Dr. Kirk Heath is a general surgeon–turned-entrepreneur who founded Modio Health, a credentialing tech company.
I did not set out with a grand plan to start a company or revolutionize the credentialing system. Modio Health was born out of a persistent problem that no one seemed to be solving: outdated, paper-heavy, and painfully inefficient credentialing processes. I found myself asking the simple question, “Why are we still doing it this way?”
Learn more about Dr. Kirk Heath’s entrepreneurial journey: Locumstory Podcast Episode 52
Key differences for locum tenens providers
Every physician, including locum tenens physicians, absolutely needs to be credentialed. Whether you’re filling in for a few days or signing on for a longer-term assignment, the hospital or healthcare organization is still responsible for verifying your credentials so that physicians are properly vetted and qualified to care for patients. Unfortunately, the process can often be complex for locum tenens providers.
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Increased frequency and volume of credentialing for locums physicians
A permanent physician may only go through the credentialing process a few times over the course of their career. In contrast, a locum tenens physician may have to go through credentialing multiple times each year, often juggling licenses across several states, health systems, and staffing agencies. Each new assignment typically requires a full round of credentialing, which means a constant cycle of applications, references, verifications, and follow-ups.
Increased scrutiny from credentialing teams
Physicians seeking locum tenens positions are often new faces in a healthcare organization, which naturally invites more attention. Because these physicians are unknown entities, credentialing teams must verify everything from education history to malpractice coverage. If a physician has worked at many hospitals or held multiple licenses in several states, the paper trail can be overwhelming, and the potential for delay only grows.
This is why understanding the locum tenens physician credentialing process is essential for physicians considering this career path. It’s not just about checking boxes. It’s about staying organized, responsive, and proactive in managing your own professional footprint.
Tips for making the credentialing process smoother
Stay responsive
Prompt communication and timely action from physicians will significantly reduce delays and help move the credentialing process forward more efficiently. The reality is that credentialing coordinators aren’t asking for signatures or information to slow you down — they are trying to help you get on-site, get paid, and care for patients.
The longer you wait to respond to a reference request or upload that continuing medical education (CME) certificate, the longer it takes to get credentialed. And when it comes to locum tenens, delays can mean missed shifts, lost income, and missed opportunities.
Keep accurate, detailed records
I recommend that physicians maintain a centralized, up-to-date record of all credentials, licenses, certifications, CME documentation, and procedure logs. Whether you choose to use a digital platform like Modio OneView, or a well-organized folder on your computer, having everything ready can save hours of administrative time and avoid last-minute scrambles.
Download more locum tenens credentialing tips for doctors!
How to make the locum tenens physician credentialing process better
While responsiveness and organization from the physician side are crucial, the credentialing system could still benefit from improvement, especially in today’s healthcare landscape, when it is more complex and faster paced than ever.
Inefficient credentialing processes waste valuable time and directly impact patient care. This means increased administrative burdens and a lack of support, contributing to the growing issue of physician burnout.
Good credentialing technology can help
Technology can transform credentialing when designed with real-world workflows in mind and implemented effectively. Good technology can automate repetitive tasks, centralize provider data, and eliminate unnecessary steps.
For example, credentialing platforms like Modio OneView have tools that eliminate repetitive tasks and capabilities like auto-populating forms. These features can turn a once 90-minute chore into a five-minute task.
Be an advocate to transform locum tenens credentialing
But technology alone isn’t enough. We all need to advocate for smarter systems; physicians should be willing to speak up and challenge outdated practices, both at the facilities where we work and at a national level. For example, why do medical school credentials need to be re-verified every two years? Why are we still using fax machines? Why does credentialing vary so much from one system to the next? Smarter, continuous credentialing models are possible, but only if the industry at large is willing to let go of what's no longer necessary and instead embrace progress.
Looking ahead: The future of physician credentialing
With artificial intelligence and automation already getting incorporated into the credentialing process (identifying red flags, validating credentials, and improving communication between credentialing teams), the future of credentialing looks promising.
Currently, credentialing files are often built from scratch with each new assignment. While the credentialing sphere is still developing, I’m hopeful that the healthcare industry will build towards one, single, unified provider record that follows a physician throughout their career, updates in real time, and is accessible across all healthcare organizations.
Final note on locum tenens credentialing
For physicians entering the locum tenens space, the credentialing process is more than a formality — it’s a professional advantage. The better you understand it, the smoother your professional experiences will be.
Credentialing isn’t just paperwork. It is the front door to the work you care about most: caring for patients.
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