As a healthcare professional, it's vital to keep your licenses and credentials up-to-date. Any delays or problems in the licensing and credentialing process can jeopardize the continuity of your practice. In this article, we'll share ten invaluable tips to help you streamline these processes, ensuring you avoid any obstacles that may arise.

The Importance of Credentialing for Healthcare Providers

Before exploring ways to streamline your licensing and credentialing processes, let's first understand the significance of credentialing. Credentialing ensures that healthcare providers have the necessary qualifications, education, training, and licenses to deliver top-quality care to their patients. Moreover, it plays a crucial role in guaranteeing patient safety by verifying that providers meet the required standards and guidelines.

If credential management processes are compromised, it can lead to severe consequences for both providers and patients. Without proper credentialing, healthcare providers may not possess the necessary qualifications or experience to provide safe and effective patient care. Revoking credentials or access privileges of healthcare providers who don't meet the required standards can prevent them from delivering subpar care or even causing harm to patients.

However, the credentialing process can often be time-consuming and complex, leading to delays and frustration.

Advantages of an Efficient Credentialing Process for Locum Tenens Providers

Working as a locum tenens physician comes with numerous benefits, from potentially high pay to flexible scheduling and the opportunity to explore new cities. Like any medical professional job, it requires paperwork to start.

State and federal laws mandate hospitals screen all applicants and assess their professional abilities before granting privileges to practice care. This is standard for any assignment at any facility. Once you accept a locum tenens assignment, the facility will initiate the medical credentialing process.

Gathering and providing all necessary documentation for credentials at every new locum tenens opportunity can be time-consuming and challenging for physicians but, the benefits make it worthwhile.

The locum tenens market has experienced significant growth in recent years, as many physicians seek greater flexibility and work-life balance. A recent survey by LocumTenens.com found that 71% of contractors and locum tenens clinicians reported little to no burnout, highlighting the potential advantages of flexible staffing models.

Temporary assignments can make a significant difference for physicians. With at least 61% of physicians currently practicing reporting that they are likely to look for a new position within the next year, locum tenens can offer a refreshing change of pace and environment.

Of those not currently working locum tenens but willing to consider it, 73% said they would be interested in local contract work, and 63% said they would be interested in a locum position that required travel. This offers numerous benefits to organizations as well, creating an opportunity to attract top talent and expand their workforce, resulting in better outcomes for everyone, especially patients.

Locum Tenens Credentialing: Key Documents, Potential Pitfalls, and Expert Advice

Keep the Needed Documentation Up-to-Date and Ready

A primary obstacle in locum tenens credentialing is supplying complete and up-to-date information to prevent delays. The credentialing team aims to confirm and evaluate your professional background, including your education, training, employment history, and licenses or certifications. While the exact list of necessary documents may differ depending on the facility, you should be prepared to gather the following documents applicable to you:

Top-Priority Documentation: Mandatory for Nearly Every Position

• Current resume or curriculum vitae (CV)
• All active state medical licenses
• State-controlled substance registrations
• Federal DEA Certificate(s)
• Malpractice claims history
• NPI Number confirmation letter
• Current BLS, ACLS, ATLS, PALS, APLS, and NRP certificates

Additional Documentation

• Graduate or medical school diploma
• ECFMG certificate
• CMEs from the past two years
• Current photograph
• Color copy of a valid driver's license or passport
• Permanent residence status or VISA (for non-US citizens)
• Case logs from the last 24 months (if applicable)
• Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) license

Compiling all these documents can be challenging for busy physicians applying for multiple assignments.

Vaccination Records

To mitigate the spread of infectious diseases in healthcare environments, compliance with health screenings and immunization requirements is necessary. Collect records showing up-to-date vaccinations and recent test results, including the following:

• Hepatitis B
• Measles, mumps, and rubella
• Varicella
• Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis
• Meningococcal disease
• Influenza

There may be exceptions for medical exemptions, religious exemptions, or signed waivers declining specific vaccines depending on the facility or state.

