A wise man once said – “Find the root cause and you will solve the problem forever”
Medical Credentialing is the process of obtaining approval from an insurance Provider or Government agency to provide services to patients and receive reimbursement for those services. It involves collecting, verifying, and managing all documents related to a Medical Practitioner’s Credentials to determine their eligibility for Medical procedures or to participate in a health plan. Although the process is important, streamlining it can be difficult due to delays caused by various factors.
This article covers the top 5 factors that lead to delays in getting Credentialed and also ways to avoid this dreadful delay. Read to find out how you can save time and money by avoiding delays in the Medical Credentialing & Enrollment process.
Top 5 Factors Causing Delays In Medical Credentialing Process
A. Complexity Of The Application Process:
The application process for Medical Credentialing can be complicated, time-consuming, and tedious. From collecting the required documents to completing the necessary paperwork, there are a lot of steps involved in the process which can lead to delays if not managed properly.
TIP : Cut through this complexity with the help of an expert team and powerful technology.
B. Lack Of Coordination Between Different Entities:
For Medical Credentialing to be successful, multiple entities such as hospitals, health plans, and government agencies need to work together. Unfortunately, many of these entities are not well coordinated which can lead to delays in the process.
TIP : Submit accurate proofs to avoid getting into coordination hassles.
C. Slow Response Times From Medical Providers And Organizations:
For a Medical Practitioner or organization to be approved for Credentialing, they must provide documentation and other information promptly. Unfortunately, some Medical Providers and organizations have slow response times which can lead to delays in the process.
TIP : Respond as fast as you can. Do not delay communication.
D. Miscommunication Or Misinformation:
Miscommunication or misinformation between Medical Practitioners, health plans, and other entities can also cause delays in the Credentialing process. This could occur if incorrect information is provided or if the parties involved fail to communicate properly.
TIP : Clarifying is always a good idea! Do not postpone clarifying when you have to.
E. Background Check Discrepancies:
Background checks are an important part of the Credentialing process and discrepancies can lead to delays if they aren’t addressed quickly. This could include errors in a Medical Practitioner’s records, incorrect licensure information, or any other issues that need to be clarified before a credentialing application can be approved.
TIP : Share accurate information, avoid lack of proper disclosures.
There is a huge importance of Credentialing in healthcare. It ensures that Medical Practitioners are properly qualified to provide services and receive reimbursement for their services. However, delays can occur due to various factors as we saw above. By understanding the potential causes of delay, Medical Practitioners, health plans, and other entities can work together to streamline the process and minimize delays.
Avoid Delays In Credentialing Process
Several steps can be taken by a Healthcare Provider to avoid delays in the Medical Credentialing process.
- Create a checklist of all the required documents and information needed to complete the process.
- Ensure that the application forms are filled out accurately and completely.
- Stay organized by using an electronic tracking system to store and manage Credentialing data.
- Maintain good communication with other entities involved in the process to ensure that they are aware of changes or updates.
- Schedule regular follow-up activities such as phone calls and emails with Providers, health plans, and other entities involved in the process.
- Ensure background checks are handled quickly by keeping all necessary information up to date.
- Monitor compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
- Dedicate resources to keep up with changes in the Medical Credentialing process.
- Utilize an experienced third-party Provider to facilitate the process and manage compliance requirements.
- Regularly review processes and procedures to identify any areas for improvement or potential sources of delay.
By taking these steps, Health Organizations can significantly reduce the risk of delays in the Credentialing process. In order to effectively navigate through the complex and cumbersome process of Credentialing, it is recommended to partner with Credentialing experts. It enables savings in time as well as money lost due to delays.
A Credentialing Specialist Agency Can Help
A Credentialing partner can assist with the entire Medical Credentialing process and help to avoid delays. Choose a partner who will manage the entire process for you, including,
- collecting the necessary documents and information
- submitting applications
- ensuring that all applicable laws and regulations are being followed
- providing ongoing support so that any changes or updates to the process are handled quickly and efficiently
This can significantly reduce the risk of delays in the Medical Credentialing process, ensuring that Healthcare Providers are approved quickly and accurately.
Apaana Healthcare has the expertise and experience to ensure that your Medical Practitioners are Credentialed quickly and accurately. Contact us today for assistance with the Medical Credentialing process.
We look forward to helping you streamline this important process!
