BH: ABEM is open to exploring any improvement to the MOC Program. When the ABA platform was first discussed, physicians would receive a question every week. As the program has been implemented, many physicians are batching the questions and responding every three months. We don’t know if, over time, physicians would like even greater spacing for items, such as once per year, or if they’ll experience participation fatigue. In addition, these pilot programs must determine how to reach a summative assessment of a physician’s performance. The bottom line is that this is a complex issue that requires a more thorough review.

ACEP: Do you think ABMS member boards have a conflict of interest when considering changes that may also reduce their revenue?

BH: Any nonprofit organization must consider the value equation for its stakeholder groups. Speaking for ABEM, revenue has never been a top priority in designing our certification processes, and it seems that we’ve always had success in balancing that value proposition. It’s also unclear at this stage whether changes will positively or negatively affect revenue. If it’s best for our diplomates and our patients, we’ll find a way to make it work regardless of the financial effect.

ABEM is committed to making certain that ABEM certification is valued by the patient, hospital systems, payers, and physicians. ABEM diplomates can be proud that they have accomplished a milestone that required a significant professional commitment. ABEM is pleased to support a specialty whose physicians have always embraced the notion that a one-time credential at the beginning of their clinical practices is an insufficient testament to their competencies throughout their medical careers.

Reference

1. Marco CA, Wahl RP, Counselman FL, et al. The American Board of Emergency Medicine ConCert Examination: emergency physicians‘ perceptions of learning and career benefits [published online ahead of print March 28, 2016]. Acad Emerg Med. doi:10.1111/acem.12971.