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Opportunities for Process Optimization & Integration
Our analysis of the survey results reveals several opportunities to optimize the credentialing process and integrate certain tasks into the credentialing and medical staff services operations.
OPPORTUNITY # 1
Paperless process for committee reviews and decisions
OPPORTUNITY # 2
Paperless process for delineation and tracking of privileges
OPPORTUNITY # 3
Integration with physician scheduling solutions
Slightly more than one-fourth( 27 %) of the medical staff services leadership said they have yet to implement a paperless process for committee reviews and decisions.
Of all process improvement initiatives surveyed, this area had the lowest reported implementation rate – just 46 %.
Several factors may be contributing to this lag, including requirements( or perceived requirements) for wet signatures from accrediting or regulatory bodies 5. Additionally, limitations in existing software, lack of training, resistance to change, and a continued reliance on the perceived reliability of paper-based processes may be hindering progress.
Implementing a paperless process for delineation and tracking of privileges presents another key opportunity for process optimization.
According to our survey, 51 % of medical staff services leaders reported that this process is already in place, while 20 % are in the process of implementation and 19 % have yet to begin.
Without electronic privileges, seamless integration into an online application system is not possible. Moreover, relying on paper or scanned files stored on an intranet requires constant manual updates, particularly in areas where real-time verification of a provider’ s privileges is essential, such as scheduling procedures.
Integrating provider credentialing with scheduling systems helps ensure that only credentialed and approved providers are assigned to clinical duties.
The survey results indicated there is a significant opportunity for integration with physician scheduling solutions, including provider and on-call scheduling.
Adoption is currently limited: only 11 % of medical staff services leaders reported this integration as fully implemented, while 18 % are in the process of implementation and 41 % have not yet begun.
2025 TRENDS IN MEDICAL STAFF CREDENTIALING- OPPORTUNITIES FOR PROCESS OPTIMIZATION AND INTEGRATION 25