Hospitals eyeing physicians' practice patterns. Economic credentialing is being tested to reduce expenses and improve...

In an effort to reduce expenses and improve the quality of medical care, some hospitals are turning to economic credentialing. They believe utilization review and peer pressure can alter physicians' inefficient practice patterns without threatening their clinical privileges. But executives of a two-hospital system employing credentialing say the threat of losing clinical privileges is the best way to remind physicians to comply with hospital standards.