Start-Up Services
When relocating, there are several different tasks that physicians need to do before, during, and after they make the move. These tasks include giving your patients notifications, researching new state requirements, and finding credentialing companies. Here are some tips for simplifying relocation as a physician:
Find Credentialing Companies
A credentialing company provides valuable assistance throughout the relocation and contracting process. Physician Practice Specialists (PPS) can help physicians complete compliance with regulatory requirements and decrease disruptions to care and reimbursement. Here is what our credentialing services include for physicians:
- Applying for and tracking medical licenses
- Becoming credentialed for workers’ compensation cases
- Creating and evaluating fee schedules from payers
- Enrolling a group practice with Medicare and managing reassignments
- Enrolling as an individual provider with Medicare
- Getting approved by commercial insurance companies and government payers
- Managing all aspects of credentialing
- Negotiating contracts with commercial insurance companies
- Negotiating payment rates with insurance companies
- Registering and tracking DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) registration
- Registering for NPI (National Provider Identifier) numbers
- Registering with CAQH (Council for Affordable Quality Healthcare)
Physicians can outsource their credentialing to us to reduce any payment delays. This lets you focus on other aspects of your relocation process. Credentialing a new physician or beginning in a new area can take 90-120 days, so you’ll want to consider our services before you start moving. This helps to make sure that you are fully credentialed before you begin practicing in your new area.
You should also consider using our services if you’re starting a new practice. The paperwork and process maybe be overwhelming, so let us take care of it for you. We know the steps and can help guide you through the program. By enrolling correctly, our team can help reduce the likelihood of denial before and after relocation.
Notify Your Patients
Before you begin the relocation process, consider informing your current patients well in advance. You can have your staff send letters, emails, or make phone calls to make sure they are aware of the change. Consider providing them with the new address, contact information, and any other relevant details. If your practice is taking you out of state, consider finding alternative physicians in your area that your current patients can visit. Or ask a colleague or several colleagues to take over your patient’s care.
Brief Colleagues and Referrals Sources
You should reach out to colleagues and referral sources, such as other physicians, specialists, and healthcare professionals, to brief them about your practice relocation. You and your staff should maintain open lines of communication to help the smooth maintenance of patient referrals. If your colleagues are taking over your patient care, be sure to brief them on any critical specifics. By doing so, you can see a better transition of care.
Transfer Medical Records
If you’re able to keep your patients at your new location, develop a plan to transfer your patient medical records securely. Be sure to comply with HIPAA regulations and patient privacy laws during the process. You may want to consider using secure electronic systems for record transfer. You can also consult with a medical records management company for assistance in the process.
Inform and Find Suppliers
Before you relocate, inform medical suppliers, equipment vendors, and other service providers about your relocation. Update your shipping address and contact details with them, providing they can still serve you at your new location for a seamless supply chain.
If your suppliers and vendors can no longer service your practice in your new location, search for suppliers that can. You can ask your current provider for recommendations. Consider asking other physicians in your new area what suppliers and vendors they use.
Research Credentials in Your New State
For physicians relocating to a new state, consider research credentialing requirements. Each state may have its own set of licensing and credentialing processes. At PPS, we can help research the regulations and processes specific to your new location. We can assist you in navigating these requirements and keeping you within compliance.
Update Online Information
Once you have started moving over to the new location, you’ll want to make sure your old and new patients can find you. Here are a few things you need to do first:
- Update any online information.
- Update information on your website, online directories, and other online platforms.
- Add your new practice address, phone number, and any additional information to help former and new patients find you.
Credentialing Relocation Services with PPS
At Physician Practice Specialists, we offer credentialing services for physicians, administrators, and many other healthcare providers. Relocation can be stressful for physicians, and we can help ease some of the stress by taking care of any credentialing tasks. Credentialing services can take quite a while, so consider starting the process months in advance to make sure your practice is relocated smoothly. Contact Physician Practice Specialists to learn more about our credentialing companies and how can help you during your relocation.