You own the contract
Self-Paneling
SimplePractice
Positioned as independent credentialing
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Self-Paneling vs. SimplePractice
By Rosemary, LCSW · Updated May 21, 2026
SimplePractice positions its credentialing as independent and portable. The trade-off is that credentialing support is tied to an EHR and practice-management ecosystem.
| Feature | Self-Paneling | SimplePractice |
|---|---|---|
| You own the contract | Positioned as independent credentialing | |
| Credentialed under your NPI | Free for 2 payers with subscription | |
| You can negotiate rate changes directly with insurance companies | ||
| Portable if you leave | SimplePractice positions credentials as portable | |
| Cost model | $99/yr founder rate | $588-$1,188+/yr with add-ons |
| Time to insurance access | Often 60-120 days per payer | Credentialing timeline varies by payer |
| EHR required | ||
| Billing handled |
Mobile comparison of Self-Paneling and SimplePractice
Credentialed under your NPI
Self-Paneling
SimplePractice
Free for 2 payers with subscription
You can negotiate rate changes directly with insurance companies
Self-Paneling
SimplePractice
Portable if you leave
Self-Paneling
SimplePractice
SimplePractice positions credentials as portable
Cost model
Self-Paneling
$99/yr founder rate
SimplePractice
$588-$1,188+/yr with add-ons
Time to insurance access
Self-Paneling
Often 60-120 days per payer
SimplePractice
Credentialing timeline varies by payer
EHR required
Self-Paneling
SimplePractice
Billing handled
Self-Paneling
SimplePractice
How SimplePractice Credentialing Works
SimplePractice is primarily an EHR (electronic health records) and practice management platform. Credentialing support is tied to that ecosystem. A subscription includes free credentialing for up to two payers; additional payer credentialing can add costs.
SimplePractice positions its credentialing as independent and portable, which makes the trade-off less about contract ownership and more about EHR dependency.
The EHR Lock-in
The credentialing service is bundled with the EHR platform:
- You need the EHR subscription to use credentialing. Annual pricing starts at $588 and can exceed $1,188 with add-ons. The subscription includes free credentialing for up to two payers.
- Switching EHRs is painful. Even though your credentials may be portable, migrating your entire practice management system is a significant undertaking.
- Credentialing is an add-on, not the core product. The platform is built around EHR features; credentialing support varies.
When Self-Paneling Makes More Sense
Self-paneling decouples your credentialing from your EHR choice. You can use any practice management tool while keeping your credentials under your direct control. Self Paneling Method provides the credentialing workflow without requiring a specific EHR subscription.
Where SimplePractice works
- – SimplePractice positions credentials as independent and portable
- – Integrated billing and practice management
- – All-in-one platform for running a practice
- – More portability than managed-platform credentialing models
Where it doesn't
- – Requires a SimplePractice EHR subscription ($588-$1,188+/yr with add-ons)
- – Free credentialing is limited to 2 payers with a subscription
- – Additional payer credentialing and add-ons can increase the cost
- – Switching EHRs later is a major migration effort
SimplePractice is best for:
Therapists who want an all-in-one practice management solution and are comfortable committing to SimplePractice as their EHR. Best when you want integrated billing alongside credentialing.
Self-paneling is best for:
Licensed therapists who want to own their contracts, set their own rates, and keep their panel status regardless of what platform or EHR they use.
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