Free guide. Every rule links to its source.
How long credentialing takes in Virginia
Nobody can promise a date, but the payers publish their own estimates, and Virginia law sets a decision deadline for many plans. Here they are, each linked to its source.
Checked against each source on October 12, 2026. Rules change, so confirm with the payer or agency before you file.
What each payer publishes
| Payer | Its own estimate |
|---|---|
| Anthem (Virginia) | "The credentialing process typically takes 45 days from the time the credentialing department receives your completed CAQH application." |
| UnitedHealthcare | "Generally takes up to 45 calendar days or more to complete once we have a completed application," plus up to 60 days to load the contract after approval. |
| Cigna Healthcare | "Typically takes 45 to 60 days," with approved providers usually loaded within 10 business days. |
| Humana Healthy Horizons in Virginia | Notice within 30 days if anything is missing, and "a credentialing decision will be made within 60 days" once complete. |
| Cardinal Care plans (as reported by DMAS, Aug 2025) | Aetna Better Health 30 to 120 days; Anthem HealthKeepers Plus up to 90 days; Sentara under 90 days; UnitedHealthcare Community Plan 45 to 90 days. |
Sources (checked Oct 12, 2026)
- Anthem: Join our network (Virginia)
- UnitedHealthcare: Join our network
- Cigna Healthcare: Credentialing
- Humana Healthy Horizons in Virginia
- DMAS: Provider implementation FAQ, Aug 2025 (PDF)
Virginia's 60-day rule
When a practice already contracts with a state-regulated carrier, the carrier "shall approve or deny new provider applicant credentialing applications within 60 days of receiving a completed application." An application is deemed complete within 30 days of receipt unless the carrier says otherwise. The rule does not apply to Medicare Advantage plans. It does apply to Medicaid HMOs.
Sources (checked Oct 12, 2026)
Medicare and Virginia Medicaid
- Medicare: CMS's standard for its contractors is to process online initial applications that need no site visit, development or fingerprinting within 50 calendar days. That is a performance standard, not a promise to an applicant.
- Virginia Medicaid: DMAS says an enrollment request "can take up to 10 business days to process," longer when a fee, site visit or background check applies. The Cardinal Care plans credential separately after that.
Sources (checked Oct 12, 2026)
Plan for it
Most of the delay comes before the clock starts: an application only counts once it is complete. Get the CAQH profile attested and authorized, match every name to the IRS letter, and apply to each plan well before you want to see its members.
More guides
- Virginia payer enrollment guide: Medicare, Virginia Medicaid and the commercial plans, in order.
- Virginia Medicaid enrollment: DMAS PRSS enrollment and the five Cardinal Care plans.
- CAQH re-attestation: Every 120 days, and why a plan may not see your profile.
- Medicare revalidation: Due dates, notices, and what happens if you miss one.
- Adding a new clinician: Medicare reassignment and each insurer's own process.
- Medicare effective date: When billing starts, and the 30-day look-back.
- Type 1 vs Type 2 NPI: Which NPI you need, and choosing a taxonomy code.
- Credentialing readiness checklist: What to have ready before you apply (interactive).
We file it, follow up, and report every Friday.
We prepare and file each application within 5 business days of a complete packet, follow up with each payer, and send you a written status report every Friday. Nobody can promise an approval or a date; the payer decides both.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Rules and payer processes change; always follow the payer's or agency's current instructions. Payer, agency and product names belong to their owners and are used only to describe what each step involves.