Safe, Reliable Credentialing: A Team Effort

Pictured: Medical Staff Services professionals from Peaks Region and Central Verification Office

In February, Medical Staff Services colleagues from across the Peaks Region and the Central Verification Office met in Denver to review processes, discuss challenges, and strengthen collaboration. Because credentialing and privileging involve many steps, our team works closely with several regional and enterprise teams that support different parts of the process. Together, these teams form the backbone of our credentialing and privileging efforts:

• Central Verification Office (CVO)
  Manages application intake and primary source verification, including licenses, education, certifications, and the collection of required documentation.

• Medical Staff Privileging Coordinators
  Ensure physicians and APPs are trained and competent in the privileges they request by reviewing references, collaborating with department chairs, and gathering additional information as needed.

• Delegated Credentialing Team
  Supports payer enrollment for employed physicians and APPs, including Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance organizations.

• Leadership, Local and Enterprise
  Guides strategy, supports our teams, and ensures compliance with regulatory and accreditation standards.

Why does credentialing take time?

At its core, the credentialing process exists to protect patients. This work requires us to ask important questions and carefully vet each physician/APP with the mindset, “Would you want this provider caring for you or your family member?” That guiding question shapes every decision we make.

While the Medical Staff Bylaws allow up to 180 days to complete the credentialing process, Medical Staff Services, supported by our Central Verification Office, averages 60 to 90 days from application receipt to Board of Directors approval. This strong timeline reflects the focused, behind-the-scenes work of the dedicated professionals in Medical Staff Services. Even so, our top priority remains ensuring safe, high-quality care for every patient we serve.