3 Tips for Making Privileging for Locums Easier

General.

Privileging for locums is a process that goes hand-in-hand with credentialing. Although the two are interrelated and are both necessary parts of providing services to patients, there are some key differences. For example, physicians can be credentialed without having privileges but cannot obtain privileges without being credentialed.  

Credentialing is a process of verification that organizations and employers use to scrutinize and substantiate a candidate’s background, qualifications, experience, and training. It proves that a physician has completed specified training programs, educational credits, or completed a defined number of patient treatments while under supervision. The credentialing process may be used during physician licensing, university degrees, postgraduate work, or if you’re nominated for an award. 

In contrast, privileging is awarded to a particular individual to perform work. There are three primary types of privileges:  

• Admitting privileges  

• Surgical privileges  
• Courtesy privileges  

Without privileges, a clinician cannot provide patient services within the facility. Privileges define the scope and content of the physician’s work and allow them to perform specified activities.   

Typically, facilities award privileges upon evaluating a clinician’s qualifications and performance.  

Healthcare organizations and facilities have various policies that outline their process of privileging for locums. However, the core requirements are usually similar and aim to ensure that physicians are appropriately licensed, insured, and meet facility regulations. 

Privileging can be a daunting and frustrating prospect for locum tenens clinicians. Not only does this administrative hurdle require considerable documentation, but you also require an understanding of each institution’s guidelines. Plus, it may feel like a never-ending task as once bestowed, you’ll need to renew privileges periodically. The Joint Commission requires that physician privileges be renewed every two years or three in Illinois, but some facilities request more frequent renewals. 

In addition, some organizations only grant privileges for the duration of an assignment, meaning the process restarts with every contract. 

At Integrity Locums, we are experts in guiding physicians and APPs through the maze of paperwork involved in privileging. Here are our top three tips for making privileging for locums easier. 

Choose your partner agency carefully  

Although all locum tenens staffing agencies aim to match physicians with job opportunities, they don’t all offer the same level of support and industry know-how. Therefore, choosing an experienced partner agency that thoroughly understands the privileging process and the required documentation is critical.  

Your consultant is your employment partner. Not only are they there to guide you through the privileging process, but they’re there to help you if anything goes wrong on assignment. They ensure your assignment runs smoothly, from being paid correctly and understanding your timesheets to booking transport and accommodation.  

Organize your paperwork 

You’ll need a considerable amount of documentation to apply for privileges. Although this varies by facility, you may require some or all of the following:  

• ACLS/BLS/ATLS/PALS certification 

• Board qualification/certification status 
• Case logs 
• DEA certificate 
• Documentation of hospital privileges 
• Driver’s license or passport 

• Immunization records 
• Insurance claims report 
• Medical school diploma, internship, residency, and fellowship certificates 
• Medicare number 
• Personal information, such as address and phone number 

• Recent headshot photograph, signed and dated on the back 
• Resume 
• Social Security details 
• State license 

It’s advisable to keep your documentation together in a folder or other safe place, along with numerous copies, so they are readily available as you need them. It’s also essential to keep any document expiry dates noted on a calendar so you can apply for renewals promptly. 

Out of date paperwork can impede application processes and could sabotage your application. 

Communicate clearly 

It’s all too easy to derail the privileging process due to delays or errors in communication. You can avoid this by ensuring that your consultants have your current phone number and email address and know the best way to reach you. That way, they can reach you quickly if necessary.  

Consider telling your consultant if you’re going away or will be out of reach as they may require your signature on documentation or to clarify specific details with you before you go. 

Remember that communication is essential in any relationship, and the clinician-consultant partnership is no exception.  

Expert support for your locum tenens journey  

Working locum tenens provides many benefits, including an improved work-life balance, excellent salary, and the opportunity to travel and see the world. However, navigating the requirements for credentialing and privileging can be challenging. 

At Integrity Locums, our expert consultants can help you find your ideal locum tenens assignments and support you every step of the way.