance credentialing is a necessary part of owning and operating your dental practice. To learn more, please contact our dental marketing specialists today!