For many independent providers, hospital privileges are as important as payer contracts. They decide where you can admit patients, perform procedures or round, and they shape how referral sources and patients see your practice.
Types of privileges
- Admitting privileges: you can admit patients and direct their care.
- Clinical or procedural privileges: you can perform specific procedures, listed in a "delineation of privileges."
- Courtesy or consulting privileges: limited access for occasional patients or consultations.
- Refer-and-follow: you can follow your patients' care without managing it.
Many hospitals also grant privileges to nurse practitioners and physician assistants, with requirements set by each facility and state law.
Who needs privileges?
Surgeons, OB/GYNs, cardiologists, hospitalists and other specialists who admit or operate need them. Many primary care providers no longer admit their own patients, but courtesy or refer-and-follow privileges still help with continuity of care and referrals. Some payers ask for privileges or a documented admitting arrangement during credentialing.
The application process
- Request an application from the medical staff office.
- Submit licenses, DEA, board certification, malpractice history, CV, case logs and peer references.
- The office verifies everything from primary sources.
- The department chair reviews your requested privileges.
- The credentials committee, medical executive committee and governing board approve.
Because committees meet on fixed schedules, approval often takes 60 to 120 days. A missing reference can push you to the next month's meeting.
Keeping privileges
Hospitals reappoint providers on a cycle, often every two years, and may require minimum activity, continuing education or quality reviews. Track these dates alongside payer re-credentialing.
Using affiliations to grow your practice
- List hospital affiliations on your website, Google Business Profile and directory profiles. Patients look for them.
- Add the affiliation to CAQH and payer files.
- Introduce yourself to hospital case managers and hospitalists, who refer patients for follow-up care.
- Keep communication with referring physicians fast and consistent.
Our hospital privileges service prepares and tracks applications, and our referral marketing helps turn affiliations into patient volume.
Frequently asked questions
How long do hospital privileges take?
Often 60 to 120 days, depending on how complete the application is and when committees meet.
Can nurse practitioners get hospital privileges?
Yes, many hospitals grant privileges to NPs and PAs, under rules set by each facility and state law.
Do I need hospital privileges to get credentialed with payers?
Some payers require privileges or a documented admitting arrangement, especially for certain specialties.
How we can help
This article is general information for healthcare providers, not legal, billing or medical advice. Rules change; confirm current requirements with the relevant agency or payer. Last reviewed October 18, 2026.