Credentialing is one of the most important functions in healthcare administration. It ensures providers are qualified, compliant, and set up to receive reimbursement. Yet the process can often feel overwhelming, involving detailed applications, regulatory requirements, payer timelines, and sensitive contract negotiations.
In this engaging webinar, Michelle Stevens, CPCO, CPPM, CPB, CPC, and AAPC-approved instructor, will walk attendees through the essentials of credentialing—from the first application to final contract execution. Michelle will also share proven strategies for negotiating payer fees and improving reimbursement rates.
Designed for administrators, credentialing staff, billers, and coders, this session will provide practical takeaways you can put to work right away. Using real-world case examples and expert guidance, Michelle will help you navigate challenges, avoid costly missteps, and build an efficient, compliant credentialing system.
Learning Objectives:
- Why credentialing is critical to provider success and revenue
- Step-by-step overview of the credentialing process, roles, and responsibilities
- Typical timelines for applications, EDI enrollments, and ERA/EFT setups
- Common roadblocks such as incomplete submissions, payer delays, and contract oversights
- Best practices for documentation, organization, and follow-up
- How to apply technology to reduce bottlenecks and improve accuracy
- Compliance expectations from NCQA, CMS, and The Joint Commission
- Techniques for negotiating stronger payer contracts and boosting reimbursement
- Key metrics to support your negotiation strategy
- Case study of a large multi-specialty group: challenges faced, solutions applied, and results achieved
Areas Covered in the Session:
- Credentialing Fundamentals: purpose, process, and obligations
- Providers vs. Credentialing Agents: roles and responsibilities
- Billing vs. Credentialing: how they intersect
- EDI, ERA, and EFT: enrollment timelines and best practices
- Overcoming Roadblocks: avoiding delays and rejections
- Compliance and Oversight: maintaining ongoing adherence
- Fee Negotiations: strategies for stronger reimbursement outcomes
- Case Study Review: lessons learned from the field
- Closing Action Plan: organizing, reviewing, and negotiating with confidence
By the end of this training, participants will have a clear roadmap for managing credentialing more effectively, negotiating smarter contracts, and ensuring compliance every step of the way.
Suggested Attendees:
- Healthcare Providers
- Non-Physician Providers
- Administrators
- Billers & Coders
- Entry-Level & Experienced Credentialing Specialists
- Compliance Officers
- Revenue Cycle Professionals
- Practice Managers
- Medical Office Staff
Presenter Biography:
Michelle Stevens, CPCO, CPPM, CPB, CPC, is the founder of Elite Medical, a consulting firm dedicated to helping practices improve credentialing and revenue cycle performance. She brings more than 30 years of experience in healthcare and over 20 years of specialized expertise in credentialing and payer contract negotiations. Throughout her career, Michelle has worked with organizations ranging from start-ups to large multi-specialty groups across the country, guiding them toward operational efficiency and stronger financial outcomes.
She earned her BS/BA in Business Management and Human Resource Management and holds multiple credentials, including CPCO, CPPM, CPB, and CPC. An AAPC-approved instructor and author of the eBook Empower Your Practice, Michelle is widely recognized for her ability to translate complex processes into practical solutions. She is deeply committed to helping healthcare professionals simplify credentialing, ensure compliance, and secure optimal reimbursement.
