In the April 9 episode of the AMA Update video series titled “Credentialing Win in Massachusetts,” AMA Chief Experience Officer Todd Unger is joined by Steven Defossez, MD, vice president of clinical integration at the Massachusetts Health & Hospital Association, and Stefanie Simmons, MD, Chief Medical Officer for the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation to discuss how the state is providing a framework for fixing the credentialing process.
Here is an overview of the discussion:
Credentialing Applications Can Impact Physician Well-being
Physician credentialing applications often include questions about mental health history, which can stigmatize seeking mental health care and deter physicians from disclosing their needs. Dr. Stefanie Simmons highlights the intrusive nature of those questions and the privacy concerns they raise for physicians.
"These questions have a stigmatizing effect on mental health care and a chilling effect on physicians' willingness to seek mental health care," says Dr. Simmons.
Massachusetts' Initiative to Eliminate Stigmatizing Questions
Massachusetts Health and Hospital Association (MHA) spearheaded an initiative to eliminate stigmatizing questions from credentialing processes across the state. Dr. Steven Defossez outlines the collaborative effort involving MHA, the Massachusetts Medical Society and other stakeholders. Through a thorough review process, hospitals identified and revised intrusive questions to align with best practices, leading to significant progress in promoting physician well-being.
"We processed every single question, every hospital in the state... And we're absolutely delighted to tell you that, as of today, 34 MHA member hospitals are currently following best practices regarding credentialing questions," says Dr. Defossez.
This achievement reflects the dedication of Massachusetts' health care community to prioritize physicians' mental health.
Importance of Collaboration in Driving Change
Collaboration among health care organizations, advocacy groups and professional societies played a pivotal role in effecting change. Dr. Simmons underscores the significance of collective efforts in advocating for reform, emphasizing the need for diverse voices to unite toward a common goal. The partnership between the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes Foundation, the AMA and other stakeholders facilitated advocacy at both the national and state levels, driving policy changes and promoting awareness.
"When hospitals, physicians and advocacy groups around mental health can come together to make this change, then all of a sudden, it happens," Dr. Simmons emphasizes.
Nationwide Implications and Future Initiatives
The successful implementation of Massachusetts' initiative sets a precedent for other states to follow suit. Dr. Defossez encourages states across the nation to conduct similar audits of credentialing questions and adopt best practices to support physician well-being.
"We are issuing a challenge for hospitals and health systems across the country to audit, change and communicate that change to their health care workers," says Dr. Defossez.
Dive deeper into the full conversation by watching the episode and reading the transcript.