Is it difficult to integrate ArchiveCore into our system?

No. It’s easy! You just log in through our secure portal, so there is no complicated process to integrate into your legacy systems. You can even try the ArchiveCore process alongside your standard process to see how simple it is.

How fast can we get started?

If you are part of a Graduate Medical Education training program, we can get your program managers comfortable with the system in about 10 minutes. We will need to customize a bit of information about your programs. We can typically onboard a training program within two weeks from the initial request depending on program manager schedules for the orientation process. 

If you are requesting verification, you can get started immediately as long as the health care professional you are attempting to verify is already in the system. If your potential hire is not in ArchiveCore, we will be happy to reach out to that institution to walk them through the process.

How much does it cost?

Graduate Medical Education/Training programs pay an annual fee per resident or fellow to maintain documents and complete verifications on their own trainees.  

Hiring institutions pay a one-time fee to verify a new hire from outside their institution. 

Is ArchiveCore only for physicians?

ArchiveCore can be used for most health care professionals and can be used in most industries that require credentialing. Please contact us if you have a specific request.

Is ArchiveCore only for healthcare professionals?

No. If you would like to request ArchiveCore services for another industry, we’d be happy to discuss whether it is a good fit with ArchiveCore technology.

What is Distributed Ledger Technology? How is it different from Blockchain?

Many companies use a centralized database, which has a single point of failure. A distributed ledger is a database that is distributed across multiple parties and locations, so there is no single point of failure. 

Blockchain is a type of distributed ledger. A blockchain is also a shared database, but each “block” of information is entered in sequence (a “chain”) and must be confirmed and encrypted using proof of work.

What is credentialing?

Have you seen Catch Me If You Can? No patient wants to find out that the person performing surgery wasn’t actually a surgeon. To prevent this, hospitals have an exhaustive process to ensure that their physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and other professional staff have the education, training, and certification that they claim to have. This process is called credentialing. 

Credentialing is a complex process used to evaluate the qualifications and practice history of healthcare professionals. The requirements vary by individual specialty, institution, and health insurance plan. These entities require primary source verification of transcripts, competency records, malpractice validation, health files, and work performance details. 

What is a credential?

A credential is proof of an individual’s qualification or competence in a subject. They are typically issued by a third party with the authoritative power to issue such a document. 

Examples of credentials include the following:

  • Medical school diploma 
  • Certificates of any residencies and fellowships 
  • Specialty medical boards certification
  • State medical licenses 
  • Evaluations 
  • Proof of completing continuing medical education requirements 
  • Letters from prior employers explaining the circumstances under which the employment ended 
  • Any malpractice actions against the physician
What is the difference between credentialing and privileging?

Credentialing is the initial process of verifying professional credentials. Once the professional has been credentialed, the privileging process begins.  Privileging identifies the specific procedures and patient care services a professional will be allowed to provide at specific sites.

What is primary source verification?

Primary source verification is the act of obtaining confirmation of a specific credential (education, training, licensure) from the original source.

Examples of primary source verification include direct written correspondence, telephone verification, fax, and internet verification.

How long does the credentialing process take?

The current credentialing process can often take 4-6 months to complete. In addition to the exorbitant costs of generating primary source records, this delay also results in lost revenue,  lost productivity, increased burnout, and decreased access to care. These costs are repeated every time an employee moves to a new position, even within the same institution.

What are OPPE & FPPE?

Hospitals must ensure the continued quality and safety of patient care, so all physicians and other professional staff who are granted privileges undergo periodic review to determine if they should maintain existing privileges. 

 The Joint Commission requires both Ongoing Professional Practice Evaluation (OPPE) and Focused Professional Practice Evaluation (FPPE).

 FPPE is a time-limited evaluation of the professional’s competence in performing a specific privilege. It is implemented for all initially requested privileges and then again if needed as a result of data obtained during OPPE or when additional data or reports indicate the need for a focused review of adverse events. 

 OPPE is a summary of ongoing data collected to assess a professional’s clinical competence and professional behavior. It assists the organization in identifying trends that may impact the quality of patient care and patient safety.

 OPPE & FPPE are used together to ensure that a professional is delivering appropriate care.

Please let us know if you have any additional questions.