Healthcare Inspection Evaluation of Physician Credentialing and Privileging in Veterans Health Administration Facilities

The purpose of this evaluation was to determine whether Veterans Health Administration (VHA) facilities complied with selected requirements for credentialing and privileging physicians. We performed the review at 35 VHA medical facilities during Combined Assessment Program reviews conducted from July 1, 2009, through March 31, 2010. VHA facilities generally met the VHA credentialing requirements reviewed. However, privileging practices could be strengthened if efforts were made to more thoroughly discuss, document, and monitor physicians’ competence to perform the requested privileges. We recommended that the Under Secretary for Health, in conjunction with Veterans Integrated Service Network and facility senior managers, ensure compliance with VHA privileging requirements.