The credentialing process is involved and somewhat time-consuming, but it does not have to be difficult. Preparation is the key to a smooth, expedited on-boarding experience. Use these helpful tips from ApolloMD’s Assistant Director of Credentialing, Kim Larsen, to guide you through working with the Medical Staff Office (MSO) during the credentialing process.
Start the Licensing Process Early
Beginning the state licensing process early is the first step to a smooth transition from program to practice. Physicians and APCs will have different licensing processes. It is important to know how the state licensing process works in the specific discipline intended for practice.
Get an NPI Number
National Provider Identifiers (NPIs) are 10-digit numerical identifications given to providers of health care services. Providers will only receive one NPI. It is the individual’s responsibility to apply and keep the information up-to-date. Once a provider receives his or her professional license, it is necessary to update the National Plan and Provider Enumeration System (NPPES) of a status change from student to licensed-provider for the given NPI number.
Establish Peer References
Peer References are requested for a number of reasons in the credentialing process. References serve as the main point of contact for hospitals and health systems to verify information about a provider at the individual level.
Before including someone as a peer reference, ask the individual’s permission and choose someone who is reliable. This should be done well before the reference is needed. As a reference, the individual will have to take the time to fill out forms from the prospective hospital. Although providing references sounds easy, life’s many obstacles can, and will, get in the way. By asking the individual in advance, a provider can ensure this person is committed to the process.
Always choose an individual who can speak on both the personal and professional level. Providers should not choose someone he or she only worked one shift with or someone who may not know his or her personality and character, as well as, professional experiences. Reference information provided during onboarding must always include the individual’s first and last name, title, email and phone number.
Provide a Dedicated DEA
Bonus Tip: When renewing a DEA number, do not update any addresses during the process. Once the renewal is complete then make address changes. Updating an address during renewal will add at least 30-days to the process.
Update Your CV
An updated curriculum vitae (CV) is important for all providers to have on hand. CVs provide a summary of work, education and experience of a specific individual. A clinical CV should always be in the correct Month/Year format which helps identify any gaps in education or work history. Always include:
- all privileged facilities, no matter the time period,
- all privileged facilities, no matter the time period,
- and any leadership or teaching positions held.
Bonus Tip: Use simple, clean formatting with a size 12-point standard font (i.e. Times New Roman, Arial, etc.). Use short simple sentences and never falsify or fabricate information.
Keep Digital Files
During the credentialing process, have all supporting documents electronically accessible and readily available to help eliminate digging for updated documents and the sheer panic of not having a document on hand. All files should be clear copies, preferably scanned in.
Bonus Tip: ApolloMD recommends keeping all supporting documents in more than one place. For example: in a drop box, on your desktop and also on an external hard drive or USB. All files should be clear copies, preferably scanned in. Also, be sure to name all files appropriately to eliminate confusion when accessing the documents.
Request Procedure Logs & Clinical History
Procedure logs, sometimes referred to as activity logs, are proof of work experience to a potential employer. Hospitals cannot grant provider privileges without this information. In most cases, the billing department who bills for the provider’s service can run these reports. If available, a program or practice coordinator may also be able to assist. Hospitals will require at least two years of procedure logs.
Take a Professional Photo
Hospitals will always request a photo to be filed in the credentialing process. Always keep a professional-looking photo on hand, preferably passport size. The provided photo may be used as a badge photo or by human resources. We recommend the individual provide a headshot (chest and upward) with a plain, solid background in professional (men in a collar shirt and women in a nice blouse) or clinical dress.
Complete All Paperwork in Onboarding Packet
Incomplete paperwork will almost always slow down the credentialing process. There are several steps a provider can take to ensure the credentialing team has all information requested:
- Verify all information on file with the American Medical Association (AMA) is correct.
- Fill in every field on the application. Most hospitals will not take an application if it is not more than 90 percent complete.
- Never falsify information and be honest. Always lists past DUI, drug history, rehab, malpractice claims, even if you know the charges are expunged. If it is there, the hospital will know. If omitted, the application can be considered fraudulent and risks a provider’s chance of employment.
Once the application is complete, be sure to review it in its entirety. Make sure all areas are signed and dated where prompted.
Keep a Malpractice Certificate on File
Once you start a new job, always request a certificate of insurance (COI). Providers should keep a COI from all previous employers. Providers should have a record of all carriers, policy numbers, limits and claims made, without any gaps in the timeline.
Bonus Tip: APCs may have a COI filed under a physician’s name.
Pay Attention to Expiration Dates
As a provider, keeping up with all expirable documents is important. If not up- to-date, certain documents could prevent privileging or halt the current practice. It is the provider’s responsibility to know when each document should be updated and do so in a timely manner.
Make sure you know when board reexaminations are needed, how many CMEs are needed, what date CMEs must be completed and how many hours are already completed. Any time an expirable is renewed, it is the provider’s job to update the hospital or group practice and provide the appropriate copy.
Be Responsive
The last and one of the most important things a provider can do in the credentialing process is be responsive. Every hospital, group practice and MSO are different. Some hospitals have a 60 to 90-day process, others have a 120-day process.
The goal of the MSO is to thoroughly review providers’ credentials and grant privileges as quickly as possible. If additional documentation or information is requested, it is because the hospital MSO has requested more information. MSOs will not request any unnecessary information. The best and easiest way to decrease time spent in the credentialing process is to answer the credentialing team members within 24-hours of contact.
Kim Larsen currently serves as the Associate Director of Credentialing. She oversees many aspects of the department operationally and ensures positive working relationships are established with ApolloMD’s hospital partner MSO teams. Kim has worked for ApolloMD for fifteen years, with fourteen of those years in the credentialing department. She says her favorite thing about working here is her relationship with her team, both internally and with the hospital partners.
Disclaimer: This article should be used only as a guide to navigate the credentialing process. Every practice has a different credentialing process. Providers should verify all questions or concerns with the specific hospital MSO team.
