Why Separate Dietitian Nutritionist Credentialing Matters!!
Why Separate Credentialing Matters for Berry, Fay, and Agency-Based Dietitian and Nutritionist Providers
Many dietitians, CNS practitioners, and nutritionists begin their careers working under platforms like Berry Street, Fay, Vida, Teladietitian, or other telehealth agencies. While these companies provide convenience and steady patient flow, they also limit how far you can grow.
At Holistika Consulting, we help practitioners transition from agency-based credentialing to their own independent insurance contracts—so you can keep more of your income, increase your opportunities, and build a practice that fully belongs to you.
Why Providers Should Get Their Own Contracts
When you’re credentialed under an agency’s TIN (tax ID), you are not credentialed as an independent provider. This means:
• Your contract belongs to them, not to you
• You cannot take your insurance credentials with you
• You must follow their rates and policies
• You cannot negotiate pay
• You cannot expand your own practice
• You cannot hire or bill under your own business
Getting credentialed independently allows you to:
• Keep 100% of your reimbursement
• Control your rates and schedule
• Take clients as a solo practice or group practice
• Expand into new states
• Hire additional clinicians
• Build long-term financial stability
How Agencies Limit Income
Most nutrition agencies take 30–60% of what insurance pays. Even when you do all the work, the agency controls:
• Your reimbursement rate
• Your caseload
• Your scheduling
• Your scope and service offerings
• Your ability to expand
Many practitioners realize they are earning a fraction of what they could make independently — without receiving additional financial protection or benefits in return.
How to Transition Out of an Agency
Leaving an agency and becoming independently credentialed is easier than most providers think.
Holistika Consulting guides you through:
Choosing a business structure (LLC or sole proprietor)
Setting up NPI 1 and NPI 2 (if needed)
Completing or updating CAQH properly
Applying to Aetna, Cigna, BCBS, UHC, Medicare, and Medicaid
Reviewing scope and licensure rules for your state
Preparing your own telehealth practice or group clinic
Building billing systems and EMR setup
Creating a compliant transition plan
You do not lose credentialing status with the agency while applying for your own. You can transition smoothly without disrupting patient care.
Legal & Compliance Boundaries You Should Know
Working under an agency’s contracts is different from being independent:
• You are authorized to bill only under their contract
• You cannot take insurance clients privately without your own contracts
• You cannot legally bill under their TIN in your private practice
• You cannot represent yourself as credentialed individually unless you have your own contracts
We help ensure your transition is compliant with:
• State licensure rules
• Scope of practice
• Insurance payer policies
• Medicare and Medicaid regulations
• Group vs. individual TIN rules
Your independence should be legal, ethical, and sustainable — and we make that process clear and safe.
Agency vs. Independent Practice: Comparison Chart
How Holistika Consulting Helps
Holistika provides full support for practitioners who want to move beyond agency-based work:
• State-by-state credentialing strategy
• NPI and CAQH setup
• Insurance applications
• Payer follow-up and contracting
• EMR and billing setup
• Private practice forms and workflows
• Coaching for business growth
• Pay-in-4 payment plans
• Free coaching call included
Our goal is to help you build a practice that reflects your values, your goals, and your earning potential — not the limitations of an agency.
Ready to Become an Independent Provider?
If you're currently working under Berry Street, Fay, Teladietitian, Vida, or any agency platform, and you're ready to grow beyond it — we’re here to guide you.
Schedule a free call to start your transition with clarity and confidence.