Top 5 Problems of Inadequate Credentialing

Vendor credentialing in the health care sector and other sectors has become an ongoing process. Earlier it used to be seen as a lengthy procedure and was left to the vendors themselves. But now, it is slowly getting its due in the corporate world and is seen more or less like an administrative function of many companies.

However, there are still some companies, which are yet to follow a model where credentialing is treated as a corporate process. Improper attention to credentialing can lead to unhealthy processing and documentation. It can have a major impact on the company's day-to-day processes. It can even cost their reputation. How does it affect them and the vendors?

Listed below are certain drawbacks in credential management, when credentialing is not taken as a serious corporate procedure.

• First is the problem of inconsistency. If credentialing is not seen as a must-have procedure, there are no standardized formats of completing the basic basic office or staffing procedures, which creates a lot of chaos in the way records are maintained and collected. It also creates hassles for the vendors, as it is a waste of their time and energy.

• Second is the problem of proper planning and guidance. When there is no proper planning regarding credentialing, the vendors or the company's representatives might end up agreeing for things that they might not be able to follow through with for the long term. This can also lead to legal problems. With a proper format, such things can be avoided.

• Third is the lack of proper storage, which can lead to loss of confidential documents related to credentialing, which can also risk the vendors' entry to the health centers. Loss of documents can lead to a delay in processes.

• Fourth is the issue of consolidated process. If there is no particular department for credentialing, the job will be transferred between several departments resulting in more chaos and a waste of time. A centrally managed credentialing area takes care of the process in an organized manner.

• Fifth is the lack of trust between the hospital and the vendors. Due to lack of proper documentation rules and regulations, the hospital might also doubt the vendors' capability to handle patients and their services, because there won't be any set parameter to judge for quality or qualification. It is very important to write down the basic requirements of a vendor and check whether the chosen vendor compliments the hospital's requirements.

These above five problems if solved ensure a very effective vendor credentialing method. A company needs to design its own vendor requirement rules. And if the vendor adheres to these rules and qualification, it is easier to keep a check on the processes. The lack of vendor agreement courses, orientation, training and other credentialing techniques create confusion and can cause doubt regarding the company's performance as per the medical norms.

Today, vendors themselves are looking forward to working with companies' representatives who complete such courses. This makes vendor credentialing an integrated process. It makes both their lives and the vendors' work simple and chaos free. Most importantly, credentialing helps with the management of both the hospital's and the vendor's reputations in the business.

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