Is an in-house CVO right for your organization?

Given the variety of credentialing approaches and entities that exist today, deciding whether to form an in-house credentials verification organization (CVO) requires careful deliberation. First, identify the key decision-makers and a proposal process. In some organizations, the system’s executive leadership will mandate the development of an internal CVO, directing the medical staff services department (MSSD) to make it happen. In others, decision-makers will request additional information and/or a development plan before signing off. In some cases, the director or manager of an MSSD might make the initial pitch. Although less common, efficiency-minded medical staff members or leaders may also float the idea.

There are many good reasons to centralize the collection of credentialing data. We live in a world where practitioners are affiliated with potentially numerous organizations, plans, facilities, and groups that require credentialing. Without centralization, duplication would run rampant in hospital and practitioner workflows. In a multi-hospital health system, it’s usually not a matter of if but when an internal CVO will take shape. Without a standardized credentialing process, practitioners applying for privileges at multiple member facilities in close proximity are likelier to run into duplicative application processes. Even when system hospitals span city limits, many organizations are looking to create a state-of-the-art credentialing operation with specialized expertise and broad reach, rather than leaving member facilities to their own devices.

Suffice it to say, CVO startups have frequently failed at the local, regional, and national levels over the years. Despite the many lessons learned throughout the CVO industry’s history, however, current failures are still a real possibility, requiring those in the developmental stages to get their ducks in a row and think seriously before jumping into the pond.

Editor’s note: This is an excerpt from Overcoming Contemporary Credentialing Challenges: Practical Strategies for MSPs and Medical Staffs. Platinum Plus members can read the e-book for free here.