We are collaborating with the internal medicine community to make immediate improvements to the Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program, and it is a priority to continue to act on what we’re hearing.
The American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) will provide regular updates so that the community knows what to expect, and when to expect it, through this process.
Your feedback is leading to significant changes. See a preview of what is on the horizon and a snapshot of the changes and progress we have made together, below.
Co-Creation: Program Changes in Progress
New Two-Year Assessment Option
- ANNOUNCED: Beginning in 2018, ABIM physicians certified in Internal Medicine and in Nephrology can choose to take an assessment every two years. The 10-year exam will remain an option.
- The two-year option is a shorter “knowledge check-in” that physicians can complete in their home or office or in a testing center. Pass/fail results will be available immediately afterward.
- ABIM will continue working to make the new option available for all subspecialties as soon as possible. We will regularly post updates and more information:
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More Assessment Changes
- ANNOUNCED: Making 10-year exam and 2-year assessments open book
- EXPLORING: Focusing assessments on a subset of knowledge relevant to practice (versus breadth of knowledge in a certain discipline)
- In the fall, ABIM will also share more updates, including planned enhancements to the physician homepage on abim.org.
- ABIM will provide more details on the cost of the assessment options by fall 2017. Total program fees paid over a 10-year period are expected to remain close to current levels, but there will be more payment options.
- ABIM is continuing conversations with societies about additional assessment options.
Updating Exam Blueprints
- ONGOING:With your feedback on the relative frequency and importance of content in MOC assessments, an updated Internal Medicine MOC exam blueprint was created and launched, and the blueprint review process has begun for other subspecialties. Additionally, more physicians are being invited to participate in the standard setting process, which assists in setting the passing standard for peers.
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Learn more about blueprint review for MOC assessments.
Standard Setting
- ONGOING: ABIM is inviting practicing physicians from various regions, practice settings and age ranges to participate in the process for establishing MOC exam minimum passing scores.
Quality Improvement for MOC
- IN REVIEW: ABIM will not require quality improvement activities for MOC through 12/31/18. But, ABIM is recognizing more of these important activities you do every day for MOC points.
More Activities to Count for MOC
- EXPANDING: You can combine lifelong learning with a streamlined process for earning MOC points and CME credit. Search ACCME’s CME Finder for activities tailored to your needs: org
Community Engagement
- ONGOING: Your input via surveys, focus groups and meetings influences change. Keep sharing your thoughts and consider joining our Community Insights Network: www.abim.org/jointhenetwork
Co-Creation: Program Changes Implemented (February 2015 – Present)
Community Engagement
- ENGAGEMENT TEAM ESTABLISHED:In 2015, ABIM’s Community Engagement Team was formed to better engage and connect with physicians and members of the internal medicine community, and to learn and gather their collective feedback regarding ways to improve MOC.
Score Report
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- LAUNCHED:In collaboration with ABIM Board Certified physicians across various specialties, the new score report was redesigned to provide better explanation of assessment results. Beginning spring 2015, the new score reports include streamlined, specific information on exam questions missed, and were distributed in a new, electronic format. We will continue to collect physician input about the score report.
Grace Period
- APPROVED: Physicians who take and fail and MOC assessment and who have completed all other program requirements are eligible for a 1-year grace period before they lose their certification. In addition, they pay 50 percent less on their first re-take exam.
Underlying Certification Changes
- APPROVED: Physicians certified in nine subspecialties of internal medicine no longer need to maintain underlying certifications. Through this policy change, ABIM Board Certified physicians can choose the certifications they wish to maintain.
