For Provider Lifecycle Professionals (PLPs), staying current is more than a professional nicety—it’s a necessity. Regulatory requirements, payer expectations, and healthcare standards are constantly evolving, and keeping up means investing in continuing education. But how do you find time for that investment when your day is already packed with files, follow-ups, and fast-moving deadlines? At
One of the most frequently asked questions in medical staff services is, “How long does credentialing take?” The answer, of course, depends on the type of healthcare setting, the complexity of the practitioner’s credentials, and the thoroughness of the process. For Provider Lifecycle Professionals (PLPs), understanding and effectively communicating these timelines is key to setting
In today’s healthcare environment, hospitals are under constant pressure to improve efficiency, manage capacity, and deliver quality care. One metric that touches all these goals is length of stay (LOS)—a key indicator of both patient flow and system performance. While LOS reduction is often addressed through clinical protocols and discharge planning, an untapped opportunity lies
When it comes to job interviews, Provider Lifecycle Professionals know that no two organizations are exactly alike. A hospital might focus on quality metrics, while a CVO could zero in on turnaround times or delegated agreements. You can’t predict every question you’ll be asked—but you can prepare in a way that helps you show up
The credentialing process is built on precision, accountability, and timeliness. Yet one critical step often gets overlooked in the rush to move on to the next task: closing out the file. Once the board has approved an initial appointment or reappointment, the work isn't truly complete until the file is closed—and that should happen within
Peer review is meant to be a cornerstone of professional growth, patient safety, and continuous improvement. But for many physicians, it feels more like a silent strike against them than a meaningful opportunity to learn. That’s because in too many organizations, the process ends with a committee review—but never circles back to the provider whose
Credentialing is a complex, multi-step process, but the way we document approvals doesn’t have to be. When signatures pile up unnecessarily or processes vary from one file to the next, the approval pathway becomes unclear and inefficient. Streamlining how we document credentialing decisions isn’t just a matter of preference—it’s a necessary step toward greater clarity,
At TMG, we’ve always stood with Medical Services Professionals (MSPs). We've trained them, championed them, and celebrated their critical role in healthcare. But as the healthcare landscape continues to shift, so does the work—and the workforce—within medical staff services. That’s why we’re redefining what medical staff services means and expanding our reach to include every
Physician retention isn’t just an HR challenge—it’s an organizational imperative that touches every aspect of healthcare operations. Provider Lifecycle Professionals (PLPs), who manage licensing, credentialing, provider enrollment, and quality, are key players in ensuring physicians feel supported, valued, and motivated to stay. While PLPs may not manage contracts or compensation, their work directly impacts the
Lately, a troubling pattern has emerged in many healthcare organizations—heightened tensions among colleagues, particularly among women in the workforce. More Provider Lifecycle Professionals (PLPs) are reporting incidents of workplace conflict, including name-calling, accusations, and escalating disputes. As the landscape of professional communication evolves, how can PLPs ensure that respect remains at the center of workplace
The rapid growth of telehealth and specialty practices, such as behavioral health and advanced outpatient services, has transformed the healthcare landscape. For Provider Lifecycle Professionals (PLPs), these emerging care models bring unique challenges to provider enrollment. To meet these demands, PLPs must adapt their strategies to ensure providers are enrolled efficiently and compliant with regulatory
Behind every healthcare provider delivering care is an infrastructure built on precision, collaboration, and compliance—and at the center of it all are Provider Lifecycle Professionals (PLPs). Whether managing credentialing, licensing, provider enrollment, or ensuring adherence to evolving regulations, PLPs navigate a labyrinth of responsibilities with unmatched expertise. The tools they rely on are not just
In the world of professional communication, interactions can often feel transactional. A quick email here, a follow-up message there, and before you know it, the tone of an exchange can shift dramatically. Sometimes, a simple misunderstanding or assumption can spark a cascade of unintended negativity. And while we can’t always control the circumstances, we can
Meeting minutes serve as an official record of discussions, decisions, and next steps. For Provider Lifecycle Professionals, well-crafted minutes help ensure clarity, accountability, and legal protection. But documenting meetings effectively isn’t just about what to include—it’s also about knowing what to leave out. Poorly written minutes can create confusion, introduce risk, or even compromise attorney-client
Nicole Keller, MSHM, CPHQ, CPHIT, CSM, is a recognized leader in medical staff services, with a wealth of expertise in credentialing, compliance, and healthcare quality. In a career spanning more than a decade, Nicole has successfully guided hospitals, health systems, and managed care organizations in optimizing their credentialing processes, ensuring accreditation compliance, and enhancing physician
