Wednesday, 17 June 2009

• Why Do Hospitals Use Credentialing?

  Until a short time ago I honestly didn't know what hospital credentialing was.  I had never heard of it.  But now that I have I'll admit that I'm glad that hospitals across the country are doing it!  So let's take a look at what this whole credentialing thing is and how it helps patients.
  
  What is Hospital Credentialing?
  
  First of all, let's talk about what credentialing is really all about.  These days in order to be a doctor you have to do more than just go through a lot of schooling.  Sure, that may get you the degree, but that is not the last door that you'll have to go through in order to actually perform procedures at a hospital.
  
  You see, hospitals have caught on to the fact that it takes more than just a degree to make a good doctor.  And that's what credentialing is all about.  In order for a doctor to do a procedure in many hospitals they have to prove that they are qualified and competent enough to do it.  The procedure will vary from hospital to hospital, but it usually involves some sort of peer review and other things.
  
  Most hospitals that use a credentialing system will have records to keep track of who has the credentials and who doesn't.  And this isn't a one-time thing either!  Doctors have to keep their credentials current.
  
  How Credentialing Helps
  
  One of the biggest risks that a patient faces when going in for an operation or other procedure is malpractice.  I'm not talking about simple human errors, but a doctor that does something above their qualifications and competency.  By using a credentialing system a hospital can reduce the risk of malpractice to their patients by making sure that their doctors are qualified.
  
  This not only helps the patients, but it reduced the money that hospitals have to spend in lawsuits and investigations. So no matter which way you look at it, credentialing is a good thing.
  
  As I mentioned before, I wasn't really aware of this system until recently.  My hope is that if any hospital has not adopted this type of system that they will start to.  It only makes sense since it not only protects patients, but also doctors and hospitals.
  
  Visit these sites for more information about hospital credentialing:
  

  • Understanding Hospital Credentialing - Massachusetts Medical Society
  • Wikipedia - Credentialing
    

  
  

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