Credentialing applications typically take 60-120 days to process, though timelines vary by payer. During this time, payers may request additional documentation or ask you to correct errors before approving your application.
Important: Early Access customers with solo practices will be able to submit applications directly in SimplePractice starting October 22, 2026. This feature will become more broadly available to solo practices in the coming weeks.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
- Checking the status of your applications
- Preparing your SimplePractice account for insurance billing
- Handling application delays
- FAQs
Note: Use this guide to learn what to expect after submitting credentialing applications through SimplePractice. See Part 1 for an overview of how to get started and Part 2 for instructions on submitting your applications.
Checking the status of your applications
After submitting an application, you can track its status on the Credentialing page.
As applications process, there may be errors or additional information required. These can be corrected from the Credentialing page. We recommend addressing them as quickly as possible to avoid delays.
If you’re not sure how to correct an error or complete your credentialing profile, reach out to our team.
Preparing your SimplePractice account for insurance billing
While waiting for credentialing applications to process, you can begin setting up your SimplePractice account for insurance billing. This is recommended so you’re ready to submit claims as soon as your contract is active.
Account settings
Claims are created using information entered across your account. This includes basic practice information, as well as the following insurance-specific settings:
- NPI and Tax ID/SSN
- Taxonomy code
- The billing address where you see clients
You don’t need to enter this information until you’re ready to start filing claims, but entering it correctly ahead of time can help reduce the likelihood of rejections later on. For more information, see Entering your billing information.
Insurance clients
Claims are also created using clients’ insurance information. All clients you plan to submit claims for should have their billing type set to Insurance.
Note: If you’re seeing these clients while your application is being processed and charging them your full rate, you can leave their billing type as Self-pay. When you’re ready to submit claims, you can change it to Insurance.
They’ll also need an insurance payer and member ID listed in their profile. For steps on how to add this and other demographic information, see Setting up your clients’ profiles.
Adding payers for enrollment
Adding payers to your Payers list can help you:
- Manage which insurance companies you work with
- Familiarize yourself with the different plan names and payer IDs they use
- Prepare to submit enrollments when you’re eligible
Enrollments are specific to SimplePractice. Depending on the enrollment type, they allow you to submit claims electronically or receive Payment Reports (ERAs). While you aren’t able to submit enrollments until credentialed, you can start adding payers to your list right away. For more information, see Adding insurance payers and selecting the correct payer ID.
Handling application delays
The application status on the Credentialing page highlights issues that can cause processing delays. If you have questions about next steps, reach out to our team for help understanding the status of your application and if it needs to be corrected.
FAQs
- Can I see clients while waiting for my credentialing to be approved?
- What’s the difference between credentialing and enrolling?
- What if I submitted an application to the wrong payer?
- How long does credentialing take?
- How will I know when credentialing is complete?
- What should I do when my credentialing application is approved?
- What does panel closed mean?
Can I see clients while waiting for my credentialing to be approved?
You may be able to see clients while your application is processing, but check with the payer to confirm what’s allowed before your contract is active. Services provided before your contract is active may be considered out-of-network, meaning you’d collect your full rate without insurance reimbursement.
Additionally, claims submitted through SimplePractice before your contract is active are likely to be rejected.
What’s the difference between credentialing and enrolling?
Credentialing is the process of joining an insurance payer’s panel. Enrolling within SimplePractice means creating a connection with a payer you’re already credentialed with so you can receive Payment Reports (ERAs) for submitted claims.
You must be credentialed with a payer before you can enroll with them through SimplePractice.
What if I submitted an application to the wrong payer?
Credentialing applications can’t be refunded. If you submitted an application to the wrong payer, you’ll need to submit a new application. If you’re not sure which payer to select, reach out to our team before submitting the application.
How long does credentialing take?
Payers review credentialing applications on their own timelines. Many applications take 60-120 days to process, but the timing can vary.
How will I know when credentialing is complete?
We’ll email you when your application status in the Credentialing page changes to Complete. The payer may also contact you separately with confirmation and any additional documentation.
What should I do when my credentialing application is approved?
After a payer approves your credentialing application, we recommend submitting a Payment Report (ERA) enrollment. This enrollment isn’t required to submit claims, but it can take several weeks to process. Payment Reports are highly recommended if you want to automate your insurance bookkeeping. For more information, see Submitting enrollments to file claims and receive Payment Reports.
SimplePractice offers several Live Q&As and on-demand classes covering topics from basic to advanced insurance knowledge.
You can find additional insurance resources in our Help Center, including:
- Getting started with insurance billing
- Filing primary claims in SimplePractice
- Understanding claim statuses
- Insurance Essentials
What does panel closed mean?
Panel closed is a final application status you may see on the Credentialing page. This means the payer has closed their panel to new providers, and your application won’t be processed.
The payer may reopen their panel at a later date, but this isn’t something SimplePractice has insight into.
Credentialing credits used for a payer whose panel closes aren’t refundable. If the payer reopens its panel, you won’t need to purchase another credit. For more information, see What are panel closures?