Have you ever joined a committee and, felt so lost during your first meeting that you wondered, “Am I in the right room?” Don’t let that happen to your new board members. Present new members with a welcome packet.

The delta and omicron coronavirus variant surges have pushed health systems and hospitals to a breaking point, according to healthcare provider executives during a recent webcast hosted by the American Hospital Association. The coronavirus pandemic is the biggest public health crisis in generations. The pandemic has strained health systems and hospitals on several fronts, including staffing, supply chain, and finances. In 2020 and 2021, health systems and hospitals received financial assistance from the federal government, but that assistance is dwindling.

The following is an excerpt from the live Q&A session of the 2021 National Provider Enrollment Virtual Event. Experts Stacy Brklacich, JD, legal counsel at Integris Health System; LaShawna Brown, CPMSM, CPCS, credentialing manager at CommunityCare Managed Healthcare Plans of Oklahoma and founder of On A Mission Credentialing; and David J. Zetter, PHR, SHRM-CP, CHCC, CPCO, CPC, COC, PCS, FCS, CHBC, CMUP, PESC, CMAP, CMAPA, CMMP, CMHP, founder and president of Zetter HealthCare Management Consultants, answered questions regarding release of information forms, tips for using CAQH, and how to build relationships with payers.

The National Association Medical Staff Services (NAMSS) provides credentials for medical staff service professionals in the arenas of credentialing and medical services management.

The two certifications are:

• Certified Professional Medical Services Management (CPMSM)
• Certified Provider Credentialing Specialist (CPCS)

Is it time for MSPs to pursue one or each of these credentials if staffing, resources, and existing job responsibilities allow for it? Many signs say yes.