Tip of the week: Avoid the common initial appointment mistakes

There are two types of mistakes commonly made in an initial appointment:

1. Mechanical failure-the inability to collect all relevant information concerning a new applicant to support a membership/privileges decision.

2. Decision failure-when those entrusted with the responsibility of making membership and privileges recommendations do so unwisely.

An excellent medical staff services professional will almost always eliminate mechanical failure but the elimination of decision failure comes only with a focused sense of purpose, personal integrity, and experience. When complex credentialing issues arise, there is no substitute for a seasoned credentials committee composed of five to seven individuals who are highly trained, well-educated, and dedicated to the medical staff process.