Credentialing in healthcare is the process of assessing the academic qualifications, clinical practice history, and other relevant information of healthcare providers to ensure that they are qualified to provide care to patients. The process is used to verify that healthcare professionals have the required professional experience, training, and certification to practice medicine and provide the highest level of care to patients. Credentialing is a formal process that utilizes an established series of guidelines to ensure that patients receive the highest level of care from healthcare professionals who have undergone the most stringent scrutiny regarding their ability to practice medicine.

The credentialing process includes verifying information such as education and training, residency, licenses, certifications, and work experience. The process is initiated by the credentialing organization, but it ultimately starts with the provider who is responsible for getting the required information to the person who will be overseeing the process. The process of credentialing has become more refined and thorough over the past 50 years, and today several national agencies are dedicated to maintaining the process.

Credentialing is a vital process for all healthcare institutions that must be performed to ensure that those healthcare workers who will be providing the clinical services are qualified to do so. Credentialing also ensures that all healthcare workers are held to the same standard. Private health insurance companies as well as Medicare and Medicaid require proof of medical credentialing before allowing healthcare professionals to engage with patients. Credentialing is also important for cutting down on medical errors, ensuring adequate staff levels, and building trust amongst key stakeholders in the healthcare industry.