What does "credentialing by proxy" mean?

Credentialing by proxy refers to a situation where a healthcare organization, such as a hospital or health plan, delegates the credentialing process to another organization that has been accredited and is recognized for its credentialing practices. This allows the healthcare organization to rely on the thorough evaluations and decisions made by the other organization, which can streamline the process and ensure consistency in credentialing standards. Utilizing the expertise and established protocols of an accredited organization can help reduce administrative burden while maintaining the quality and integrity of the credentialing process.

The correct understanding of this term emphasizes the collaborative nature of credentialing, where organizations can work together to uphold professional standards without independently duplicating efforts that have already been sufficiently addressed by the accredited entity.