22 Feb Important Locum Tenens Credentialing Information You’ll Need to Know
Being a locum tenens physician, PA or NP comes with a wide variety of perks, including the potential for high pay, better work/life balance, career flexibility and exploring new locations.
But do locum tenens providers need to be credentialed? The answer is yes.
State and federal laws require hospitals to have a process in place to screen all applicants and assess their professional abilities. That’s why physicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners must undergo a thorough credentialing process prior to taking on a locum tenens assignment.
One of the most persistent problems in locum tenens credentialing is having incomplete or out-of-date information that delays the process.
Below are a few credentialing insights you should know as you prepare for your locum tenens assignment.
Primary Source Verification
The primary reason for credentialing is to confirm your professional identity and qualifications. Providers hoping to accept locum tenens jobs begin by filling out an online application, which is then verified by internal credentialing representatives.
The team reaches out to previous places of employment and hospitals where providers hold privileges to make sure your privileges are in good standing.
Documentation
You’ll be asked to provide the following documents which you can scan, email or fax. Hard copies are typically not required.
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- Proof of training, including residency and fellowship
- Medical school diploma
- Board certifications
- DEA certification
- Life support certifications, such as Basic Life Support (BLS)
- Medical licenses
- Official change-of-name documentation if applicable
Your CV
Be sure to keep your CV updated and have it ready to include with your documentation. You will need to send it to the medical staff office as soon as you sign an agreement to work at that facility. Be sure to review it prior to sending for clarity and ensure there are no typos or errors.
Completed Medical Tests
Hospitals may mandate that clinicians have current vaccinations for the following:
- Hepatitis B
- Measles, mumps and rubella
- Varicella
- Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis
- Meningococcal disease
- A negative tuberculosis test result within the past year
- COVID-19
Full Disclosure
You’re required to report all licensure sanctions or malpractice claims in detail. Also, make sure applications match your CV, because the credentialing teams have to investigate any discrepancies – even two-month differences. The process becomes much easier and less time-consuming if all information is complete and accurate.
Foreign Status
If you’re a foreign-trained physician, you’ll be required to submit your Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates ECFMG certification along with proof of permanent resident status or an H-1B visa.
3 to 5 Professional Peer References
Having professional references are vital to the credentialing process. The employer wants to hear from your peers or supervisors about your overall competence. Standard best practice at most healthcare facilities is to ask for at least three references, including two who practice within your specialty. Most facilities will ask for peers who have worked with you in the last 24 months and have first-hand knowledge of your performance.
Reach Out to Our Expert Team Today
At Annashae we’re dedicated to the placement of highly-skilled Locum Tenens providers in short and long-term positions. As a nationwide medical staffing and consulting firm, we provide a range of services that enable our candidates to quickly find the career opportunity that fits their needs. For information on how you can further your clinical career, contact us today.