Please review some frequently asked questions regarding medical staff credentialing, privileging and the application process. For questions, please email mso@eCommunity.com.
What is credentialing?
Credentialing is the primary source verification of a healthcare practitioner’s education, training, work experience, license, etc.
What is privileging?
Privileging is granting approval for an individual to perform a specific procedure or specific set of privileges based on documented competence in the specialty in which privileges are requested.
How far in advance of my start date should I begin the application process?
Application requests should be submitted at least 90 days prior to the provider's start date.
How long does it take a provider's application to go through the approval process?
The credentialing and privileging process takes between 90 – 120 days from receipt of a complete application.
Is there anything a practitioner can do to speed up the application process?
Yes. Providers can help speed up the process by providing complete and accurate information on the application that is submitted.
Providers can greatly influence the length of processing time by contacting their verification sources and asking each source to respond to Community's verification request as soon as possible.
What if the application submitted is incomplete or missing required attachments?
Providers will be notified of outstanding items that need to be submitted. Incomplete applications create substantial delays in the verification process. All incomplete applications will be terminated within 30 days of receipt.
How does a provider access an application?
All applications are processed through the Axuall Digital Credential Wallet. The provider will receive an email with detailed instructions on how to complete this process. Please make sure you have your government-issued ID (passport or state driver’s license/ID) and your cellphone to establish the Wallet.
Does Community Health Network require an application fee?
Yes, initial physician applications require a fee of $400. Allied health provider applications require a fee of $200. All application fees are non-refundable. For providers entering an employment agreement with Community Physician Network, the application fee is submitted directly to the Medical Staff Office on your behalf.
Can a provider work before completing the medical staff process?
No. It is Community Health Network’s legal obligation to ensure that all providers have gone through the credentialing and/or privileging process and have been approved by the Community Health Network Board of Directors to provide patient care services. A provider working at Community Health Network before the process is complete places the hospital and the provider at legal risk and can directly impact Community Health Network accreditation status.
What is the application appointment timeframe?
Community Health Network hospitals are Joint Commission accredited. All providers are appointed for a period not to exceed 36 months. In order to maintain membership and/or privileges, providers must complete the reappointment process at least every 36 months.
What are expirables?
Expirables may be emailed to msoexp@eCommunity.com.
The medical staff office tracks and verifies expirables on an ongoing basis. Examples of practitioner expirables include, but are not limited to:
- License
- Malpractice insurance
- DEA registration
- Board certification
- Cardiopulmonary resuscitation
- Tuberculosis requirements