MINNEAPOLIS, July 24, 2008—After a couple of years of research and planning, the first meeting of the Board of Directors for the Minnesota Credentialing Collaborative, the group charged with developing a simpler, smarter process for credentialing, was held July 22.

The meeting of MCC directors marks the start of health care organizations in Minnesota using a centralized, web-based clearinghouse for information used in credentialing.

The MCC is providing an affordable online, easy-to-use way to prepare, save and send the credentialing application -- one that is accepted by both plans, hospitals and other providers.

Once the information is entered into the secure web site by the provider or clinic and is error-checked it can be forwarded to the selected health plans and/or hospitals electronically. The hospital or health plan can bring the data into their systems for further processing.

The information is stored in a secure database, so the data can be quickly accessed and updated the next time an application is needed. The MCC does not verify the data on the electronic application nor is it involved in the decisions made regarding credentialing or privileging.

A phased implementation for the online credentialing process is planned for this fall. By January 2009, the web-based application should be available to all practitioners, clinics, hospitals and health plans for use with the credentialing applications.

A work group is designing a data conversion option so that data that is currently available either within the clinic or from a health plan or hospital can be uploaded into the system, avoiding the need to rekey information whenever possible. 

Individuals who wish to take part in a "soft start" or would like more information are invited to contact George Lohmer at glohmer@mnmed.org or (612) 362-3746.  George can also answer questions about pricing and other matters.

Minnesota Credentialing Collaborative announcement