The National Association of Healthcare Consultants is a national organization "dedicated to serving the needs of consultants who provide ethical, confidential, and professional advice to the healthcare industry."
The NAHC has its own certifying body, the Institute of Certified Healthcare Business Consultants. There are about 340 healthcare consultants certified through this body.
The American Association of Healthcare Consultants, or AAHC, is a professional membership society for healthcare consultants and consulting firms.
AAHC's mission is " to serve as the preeminent credentialing, professional, and practice development organization for the healthcare consulting profession; to advance the knowledge, quality, and standards of practice for consulting to management in the healthcare industry; and to enhance the understanding and image of the healthcare consulting profession and Member Firms among its various publics."
Healthcare consultants credentialed by AAHC have met rigorous professional and ethical requirements. The two credentials awarded are Certified Healthcare Consultant (CHC) and Fellow in the Association (FAAHC).
These credentials ensure that the consultant has passed tests of objective knowledge in his or her field, has at least five years of experience in his or her practice field, and is a full-time consultant. This credentialed consultant has also agreed to abide by AAHC's code of ethics, and also has been interviewed and background-checked by the Association to confirm a strong performance record and notable consulting skills.
The most important thing to keep in mind when choosing a consultant or consulting firm to meet your healthcare practice's needs is that consultant’s or firm's track record of helping organizations like yours. Most consultants are happy to provide references of other healthcare providers for whom they have provided advice and consulting services.