Physician credentialing is the process of obtaining, verifying, and assessing the qualifications of a medical practitioner to be able to provide medical services. Credentials are documented evidence of licensure, education, training, experience, or other qualifications of the medical practitioner.

Physician Credentialing Importance and Best Practices

Importance of Physician Credentialing:

• Provider credentialing improves the patient’s trust in the healthcare provider, enabling the patient to be more open with their physician in terms of their Illnesses

• Providers & healthcare organizations need to partner with Insurance Payers to get reimbursed for the medical services provided. The absence of this a credentialing process or allowing to perform medical services before credentialing can lead to loss of revenue

• Incompetent providers are not approved by the health plans’ credentialing committee, thereby preventing the risk of medical errors and ensuring high quality care to their member

• Credentialing increases the revenue and the reputation of the provider or the healthcare organization

• Physician Practices and hospitals can avoid credentialing related denials by planning for credentialing and periodic re-credentialing ahead of time

• Provider credentialing ensures that the provider or the healthcare organization adheres to the law, thereby preventing potent lawsuits on the provider or organization

• Credentialing increases the chances of being hired into great Medical Providers & Medical groups

• Provider credentialing enables healthcare professionals to remain professionally fit to provide services to members of multiple health plans

• Involves a thorough examination & re-evaluation of the professionals’ history & practice

Here are a few tips for successful and timely Provider Credentialing:

1. Recognize that Physician Credentialing is an important process

2. Choose the right Credentialing Coordinator

3. Understanding Typical Credentialing Processes

4. Importance of CAQH Programs in Credentialing

5. Adopt /Use a credentialing Software

6. Credentialing takes time.  Plan Provider operations accordingly.

7. Structured Documentation and Information Management Processes

8. Understand State regulations and payer guidelines

9. Responsibilities of Physicians in the credentialing process

10. Operational rigor is key to credentialing success

Download this reference guide from Medical Billing Wholesalers to learn more about successful physician credentialing.