Today, we’re tackling one of the most common (and costly) mistakes I see dietitians make when starting to work with insurance.
Let’s clear it up quickly because this misunderstanding can cost you hundreds (even thousands) in lost income.
It Starts With Knowing the Difference: Credentialing vs. Contracting
If you’d rather watch me explain this, click HERE for the YouTube Video.
Let’s break it down.
Credentialing = Verifying Your Qualifications
Credentialing is the first step in becoming an insurance-based provider. It’s where the insurance company verifies your background to ensure you meet their standards.
This includes reviewing:
- Your RD license
- Your degrees and education
- Liability insurance
- NPI number
- Work history
- Credentials like your RD or CNS
Goal: To prove you’re professionally qualified to serve their members
Timeline: Usually takes 60–120 days
But here’s the thing: Credentialing alone does NOT make you in-network.
Too many dietitians receive that “You’re credentialed!” email and assume they can start billing.
Not quite.
That comes next — in the contracting phase.
Contracting = Signing the Agreement
Contracting is where you receive and sign the official agreement that makes you in-network. It outlines your reimbursement rates, billing rules, and legal terms.
Depending on the payer, this can happen right after credentialing or alongside it.
It includes:
- Your fee schedule
- Provider obligations
- Billing policies
- Legal requirements
Goal: To officially make you an in-network provider
Timeline: Usually takes 30–90 days after credentialing
Real Talk: If You Bill Before You’re Contracted…
You risk not getting paid.
Many dietitians unknowingly submit claims after getting credentialed, but before they’ve received a signed contract, those claims are often denied or rejected.
That means you eat the cost.
This is precisely why so many dietitians come to us for help.
So, What’s the Fix?
If you’re overwhelmed by these steps — or unsure where you are in the process — it’s time to bring in a team that knows what they’re doing.
Our credentialing services for dietitians are built to guide you from start to finish. From group contract setup to credentialing and follow-ups, we handle the back-end headaches so you can focus on building your private practice.
Click here to learn more about our done-for-you credentialing services for dietitians.
We know the timeline, the portals, the paperwork — and we make sure nothing falls through the cracks.
Quick Recap
- Credentialing = background check
- Contracting = official agreement to be paid
- You need both to get paid as an in-network provider.
- If you’re unsure what step you’re on, or just don’t want to deal with it, our team’s here for you.
Let us help you go from confused to contracted.