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Keeping privileging systems current

Credentialing Resource Center Connection, November 20, 2003

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Dear Credentialing Colleague:

I just was a speaker in a November 14 nationwide audioconference "How to design and implement a contemporary core privileging system." With nearly 600 "credentialers" listening in, 90% of participating hospitals indicated that their hospital/medical staff did not have a policy and procedure designed to keep their privileging systems current and up-to-date.

In the absence of an ongoing procedure, hospital privileging systems rapidly become outdated; they are often poorly used; and occasionally create more problems than they are designed to avoid. New technology, new medical therapies, new specialties, or new hospital programs should not be a "privileging surprise."

A well designed policy and procedure addressing this issue will establish the importance of constant review and revisions of current privileging systems. The use of such a policy should assist medical staffs whether they use a listing approach to privileging or a core approach. The policy should clearly identify responsibility and authority for continuous review and revisions and identify the procedures to be used in the process. In many instances, following such a procedure will assist in minimizing turf battles and privileging confusion.

Consider the following 10-point program to keep your privileging system up-to-date as described during the audioconference:

1. Develop a written policy and procedure

2. Develop and maintain physician leadership and involvement

3. Develop your radar system

4. Be sure to include as a regular agenda item at your credentialing committee any new technology, new procedures, or brewing turf battles

5. Schedule regular meetings with the CEO/VPMA to discuss privileging issues

6. Develop a great tool box

7. Initiate regular and formal review of all privileging forms and criteria

8. Link privileging with budgeting process

9. Maintain humor, teamwork, and esprit de corps

10. Brief the board

If you are interested in receiving an expanded version of this 10-point program please feel free to e-mail my assistant Diana Kuyper at dkuyper@greeleywi.com with a request for further information.

That's all for this week.

All the best,

Hugh Greeley

http://www.greeley.com/seminars/

[Editor's note: If you are interested in ordering a tape of the HCPro audioconference "How to design and implement a contemporary core privileging system" visit http://www.hcmarketplace.com or call customer service at 800/650-6787.]

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