FAQ for Applicants
Who May Apply to the Medical Staff?
Medical doctors (MD's and DO's), podiatrists (DPM) and dentists (DDS and DMD). All others (such as nurse midwives, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, surgical assistants, etc.) are considered allied health professionals (AHP's) and may not apply for membership to the medical staff. However, they may apply to the allied health staff, provided that they meet the criteria set forth in the Medical Staff Bylaws.
Does the same application fee apply to all applicants?
No. The fee for most medical staff applicants is $500* and the fee for all allied health applicants is $75. Applicants who plan to join an existing group may be able to make arrangements within that group for payment, but please understand that the Medical Staff Office does not coordinate such arrangements, and the applicant is ultimately responsible for the payment. Payment must be received before any processing will begin. The application fee is non-refundable, so if for any reason your application is denied or you withdraw your application after paying the fee, you will not be entitled to a refund. * NOTE: the application fee for telemedicine staff is $250. Physician applicants requesting only temporary privileges for up to 90 days (and no request for medical staff appointment) must pay a $100 processing fee.
How should I return the application?
You may download the application and attachments from the website and return the completed original by mail. You may fax it to expedite service, but the originals must be received by mail, along with the application fee. Please be sure to review the checklist to ensure that all necessary information and documents are included before returning them. As noted on the home page, the medical staff application has been approved for use at both Gulf Coast Medical Center and Bay Medical Center in Panama City. These hospitals are in no way affiliated with each other, nor are they part of the same corporate entity. The application has been standardized to streamline the credentialing process for practitioners who wish to apply at both facilities. The application attachments, Bylaws, Code of Conduct Booklet, and Mission and Vision Statements are unique to Gulf Coast Medical Center. Therefore, applicants who wish to dual-apply (at both hospitals) should also contact that BMC's Medical Staff Office for additional documentation and instructions. If you indicate on the application that you are applying at both facilities, whichever facility you provide the original to will send a copy to the other facility.
What should I expect after returning the completed application?
The application and attachments will be acknowledged by email, letter, and/or phone. (If you have not received an acknowledgment within one week, please contact the Medical Staff Office.) The materials will be thoroughly reviewed and processed. This includes review and verification of credentials, training, references, current and prior affiliations, other information in the application, and other checks and verifications as required by hospital policy. Once all credentialing functions have been completed, your file will be presented to the appropriate Chief of Service for review and recommendation. His/her recommendation is brought before the Credentials Committee for review and recommendation. That committee's recommendation is then reviewed by the Medical Executive Committee, which makes a recommendation to the hospital's Board of Trustees. The Board makes the final credentialing decision, which will be promptly communicated to you, and you may then begin exercising your approved privileges at the hospital.
What is the timeframe for the credentialing process?
The credentialing process is a joint effort of the hospital and the current medical staff, and we are proud to have a rigorous review process in place. This is for the protection of our patients, our medical staff, and our hospital. You can well understand the need for thoroughness in this very important process. The general timeframe for the entire process is generally around 8-12 weeks, from the time the application is received until final board approval is given. It is prudent to keep this in mind as you consider starting your practice, in relation to when the approval process should be complete. Please understand that delays can occur for a number of reasons. The more complete and accurate your application is, the better the chances are that it will be completed in a timely manner.
What if I change my mind and wish to withdraw my application?
If you should choose to withdraw your application after submitting it to the Medical Staff Office, written notice must be given. Failure to do so may result in an adverse action being taken against you. The application fee will not be refunded.
Once I'm on staff, will I have to pay any other fees?
There are no membership or reappointment dues to pay once you are on staff. However, the Bylaws require active staff members to attend at least 50% of both the quarterly medical staff meetings and 50% of their respective department meetings. Failure to meet this obligation will result in the assessment of a $100 fine at the end of the calendar year. Additionally, the Bylaws allow for an assessment of chart fines for delinquent medical records, and these fines are billed quarterly. Fines should be paid promptly, and reappointment will not be approved until all fines are paid.
What is done with the money collected for application fees and fines?
The funds in the library fund are regulated by a separate set of Bylaws, State and Federal regulations. The fund is a non-profit organization under Chapter 501(c)(4), IRS Code. This allows expenditures for educational purposes, maintenance and general operation of the fund. However, a portion of money collected will be placed in a regular checking account to help fund the salary of the Chief of Staff. Generally, this will be the first $11,000 of money collected each year. Therefore, you should contact an accountant if you have questions about tax consequences, or the Medical Staff Office or the Secretary/Treasurer of the Medical Staff if you have general questions.
Who should I contact with questions?
The orientation package you receive at the time of appointment contains a lot of valuable information, along with the Medical Staff Bylaws. The Medical Staff Office is pleased to assist you with questions you may have about staff membership, the hospital, and the community. We may not have the answers you need, but most of the time we can direct you to a resource that can help. If your questions deal with clinical matters, you may wish to speak to the Chief of your Department or the Chief of Staff. If your questions deal with the hospital organization, feel free to contact Administration (747-7100) or the specific Department Manager/Director. Questions about the community can be directed to our Business Development Department (747-7134).