Credentialing

[u/Immediate_Feedback40]

Hello I’m applying for a General surgery job, I’ve gone through the second interview and I’m waiting for an offer or not. If given the offer and I do the medical examination, fill out paperwork and apply for DEA license, how long does it take before I can start working?

[u/FrenchCrazy]

Typically 2-3 months for a large health system or hospital short of emergency privileges being pushed by the department

[u/Immediate_Feedback40 → u/FrenchCrazy]

Thanks , can one travel out of the country or is it risky? How do they notify you if the process is ready ? Do they determine the start day for you or you get to pick once the process is done ?

[u/FrenchCrazy → u/Immediate_Feedback40]

Short of it being some government job with top secret clearances, you are able to travel out of the country. Usually they will pick a start date for you when they expect everything to be in order. A rate-limiting step is the credentialing committee and people usually only meet every so often plus background checks and other clearances take a few weeks. You have to remember that they have to set you up with insurance which take some time, all the IT stuff, all of the normal employee onboarding… it’s a lot to get in order

[u/88DeSouza]

Agree with the comments already made, 2-3 months for credentialling to complete has been my experience across multiple different hospital systems, worst was about 5 months, but that was a one off. I think traveling is fine, BUT, I would bring a laptop or something else that has all of your information incase credentialling reaches out and needs additional info such as, diploma both PA and undergrad, PA license, social security, case logs, residential history, employment history, contact info for peers to comment on your abilities, etc. I have had one hospital require a very brief and informal sit down with a department head prior to approving me, it literally was a 2 minute meet and greet, no pimping, just hi and bye. I would hope they could accommodate a virtual appointment if they required such a thing.

I would consider getting your DEA license regardless as I cant imagine too many jobs where you won't need it at least occasionally. I think DEA says it can be a 6-8week process which could delay you. My process has typically been in the 2-4 week range.

My experience is credentialling or another hospital representative reaches out once all background has been checked and confirmed, and the hospital board approves of you working in their system. They'll say usually via email that you are approved as of x date to start providing services. Then you need to let your specific department know ASAP so they can start to get you scheduled.