Do psychologists and counselors need to get credentialed? The short answer is yes! Our credentialing team understands that getting on insurance panels is crucial for all healthcare providers, including those in the field of therapy or psychology. Here are a few reasons why:
1. It allows for flexibility.
If you’re a healthcare professional who works for a hospital or other large practice, then you are likely able to accept your patients’ insurance because your employer is credentialed. If, on the other hand, you leave this practice, you can no longer accept their insurance… because you’re no longer on insurance panels.
Finding clients who will utilize your services is going to be pretty difficult if you don’t take insurance. Therefore, it’s important you get credentialed! This will provide you with the flexibility to start your own practice or to simply move to a new location (if you already have your own practice) without losing those insurance panels. In addition, you can negotiate a higher salary with your employer, since you don’t have to rely on them heavily for billing insurance.
2. People now often use HMOs (or Health Maintenance Organizations).
Before, mental health professionals could get away with not getting on insurance panels. Why? Because they relied on PPOs or Preferred Provider Options. However, nowadays people use HMOs more often than PPOs.
Even in the rare case that a client does use PPO, you’ll still see penalties and fees if you aren’t in that network. Financially, PPOs just aren’t viable options anymore. Not to mention there are a plethora of other therapists and mental health services that will accept a client’s insurance.
3. More and more people are seeking out mental health services.
Access to mental health treatment has increased as recent healthcare reform reduced the rates of uninsured adults. According to Mental Health America, the greatest decrease in uninsured adults was seen in states that expanded Medicaid coverage. Additionally, more and more people are warming up to the idea of mental health treatment. As our society continues to tear down the stigma surrounding mental illness, people feel increasingly more comfortable seeking mental healthcare.
Universal healthcare gives everyone the ability to rely on insurance for their medical needs, and that includes mental health. This makes for another reason why it’s so important for you to get credentialed with prevalent insurance companies in your region. Your clients are relying on you to accept their insurance plans and provide them with the services they need.
You could complete the credentialing process yourself… but you should know that it is an extensive process, which many healthcare providers refer to as “a nightmare.” To save yourself the time, energy, and the headaches, let our credentialing team complete this process for you. We have the skills and the experience to get you on the insurance panels you desire. Just give us a call at 1-855-664-5154 to get started. We’re looking forward to working with you!