How does one get hospital OR privileges?

[paging_dr]

This may be a somewhat naive question, but say you're a new grad wanting to practice comprehensive ophthalmology in a small-medium sized city and wanted to start your own practice... how do you usually get hospital/OR privileges? I realize that a lot of established peripheral ophthalmologists have OR privileges at nearby hospitals but also have their own clinic or practices off-site but how did it all start?

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[hello lady!]

This may be a somewhat naive question, but say you're a new grad wanting to practice comprehensive ophthalmology in a small-medium sized city and wanted to start your own practice... how do you usually get hospital/OR privileges? I realize that a lot of established peripheral ophthalmologists have OR privileges at nearby hospitals but also have their own clinic or practices off-site but how did it all start?

You would need to petition the physician credentialing committee for privileges. Depending if there are any ophthalmologists on staff yet, you would need to be approved by the medical director of the hospital and the ophthalmology department head (if they have one). If not you'll probably be lumped into the surgery group. The credentialing process is a pain in the ass and can take months. Usually they mandate that you take ER call coverage in exchange for being credentialed by the hospital. If there is no ophthalmology at the hospital you're going to have to make a case for the hospital to drop all of the money required to purchase the equipment which could be difficult for a new grad to do.

Also know that to be able to operate in an ambulatory surgical center you (if you are in a solo practice) need to be credentialed at a local hospital anyway.

 

[corneainterviewseason]

And some insurances companies in populated cities may say their panels are full, and that they won't allow you to see your patients. That sucks when they are a big player in your market.