Real-Life Communication
"A credential verification specialist needs excellent communication
skills and must be very tactful and diplomatic when dealing with issues concerning
physician licensing," says Mark Sumner. He is the credentials coordinator
for a hospital.
"Daily communication with the physician licensing body,
department chiefs or division heads, and administrative staff is essential
in this position."
Clear communication is important. The telephone
is an essential tool for the credential verification specialist, according
to Cindy Carrol. She is a former verifications manager.
"Most of the
credential checks require phoning various agencies and hospitals. But if you
know the right department to call at the credential verification organization
[CVO] or medical center, and ask the right questions, you can easily find
the documents you need to help someone have all her papers in order to be
hired. And helping someone like that is very gratifying."
How do you
know the right questions to ask or the right people to call? "That comes with
experience," Carrol says.
"If you use good telephone techniques, speak
with confidence, and clearly explain the information you seek, most people
are more than willing to help you connect with the proper department."
You
are reviewing files to ensure all credentials are current. You have just received
the file of a new hire -- Monica Burg, a physician. Upon reviewing her file,
you see she needs a current registration for prescribing medications. You
also need to verify her degree, license and board documentation.
You
can handle this with two phone calls: one to the physician, and one to either
a CVO or her former employer (a medical center in a neighboring town).
Write
out bullet points for covering each item in your phone call.