Synergy - March/April 2013 - 17

industry feature

MSP role has completely evolved into a
much bigger role based on the changes
in healthcare . Often, the “Medical Staff
Coordinator,” “Credentialing Coordinator”
or “Credentialing Specialist” is listed in the
same job classification as an Administrative
Assistant in our facilities . Having the
positions classified in the same category
usually translates to an equivalent pay
rate . While there are some entry level
positions in the medical services profession
that fall in a similar job classification to
the administrative assistant, the majority
of MSPs should be in a higher job
classification, as the roles are very different .
An MSP is responsible for independently
analyzing information, making difficult
decisions, communicating with physicians,
being knowledgeable about and ensuring
compliance with current laws, accreditation
requirements and other regulatory
requirements . MSPs are involved not only
in credentialing and ensuring our physicians
and allied health professionals hold the
proper credentials, training, etc, but also
they work to maintain the Medical Staff
Bylaws, work with other departments to
gather quality data for physician profiles
and enroll our providers in health plans
and much more . Of course, there are also
differences in the MSP roles based on the
type of facility in which they work .
While we know our job is critical to patient
care, it is time for us to educate others
and raise awareness of our role in the
delivery of healthcare . The first step is to
educate those key individuals within our
own organizations, starting with the human
resources department . I recommend
starting with a review of the MSP job
descriptions within your organizations to
see if they are up-to-date and reflect the
current MSP roles in the healthcare facility .
Are the titles currently being used outdated
or do they accurately reflect the professional
position you are currently performing? If
you are not currently serving as the manager
or director for your department, take time
to meet with your department’s director
to review the job descriptions . If you are
working as an MSP director in your facility,
make an appointment to meet with your
HR department and review suggested
changes with them and offer to assist
them in updating your job descriptions

and competencies . Most HR directors will
welcome input from the individuals who
are actually working in the positions to help
them update job descriptions in an effort to
ensure they accurately reflect the positions
within the organization .

While we know our
job is critical to patient
care, it is time for us
to educate others and
raise awareness of our
role in the delivery of
healthcare.
Because there are so many different titles
we carry as an MSP, I am going to refer you
to the most recent salary survey conducted
by NAMSS that can be found at the NAMSS
website www.namss.org under “Member
Resources” to look at some job titles and
sample descriptions . The sample positions
described in the survey include Medical
Staff Services Director, Credentialing
Manager, Medical Staff Services
Coordinator, Credentials Coordinator and
Credentialing Specialist . While you are
working with HR to update your MSP job
titles, take the opportunity to review the
staffing ratio survey results with your HR
departments as well, as your department

may very well be understaffed and
underpaid . Again, most HR departments
will be receptive to survey results
conducted by professional organizations so
they can remain competitive within their
cities, states and regions .
In summary, take pride in your role as an
MSP and exude confidence when given
the opportunity to discuss your role within
your organizations . The MSP is the first step
in the delivery of quality patient care, as
the MSP is responsible for making sure the
physician or allied professional delivering
care to the patient is educated, fully
trained, qualified and currently competent
to perform the specific privileges granted
to him . Please take every opportunity to
educate your HR departments, medical
staff members and executives on the
important role you play in healthcare . You
can make a difference for you and all other
MSPs in your organization by using the
resources available to you . I am confident
you will receive the recognition, respect
and even pay rate you deserve .
Please share your success stories so we
can do a follow up article and share them
with other NAMSS members . Don’t waste
another day as it is time to take action! ■

Amy Wade, BA, CPMSM, CPCS, is the director of
medical staff services and director of human
resources at Community Hospital and Northwest
Surgical Hospital in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
She has worked in medical staff and credentialing
services for the past 21 years.
March/ april 2013 SYNERGY

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http://www.namss.org/MemberCenter/MemberSurveys/SalarySurvey/tabid/189/Default.aspx http://www.namss.org http://www.namss.org/MemberCenter/MemberSurveys/StaffingRatiosSurvey/tabid/190/Default.aspx
Synergy - March/April 2013

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