It’s no secret that the credentialing process for healthcare providers can be grueling, tiresome, and inconvenient. Between paperwork, document submission, and waiting to be in the clear, credentialing is generally the most stressful and unpleasant part of getting started at a new facility.
Luckily, there are things you can do to make the process move forward more efficiently!
1. Be prepared.
Throughout the credentialing process, you’ll be asked for a variety of documents to prove your identity, education, training, and employment history. Below is a list of items you’ll typically be asked for during the credentialing process:
- State license(s).
- Controlled Substance Permit(s), such as a CSR, CSP, or DPS.
- DEA Registration Certificate, or proof of DEA application.
- Training certificate(s), such as ACLS, BLS, PALS, ATLS, and PGY I, II, and III.
- ECFMG Certificate, if applicable.
- Government-issued photo ID, like a driver’s license or passport.
- Social Security Card
- Copy of medical school diploma and proof of post-graduate education, including internship, residency, and fellowship.
- Copy of Board Certification certificate(s) and the renewal date(s).
- Immunization record, including TB/PPD, MMR, TDAP, and a flu shot within the last year.
- Certificate(s) of malpractice insurance for the last ten years, including the limits of coverage, timeframe, and practice location.
- Current passport-size photo.
2. Keep it together.
Maintain your many documents by keeping them in the same place — create a designated space for them physically and electronically.
Keep the original copies and some back-up hard copies of your documents in a labeled filing cabinet, binder, or folder. Scan the original documents to create electronic files, then save the files onto your computer. Organize the electronic files into named folders for easier access.
To afford yourself access in the event you’re away from your home computer, e-mail the documents to yourself and store them in their own inbox. You can also keep them in a shareable folder within an online storage database, such as Google Drive, iCloud, or Dropbox.
3. Explain malpractice.
Malpractice lawsuits happen. If they’ve ever happened to you, your future employers will want to know what transpired.
For each malpractice claim, you’ll likely be asked to provide first and third party information. First party information is your explanation of the event, and third party information includes the court documentation that states the outcome of the case.
Create a document that contains the necessary first and third party information. Offer a detailed account of what took place. Provide settlement amounts, if any. Having explanations of malpractice incidents readily available will ensure an easier, more organized credentialing experience.
4. Clarify gaps.
Just as you would with any malpractice lawsuits, provide explanations to any gaps in employment you may have. If you ever left on parental leave, sabbatical, or even spent some time off the clock while being credentialed for a new position, offering explanations to those breaks will eliminate any concerns of potential employers.
What constitutes a gap? Typically, a gap is a lapse in employment extending at least 60 days; however, some facilities will consider a gap any lapse greater than 30 days. To play it safe, have explanations prepared for gaps of 30 days or longer.
5. Complete a self-query.
The National Practitioner Data Bank, or NPDB, is an electronic repository of reports packed with information relating to healthcare practitioners, providers, and suppliers. The NPDB fulfills multiple purposes, including:
- Preventing fraud and abuse within the healthcare system.
- Prohibiting practitioners from relocating without disclosure of prior faults.
- Protecting the general public.
- Promoting quality care.
Run your own self-query report here. For $4, you’ll receive an online response and a sealed letter. Running a self-query report regularly will keep you up-to-date on your status as a provider, and prevent you from running into any surprises.
Interested in working with us? Call today at 855-537-8353 and allow one of our experienced recruiters to assist you.