Initial Credentialing: Top 10 Tips

1. CHOOSE YOUR FACILITIES WISELY

A decision to apply to a facility should not be undertaken lightly. Once you are on staff, you are subject to peer review. While legal immunities and privileges protect the facility, you have little if any protection and your record may be permanently affected.

2. DETERMINE WHETHER THE FACILITY NEEDS YOU

If you are unfamiliar with the health care entity, research whether you are needed (e.g., you will be bringing in new business or providing needed call coverage). If you are expendable or a competitive threat, you may be vulnerable.

3. DETERMINE IF MEDICAL STAFF LEADERSHIP WANTS YOU

You must have support from those in power when you are new to a facility. Whether it is your practice partners or physicians who know and respect you, be sure to have some allies in power on the medical staff.

4. TAKE THE APPLICATION PROCESS SERIOUSLY

You are the one responsible for the contents of the application. Although a staff person may assist, you must personally review it and all attachments, verify its accuracy, and sign it.

5. READ ALL QUESTIONS CAREFULLY AND ANSWER ACCURATELY

While standard forms provide uniform questions, be especially aware of addendum questions, which are designed to elicit even minor peer review events.

6. VERIFY THE ANSWER IS "NO" BEFORE YOU CHECK THAT BOX

An allegation of dishonesty or fraud is independently reportable to third parties, including state licensing boards and the federal data bank (NPDB). Better to fully disclose than to be accused of misrepresenting yourself.

7. IF A "YES" ANSWER IS NECESSARY, GIVE A FULL EXPLANATION

Providing a credible explanation is crucial. If the answer is unclear, an attorney versed in this area can craft an answer that is accurate. If you write it yourself, be sure an impartial third party reviews it.

8. DON'T HIDE FROM AN INACCURATE ANSWER

In the event a facility questions the accuracy of an answer, provide a full explanation of not only the accurate answer (now that you understand the question) but your reasons for the initial answer. An attorney versed in this area can help undo what otherwise could be real damage to your record.

9. IF PRIVILEGES WILL NOT BE GRANTED, CONSIDER WITHDRAWING YOUR APPLICATION

If the facility actually rejects you, it will report the rejection to the state licensing board and the federal data bank (NPDB). Some facilities will allow withdrawal before rejection as a courtesy, but not always. Monitor the process with vigilance.

10. REMAIN ATTENTIVE TO THE ATMOSPHERE

Once on staff, be alert to warning signals that you are not welcome. If they exist, determine how to deal with them before they become a problem.