BH Credentialing Services USA 2026 — Timeline + Cost
Realistic Timeline
- CAQH profile setup: 1-2 weeks
- Panel application submission: 1-2 weeks
- Credentialing review by payer: 60-180 days (varies)
- Contract negotiation: 2-4 weeks
- Contract effective date: 30-60 days after signing
- Total realistic timeline: 90-240 days per panel
Cost Benchmarks
- DIY: $0 direct cost + 40-80 hours of provider time
- Solo credentialing service: $500-$3K per provider per panel
- Full-service credentialing (all panels bundled): $1500-$5K per provider
- Ongoing maintenance (CAQH updates, re-cred): $200-$800/provider/year
Common Delays
- Incomplete CAQH profile (missing docs)
- Panel closed to new providers (must wait for reopening)
- Malpractice insurance certificate gap
- DEA license expiration
- State license verification delays
- Missing NPI Type 1 or Type 2
Top Panels to Enroll (BH Providers)
- Optum Behavioral Health
- Carelon Behavioral Health
- Beacon Health Options
- Aetna BH
- Cigna BH
- UnitedHealthcare Commercial
- Regional Blues (state-specific)
- State Medicaid MCO (each state)
- Medicare (if serving 65+)
Revenant Care handles credentialing · Pricing
– KD, Revenant Care