Joining insurance networks is essential for new healthcare facilities. Without in-network status, it can be challenging to attract patients and secure consistent revenue. At AT Contracting Solutions, we make the in-network contracting process easier for new facilities, helping healthcare providers establish strong relationships with insurance payers from the beginning. Our team negotiates favorable contract terms and ensures compliance, allowing your facility to focus on delivering quality care.
How New Facilities Become In-Network
The process of obtaining in-network status involves multiple steps. Each stage plays a critical role in ensuring a smooth transition into payer networks.
1. Evaluating Payer Network Opportunities
Before applying for in-network status, you need to find the insurance networks that best match your facility’s services and patient needs. This step helps determine which contracts will be the most beneficial. AT Contracting Solutions conducts a thorough evaluation to match your facility with the right insurance providers.
2. Preparing Contract Applications
Once the best payer networks are selected, the application process begins. This involves gathering key information about your facility, including:
- The range of services offered
- The qualifications of healthcare providers
- Licenses, certifications, and compliance records
- Facility ownership and operational details
Errors or missing details can delay the approval process. Our team ensures applications are complete and properly formatted for faster acceptance.
3. Negotiating Contract Terms
After submitting applications, payers will review your facility’s credentials and propose contract terms. These agreements outline reimbursement rates, billing policies, and network participation requirements. Negotiation is crucial at this stage, as favorable terms impact long-term financial success. AT Contracting Solutions works to secure the best possible reimbursement rates while maintaining compliance with industry standards.
4. Completing Facility Credentialing
A necessary part of the contracting process is facility credentialing. This step verifies that your facility meets all regulatory and professional standards required for in-network participation. Credentialing includes:
- Verification of Licenses & Certifications – Ensuring the facility holds proper state and federal licenses.
- Regulatory Compliance Review – Confirming adherence to healthcare laws and payer-specific guidelines.
- Provider Credentialing – Evaluating the qualifications of doctors, nurses, and medical staff.
- Facility Inspections & Safety Checks – Ensuring the physical environment meets patient care and safety standards.
Proper credentialing improves payer approval times and strengthens the facility’s reputation within the network. AT Contracting Solutions oversees this process to prevent delays and compliance issues.
5. Contract Approval & Implementation
Once credentialing is complete and contract terms are finalized, the facility is officially in-network. At this stage, it is important to integrate the new contracts into daily operations. This includes:
- Training staff on billing and coding procedures for accepted insurance plans
- Setting up payer-specific claims processing workflows
- Maintaining compliance with payer requirements for continued participation
AT Contracting Solutions provides ongoing support and contract management training during this transition to ensure smooth implementation.
Why a Facility Contract Specialist Is Essential
Becoming in-network is a complex process that requires attention to detail, negotiation skills, and regulatory expertise. A facility contract specialist in healthcare helps providers navigate this process efficiently. They assist in:
- Selecting the most beneficial payer networks
- Preparing complete and accurate applications
- Negotiating contract terms that optimize revenue
- Managing credentialing and compliance requirements
An experienced contract specialist helps avoid delays, prevents mistakes, and ensures facilities join payer networks with good financial agreements.
The AT Contracting Solutions Advantage
At AT Contracting Solutions, we take the stress out of the new facility in-network contracting process. Our specialists manage every detail, from selecting networks to securing final approval, to ensure your facility achieves long-term success.
We work with healthcare professionals across various specialties, tailoring our approach to meet the specific needs of each facility. Whether you are opening a new hospital, outpatient clinic, behavioral health center, or specialty practice, we provide expert guidance every step of the way.
Contact AT Contracting Solutions today to simplify in-network contracting and speed up your facility’s approval.
