Private Practice and Credentialing Checklist
Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up Your Private Practice in Hawaii
In order to set up your private practice in Hawaii, make sure you have each of these steps in place, and in this order. This will also become important as you prepare to get credentialed with insurance companies.
Be sure to finish each step done before moving onto the next step
Many of these steps take about 5-20 minutes to complete (once you’ve overcome some decision making and/or anxiety, of course). Did this work?
☐ Step 1: Ensure that you hold a Current Hawaii State License (i.e. LCSW, LMFT, LMHC, etc)
☐ Step 2: Decide whether you want to be a sole proprietor or an LLC (Limited Liability Corporation).
Many professionals choose the LLC route for several reasons, especially in Hawaii. But the pros and cons of each can be discussed further with an accountant.
☐ Step 3: If you decide to be an LLC, decide on the name of your business/LLC.
Goal Date to Complete (but keep in mind: don’t rush this process. The name of your LLC/business will likely come to you when you least expect it, like when you’re driving or when you’re taking a shower):
☐ Step 4: EIN/TIN (Employee Identification Number/Tax Identification Number). The terms EIN and TIN are used interchangeably:
Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) Online | Internal Revenue Service
☐ Step 5: Register your business with the DCCA (Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs).
https://hbe.ehawaii.gov/BizEx/start.eb
☐ Step 6: NPI number (i.e. National Provider Identification). This allows you to bill insurance because it recognizes you as a clinician, and also recognizes your business.
An individual NPI (NPI 1) is typically sufficient, but certain plans may also require a group NPI (NPI 2), even if you are a solo private practice.
https://nppes.cms.hhs.gov/#/
☐ Step 7: Malpractice Insurance Policy
(Most plans require you to have minimum coverage of $1 million per incident, $3 million per aggregate.)
☐ Step 8: W9 Form (easily found on Google)
☐ Step 9: CV or Resume (This step can be done at any point, even before step 1. But I place it last because it’s okay for this to be your lowest priority.)
☐ (Optional) CAQH Registration. However, many insurance plans in Hawaii don’t actually require this.
https://proview.caqh.org/Login/Index?ReturnUrl=%2f
☐ Make sure you have a physical address handy, as some insurance companies won’t accept P.O. Boxes.
If you are strictly telehealth, you can either provide your home address and opt to keep it hidden within directories, or you can gain permission to use another professional’s physical office (such as a colleague or your accountant)
Resources for Hawaii Therapists
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About Jessica Wong, LCSW
Jessica Wong is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and the founder of The Hawaii Therapist Hub, LLC and DaVine Counseling Services, LLC. She provides step-by-step support for Hawaii therapists who want to simplify insurance credentialing, billing compliance, and private practice growth. Jessica’s courses and consultations are designed to cut through the confusion so therapists can run their practices with confidence and clarity.Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.