Free CPCS Telemedicine Credentialing and Privileging Standards Questions and Answers

Question 1

Under CMS and The Joint Commission standards, when an originating site hospital uses 'credentialing by proxy' for a telemedicine provider, what is a key requirement?

Accepted Answer

The originating site must have a written agreement with the distant-site telemedicine entity.

Answer

Credentialing by proxy allows the originating site (where the patient is) to rely on the credentialing done by the distant site (where the practitioner is). A formal written agreement between the two entities is required to outline responsibilities, ensure the distant site is accredited, and meet other regulatory requirements.

Question 2

What is the primary state licensure requirement for a physician providing telemedicine services to a patient?

Accepted Answer

The practitioner must be licensed in the state where the patient is located.

Answer

Telemedicine practice is governed by the laws of the state where the patient is physically located at the time of service. Therefore, the practitioner must hold a valid, unrestricted license in that state, regardless of where the practitioner is located.

Question 3

In the context of telemedicine, the 'originating site' is defined as:

Accepted Answer

The location of the patient at the time of the encounter.

Answer

The originating site is the location of the patient at the time the service is being furnished via a telecommunications system. The distant site is the location of the practitioner providing the service.

Question 4

When an originating site hospital privileges a telemedicine practitioner, what information must its governing body consider?

Accepted Answer

The distant site's privileging recommendations and the originating site's performance data.

Answer

While the originating site can rely on the distant site's credentialing, its own governing body is still responsible for granting privileges. This decision must be based on the distant site's privileging recommendations and any internal performance data specific to the care provided at the originating site.

Question 5

To use the credentialing by proxy process, the originating site must validate that the distant site is a:

Accepted Answer

Medicare-participating hospital.

Answer

CMS regulations for credentialing by proxy require the originating site to verify that the distant site is itself a Medicare-participating hospital. The Joint Commission also requires that the distant site be TJC-accredited, if the originating site is using TJC standards for this process.

(CPCS) Certified Professional Credentialing Specialist Practice Test

(CPCS) Certified Professional Credentialing Specialist Practice Test

Free CPCS Telemedicine Credentialing and Privileging Standards Questions and Answers