Maintain a Strong Network of References

Providing professional references is a crucial part of the credentialing process. Healthcare facilities want to hear from colleagues or supervisors who can attest to your competence. Generally, most facilities require at least three references, with two of them being from your specialty.

Facilities typically ask for peers who have worked with you within the past 24 months and possess first-hand knowledge of your performance. References might be questioned about your medical knowledge, clinical and technical skills, communication and interpersonal abilities, and overall professionalism. Even if you submit a written reference letter, the facility may still contact the reference directly.

Credentialing experts often report needing to make multiple attempts to reach professional references, which can delay the process or even raise concerns for the facility.

Ensure that you have accurate and current contact information for each person and inform them that you will be listing them as a reference, so they anticipate a call. To simplify this part of the process, maintain a comprehensive database of your professional contacts who could serve as potential references. Consider creating a spreadsheet that includes:

• Their name
• Personal contact information
• Specialty
• When and where you worked together
• Date and job for which you cited them as a reference

Continuously expand your network and update the spreadsheet. Build connections at work by introducing yourself and engaging with coworkers. This way, you'll have a steady pool of references who are familiar with you and your work when applying for future locum tenens assignments. By doing so, you won't overburden your current contacts and risk them becoming unresponsive to reference requests.

Watch Out for Red Flags

The credentialing process is a thorough investigation since healthcare facilities could be held liable for hiring a physician accused of fraud or incompetence. The exact process may vary by facility and state, but there are some general standards to consider. The following could be viewed as red flags for your application:

• Incomplete or unsigned application
• Unexplained employment gaps (e.g., 30-90 days between jobs)
• Insufficient list of professional references
• Unresponsive or vague references
• Pending investigations or past disciplinary actions by healthcare organizations, licensing bodies, or professional societies
• Multiple medical liability claims, judgments, or settlements
• Criminal history
• Physical or mental illness that could impact your ability to provide care
• Coverage by multiple and different insurance agencies throughout your career

It's almost certain that the credentialing team will uncover any of these concerns during background checks, so it's always best, to be honest and upfront about any potential red flags. Address any issues as soon as possible with the facility where you accepted the locum tenens assignment. Promptly addressing even minor concerns can help avoid delays. Clear communication and understanding of the issue could help alleviate concerns and give the facility the confidence to proceed.

Locum Tenens Credentialing Timeframes

In general, the medical credentialing process can range from a few days to several months. Locum positions are often filled on short notice, leaving limited time for the credentialing process. Some hospitals offer an emergency privilege process, granting locum tenens physicians temporary privileges to begin work immediately before the full process is completed. However, government facilities typically have a more rigorous process to thoroughly background check potential employees.

To expedite the process, ensure that you have accurately completed all parts of the application, including an up-to-date list of professional references. The facility may still have follow-up questions or require additional paperwork. Respond promptly to any inquiries or requests for more information to avoid delays.

10 Essential Tips for Streamlining Locum Tenens Credentialing

• Communicate effectively: Keep the lines of communication open with your staffing agency and the facility's credentialing team. This ensures everyone is on the same page and can help expedite the process.
• Stay organized: Keep all your documents, licenses, and certifications in order. Use a digital filing system to store your records and set reminders for renewal dates.
• Keep your CV up-to-date: Regularly update your CV with the latest information about your work experience, education, and achievements. This will make it easier to provide the necessary documentation when applying for locum tenens positions.
• Be proactive: Gather all necessary paperwork ahead of time and submit them as soon as possible. Don't wait for facilities to request your documents.
• Maintain clear communication with professional references: Ensure you have accurate, up-to-date contact information for your references, and give them a heads up that they may be contacted.
• Obtain multiple state licenses: Consider getting licenses in multiple states if you plan to work across state lines, which can reduce the time it takes to secure a new assignment.

Learn more about the benefits, requirements, and geography of the IMLC and eNLC.

