Why Was It Developed?
The process for development of a statewide practitioner
application began in early 2000 as a directive of the Iowa Association of
Medical Staff Services (IAMSS). IAMSS wanted to be proactive and develop a form
before it became mandated by the state.
Who
Developed It?
Three IAMSS members co-chaired the task force.
Other task force members included representatives from the following: small,
medium, and large hospitals; Iowa Board of Medical Examiners, Iowa Hospital
Association, Iowa Medical Society, Iowa Medical Group Management Association,
Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Iowa, Iowa Health System, Acute Care, Inc.;
HCF, Inc., Integra Health CBO, Secure Care of Iowa, The Iowa Clinic, University
of Iowa Clinical Staff Office, and Tri State Independent Physician Association.
In all, the initial task force included twenty-one members.
The task
force established the goal of reduction of paperwork for physicians and
providers through the development of a single, uniform application that all
providers could use. The task force reviewed sample applications, chose one as
a starting point, and made changes to ensure it met JCAHO, NCQA, and state
regulations.
Who Manages It?
In
2001, the Iowa Credentialing Coalition (ICC) was formed voluntarily with
representatives from Coventry Healthcare Inc., CredentiaSource (Secure Care of
Iowa), Iowa Association of Medical Staff Services, Iowa Hospital Association,
Iowa Managed Care Association, Iowa Medical Group Management Association, Iowa
Medical Society, Iowa Osteopathic Medical Association, University of Iowa
Clinical Staff Office, and Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Iowa.
The
ICC agreed to serve as the authority overseeing the statewide credentialing
form. The ICC would review and revise the application on an annual basis for
compliance with regulatory standards. The universal application was finalized
and made available in two Microsoft Word formats: a printable copy and a
template version to allow users to merge data from their credentialing software
programs into it. The application form is password protected to prevent
unauthorized modification of it. A user's agreement has been developed for
those entities that want to merge the template version with a credentialing
software program so the form can be pre-populated. In addition, a website
agreement was developed for the ICC members and others who post the form on
their website to control usage of the form through this medium.
In
addition to the universal application, the ICC has also developed a
reappointment application form available as both a printable copy and a
template version.
Who Accepts It?
The universal application is accepted by all managed care plans except for
Cigna, United Healthcare, Medicare, and Medicaid.
Why Use It?
Users of the universal
application have found it to be a valuable tool in the credentialing process.
It has reduced the amount of paperwork the practitioner and/or their office
staff must complete, eliminated duplication of information on multiple forms,
and saved countless hours. Iowa is unique in that this universal application
was formed by a group of volunteers. Most states that have universal
applications have been mandated to create and use one.
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