3 strategies to foster collaboration between credentialers and recruiters

Recruiting has become big business for hospitals and group practices. Having said that, the most damaging communication breakdowns often occur between recruitment and credentialing staff, costing the hospital and the candidate time, money, and dignity. It is important that the recruiter and the medical staff services department work together to create a positive experience for everyone involved—especially when issues arise during the vetting process.

Organizations with active recruiting programs should study the following three strategies for fostering successful collaboration between credentialers and recruiters.

1. Illustrate the value in coordinating credentialing and recruiting efforts

Clearly define both roles in relation to one another to promote mutual understanding and cooperation. If an external company is responsible for recruitment, collaborate with your administration and the recruitment team to establish ground rules up front. Doing so can save a lot of aggravation later.

2. Get recruiters up to speed on medical staff requirements

Be sure that recruiters understand the medical staff’s key requirements, including those surrounding the following:

• Board certification: Must practitioners have board certification at the time of application or achieve it within a certain time frame following practice authorization? If so, from which boards must practitioners obtain this certification?
• Sanctions: Are there any current/previous licensure/Office of Inspector General/Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) sanctions?

A lot of time can be saved if recruiters know this information before entering into any negotiations.

3. Provide ongoing status updates

Discussion between the recruiter and MSP must occur frequently so that each person knows the status of the other’s onboarding work. If a problem is identified, both parties must meet with administration to share information on progress and/or stumbling blocks.

Source: Overcoming Contemporary Credentialing Challenges: Practical Strategies for MSPs and Medical Staffs