New U. of M. Study Shows Wide Variation in Physician Disciplinary Actions

Based upon data available through the National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB), researchers at the University of Michigan Medical School have found that lack of standardization across state lines results in wide variation in rates of disciplinary actions and malpractice claims.

"'In one state the punishment for a particular violation could be a fine, while in another state you could lose your license for doing the same thing,' says Dr. Elena Byhoff [one of the study's authors]. 'It has implications for the ability of physicians to move from state to state,' if their punishment in one state is not enough to keep a hospital or practice in another state from hiring them."

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NAMSS Payer Credentialing Roundtable Report Now Available

NAMSS has posted to our website the Payer Credentialing Roundtable Report that is a result of our discussion with industry leaders last May. Following on the success of the 2014 roundtable discussion on facility credentialing, NAMSS invited individuals from organizations across the healthcare industry to discuss the essential elements of payer credentialing. This discussion was yet another step in NAMSS’ continuing efforts to promote the important work of Medical Service Professionals (MSPs) and to bring about a better, more streamlined, more efficient credentialing system that protects patient safety.

The data elements included in the Roundtable Report were identified and vetted by NAMSS to recognize where standardization would create a more efficient and effective credentialing process. NAMSS’ assessment included a thorough review of the current credentialing system to identify efficiencies and deficiencies.

Beginning with another Roundtable discussion in May 2016, NAMSS will continue to engage its industry partners and lead the way toward a better credentialing system. This May’s Roundtable will focus on both the Model Credentialing Application developed by NAMSS as well as additional credentialing process reforms.

The Application is a comprehensive document based on best practices, which will also bring greater uniformity and simplicity to the credentialing system. Created by a task force of MSPs with subject matter expertise, and reviewed by multiple industry partners and state leaders across the country, the Application will alleviate the burden placed on practitioners and MSPs in completing and reviewing multiple, often duplicative, applications.

In addition to the Application, the Roundtable will provide a forum for NAMSS’ industry partners to collaborate on creative solutions to many of the other process deficiencies that inhibit the safe, quick and effective credentialing of healthcare practitioners.

NAMSS is proud to represent its more than 5,000 MSP members across the country in these important efforts. As the gatekeepers of patient safety and the beginning of the revenue cycle, MSPs remain crucial to moving the credentialing system into the 21^st century.

If you have any questions or would like to request further information regarding the Payer Credentialing Roundtable Report, please email David Tyson, NAMSS’ Government Relations Coordinator, at dtyson@namss.org.