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Point to ponder: How can you reduce duplicative efforts?

Credentialing Resource Center Connection, February 4, 2003

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Dear Credentialing Colleague:

It has often been said, "Credentialing exists primarily to serve the patient." Few among us question this premise. Unfortunately, few among us question whether the systems, requirements, and procedures for accomplishing this goal should be simplified. Just last week, I spoke with a physician who practices in a major metropolitan area. He recounted the trials and tribulations of the various credentialing requirements he faces in order to practice medicine.

First and foremost, he was, and continues to be, required to complete similar separate applications (or reapplications) for the five hospitals in which he practices. Two of these hospitals are in the same health system. He also has to fill out applications for nearly a dozen managed care organizations, about six insurance plans, and two outpatient surgical centers. It is likely that you know of credentialing duplication similar to this scenario.

To date, no easily implemented proposal has emerged to reduce the huge personnel and institutional effort devoted to this "patient protection" system. While there have been attempts to legislate statewide solutions, use credentials verification organizations, consolidate credentialing systems, and centralize physician information in national databases (e.g., the American Medical Association Physician Masterfile and the American Osteopathic Association Physician Profile), the problem persists.

Credentialing professionals should spend some time contemplating this dilemma. What could be done in your department that would substantially lessen the bureaucracy and duplication of effort, while ensuring patients' safety? Obviously, we cannot blindly accept any licensed physician or other health care practitioner. But is it necessary to require physicians to complete 26 separate applications in order to provide care to patients? Is the massive duplication involved in processing those applications the best use of your valuable time?

That's all for this week.

All the best,

Hugh Greeley
www.greeley.com/seminars/

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