Does the IMLC Replace Credentialing?
No. The Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC) only streamlines the state medical licensure process. Credentialing — the verification of your qualifications, work history, and references — is a separate process conducted by each medical group, hospital, or payer network.
So What Does the IMLC Help With?
It gives hiring organizations faster access to fully licensed physicians in multiple states. This means:
- Faster start dates for new hires
- More flexibility in assigning providers across regions
- Reduced onboarding friction for telehealth or locum providers
Think of it as clearing one hurdle early so the rest of the onboarding process can move faster.
Why Credentialing Still Matters
Even with IMLC licensure, most organizations must still verify:
- Medical school and training records
- Board certification and CME
- Work history and malpractice claims
- DEA registration and NPI number
This process can take 30–90 days and often runs parallel to payer enrollment or internal HR workflows.
How the IMLC Accelerates Hiring
Organizations can:
- Shortlist IMLC-eligible physicians for rapid deployment
- Offer contracts contingent on multi-state coverage
- Scale regional operations without waiting on slow state boards
For example, a telehealth company hiring in five states can prioritize IMLC physicians who can obtain those licenses in under a week — vs. 2–3 months with traditional state boards.
Tips for Medical Groups Using the IMLC
- Maintain a pool of pre-cleared IMLC candidates
- Assign a credentialing specialist to manage IMLC license requests
- Bundle onboarding workflows to begin while licenses are processing
- Verify that each physician meets IMLC eligibility before submission
Streamlining this internally can reduce physician downtime and administrative waste.
Can the IMLC Be Used for Delegated Credentialing?
No. Delegated credentialing is typically limited to insurance enrollment and requires a different infrastructure. However, if your organization handles its own credentialing, IMLC license verification can be built into your existing compliance stack.
Best Practice: Pre-License for Key States
If you know where your contracts are, encourage or require IMLC providers to secure those licenses upfront. It improves scheduling and avoids care delivery gaps.
Final Thoughts
The IMLC doesn’t replace credentialing — but it complements it. For fast-growing groups, regional networks, or virtual-first platforms, IMLC licenses enable rapid onboarding, faster service delivery, and smarter workforce planning. When integrated properly, it’s a force multiplier for operational efficiency.