Most hospitals are now also requiring fingerprinting and immunizations, with some demanding double PPDs. Extra COVID boosters and proof of previous immunization for MMR, Hepatitis B, and Varicella are now required. They require current titers. COVID cards are no longer valid and also require a printout of where you received them. Hospitals are reaching a point where they will have no one to work.
Working in credentialing now and being on this side is also frustrating. We are not allowed to pull NPDBs or DEAs to assist and streamline the credentialing process. Radiologists who read for hundreds of places are required to know every place they read for; if not, they’re denied.
The price for a new DEA is $888, and it can take up to a month to obtain. Not to mention some states require a second CSR and FCVS for a new license. The fees are astronomical and ridiculous. One state charges a $0.50 fee, while some are almost $800. It’s absurd the amount of money they require. The average time to credential a new provider is 3+ months, and that’s if the file is clean, meaning no previous malpractice or reprimands.
With such difficult times, we are seeing areas in hospitals close due to a lack of staff. This is a huge problem for both patients and providers.
The problem isn’t limited to one specific specialty; it’s across the board.
We try to give ample notice to the wonderful professionals who work through us, informing them a few months before their licenses expire so they have time to renew. This period, which should be for resting and relaxing, turns into hustling to get A, B, and C done by a certain deadline. These demands cause burnout. After completing all these tasks, they want the same provider to work up to 24 hours a day.
The system needs to change. The amount of money they need to spend to provide care is absolutely absurd. Most people do not know about this side of health care, which is why it is so expensive.
We need a change. The system is broken, and both sides are suffering from it. A new license for a different state can range from $500 to $3,000 or more.
Tiffany R. Archambault is a provider services specialist.
