Cigna is a global health insurance company offering individual and family health insurance plans in 10 states, Medicare plans in 23 states and dental plans in 49 states — plus Washington, D.C. If you're a health care provider in a state with Cigna plans, you can welcome more patients, increase revenue and build your reputation by accepting Cigna insurance. To take Cigna insurance, you must first go through their credentialing process.
Insurance credentialing, which may also be called provider enrollment, is the process of applying to health insurance companies to become an in-network provider. Once you become an in-network provider, you can bill the insurance company directly for the services you provide.
If you're a health care provider who would like to go through Cigna insurance credentialing, we're here to help at Bikham Healthcare.
Insurance credentialing can be a long and frustrating process. At Bikham Healthcare, we make it easy to join insurance networks, and we'll do most of the work for you. When you're ready to join Cigna, we'll complete the following steps on your behalf:
If this is your first time credentialing with Cigna, you'll need to take several steps to apply. These include:
The National Provider Identifier (NPI) is a unique 10-digit number given to health care providers who submit claims or other information electronically. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act requires all health care providers who conduct electronic transactions to have an NPI. You can apply for an NPI through the National Plan and Provider Enumeration System.
Make sure you meet your state's malpractice insurance requirements for your specialty. Cigna recommends a minimum of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $3,000,000 in the aggregate.
Cigna and many other insurance companies use CAQH technology to obtain information and perform administrative tasks. You can complete a CAQH profile online, but expect the process to take up to two hours. You'll need to authorize Cigna to access your data.
Before you begin the application process, you'll need to call Cigna to confirm you meet the basic requirements for credentialing.
If you meet the requirements to apply for credentialing, Cigna will send you an application packet via email. You can apply online through CAQH or mail your application to Cigna. Whether you apply online or by mail, you'll need to send Cigna the following information in addition to your application:
Cigna's credentialing process typically takes 45 to 60 days to complete. You can check the status of your application by calling or emailing Cigna.
Participating providers must re-credential at least once every three years to maintain participation status with Cigna. When it's time for you to go through the re-credentialing process, Cigna will send you an email asking you to confirm that your CAQH information is up to date.
If you're a behavioral health provider, take the following steps to get credentialed with Cigna:
To join the Cigna behavioral network, you'll need to have the following:
If you're a clinic, you'll need to meet the following criteria:
If you're applying as an individual clinician, you'll need to complete Cigna's behavioral health provider application. Clinics must fill out Cigna's screening application for behavioral health clinics, and facilities need to call provider services.
Cigna's insurance credentialing process takes time, patience and attention to detail. You'll need to follow each step carefully and meet any deadlines presented to you. At Bikham Healthcare, we'll get you through the process quickly and decrease the risk that your application will get denied. When you hand credentialing over to Bikham Healthcare, you can expect the following benefits:
After 18 years of credentialing and enrollment experience and successfully filing over 232,000 applications, we're prepared to assist the following specialties:
We also serve the following industry segments:
Joining Cigna as an in-network provider will expand your reach and allow you to help more patients. Despite its benefits, the credentialing process is time-consuming and can feel overwhelming when you add it to your duties as a health care provider. With Bikham Healthcare, you can bypass Cigna's credentialing challenges and leave the complex details to us.
If you're ready to start the Cigna credentialing and enrollment process, contact us at Bikham Healthcare today.