The term “hospital privileges” refers to the formal permission granted by a hospital’s governing body to a physician, allowing that doctor to practice medicine and use the facility’s resources. This authorization is facility-specific and defines the scope of care a doctor can provide within that building. Verifying these privileges is necessary, especially when considering a doctor for surgery or specialized care requiring an inpatient stay. Knowing the doctor can admit you and perform procedures at a specific location confirms they are authorized to oversee your treatment. This permission is distinct from merely being affiliated with a hospital or having a state medical license.
Contacting the Hospital’s Staff Office
The most reliable method for confirming a physician’s privileges is to contact the hospital directly. Ask specifically for the Medical Staff Office, the Credentialing Department, or the Provider Verification Department. These departments are responsible for reviewing a doctor’s credentials and granting the official privileges to practice at that facility. They maintain the official, current record of every doctor’s status.
When contacting the office, provide the doctor’s full name and specialty. The Medical Staff Office is the primary source for this information and is authorized to disclose whether a physician holds current, active privileges. This direct verification confirms the physician’s status as a member of the medical staff at that location, unlike information found on a public website.
This direct inquiry ensures you receive the most current and facility-specific data available. Other sources may only indicate a general affiliation, which does not guarantee the doctor can admit you or perform specific procedures. A direct conversation with the Credentialing Department eliminates ambiguity.
Using Online Licensing and Verification Tools
While contacting the hospital is the gold standard, online resources can provide an initial assessment of a doctor’s credentials and history. Every state maintains a State Medical Licensing Board website, which is the official resource for verifying a doctor’s medical license. This license confirms the physician is legally permitted to practice medicine within the state and reveals any disciplinary actions taken against them.
A medical license is not the same as hospital privileges; the license is state permission, while privileges are hospital permission. Third-party health care directories, such as Healthgrades or Doximity, often list a doctor’s “affiliations.” An affiliation means the doctor has a relationship, such as referring patients or working in an outpatient clinic connected to the system.
Online affiliations should not be mistaken for the ability to admit patients or perform surgery inside the hospital. Data on third-party sites can sometimes lag behind internal records, meaning a recent change in status might not be immediately reflected. Use these tools to verify licensure and general connections, but rely on the Medical Staff Office for definitive privilege confirmation.
Understanding the Specific Scope of Privileges
Hospital privileges are not a single authorization; rather, they represent a precise list of approved clinical activities. Privileges are facility-specific, meaning a doctor must apply and be approved by the medical staff committee at each hospital where they wish to practice. This process ensures the doctor’s training and experience align with the hospital’s standards and available resources.
The scope of privileges is also procedure-specific, detailing the treatments, surgeries, and services the doctor is allowed to perform. For example, a physician may hold “admitting privileges,” allowing them to admit patients and manage their care during a hospital stay. This is distinct from “surgical privileges,” which permit the use of operating rooms for specific, approved procedures based on documented competency.
A doctor may also have “courtesy privileges,” which allows for occasional patient treatment but does not grant full rights as a member of the medical staff. Privileges are time-limited and must be renewed, often every two years, following a review of performance and current credentials. Recent verification is necessary to confirm the doctor’s current authorization level.