Frequently Asked Questions about the EPR® Privileging System
Does the EPR® Privileging system really contain all the core and special privileges? Yes. All core and special privileges you need come with your subscription. You are free to add any of the privileges from our database any time you need them or updates to existing privileges. Our expert staff is constantly reviewing and changing our core privilege database to ensure that our subscribers have the most timely and accurate information.
Privileges are different at my hospital compared to others; can I customize EPR® Privileging to my particular needs? Yes. We recognize that no two hospitals have the same needs or requirements. Our flexible structure lets you change the privileges and criteria any way you need. Our universal database is always there if you need updated information or want to add new privileges.
Why is EPR® Privileging priced as a subscription and not a flat fee like other software? Core privileging is still evolving and being refined by many organizations. We fully expect both the content and the procedures of privileging to change in the coming months and years. Traditional software, or paper publishing, just can't keep up with the rapid change, the new regulations or the anticipated improvements in the privileging area. Our subscription frees you from all those worries. You never have to buy new software, worry about the timeliness of your privileges or wonder if all your bases are covered.
Can I get a reduction in my liability or malpractice insurance by using EPR® Privileging? Every insurance company has its own policies and weighs things differently in today's risky environment. However, in discussions with insurers, it is apparent that privileging will play an increasingly important role in the future in determining provider competence and insurance rates. We are working diligently to make EPR® Privileging the insurance industry standard and pledge to keep our product on the forefront of our customers risk management needs.
There are several places on the internet to get core privileges for free. Aren't those just as good? Our privileging data is the result of an exhaustive compilation of many authoritative privileging sources; many more than you could probably check on your own. With free sites, you often never know how complete the data is or when it was last reviewed - if ever. You could just be copying someone else's mistakes! The money you save by using freebies could be wiped out in just one liability case. Can you imagine testifying that you based your entire hospital privilege system on stuff you got for free off the internet? The risk is just too high.
The credentialing software we use has a privileging module available, isn't that the same thing? No! Other vendors give you a 'place' to put your privileges but none of the data surrounding core or special privileges. That's hardly better than a spreadsheet! Your problem isn't where to put the information, it's what information do you put there. With EPR®, you get everything you need and we give you a great system to manage your providers' privileges as well.
Can medical staff elsewhere in the hospital see a provider's privileges? Yes. You can provide 'read only' access to any number of users in your hospital. The only thing your staff needs is a web browser. You can even make it available on your own web site.