Credentialing is essential in healthcare staffing. It ensures providers meet regulatory, organizational, and payer requirements before delivering patient care. Medical Staff Offices (MSOs) and Medical Services Professionals (MSPs) are responsible for this process within hospitals and health systems. Our credentialing team, equipped with industry certifications and decades of experience, partners with MSOs to facilitate seamless onboarding for locum tenens providers.
Client Challenges
Healthcare facilities often experience:
Communication Gaps: Multiple stakeholders operating in silos, causing confusion and inefficiency.
Documentation Complexity: Locum tenens providers often have extensive work histories, requiring detailed verification and timely submission of complete application packages.
Regulatory Layers: State laws, federal regulations, and additional requirements from regulatory bodies such as the Joint Commission, the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), and Det Norske Veritas (DNV), as well as individual facility bylaws can create significant hurdles.
Our Multi-Faceted Approach
Early Engagement: Credentialing professionals are involved at the outset of new client relationships, allowing for a thorough understanding of each client’s process and requirements.
Customized Collaboration: We tailor our approach based on client size and structure. For large healthcare systems, regular meetings, either weekly or biweekly, are established to streamline communication. For smaller facilities, we adapt to strict documentation preferences.
Process Optimization: Automation tools such as Axuall are used to enhance primary source verification and data accuracy, reducing manual effort and turnaround times.
Building Trust: By leveraging industry certifications such as the Certified Provider Credentialing Specialist (CPCS) and the Certified Professional in Medical Services Management (CPMSM), our associates demonstrate expertise and build credibility with client MSOs.
Internal Education: Our associates are trained to understand the nuances of each client’s requirements, ensuring consistent and compliant practices.
Implementation Highlights
Client Onboarding: For new contracts, our credentialing experts meet with client MSOs to review processes, identify “hard stops,” and clarify documentation needs.
Regular Communication: Standing meetings are established with client teams to address issues in real time, align on start dates, and ensure all stakeholders are informed.
Documentation Management: We have developed checklists and templates to ensure all required documents are collected and submitted in the preferred format for each client.
Continuous Feedback: Lessons learned from each engagement are shared internally to refine processes and improve future client experiences.
“We specialize in streamlining credentialing by understanding each client’s unique process, fostering trust, and driving efficiency. Our proactive approach consistently reduces turnaround times and strengthens collaboration.”
Caroline Strickland, MBA-HCA, CPCS, CPMSM, FMSP
Medical Services Consultant
Results + Impact
Reduced Turnaround Time
With one large healthcare system, we achieved a 10-day average decrease in provider onboarding time.
Improved Client Satisfaction
Clients reported smoother onboarding experiences and greater confidence in our ability to meet their needs.
Enhanced Compliance
Early and thorough engagement ensured all regulatory and organizational requirements were met, reducing risk for clients and us.
Stronger Relationships
Proactive communication and a collaborative approach fostered long-term partnerships with both large health systems and smaller facilities.
Key Takeaways
Early Involvement Is Critical: Engaging credentialing experts from the beginning prevents downstream issues and sets the stage for success.
One Size Does Not Fit All: Customizing the approach for each client’s unique needs is essential.
Communication Is Key: Regular, transparent communication with internal and external stakeholders drives efficiency and trust.
Looking Ahead
Our comprehensive credentialing approach has led to measurable improvements in operational efficiency and client satisfaction. Our commitment to early engagement, customization, and transparent communication has positioned it as a trusted partner to MSOs nationwide.
About Jackson and Coker
Jackson and Coker Locum Tenens connects healthcare organizations of all sizes with physicians and advanced practitioners because we believe everyone deserves compassion and care. With 40+ years of fostering purposeful relationships, we transform lives through locum tenens staffing by combining unparalleled service and tailored solutions. Jackson and Coker Locum Tenens is part of the Jackson Healthcare® family of companies. To learn more, visit jacksoncoker.com.
