Answers to the questions we hear most.

Credentialing verifies that a provider meets professional standards such as licensure, education and experience. Payers require it before you can join their networks.

Timelines vary by payer: Cigna and Optum typically take 2–3 months, Aetna 3–5 months, and Humana 5–6 months. Blue Cross Blue Shield plans vary by state. (Accurate as of January 2026.)

Yes. Most insurance panels use the CAQH database. Keep your profile current with all documents and attestations. An out-of-date profile is one of the most common causes of delays.

A CAQH profile, a Tax ID, an NPI 2 if you operate as an LLC, PLLC or S-Corp (even single-member), professional liability insurance, and a practice address and phone number.

NPI 1 is your individual number, tied to you and your Social Security number for life. NPI 2 is an organizational number for any business that uses a Tax ID, and it's used for contracting and billing.

It comes down to who owns the contract. A group contract belongs to the business and isn't portable. If a provider leaves, they start over. Cigna and Optum usually require 4–6 licensed providers for a group contract; Aetna and BCBS require two; some plans like Humana will contract a group of one.

An individual contract belongs to the provider, who lists the business Tax ID and NPI for payment. If they leave, they keep their in-network status and submit an 'add a Tax ID' request with their new practice.