About Medical Credentialing

Medical credentialing is the process of examining the qualifications of a medical professional. It is typically conducted as part of the hiring process for health care organizations or as part of a review process for current staff.

Purpose

• Medical credentialing was designed to ensure that medical practitioners' qualifications and work performance meet specific standards. Reviews are performed on a regular basis.

Types

• Medical credentialing is conducted on a wide range of medical professionals. In addition to physicians, this can include psychotherapists, nurses, physical therapists and chiropractors.

Features

• Medical credentialing often includes verifying a medical practitioner's educational background and conducting criminal background and work history checks. Any malpractice insurance claims filed against the practitioner are investigated as well.

Time Frame

• Depending on the information required, the process of medical credentialing can take up to four months. Additional time could be necessary if those making the evaluation have questions or concerns about the information received.

Benefits

• Credentialing increases patients' confidence that medical professionals have been properly trained. It can also give the practitioners' employer more information when making a hiring decision.