CPCS Primary Source Verification (PSV) Standards and Procedures

Question 1

What is the primary purpose of Primary Source Verification (PSV) in the credentialing process?

Accepted Answer

To confirm the accuracy of a practitioner's credentials directly from the issuing source

Answer

To reduce administrative costs in the credentialing department

Answer

To evaluate a practitioner's clinical performance outcomes

Answer

To establish salary benchmarks for medical staff

Question 2

Which organization's accreditation standards most directly define Primary Source Verification requirements for hospital credentialing?

Accepted Answer

The Joint Commission (TJC)

Answer

American Medical Association (AMA)

Answer

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) only

Answer

American Hospital Association (AHA)

Question 3

Which of the following credentials requires Primary Source Verification and cannot be accepted solely from an applicant-submitted document?

Accepted Answer

Board certification status

Answer

A photocopy of a malpractice insurance certificate

Answer

A personal reference letter from a colleague

Answer

A curriculum vitae listing prior employers

Question 4

What constitutes an 'acceptable equivalent' to direct Primary Source Verification under Joint Commission standards?

Accepted Answer

Verification performed by an NCQA-certified Credentials Verification Organization (CVO)

Answer

A notarized copy of the credential provided by the applicant

Answer

A sworn affidavit from the practitioner attesting to credential accuracy

Answer

Confirmation from the practitioner's previous hospital employer

Question 5

Under The Joint Commission standards, verification of a practitioner's medical education (degree) must be obtained from:

Accepted Answer

The medical school or equivalent institution that granted the degree

Answer

The practitioner's current hospital employer of record

Answer

The American Medical Association physician database

Answer

The state medical licensing board

Question 6

Which of the following is the correct primary source for verifying a physician's state medical license?

Accepted Answer

The state medical licensing board

Answer

The physician's curriculum vitae

Answer

The National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB)

Answer

The hospital's existing credentialing file from a prior appointment

Question 7

What should a credentialing specialist do when the primary source cannot be reached for verification despite multiple documented attempts?

Accepted Answer

Document all attempts thoroughly and follow organizational policy, escalating to the credentials committee as required

Answer

Accept the practitioner's self-attestation as sufficient and proceed

Answer

Deny the application immediately without further review

Answer

Use internet searches or public databases as substitute verification