A: There are two common credentialing systems: the traditional system and the fast-track system. The traditional system processes every application the same way and can last more than eight months. The fast-track system, on the other hand, processes applications according to their complexity and can take as few as one or two months.
While your facility might find it necessary to process some applications through the traditional system, it should consider implementing a fast-track system to make its credentialing practices more efficient.
Organizations that fast track usually separate out the problem-free applications from those that have potential problems. For example, a problem-free application might be one in which everything was easily verified, there is no history of loss of privileges or licensure, there is no unusual pattern of malpractice, references are universally positive, etc. Problem-free applications are then fast tracked (in accordance with organization policies and procedures).
Note: It is very important that a clear policy or procedure explains how the fast-track process is implemented.
Typically, once the department chair reviews the application, concurs that it qualifies as a fast-track file, and makes his or her recommendation related to membership and privileges, a designee of the credentials committee reviews the application and makes a recommendation on behalf of the committee. The application then goes to the medical executive committee and board.
Applications that are not fast tracked go through the regular process.
Editor's note: Questions and topic suggestions can be e-mailed to Credentialing & Verification Update at mcoler@hcpro.com.
