 Learn about locum tenens credentialing and discover how to help streamline the process. 

<h2>Locum Tenens Credentialing: How it Works</h2>
<p>
  If you’ve decided to become a locum tenens provider but are wondering how
  credentialing works, you’re in the right spot. Although locum tenens
  credentialing can seem cumbersome and time-consuming, the process ensures that
  healthcare facilities and patients get providers with the proper
  qualifications, certifications, licensure and training. Locum tenens agencies
  with decades of experience in credentialing know how to expedite these
  processes, making your life much easier!
</p>
<p>
  This guidebook, <strong>Locum Life Made Easy</strong>, is designed to help you
  understand how the locum tenens process works from start to finish. Part one,
  <a
    href="https://www.crosscountry.com/blog/navigating-your-locums-journey-how-to-connect-with-a-locum-tenens-recruiter?"
    rel="noopener noreferrer"
    target="_blank"
    ><strong>How to Connect with a Locum Tenens Recruiter</strong></a
  >, covers what a recruiter can do for you, how to find the best recruiter,
  what information to share with your recruiter and more. Part two,
  <a
    href="https://www.crosscountry.com/blog/locum-life-made-easy-getting-placed-on-a-locum-assignment?"
    rel="noopener noreferrer"
    target="_blank"
    ><strong>Getting Placed on a Locum Assignment</strong></a
  >, discusses finding opportunities, interviewing for positions, signing
  contracts, etc.
</p>
<p>Here in part three on credentialing, we’ll cover:</p>
<ul>
<li>How credentialing works</li>
<li>Application and documentation</li>
<li>Primary source verification</li>
<li>State license verification</li>
<li>Privileging</li>
<li>Credentialing timeline</li>	
</ul>
<h2>How Locum Tenens Credentialing Works</h2>
<p>
  Although there are variations in the locum tenens credentialing processes
  among agencies and healthcare facilities, generally here are the steps:
</p>
<p>
  1. A facility submits a request for locum tenens
  support from an agency
</p>
<p>2. The agency recruits and identifies providers</p>
<p>
  3. Candidates apply and upload documentation for
  credentialing
</p>
<p>
  4. Credentialing team handles internal credentialing
</p>
<p>
  5. Credentialing team assists with hospital-specific
  external credentialing
</p>
<p>
  6. The agency may also coordinate background checks,
  immunization records, foreign work status, medical screening, licensure,
  privileging and other details
</p>

<h2>Application and Documentation</h2>
<p>
  When you apply for a locum tenens opportunity, you’ll be asked to upload
  documentation that will be used for the credentialing process. Generally, you
  can scan, email or fax images of these documents to the credentialing team.
  Many agencies have a secure portal designed for this process. Documentation
  may include:
</p>
<ul>
<li>Background check authorization</li>
<li>Board certifications</li>
<li>CME records</li>
<li>CV or resume</li>
<li>DEA registration</li>
<li>Diplomas</li>
<li>Foreign work status</li>
<li>Immunization records</li>
<li>Letters of recommendation</li>
<li>Malpractice insurance history</li>
<li>Official transcripts</li>
<li>Professional liability claims history</li>
<li>Professional licenses</li>
<li>Professional memberships and affiliations</li>
<li>Proof of identity</li>
<li>References</li>
<li>Residency and fellowship documentation</li>
<li>State licenses</li>
<li>Work history</li>
</ul>

<h2>Primary Source Verification</h2>
<p>
  Primary source verification is part of the locum tenens credentialing process
  that helps ensure the authenticity and accuracy of each applicant’s
  credentials. During primary source verification, the credentialing
  organization contacts the primary sources in the documents provided by the
  candidate during the application process, including educational institutions,
  training programs, previous employers and licensing boards to verify details.
  Primary source verification promotes reliability, accountability and
  transparency within the healthcare field.
</p>

<h2>State License Verification</h2>
<p>
  An essential part of credentialing is state license verification. The
  credentialing team contacts the state medical board and submits a formal
  request for license verification. The board checks and issues written
  verification regarding the license status, issue and expiration dates,
  restrictions and disciplinary actions and whether the provider is in good
  standing. If you’re interested in practicing in a state where you’re not
  licensed, your recruiter can help you navigate the process.
</p>

<h2>Privileging</h2>
<p>
  Privileging is considered part of the credentialing process in many locum
  tenens agencies. During the privileging process, a committee with the
  healthcare organization reviews the locum tenens professional’s application,
  credentials, training, experience, and any other relevant documentation. They
  assess whether the locum tenens provider meets the facility's standards and
  criteria for performing specific procedures or delivering specialized care.
  They recommend the specific clinical privileges granted to the locum tenens
  professional based on the individual's qualifications and experience.
</p>

<h2>How Long Does Locum Tenens Credentialing Take?</h2>
<p>
  Locum tenens credentialing can take a few weeks to several months, depending
  on the facility’s requirements, the agency’s efficiency, and the candidate’s
  materials.
</p>
<p>To speed up the process, you can:</p>
<ul>
<li>
  Ensure all of your information is from primary
  sources and is correct and up to date
</li>
<li>
  Keep a file handy so you can quickly locate
  documents for uploading
</li>
<li>
  Obtain state licenses before applying for
  positions
</li>
<li>
  Get back to your recruiter and credentialing
  team as promptly as possible
</li>
<li>
  Stay in touch with the agency and provide
  multiple points of contact
</li>
<li>
  Work with an agency that has an in-house
  certified credentials organization
</li>
</ul>
<p>
  Although credentialing may seem overwhelming or intimidating, it helps ensure
  patient safety, healthcare quality and the integrity of healthcare
  professions. To work with a locum tenens agency with decades of experience in
  credentialing,
  <a
    href="https://www.crosscountry.com/locums"
    rel="noopener noreferrer"
    target="_blank"
    >partner with us</a
  >.
</p>


Cross Country

Locum Life Made Easy: Credentialing

/travel

Locums

Investors

per-diem

home health

executive

Permanent

clients

Disclosure

travel

locums

investors

education

Corporate Careers

home-health

News + Insights

permanent

Clients

Disclosures 

CC-Footer

NURSING + ALLIED

PHYSICIANS + APPs

NON-CLINICAL

MORE JOBS

CORPORATE JOBS

MORE PROFESSIONALS

CONTACT US

SOLUTIONS

TECHNOLOGY

ABOUT

FAQs

RESOURCES