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Ask the expert: What should we look for when choosing a CVO?

Credentialing Resource Center Connection, November 11, 2011

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Begin by determining what services your MSSD needs and what it expects from the CVO. There are three important factors to consider when selecting a CVO:

• Certification. Many MSPs ask whether a CVO is accredited by The Joint Commission, and the answer is no. CVOs are certified by two organizations: URAC and the NCQA. Although many CVOs follow Joint Commission requirements for verification of practitioners, the organization itself cannot be accredited by The Joint Commission. Instead, NCQA and URAC certification indicates that a CVO undergoes third-party oversight, similar to the way healthcare facilities are inspected. These certification agencies assess whether the CVO secures information properly, whether it has data backup ­systems, and whether staff members have signed confidentiality agreements.
• References. MSPs should also check references of the CVO by talking to past and present clients. MSPs should also request reports from the prospective CVO for average turnaround times for initial credentialing and reappointment, along with a copy of the CVO's policies and procedures to ensure that they are following the appropriate process.
• Price. Cost is usually the first thing that comes to mind when it comes to hiring an outside agency to help with verification and credentialing procedures. MSSDs should determine their budgets and how much administrators are willing to spend on a CVO.

This week’s question and answer are from Credentialing Resource Center Journal.

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