Credentialing by payer
Join the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois Network
- Flat PricesNo percentage of collections
- Half Now, Half at SubmissionFor every enrollment application
- Closed Network?Your choice of a refund or a credit
- Live Status TrackingCheck any application by reference number
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois at a Glance
| Parent company | Health Care Service Corporation (HCSC) |
|---|---|
| Service area | Illinois. HCSC also runs the Blue plans in Montana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas. |
| How to request to join | The online Provider Onboarding Form. Hospitals email Facility Contract Notices instead. Start here |
| CAQH ProView (DataSpring) | Yes. Keep the CAQH Provider Data Portal (DataSpring) current and authorize BCBSIL to access it. |
| Published turnaround | No overall timeline published; you get written notice when credentialing is complete, and practitioners are usually told the appointment decision within 30 calendar days of it. |
| Recredentialing | Every three years, in line with Illinois requirements. |
| Lines of business | Commercial PPO; HMO Illinois, Blue Advantage HMO, BlueCare Direct and Blue Precision HMO; Medicare Advantage; Illinois Medicaid, credentialed on its own page. |
How Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois Takes Applications
Medical professionals, ancillaries and long-term services providers all start with the same Provider Onboarding Form; ancillaries add the Ancillary Credentialing Checklist. Credentialing then runs off the CAQH (DataSpring) profile.
What to Watch With Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois
HMO participation is not a direct contract: a provider joins an HMO network by contracting first with a participating HMO medical group or independent practice association. Providers outside Illinois go to their local Blue plan rather than BCBSIL.
Whatever the plan, the file moves only when your CAQH (DataSpring) profile, license record and application agree. See how long credentialing takes and our CAQH profile setup service.
Questions About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois
How do I apply to Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois?
The online Provider Onboarding Form. Hospitals email Facility Contract Notices instead.
How long does Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois credentialing take?
No overall timeline published; you get written notice when credentialing is complete, and practitioners are usually told the appointment decision within 30 calendar days of it. Recredentialing: Every three years, in line with Illinois requirements.
Does Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois use CAQH (DataSpring)?
Yes. Keep the CAQH Provider Data Portal (DataSpring) current and authorize BCBSIL to access it.
What does PECS charge for a Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois application?
$200 per application per provider, half at engagement and half at submission, including follow-up with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois until the effective date is set.
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Sources
Facts checked against the sources above in October 2026; plan procedures change.