Credentialing & Privileging

Realizing the uncommon value of the MSP

Credentialing Resource Center Connection, December 28, 2006

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As the year draws to an end, let's dedicate this space to recognizing the value of the medical services professional (MSP) towards ensuring patient safety. I'm not aware of a more dynamic and energetic group of professionals who provide support and network so superbly to accomplish their goals. Individually and collectively, MSPs research and implement best practices, create and execute risk-adverse credentialing and privileging processes, support, encourage, share ideas and ask question after question after question until they are sure of the right answer-all of this in support of quality patient care.

Oddly enough, it comes to mind that MSPs can be liked to a bouillabaisse: They are usually sturdy stock with careers that are at times too spicy, almost never bland. They always have a full plate and grow more seasoned with time.

 

Speaking of food. A couple of weeks ago, Carol Cairns and I had the opportunity to dine with my youngest son and a friend of his in Chicago.  Almost immediately after introductions were made, my son Scott said to me, "Mom, I have no idea how to tell Angel what it is that you do." Carol and I immediately smiled, laughed out loud, and looked across the table at each other in recognition of what is a very common scenario in our field.  To make a long story short, we summarized by saying, "We protect patients."

 

Fortunately, MSPs are increasingly recognized as experts in credentialing and privileging.  The importance of the MSP really hits home when having to make decisions concerning your own family member's care and treatment.

 

Discussing New Year's resolutions may be banal, but recognizing that the work of an MSP does make a difference reminds credentialing specialists to be more diligent in processing applications and reapplications, to take a little extra time to scrutinize applicant, and to focus on the goal of providing safe patient care. I will make sure I always have my MSP antennae up, because there is significant value to having a credentialing process that is the best that it can be! 



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