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Credentialing with SimplePractice

Henry
Updated

Credentialing is the process of joining an insurance payer’s network so you can see clients covered by that payer and submit claims for their services. You’ll need to become credentialed with each payer you plan to work with. SimplePractice lets you manage credentialing applications directly from your account.

In this guide, we’ll cover:

Note: Early Access customers with solo practices will be able to submit applications directly in SimplePractice starting October 22, 2026. In the meantime, you can use this guide to learn what’s required and prepare your CAQH profile.

Introducing credentialing through SimplePractice

Credentialing is the process of joining an insurance payer’s panel. Once credentialed, also known as becoming paneled, you can see clients covered by that payer and submit claims for services. Your reimbursement rates depend on your agreement with the payer. 

You can purchase, submit, and manage credentialing applications directly from your SimplePractice account. 

Note: At this time, only Account Owners who are also the clinician being credentialed can submit credentialing applications through SimplePractice.

While your application is processing, you won’t be able to submit claims or enrollments to payers you aren’t yet credentialed with. 

Important: While SimplePractice assists with submitting credentialing applications, we’re not involved in setting rates or reviewing contract details between you and the payer.  

Understanding credentialing requirements

To begin submitting credentialing applications, you’ll need:

  • An active license
  • An individual, Type 1 NPI
  • Your Tax ID, Social Security Number (SSN), or Employee Identification Number (EIN)
  • A SimplePractice subscription
  • A CAQH account

Note: At this time, you can submit a credentialing application only for yourself. Applications for other clinicians on your account and group contract credentialing aren’t supported.

Completing your credentialing profile and next steps

CAQH is an online database where providers can save their license information, credentialing details, and work history. A CAQH account is required to submit applications through SimplePractice.

Because SimplePractice doesn’t verify your credentialing information or communicate directly with payers, it’s important that your CAQH profile is up to date and attested. This allows us to import your credentialing profile into your SimplePractice account so you can submit applications using your current information.  

If you don’t have a CAQH profile, create one through the CAQH Provider Data Portal. If you already have a CAQH profile, log in to CAQH and confirm that your information is up to date and attested. Attestation is required at least every 120 days, even if your information and documentation haven’t changed. 

There's no cost to use CAQH. For more information, see our guide on Creating a CAQH account or the CAQH provider user guide.

Once your CAQH profile is complete and attested, make note of your CAQH ID. You’ll need this to begin submitting credentialing applications through SimplePractice.

Note: Credentialing through SimplePractice will be available to early access customers starting October 22, 2026. Until then, you can prepare your CAQH profile, but you can’t submit credentialing applications through SimplePractice.

FAQs

Can I get credentialed if I'm not yet licensed?

No. An active license is required to submit credentialing applications through SimplePractice. 

Is my credentialing tied to SimplePractice?

No. While we assist with the credentialing process, the contract is between your practice and the payer. If you leave SimplePractice, you won’t lose your credentialing contract. If you’re already credentialed a payer, you don’t need to submit another application to that payer through SimplePractice. 

Is credentialing through SimplePractice available to group practices?

Direct credentialing through SimplePractice will initially be available to solo clinicians. Practices with multiple clinicians aren't supported yet. We'll share updates as availability changes.

Do I have to pay for SimplePractice while waiting to be credentialed?

Yes. You need an active SimplePractice subscription to submit and monitor credentialing applications. If you cancel your subscription, your applications won’t be affected, but you won’t be able to correct errors or provide additional documentation through SimplePractice if the payer requests it. We can’t assist with credentialing that takes place outside of SimplePractice. 

What rates will I receive?

Rates depend on the contract between you as an independent provider and the payers you work with. SimplePractice helps facilitate the credentialing process, but doesn't determine or negotiate the rates, doesn’t pay you directly, and isn't involved in the contractual relationship between you and the payer.

Does SimplePractice handle my billing once I’m credentialed?

No. You’ll remain responsible for filing claims and managing payments through SimplePractice, with features like electronic claim filing and ERA enrollment to help simplify insurance billing. If you work with a biller, you can add them to your account with the free biller role on the Plus plan.

If you’re interested in additional tools and personalized guidance with insurance billing, learn more about Insurance Navigator.

Can I submit an application if I’m pre-licensed and currently practicing under supervision? 

While some payers support credentialing pre-licensed clinicians, we aren’t able to assist with these applications through SimplePractice. You’ll need to apply outside of SimplePractice. We recommend contacting the payer directly if you have questions. 

How much does credentialing cost?

Credentialing applications cost $149 each. Some payers may require both an individual provider application and a group application, even for a single provider. In those cases, you’ll need to purchase two applications.