Physician Tips When Speaking with Surveyors

Below is a list of tips when speaking with surveyors:

• Prepare for the upcoming survey by structuring your documentation to meet quality standards; sign, date and time all medical record entries.

• Be aware of service line activities, goals and accomplishments.

• Be positive and proud of what you do to take care of your patients.

• Emphasize world-class healthcare through physician to patient communication, physician to physician communications, and multidisciplinary rounding.

• If asked to participate in an interview with the surveyor, relax. Accreditation will be with each surveyor for staff support.

• If you do not understand the question, ask for clarification before answering.

• Only answer what is asked – do not volunteer information.

• Be honest – if you do not know the answer, do not guess.  Explain how you would find out – physician leadership, nurse manager and accreditation support.

• The surveyor should not request documents from you. Accreditation will provide all documentation to the surveyor(s).

• Be assertive, but do not argue with the surveyor.