Synergy - July/August 2014 - 23

where the provider plans to apply. These
forms are printed, flagged, and mailed or
delivered to the provider. The provider
only needs to review and complete the
actual privileging request forms, sign
everything, and return the packet to us.
This was definitely a learning process for
us in the beginning. Forms were missed.
Document copies were needed. Each facility
does things a little differently, so we had to
learn what each one needed and wanted.
The hospitals often needed items that we
at the PHO do not need and didn't think
to ask for. Our goal was to streamline and
make things easier for the provider, but we
found that it makes things easier to share as
much information in the credentialing and
privileging world as we can. We all know
that no two applications are the same, but
the more we can share and collaborate, the
better off we all are!
Approximately 25 percent of the new
applications we received in 2013 used this

The more we can share and collaborate, the
better off we all are!
new process. We chose a couple groups to
pilot this process, and this has now evolved
into standard procedure for our largest
group of providers. We are in the process of
implementing this for another large group
and also marketing this service to other
groups. Not all providers need hospital
privileges; however, we want to make
this the way of the future for anyone who
does plan to apply for PHO membership
and hospital privileges in our area. We
also plan to expand the list of facilities for
which we can populate forms, since many
providers do travel to other nearby facilities.
Additional future plans also include the
development of a general pre-application
that our member offices can use when
recruiting and hiring new providers. It would
include pieces of the information needed for

credentialing and privileging if the provider
did move forward into those processes
through the PHO, therefore reducing the
amount of paperwork yet again.
It's so easy to become caught up in the
black-and-white of the credentialing and
privileging world-what the bylaws say, what
NCQA says, what process we've always
used in the past. I recently saw a quote
that read: "The most dangerous phrase in
our language is 'we've always done it this
way.'" As service professionals, I encourage
all of us to think in the "grey" area; to be
more service-oriented for the physicians and
other providers we try to assist through these
processes. It may not make a difference to
every provider, but I can guarantee that it
will make a difference to some! ■

Answering the call of hospital and medical staff leaders
We're not exactly superheroes. But we help hospitals to confront challenges and achieve excellence
every day. Just a phone call away, we're ready to partner with your forces to tackle whatever you're
facing with efficient, powerful, bullet-proof solutions.

* Cost reduction and
improved margins
* Accreditation and
regulatory compliance

Got compliance concerns? Physician-related problems? Credentialing or quality conundrums?
Call The Greeley Company.

* Physician engagement

What we do

Our work with hospitals nationwide targets both traditional and contemporary challenges in the following
three core areas:
1. Medical Staff Optimization & Physician Alignment
2. Compliance, Accreditation & Quality
3. Credentialing & Privileging

Consulting

Leadership Seminars
& Onsite Education

External
Peer Review

Interim
Staffing

Typical outcomes
* Quality improvement

Outsourcing
Solutions

* Process optimization

888-749-3054
info@greeley.com
www.greeley.com

JULY/A UGUST 2014 SYNERGY

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Synergy - July/August 2014

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