American Board Of Internal Medicine Maintenance Of Certification
The American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) is a non-profit organization that certifies physicians in internal medicine and its subspecialties. The ABIM Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program is designed to ensure that physicians remain up-to-date with the latest medical knowledge, providing patients with the best possible care. In this article, we will discuss the ABIM MOC program in detail, including its history, requirements, and benefits.
History of ABIM Maintenance of Certification
The ABIM was founded in 1936, with a mission to improve the quality of healthcare by certifying physicians who demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and attitudes essential for excellent patient care. The ABIM MOC program was launched in 2000, with the goal of ensuring that physicians remain up-to-date with the latest medical knowledge and best practices throughout their careers.
Initially, the ABIM MOC program consisted of a ten-year cycle that required physicians to pass a secure examination every ten years to maintain their certification. However, in 2014, the ABIM introduced a new MOC program that was more flexible and focused on lifelong learning.
Requirements of ABIM Maintenance of Certification
The ABIM MOC program has four components that physicians must complete every two years:
- Earn 100 MOC points
- Complete at least one Self-Evaluation of Medical Knowledge (SEMK) module
- Complete one Improvement in Medical Practice (IMP) module
- Participate in one Patient Safety (PS) activity
Physicians can earn MOC points through a variety of activities, including:
- Attending educational courses and conferences
- Participating in online learning programs
- Writing or reviewing medical articles
- Participating in quality improvement programs
- Teaching or mentoring medical students and residents
Physicians can also earn up to 20 MOC points for passing the secure ABIM examination every ten years.
Benefits of ABIM Maintenance of Certification
The ABIM MOC program provides several benefits to physicians, patients, and the healthcare system as a whole:
- Ensures that physicians remain up-to-date with the latest medical knowledge and best practices
- Improves the quality of patient care by promoting continuous learning and improvement
- Helps physicians identify areas where they can improve their knowledge and skills
- Provides a framework for evaluating and improving the quality of healthcare delivery
Additionally, maintaining ABIM certification is often a requirement for medical staff privileges, hospital employment, and insurance reimbursement.
Criticism of ABIM Maintenance of Certification
The ABIM MOC program has faced criticism from some physicians who argue that it is too burdensome, costly, and time-consuming. Some physicians have also criticized the ABIM for being too focused on testing and not providing enough support for physicians to improve their knowledge and skills.
In response to this criticism, the ABIM has made several changes to the MOC program in recent years, including:
- Reducing the number of MOC points required each year
- Offering more flexible and convenient ways to earn MOC points
- Providing more resources and support for physicians to improve their knowledge and skills
Conclusion
The ABIM Maintenance of Certification program is an important part of ensuring that physicians remain up-to-date with the latest medical knowledge and best practices. While the program has faced criticism in the past, the ABIM has made several changes to address these concerns and make the program more flexible and supportive of physicians.
If you are a physician with ABIM certification, it is important to stay up-to-date with the latest requirements of the MOC program and take advantage of the many resources and opportunities available to earn MOC points and improve your knowledge and skills.