By Olivia Loeffler, network director, Medical Staff Services and Credentials Verification Officer

Most of you are probably familiar with paying your Medical Staff dues, but you may not know exactly where those dollars go. Those dues help fund the programs, activities and behind-the-scenes support that keep the Medical Staff running smoothly and able to fulfill its responsibilities.

The Medical Staff is supported by three primary sources of funding.

1. Application fees

What they are: A one-time fee paid by physicians or advanced practice providers when applying for initial appointment or reappointment to the Medical Staff.

What they fund:

• Credentialing activities
• Primary source verification of education, training, licensure, board certification and work history
• Background checks and other compliance reviews
• Processing and administration of appointment and reappointment applications

Why they’re needed: Every Medical Staff member must undergo a thorough review before being granted clinical privileges. Application fees help offset the direct costs of performing these required verification and compliance activities.

2. Medical Staff dues

What they are: Annual dues paid by Medical Staff members to support the physician-led governance and professional activities of the Medical Staff organization.

What they fund:

• Physician leadership stipends (Medical Staff officers, committee chairs, etc.)
• Peer review and professional practice evaluation activities
• General Medical Staff committees and subcommittees
• Educational programs and physician development
• Physician recognition events and networking opportunities

Why they’re needed: Each Medical Staff is a self-governing body responsible for overseeing quality, safety and professional standards. Dues provide funding for these physician-led functions that benefit the Medical Staff as a whole.

3. Medical Staff Services Department funding

What it is: Hospital-funded support for the Medical Staff Services Department, which provides the administrative and operational resources needed to support the Medical Staff.

What it funds:

• Medical Staff Services personnel and administrative support
• Credentialing and privileging software systems
• Medical Staff databases and technology resources
• Physician lounge amenities and related support services
• Office supplies, communications and operational expenses
• Resources that help facilitate Medical Staff meetings, elections and governance activities

Why it’s needed: While physicians govern the Medical Staff, day-to-day operations require administrative team members, technology and support services. This funding ensures they have the resources necessary to function efficiently and remain compliant with accreditation and regulatory requirements.

As healthcare regulations and accreditation requirements continue to evolve, maintaining a strong Medical Staff infrastructure is more important than ever. The dues, fees and hospital funding provide the resources needed to ensure effective governance, regulatory compliance, and ongoing quality and safety initiatives.