Is my offer start date necessarily my first patient day?
No. Ask when credentialing starts and what the realistic first patient day is, because credentialing, privileging and payer enrollment are separate.
Physician offer checklist
Before accepting a physician job, settle who handles credentialing, privileging and payer enrollment and what the realistic first patient day will be. Ask about the information submitted for you, malpractice and tail coverage, and the license, DEA and CME support your role requires.
Separate the offer date from the first patient day
Credentialing, privileging and payer enrollment are distinct processes. An offer-letter start date may not be the day you can begin seeing patients.
Verify information submitted on your behalf
The AMA identifies assuming you are not responsible for incorrect information submitted on your behalf as a misconception. Check the information yourself.
Ask about malpractice and tail coverage
Tail insurance is stopgap coverage needed after you are no longer enrolled in an employer’s claims-made medical liability policy. Contract terms about tail can affect your ability to change jobs.
Confirm role-related support
Frequently asked questions
Should I verify submissions made for me?
Yes. Ask who submits information and check it yourself rather than assuming you are not responsible for errors.
Why ask who pays for tail coverage?
Tail coverage addresses claims after leaving a claims-made policy, and contract terms about it can affect your ability to change jobs.
Sources
- AMA: Credentialing, privileging and enrollment
- AMA: What resident physicians need to know about tail insurance
General information, not legal, tax or insurance advice. Confirm details with the source and with your state board, employer or insurer.