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Good presentation pays off

Credentialing Resource Center Connection, July 3, 2003

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Dear Credentialing Colleague:

Presentation certainly makes a difference. Great chefs know that while flavor is important, presentation of the food also makes a big difference in how it's received. Most college students understand that neatly typed and paginated research papers are likely to receive higher marks than those less tastefully presented. This concept also applies to credentials files in the medical staff office.

The organization and appearance of credentials files makes a huge difference during JCAHO surveys, as the anecdote below clearly demonstrates.

When a JCAHO surveyor recently asked for and received selected credentials files at a midwestern hospital, the medical staff services professionals realized that their organizational work had paid off. The surveyor actually commented on how well organized and user-friendly the files were.

"Not only could the surveyor find everything easily, but the credentialing staff could locate certain documents in a snap when asked," the hospital's credentials coordinator says.

Organized, well-presented files also reflect positively on your hospital's overall credentialing policies and procedures. "If our files are in order, it's logical for the surveyor to conclude that our policies, procedures, bylaws, and so on are also in order," the credentials coordinator explains. "And of course, they are!" she adds.

The survey results? No Type I's in credentialing.

So take the time to organize your credentials files. It will make everyone's life easier in the long run--not just for JCAHO surveys, but also for day-to-day credentialing activities.

"When the files are well organized," the credentials coordinator says, "we can quickly see what information is missing or still needs to be verified. And if we ever need to pull any documentation, we don't have to hunt and hunt for it."

As daunting as revamping credentials files sounds, it's well worth the effort. Set up a work plan that allows you to organize small, manageable groups of files over a realistic period of time. "It's unrealistic to think you'll be able to plow through all of your files in a single sitting--unless your medical staff is very small," the credentials coordinator observes.

That's all for this week. I wish everyone a safe and fun Fourth of July!

All the best,

Hugh Greeley

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