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24-VS-224-Privilege Patent Blog Activation (Step 2) 02. Blog Image-V2-MD (1)

HealthStream earns NEW patent for its Privilege with CredentialStream technology!

October 31st, 2024
October 31st, 2024

HealthStream Earns Patent for Innovative Credentialing Technology

HealthStream® received a patent for its innovative solution for healthcare provider privileging. We consider this patent award a milestone, as it is one of the industry’s first patented privileging process.

Our industry-leading credentialing solution, CredentialStream®, earned the patent in August for its Privilege technology, which contains a curated privileging library; smart logic that automates the evaluation of qualifications, credentials, and competencies; online reviewers’ functionality to analyze, discuss, and grant privileges; and national, proprietary benchmarks among other features.

To spotlight this accomplishment, Michael J. Sousa, HealthStream’s executive vice president, enterprise applications, conducted a with to discuss the significance of this development for the credentialing industry. Vicki Searcy, the visionary behind Privilege, envisioned the product before retiring as Vice President of Clinical Solution Services at HealthStream.

 

Michael: Let’s start off by explaining the patent. Can you describe what it is?  

Scott: Privilege with CredentialStream’s smart logic technology automates and streamlines the privilege management procedures within appointment processes. This leads to an optimized and centralized methodology for managing privilege qualifications across diverse healthcare facilities. By harnessing advanced system intelligence, our solution not only crafts essential qualifications dynamically during both initial and reappointment phases, but also enhances the process’s responsiveness and adaptability. Crucially, it pioneers an electronic review mechanism for privilege and credentialing appointments, making it the first of its kind in the industry with patented software technology.

 

Michael: Where did the vision for Privilege with smart logic connections come from?

Brandi:  In the early 2000s, I saw a need within the industry for a flexible, technology-driven privileging solution. This led to the creation of our Privilege content and structure, aimed at supporting medical staff professionals (MSPs), who often lack clinical backgrounds, in administering privileging processes. This established a standard framework for qualifications and medical coding, paving the way for the next phase of my vision. CredentialStream offered the architecture, enriched with standardized content and curated data sets, to leverage these connections further. The uniqueness and intelligent design behind this vision drove HealthStream’s initiative to secure a patent.

 

Michael: What were the key challenges you faced when navigating the patent process, given that it was the first in the industry?

Scott: The journey involved navigating the dual challenge of standardizing privilege processes while acknowledging the unique needs of our partner organizations, tailored to their size, regulatory environment, and care settings. Another hurdle was keeping our content simultaneously updated to align with various care settings. Moreover, our software application had to accommodate these structures, allowing seamless connections across the numerous organizations and care environments where we collaborated.

 

Michael: How will this directly impact the work of MSPs?

Brandi: The introduction of this patented solution transforms the credentialing work of MSPs by providing a smarter, streamlined approach. It automates tedious aspects of privilege management, enabling MSPs to focus on strategic tasks rather than administrative processes. This increased efficiency elevates the overall quality of healthcare services and compliance at an organization.

 

Michael: What impact will this patent have on the broader industry? How do you see the privileging process evolving in the future?

Scott: This patent not only demonstrates our commitment to innovation but also sets a precedent for the healthcare technology industry. We believe this technology will continue to evolve and become more sophisticated, leading to a more automated privileging process.

As the healthcare landscape continues to change and adapt, we envision our patented solution being at the forefront of revolutionizing credentialing for years to come. With continued advancements in technology and collaboration with partner organizations, we are confident that this patented privilege process will continue to drive efficiency, accuracy, and compliance within the industry. Additionally, we anticipate that this technology will pave the way for future developments in credentialing and privilege management, setting a higher standard for excellence in patient safety.

 

Michael: What's next for CredentialStream?

Brandi: As you know, we are devoted to refining and expanding CredentialStream to create a robust framework that aligns with our customers' evolving needs. Our product roadmaps are continuously inspired and driven by our user community and the dynamic nature of healthcare regulations. This patent offers a steppingstone towards inventive solutions that we aim to explore and develop in the coming years.

 

Michael: Why do you believe this should become the gold standard when it comes to the privileging process?

Scott: Adopting CredentialStream, which is enriched with the Privilege product and related content, positions healthcare organizations for future success. HealthStream's ability to unify content, process, and platform with targeted HealthStream learning solutions sets it apart as the industry's premier solution. The privilege process offers a sophisticated blend of technology and practicality, warranting its position as a gold standard.

 

Michael: It’s been great to talk with you, Brandi and Scott. Is there anything else that you want to add? 

Brandi: HealthStream's patented Privilege technology is not just a significant achievement for the company, but also for the healthcare industry. It has the potential to revolutionize credentialing processes and elevate the work of MSPs across the nation.

Scott: With continued advancements and collaborations with partner organizations, we expect to see more improvements in CredentialStream. This patent serves as a testament to our commitment to providing cutting-edge solutions that address the ever-changing landscape of healthcare.

Michael: Thank you both for your time. Additionally, I want to share my appreciation for you both and for Vicki Searcy’s work on this achievement. Although Vicki has since retired, her involvement in this huge industry disruptor cannot be forgotten. As a former National Association Medical Staff Services (NAMSS) President, Vicki is a true pioneer in our industry. We were honored to hear she was inducted into the NAMSS HealthCare Hall of Fame in 2023. On behalf of everyone at HealthStream, we send our sincerest gratitude to Vicki Searcy for her vision of this incredible technology.

Those seeking further information can reference US Pat. no 12,068,073 B1

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