• Stay informed: Keep up-to-date on changes to licensing and credentialing requirements, as these can impact your ability to practice medicine.
• Be prepared for audits: Maintain detailed records of your work history, including dates and locations of assignments, as you may be subject to random audits.
• Network with other locum tenens providers: Learn from their experiences and gain insights into best practices for managing the credentialing process.
• Address potential red flags promptly: Be honest and upfront about any concerns in your application, and fully address them as soon as possible with the facility where you accepted the assignment. Clear communication can help mitigate concerns and keep the process moving forward.

Using Credentialing Services and Agencies to Streamline the Process

Working with a credentialing service or agency can greatly facilitate the credentialing process for locum tenens providers. These organizations help match credentialed providers with healthcare facilities in need of their services.

The Benefits of Partnering with Locum Tenens Agencies

A good agency can help address common issues in the credentialing process, such as ensuring complete and accurate information, facilitating communication with internal and external stakeholders, and completing reviews promptly. They can also help prevent the assignment of unqualified or mismatched providers to healthcare facilities.

Implementing a Credential Management System

Credential management systems like Credsy can help manage and store the credentials of locum tenens healthcare professionals. Here are some ways these systems can improve the credentialing process:

Streamlining the Process: Credential management systems can automate the credentialing process, saving time and reducing errors. This is particularly important when dealing with multiple credentials and licensing requirements across different states.

Centralizing Credential Storage: By using a credential management system, locum tenens healthcare professionals can store all their credentials in one place. This ensures easy access and the ability to share them with potential employers or clients when needed.

Ensuring Compliance: Many states and healthcare organizations have specific requirements for credentialing and licensing. A credential management system can help ensure that locum tenens healthcare professionals meet these requirements and comply with all relevant regulations.

Increasing Efficiency: Credential management systems like Credsy can save time and increase efficiency by centralizing credential management. This reduces administrative burdens and allows healthcare professionals to focus on their core responsibilities.

By partnering with a locum tenens agency and implementing a credential management system, healthcare professionals can streamline the credentialing process, making it easier and more efficient for everyone involved.

FAQ on Streamlining Locum Tenens Credentialing

What is locum tenens credentialing?

Locum tenens credentialing is the process of verifying the qualifications, education, training, and licenses of healthcare professionals working as temporary staff. It ensures that they meet the required standards and guidelines for patient safety and quality care.

How can I streamline the credentialing process for locum tenens?

To streamline the process, keep your documents organized, maintain clear communication with professional references, obtain multiple state licenses, stay informed about changes in licensing requirements, and consider partnering with a locum tenens agency or implementing a credential management system.

What are some common documents required for locum tenens credentialing?

Some common documents include your current resume or CV, active state medical licenses, state controlled substance registrations, Federal DEA Certificate(s), malpractice claims history, NPI Number confirmation letter, and current BLS, ACLS, ATLS, PALS, APLS, and NRP certificates.

How long does the locum tenens credentialing process take?

The credentialing process can range from a few days to several months, depending on the facility and state requirements. To expedite the process, ensure that you have accurately completed all parts of the application and respond promptly to any inquiries or requests for more information.

What are some potential red flags in the credentialing process?

Potential red flags include incomplete or unsigned applications, unexplained employment gaps, insufficient professional references, unresponsive or vague references, pending investigations or past disciplinary actions, multiple medical liability claims, criminal history, and physical or mental illness that could impact your ability to provide

How do locum tenens agencies help with the credentialing process?

Locum tenens agencies can help facilitate the credentialing process by ensuring complete and accurate information, facilitating communication with internal and external stakeholders, completing reviews promptly, and preventing the assignment of unqualified or mismatched providers to healthcare facilities.

What are the benefits of implementing a credential management system?

Implementing a credential management system can streamline the credentialing process, centralize credential storage, ensure compliance with state and healthcare organization requirements, and increase efficiency by reducing administrative burdens for healthcare professionals.

How can I maintain a strong network of professional references for the credentialing process?

To maintain a strong network of professional references, ensure you have accurate, up-to-date contact information for each reference, give them a heads up that they may be contacted, and continuously expand your network by engaging with colleagues and supervisors at work. Consider creating a spreadsheet with essential information about your references, such as their name, contact information, specialty, and when and where you worked together.