Can a New Provider Start Seeing Patients Without Credentialing?

Starting a medical practice or joining an existing one as a new provider brings excitement, hope, and a fair amount of challenges, especially when it comes to credentialing. One of the most common questions asked by doctors, nurses, and healthcare practitioners entering the field or transitioning to a new setting is: Can I start seeing patients before I’m fully credentialed? This article explores the fears, goals, and practical solutions around this issue while emphasizing how Medical Billing Services for Small Practices and Healthcare Billing Services play a crucial role in smoothing out the process. The Credentialing Challenge: Why It’s a Big Deal Credentialing is the process of getting a provider approved by insurance companies so they can bill and receive reimbursement for services rendered. It includes verifying education, training, experience, and licensing. The process is thorough—and slow. It may take anywhere from 60 to 180 days or more. For a new provider, this delay po...