Documents, Certificates, Paper, and More Paper...
Crystal Harrington, Credentialing Coordinator

   Each time you apply to a new hospital or any healthcare related organization the required supporting document list seems to be never ending and can lead to mutual frustration and unhappy parties.
   The reality is that current credentialing rules and policies set forth by CMS and JCAHO, for example, require more proof of documents and certificates than years past. This is not going away any time soon. And just when you think you provided all documents possible, the vicious cycle begins all over again with new requirements or documents that have or are due to expire.
   Staying organized can be the key to speeding up the processing time of your next hospital, licensing, or third-party application to avoid suspension of privileges.
   Being organized can be as simple as compiling a permanent file folder that contains copies of current certificates, education diplomas, etc. As renewals are received, make a copy for your file folder and forward a copy to the facilities you have a working relationship with.

I’ve compiled a list of the most common supporting documents that facilities
and licensing boards require.

Documents That Have Expiration Dates and Require That Updates Be Provided On An Ongoing Basis
1. All Medical Licenses
2. Federal DEA Certificate
3. State Controlled Substance Certificates (if applicable)
4. Specialty Board Certificate
5. Certifications: ACLS, ATLS, PALS, CALS, etc.
6. Green Card / Visa (if applicable)
7. CME certificates
8. Mandatory Reporters Training Completion Certificate (IA)
9. Immunization Records (Tb, Rubella, Rubeola, Varicella, Hepatitis B are
the most requested by facilities)

Documents That Never Expire
1. Curriculum Vitae – should be updated on a regular basis and may be
requested at reappointment
2. Medical School Diploma
3. ECFMG Certificate (if applicable)
4. Internship Completion Certificate (if applicable)
5. Residency Completion Certificate
6. Fellowship Completion Certificate (if applicable)
7. NPI Notification Letter from NPPES or a print out of the NPI number
from the NPI Registry Website. Be sure to write down your login and password information you received when you applied for the NPI number for future use.
8. Malpractice Certificates – the certificates do have expiration dates but the
information you can provide to the hospital about your past carriers is very
helpful and appreciated.
9. Copy of a hospital or statewide application completed in the past – use
this to refer back to when completing future applications to assure there
are no time gaps and all dates are correct. Errors on applications can hold
up the credentialing process.

Staying organized will make you more efficient and reduces frustration with
paperwork.

Ten States to Cover Substance-Abuse Screening for Medicaid Patients

Ten states will reimburse doctors and affiliated medical professionals who screen their Medicaid-eligible patients for substance use behaviors and disorders, the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy announced last week. Iowa, Maryland, Minnesota, Montana, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee, Virginia, and Washington have activated American Medical Association Common Procedural Terminology codes or Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services HCPCS codes for Screening and Brief Intervention. Wisconsin will conduct SBI as part of a package of health services for pregnant women. SBI procedures assess an individual’s substance use and provide immediate interventions or referrals, if necessary. For more information, visit www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov.

Spring Forum 2008
Medical Directors discuss wide range of topics at the semi-annual conference

Above Left: Speaker George Weilein, JD giving tips for physician depositions. Above Right: (front row, left to right) Deb Broderson, RN ED Nurse Manager, Spencer, Iowa and Darrel Forslund, MD Medical Director Spencer, Iowa / Spirit Lake, Iowa (back row, left to right) Pat Giffin, RN, ED Nurse Manager, Maryville, Missouri and Chris Sporleder, DO, Medical Director, Maryville, Missouri.

Exciting ED Opportunities For Advanced Practice Clinicians

   Emergency Practice Associates has two excellent full-time opportunities for an Advance Practice Clinicians (APC) who is interested in pursuing a career in emergency medicine. The first position is at Covenant Medical Center (CMC) in Waterloo, Iowa. We are expanding our double coverage hours and have an immediate opening for a MLP to work 0930-1930 (10 hours per day).
   The 2nd position is at Trinity Regional Medical Center (TRMC) in Ft. Dodge, Iowa. Shifts are from noon-2200 and the successful applicant would work 7 days every 2 weeks (70 hours per pay period).
   These are excellent opportunities that will afford the APC the luxury of working side-by-side with an experienced ED physician in busy, regional referral centers. Both facilities have hospital-based ambulance services and excellent nursing / medical staff support. In addition to a very competitive compensation program with annual cost of living and merit increases, EPA offers a full range of benefits including health and dental insurance, paid malpractice, life and disability insurances, paid time-off, 401k, profit sharing, etc.
   If you or someone you know would be interested in either of these positions, contact Don Bradley at (800) 458-5003 or via e-mail at dbradley@epamidwest.com. We will also entertain applications from new graduates.
   In addition to these full-time positions, EPA has many part-time, moonlighting opportunities at a number of different Iowa sites so if you are interested in just making a little extra money, let us know. We have something for everyone!

New and Expanded Emergency Medicine Practice Opportunities

Buchanan County Health Center, Independence IA: Expanding
coverage to 24/7 effective September 1, 2008

Paynesville Area Health Care System, Paynesville MN:
new contract for weekend coverage effective October 1,
2008

Dallas County Hospital, Perry IA: new contract for
weekend coverage effective October 1, 2008

Montgomery County Memorial Hospital, Red Oak, IA:
expanding coverage to 24/7 effective October 1, 2008.

Loring Hospital, Sac City, IA: new contract for weekend
coverage effective May 1, 2008.

Fairview University Medical Center, Hibbing, MN:
24 hr shifts, weekend double coverage, volumne 10,000.

Saint Gabriel’s Hospital, Little Falls, MN:
8,000 annual volume. 12 or 24 hour shifts.

St Francis Hospital & Health Service, Maryville, MO:
12 & 24 hour shifts, 9,200 volume, Excellent Nursing staff

Henry County Health Center, Mt. Pleasant, IA:
12-24 hour shifts, volume 9,000, full or part time

Spencer/ Spirit Lake/ Storm Lake, IA:
12, 24 or 36 hour shifts. 5000-7500 annual volume ED’s

Covenant Medical Center, Waterloo, IA:
Double & triple coverage, New 8 hour shifts available

If you are interested in any of these opportunities, please contact Staffing Services. Referrals are always welcomed!

EPA offers a referral bonus to ANYONE who refers a new physician (either part-time or full-time.)