Hospital Privileges

Medical credentialing and hospital privileges form an integral part of providing patients with high-quality healthcare. In terms of order, hospital privileges can be acquired only after a physician's medical credentialing has been completed. Each of these processes is complicated and extensive, and can lead to cost liabilities or affected reputation if not managed properly.

At HRX, we have experience credentialing managers whose expertise lies in effectively managing medical credentialing and hospital privileges.

What are hospital privileges? Why do physicians need them?

Hospital privileges are what grant healthcare practitioners the right to practice certain healthcare specialties in certain healthcare facilities. Physicians can apply for privileges based on their medical credentials and past work experience.

Various types of hospital privileges

Admitting privilege
This privilege allows physicians to admit patients into specific hospitals or healthcare centers

Surgical privilege
The surgical privilege authorizes physicians to perform certain outpatient or operating room surgeries

Courtesy privilege
The courtesy privilege allows physicians to occasionally treat and admit patients into some hospitals

Applying for hospital privileges

Two boards, Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS), are responsible for authorizing hospital privileges. The physician's competency is considered when processing a physician's hospital privileges. Here are a few factors analyzed when processing the application.

  • Patient care
  • Medical clinical knowledge
  • Interpersonal and communication skills
  • Practice-based learning and improvement
  • System-based practice
  • Professionalism