2026 Trends in Medical Staff Credentialing

Evolving capabilities and persistent obstacles

Medical staff credentialing has evolved from a compliance task into a strategic driver of revenue and patient access. Our 10th annual Trends in Medical Staff Credentialing report surveys over 670 medical services professionals (MSPs) to explore this shift. Discover how teams balance new technology and staffing constraints to build a resilient, future-ready credentialing operation.

About this Report

Now in its 10th year, the 2026 Trends in Medical Staff Credentialing report highlights key trends and perspectives shaping credentialing today. The report offers a comprehensive industry snapshot that is based on insights from 673 professionals across the country, 80% of whom are from multi-facility settings. Respondents held credentialing roles (35%), director titles (22%), or manager positions (21%); 92% are highly aware of credentialing processes.  

"The expertise and dedication of the MSP workforce go far beyond compliance—they’re essential for managing a challenging set of responsibilities that can’t be passed off to technology alone. Investing in people, processes, and leadership support is critical to help the next generation of credentialing professionals develop the skills needed to meet today’s demands, especially as we integrate new technology and address ongoing workforce shortages.                                                                                                                                        
- Divya Shroff, MD, FHM | Physician Executive Advisor, HealthStream "

• Survey data show 57% of organizations are unaware of revenue gains from faster onboarding, down from 82% in 2025, indicating a growing focus on financial accountability.
• The adoption of technology and automation in credentialing is progressing, with organizations exploring AI (49%) and automated solutions to increase efficiency, despite barriers such as compliance concerns and organizational readiness.
• Recruitment continues to be a challenge, with 73% of leaders citing a shortage of skilled and experienced candidates as the top obstacle to effective credentialing teams.

Trend 1

Drivers of Satisfaction in Credentialing

Credentialing quality impacts provider recruitment and retention, patients’ access to care, and a facility’s reputation and financial outcomes. Understanding the factors associated with satisfaction with the processes can help leaders recognize pain points and carry out targeted improvements.

Key Findings

• 95% of MSPs report being somewhat, very, or extremely satisfied with their organization’s credentialing and privileging processes, a trend consistent with prior years.
• Only about one-quarter of respondents reported conducting surveys on credentialing and privileging processes, indicating an opportunity to garner valuable provider feedback.
• Organizations that measure onboarding timelines also show higher satisfaction levels. Tracking onboarding time may drive greater accountability and visibility, reinforcing a trend revealed in this report: faster onboarding is linked to financial performance, and there’s a growing awareness of its strategic value.

Understanding what drives satisfaction in credentialing helps organizations focus on what works and where improvements are needed. Collecting provider feedback and tracking onboarding timelines allows leaders to address pain points and improve decision-making. Prioritizing faster onboarding improves provider experience, supports access to care, and delivers strategic and financial benefits to the department.

Trend 2

Technology as Fuel for Process Improvement

Credentialing is complex; it’s where regulation, risk, operations, and human behavior converge. To help manage these issues and build more efficient credentialing systems, healthcare leaders are increasingly turning to technology. Many organizations are replacing slow, manual workflows with automated solutions, such as with digital credentialing platforms. Other tools such as AI and blockchain are being explored and developed for credentialing platforms. These technologies can help reduce errors, accelerate provider onboarding, and strengthen compliance.

Key Findings

• Though AI adoption for credentialing-related tasks is still early and uneven, organizations experimenting with AI-powered tools indicate greater satisfaction.
• Provider-based information systems — referred to as provider wallets, provider portfolios, and digital credential wallets —  have gained attention in recent years.
• Missing or incomplete provider data is a key contributor to credentialing delays.

Technology is reshaping credentialing by reducing manual work, improving data accuracy, and strengthening compliance. For healthcare leaders, adopting tools like AI and digital credential wallets can support more efficient and reliable credentialing processes.

Don't miss the rest of the insights

The 2026 Trends in Medical Staff Credentialing report is more than just a snapshot of the industry; it’s a roadmap for navigating the evolving landscape of credentialing. From leveraging technology to overcoming workforce challenges, this report dives deep into the strategies and innovations shaping the future.

Download the full report to explore:

• The true scope of MSP responsibilities beyond basic credentialing file volumes
• How technology can fuel process improvement without replacing essential human expertise
• Strategies to shorten onboarding timelines to support your organization's financial performance