What Are Hospital Privileges? Basics, Requirements & More

Hospital privileges are an essential aspect of a physician’s career, allowing them to admit and treat patients within a hospital setting.

Understanding the types of privileges, the credentialing process, and key considerations can help doctors navigate this complex but necessary part of medical practice

What Are Hospital Privileges?

Hospital privileges refer to the formal authorization granted to physicians to use hospital facilities and treat patients within that hospital.

These privileges enable doctors to perform medical procedures, order tests, and admit patients, depending on their qualifications and specialty.

Without hospital privileges, a doctor cannot fully practice in a hospital setting, limiting their ability to provide comprehensive care to their patients.

Hospital Privileges vs. Credentialing

While hospital privileges and credentialing are related, they are distinct processes.

Hospital credentialing is the process of verifying a physician’s education, training, licensure, and professional history to ensure competency and eligibility for practice.

Hospital privileges, on the other hand, are the permissions granted by a hospital that allow a physician to admit and treat patients.

Credentialing must be completed before a doctor can apply for hospital privileges.

Each hospital has specific bylaws governing the credentialing and privileging process, and understanding these requirements is essential for obtaining the necessary approvals.

Types of Hospital Privileges

Hospitals offer different levels of privileges based on a physician’s expertise and the scope of their practice:

• Admitting Privileges – These allow a doctor to admit patients into the hospital and oversee their care during their stay.
• Courtesy Privileges – Physicians who do not frequently use the hospital but may occasionally admit patients receive these limited privileges.
• Surgical Privileges – Required for doctors who need access to operating rooms and surgical facilities to perform procedures.
• Consulting Privileges – Specialists who assist in patient care without admitting them are granted consulting privileges.
• Emergency Privileges – These allow doctors to provide urgent and emergency care in hospital emergency rooms.
• Telemedicine Privileges – With the rise of remote care, some hospitals grant privileges to physicians providing virtual consultations and treatment.

Understanding these categories helps physicians determine what kind of access they need to provide the best care for their patients.

How to Obtain Hospital Privileges

The process of obtaining hospital privileges involves multiple steps and thorough vetting. Here’s what doctors need to know:

1. Application Submission – Physicians must submit an application detailing their education, training, certifications, and work experience.
2. Verification Process – The hospital reviews credentials, licensure, malpractice history, and references to ensure the doctor meets its standards.
3. Medical Staff Review – A hospital’s medical staff committee evaluates the application before making recommendations.
4. Hospital Board Approval – The final decision lies with the hospital’s governing board, which grants or denies privileges.
5. Renewal & Maintenance – Privileges must be renewed periodically, often requiring continuing education and compliance with hospital policies.

The credentialing process ensures that only qualified physicians can access hospital facilities and care for patients.

Duration of Hospital Privileges

Once obtained, hospital privileges are not permanent and must be renewed regularly. The standard renewal period is every two years, though Illinois requires renewal every three years.

The renewal process typically involves a review of the physician’s performance and adherence to hospital policies.

Additionally, physicians must verify continued licensure and board certification. Compliance with ongoing education and training requirements is also necessary to maintain privileges.

Failing to renew hospital privileges on time can result in suspension or loss of the ability to admit and treat patients at the facility.

Cost of Hospital Privileges

Obtaining hospital privileges typically does not involve direct financial costs for physicians. Hospitals generally do not charge doctors for applying or maintaining privileges.

However, indirect costs can arise, such as:

• Malpractice Insurance Requirements – Many hospitals mandate specific levels of malpractice insurance, which can be expensive.
• Continuing Medical Education (CME) – Doctors may need to complete CME courses to maintain their privileges.
• Legal and Administrative Fees – Some physicians hire credentialing specialists or legal advisors to navigate the application process efficiently.

While hospital privileges themselves do not require payment, associated expenses should be considered when applying.

Revocation of Hospital Privileges

Hospital privileges are not guaranteed indefinitely and can be revoked under certain circumstances. Some of the most common reasons for revocation include:

• Medical Errors or Negligence – Repeated patient care mistakes can lead to an investigation and loss of privileges.
• Ethical Violations – Violating hospital policies, professional ethics, or legal requirements can result in disciplinary action.
• Lack of Compliance – Failing to meet continuing education, licensure, or credentialing requirements can lead to revocation.
• Behavioral Issues – Unprofessional conduct, conflicts with hospital staff, or patient complaints may affect a doctor’s standing.

If a physician faces revocation, they are typically entitled to due process, which may involve arbitration, a formal hearing, or legal representation.

Protecting one’s professional reputation and ensuring compliance with hospital policies can help prevent the risk of losing privileges.

Final Thoughts

Hospital privileges are crucial for doctors who want to provide inpatient and procedural care.

Navigating the application process, understanding the different types of privileges, and maintaining compliance with hospital policies ensures physicians can continue serving their patients effectively.

Staying informed and proactive about credentialing policies allows doctors to expand their practice and deliver high-quality medical care within hospital settings.

Need help with the process? Physicians Thrive offers a variety of practice management services that will help you get credentialed quickly and easily.