If you’re a physician, NP, or clinic leader trying to join payer networks, you’ve probably asked the question no one likes to answer: how long is credentialing going to take?

Short answer: it depends—on your state, your payer mix, and how buttoned-up your paperwork is. Most folks land in the 60–120 day window. Some wait six months or more. Yes, really.

So let’s skip the myths and talk real timelines by payer and state, plus the simple process fixes that move you from “stalled” to “approved.”

The Big Picture: Average Credentialing Timelines

TL;DR: Think months, not weeks. Stack processes, don’t wait in series.

• Medicare: 30–90 days (PECOS done right can be on the fast side)
• Medicaid: 60–120 days (varies wildly by state; managed care usually adds time)
• Commercial payers: 90–120+ days (closed panels and backlogs happen)
• Hospitals/Privileges: tack on 30–60 days for committee reviews

On the high end, 150–180 days before you’re fully in-network isn’t unusual. Painful? Yes. Avoidable? Often.

Credentialing Timelines by State (Real-World Averages)

Your mileage will vary based on payer load, panel status, and how clean your file is.

• California: 90–120 days (commercial tends to lag; Medi-Cal varies by county)
• Texas: 60–90 days (commercial moves quicker; Medicaid ~90)
• Florida: 90–120+ days (Medicaid MCOs commonly add weeks)
• New York: 120–150 days (both Medicaid and commercial trend longer)
• Illinois: 90–120 days (Medicaid leans to the high side)

Pro tip: Start 4–6 months before your intended start date. That’s how you prevent cash-flow heartburn.

Why Credentialing Drags (Even When You’re Doing “Everything Right”)

It’s rarely one big blocker—it’s death by a thousand paper cuts:

• Paperwork overload: every payer wants the same info in a different wrapper
• Tiny errors, big stalls: TIN/NPI/taxonomy mismatches freeze files
• Radio silence: you won’t hear a peep unless you follow up
• Inconsistent rules: closed panels, odd local requirements, and “please resend” loops
• Recredentialing creep: every 2–3 years the clock restarts if you don’t track it

DIY: How to Actually Speed Things Up

No magic wand—just boring, consistent ops that pay off:

• Keep CAQH 100% updated and attested (old licenses = instant delays)
• Standardize addresses, taxonomy codes, NPIs everywhere
• Build a single source folder: CV, licenses, DEA, malpractice, W-9, EFT, NPIs
• Put biweekly payer follow-ups on the calendar (and keep receipts)
• Turn around development requests within 48 hours—the queue won’t wait for you

Where CureMD Shaves Weeks Off (And Stress, too)

Most delays are preventable with better systems and relentless follow-up. That’s the playbook:

• Centralized document management — no missing pieces, no duplicate hunting
• Automated status tracking & reminders — deadlines don’t slip quietly
• Biweekly updates & 24/7 dashboards — zero guesswork on “where things stand”
• 50-state payer expertise — Medicare, Medicaid, commercial plans

Net result: clients commonly save 4–8 weeks and avoid costly denials because issues get surfaced and fixed before they become stalls.

Bottom Line (and Next Step)

Credentialing takes time. It doesn’t have to take forever. With a clean file, tight follow-ups, and the right partner, you can cut delays, reduce denials, and start seeing patients sooner.

Request a Credentialing Readiness Review to see exactly where you stand—and what to fix first.

 

FAQs

What’s the average credentialing time for physicians?
Expect 60–120 days on average; plan for up to six months if panels are closed or you’re chasing corrections.

Is Medicare faster?
Often. With PECOS filed correctly, it can move in ~30 days, though 30–90 is normal.

How do we avoid delays?
Start early, keep CAQH pristine, standardize your data, and follow up biweekly. An expert service adds guardrails and velocity.

Do all states follow the same timeline?
Not even close. State Medicaid rules and local payer processes create significant variance—plan accordingly.