The recruitment of locum tenens is a successful method for healthcare facilities to fill staffing gaps. However, they need to ensure that potential hires are well-qualified, which is why care providers for locum position undergo rigorous credentialing.
Here are 9 things about credentialing that locum tenens professionals need to be aware of.
- Verification of standard documents: The purpose of medical staff credentialing is to validate their qualifications and professional identity. In order to be considered for locum tenens positions, locum tenens physicians must first submit an online application, which is then reviewed by internal medical staff credentialing. To confirm your privileges are in good standing, the team contacts any prior employers and hospitals where providers are admitted.
- Documentation: Locum tenens physicians have to provide the following:
- Proof of training, including residency and fellowship
- Degree certifications from medical school
- Board approval DEA authorization
- Certifications in life support, like advanced cardiac life support (ACLS)
- Medical credentials
- Documents proving a legal name change, if necessary
- Scan, email, fax, or mail copies of these documents to the credentialing team. In most cases, hard copies are not required.
- A non-resident (foreign) status: Non-resident/ Foreign-trained physicians must submit their Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) certification as well as documentation of their H-1B visa status or permanent resident status.
- References from professionals: Each locum tenens physician must provide at least three references, at least two of which must be from practitioners of their specialty. Ensure locum tenens physicians have each person’s current and accurate contact information and add their program director as a reference. The procedure is slowed down if a team member cannot get in touch with their reference and must look up another name. The references should attest to individuals’ proficiency over the last two years, particularly in terms of the procedures you’ll be expected to carry out for their assignment.
- External credentialing: The locum tenens physician’s agency credentialing is complete and valid for two years after the internal medical staff credentialing team verifies one’s data. The process for obtaining credentials will be different for each assignment at each new hospital. This process is known as external credentialing, and it is necessary because every facility has different requirements and insists on primary source verifications for its own internal use. The good news is that to save time, the external credentialing team pre-populates the hospital application with the data gathered by the internal credentialing team. After providing as much information as possible, the team sends the application to the individual applicant, who is then required to send the completed form to the hospital.
- Medical Examinations: Clinicians must be up-to-date on their vaccinations to work in hospitals.
- Hepatitis B
- Rubella, mumps, and measles
- Varicella
- Diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus
- Meningococcus infection
- Additionally necessary is a recent tuberculosis test result that was negative.
- Healthcare Specialty: Both credentialing teams are divided into medical specialties at some healthcare facilities. Because members are familiar with the specific jargon and procedures, this helps streamline the process.
- Maintain A Complete History Of Hospital Affiliations: It’s crucial to maintain a current CV and thorough record of one’s hospital affiliations. The medical credentialing service team must maintain a list of the dates, names, and locum tenens assignments they have completed, as well as the addresses and phone numbers of the relevant references for that time. Additionally, to keep a thorough record of the malpractice coverage and/or carriers for those times. This will be of great assistance when obtaining credentials. Each candidate should be ready to explain any gaps in their history longer than 30 days. This will simply include the justification with their locum tenens job application. Do not withhold details about any prior sanctions, malpractice, license problems, or criminal history.
- Responsive communication: Finally, prompt communication with consultants and representatives of medical credentialing service firms like ProLocums can help avoid delays. Let them know whether they prefer phone calls, text messages, or even emails. This will make it easier for them to reach applicants.
Wrapping Up
As a result, locum tenens physicians serve as an extension of your team, hence, improving patient care. It also positively impact how your practice operates. Teams can function more effectively when practice owners and administrators set up their new locum tenens for success. Locum tenens physicians can therefore work on the floor more quickly by saving providers from burnout issues.
So, would you like to hire a locum tenens for your care facility? Sign up ProLocums right away.
