The many faces of economic credentialing

Article Abstract:

Economic credentialing, the practice of examining issues more related to physicians' finances than their skills, has resulted in a increasing number of lawsuits. In 1989, a survey prepared by the American Hospital Assn (AHA) found that only 4.7% of 3,800 hospitals surveyed used economic criteria when deciding a credentialing issue. A similar survey done in 1991 by the AHA's Hospitals magazine found that 41.7% of 500 surveyed hospital CEOs believed they would use such criteria within the next five years. Discussions of four recent court cases concerning economic credentialing are presented.

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Is economic credentialing really thriving?

Article Abstract:

The majority of hospitals consider economic factors when granting credentials to physicians, according to analysis of a survey by Loyola University of Chicago's Institute of Health Law. Financial data considered include the physician's previous practice profile, potential for generating admissions and malpractice claims. Reappointment decisions involve patient outcomes and compliance with hospital standards in addition to admission numbers.

Employment

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Billing violators beware: Medicare to get tough with repeat offenders

Article Abstract:

The Justice Department has begun to prosecute physicians for exceeding Medicare charge limits. Federal limits, enacted in 1991, restrict charges to 115% of Medicare's approved charge for a service. In addition, the Health Care Financing Administration notified 180,000 physicians in 1992 of $45 million in overcharges and plans to impose penalties on repeat offenders.

Regulation, Licensing, and Inspection of Miscellaneous Commercial Sectors, Physicians & Surgeons, Offices of Physicians (except Mental Health Specialists), Health Personnel Regulation, Prevention, Medical personnel, Medicare fraud, Medical law

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