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Tip of the week: When ordering criminal background checks exclude duplicate data

You should review in detail which elements of a background check you want to include in your reports and consider whether such information is already obtained in the current credentialing process.

For example, if you are already querying the applicant’s AMA profile or obtaining direct primary source verification of education and training, it would be duplicative to have the background screening company include that information in its search. Office of Inspector General (OIG) queries are also often included in background screening packages—if your medical staff services department already queries the OIG online, perhaps that portion of the packet can be omitted. Conversely, if it is part of a package deal, omitting it can eliminate an extra step for your department’s personnel.

This week’s tip is from The Credentialing Coordinator’s Handbook, by Anne Roberts, CPMSM, CPCS.