opening imp in 4 months- when/how to contract w insurance?

[Guest guest]

Hi-

I will FINALLY be opening my IMP in September and was wondering how I go about contracting with insurance companies, especially medicare, while I am already contracted with them through my current job? I did call one company and they told me I had to wait until 30 days before my practice opened. I currently live and work in Nashville (at a community clinic so am contracted w a variety of companies) but will be opening my practice in Colorado. Doesn't it take a long time with Medicare? How does the CAQH system fit into all of that (I currently have to update that quarterly w my job).

Thanks for any wisdom you can pass along.

Take care,