Credentialing & Privileging | 07.22.25
Enhancing Patient Care Through Credentialing by Proxy: Insights From the Field
By Jennifer Dorais, MHA, CPMSM, CPCS, Sarah Caldera
As telemedicine continues to transform the delivery of healthcare, the processes that support it — especially credentialing — must evolve just as rapidly. Credentialing by proxy is an innovative credentialing method gaining traction as a solution to the increasingly complex and time-sensitive nature of telemedicine services. It allows hospitals and facilities (originating sites — where the patient is located) to rely on the credentialing and privileging decisions made by another facility (distant site) where the telemedicine practitioner is based. The result? A process that is more efficient, scalable, and patient focused.
In the latest episode of The Tomorrow’s MSP® Podcast, we discuss the practical realities and advantages of credentialing by proxy. Some highlights include:
Preparation of the Originating Site
A major hurdle to implementing a credentialing by proxy process is outdated bylaws. Medical services professionals (MSPs) are strongly encouraged to review their bylaws. Even if they are not ready to implement a credentialing by proxy process today, updating bylaws gives you the flexibility to do so in the future without added delay.
Bridging the Gap Between Providers and Patients
With a credentialing by proxy process, credentialing turnaround times can decrease from 90 days to as little as one week or less. This significantly streamlines operations and improves patient access. Credentialing by proxy is about more than speed — it's about impact on patient care.
Improving Physician Well-Being
By offering a streamlined and efficient solution to the often burdensome and time-consuming credentialing process, telemedicine physicians can focus more on patient care and less on the demand of paperwork, ultimately contributing to a reduction in physician burnout and improved overall well-being.
Building Trust, Communication, and Oversight
Trust is a critical component of a successful credentialing by proxy process. Regular check-ins, collaborative problem-solving, and clear accountability are essential to not only building but also maintaining trust between organizations.
A Model for the Future
As healthcare continues to shift toward digital and remote care models, credentialing by proxy will continue to be a valuable option MSPs should consider with their telemedicine populations. As discussed in the podcast episode, the collaborative approach between Marian Regional Medical Center and Vituity demonstrates how credentialing by proxy is not only feasible but highly beneficial for patients, providers, and medical services professionals alike.
To learn more about implementing credentialing by proxy, NAMSS members are encouraged to consult the NAMSS Credentialing by Proxy Guidebook, available on Gateway.
Jennifer Dorais, MHA, CPMSM, CPCS
Jennifer Dorais is the vice president of credentialing for Vituity. She is a current member of the NAMSS Publications Committee and past member of NAMSS Audit and Finance Committee.
Sarah Caldera
Sarah Caldera is the manager of medical staff services at Dignity Health, Marian Regional Medical Center, where she oversees all aspects of credentialing, privileging, medical staff governance, and regulatory compliance. With over nine years of experience in the field, Sarah brings a deep understanding of medical staff operations and a commitment to ensuring the highest standards of quality and patient safety.
Prior to her current role, which she has held for the past two years, Sarah served as a medical staff coordinator for seven years. In that role, she honed her expertise in credentialing processes, primary source verification, and supporting medical staff committees. This extensive experience provided Sarah with a comprehensive perspective on the needs of both medical staff and the organization.
Sarah is dedicated to staying abreast of the latest trends and best practices in medical staff services. She is passionate about supporting the medical staff and ensuring the delivery of exceptional patient care.