This month, Medical Staff Leader Connection presents the second installment of an eight-part series written by Donna K. Goestenkors, CPMSM, a credentialing and privileging consultant with The Greeley Company, a division of HCPro, Inc. in Marblehead, MA. This comprehensive series addresses what improvements medical staff services professionals (MSP) can make to ensure the most effective outcomes.

Last week, we dispelled a common misconception hospitals often subscribe to when considering a merger: that being in a larger group automatically means you have more control when negotiating payer rates. This week, we are dispelling another myth, which might surprise you.

Certain leadership positions are critical to the success of the medical staff and hospital. Hospitals should develop descriptions for these positions, as well as for several key committee chair positions.