CAP TODAY Pathology/Laboratory Medicine/Laboratory Management
- The ABP has formed a communications task force to review issues and propose solutions.
- Diplomates must keep a current email address in PATHway for us to be able to communicate with them.
- The ABP has contracted with a communications consulting firm, SBG Communications, to review the current state of communications and work with the communications task force and the ABP staff to improve communications.
We heard: The “high stakes” MOC examination taken once every 10 years may not be the best way to assess knowledge, skills, and judgment.
What we’re doing: In light of information about adult learning theory, the ABP is embarking on a three- to five-year pilot to evaluate the use of longitudinal formative and summative assessment (ABPath CertLink), as described on our website, in our newsletter, and in the August 2016 issue of CAP TODAY. If the pilot is successful, this new assessment tool can become an alternative to the current point-in-time MOC exam.
We heard: The MOC examination does not reflect my practice.
The truth is: The ABP MOC examination is customizable with more than 90 modules in anatomic and clinical pathology and most subspecialties. The modular format allows diplomates to demonstrate their core knowledge and to customize the examination so that it is as relevant as possible to their everyday practice.
We heard: Submitting CME and self-assessment module credits is cumbersome.
What we’re doing: The ABP is working with cooperating societies, such as the ASCP, the CAP, and
USCAP, for annual electronic submission of diplomates’ CME and SAM activities.
We heard: MOC participants should have meaningful input into the MOC process.
What we’re doing: We agree and here are examples of what we have done:
- Diplomates are surveyed after each examination and can comment on every question.
- The MOC advisory committee consisting of pathologists participating in MOC meets at least monthly to discuss the MOC program and offer ideas for improvements.
- Practicing pathologists are invited to submit questions that are relevant to their practice for the ABPath CertLink pilot at www.pathcertlink.com.
- We welcome diplomates’ input at ABP-MOC@abpath.org or by telephone at 813-286-2444.
We heard: Why should I participate in MOC?
Here’s why: Board certification, which is a voluntary process, is valued by health care and hospital credentialing committees, payers, and the public as an indicator of quality.
It is intuitive that staying current with evolving medical knowledge through CME and SAMs improves physician performance and patient outcomes.
It is hoped that some part IV activities (improvement in medical practice) will qualify for increased reimbursement associated with
MACRA (Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015) and other value-based federal and state payment initiatives. Individual, departmental, and systemwide activities undertaken to improve medical practice have a direct impact on patient care, patient experience, quality, and cost of care. The value of pathologists in systems-based practice is greater than simply rendering a diagnosis or directing a laboratory.
We hope that these myth busters clarify the MOC program and address the concerns of pathologists. The MOC program is a work in progress, and we recognize there are ongoing opportunities for improvement. The input and feedback of diplomates are important to the ABP as it continues to build the best MOC program possible.
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Dr. Johnson is chief executive officer and Dr. Procop is immediate past president of the American Board of Pathology, Tampa, Fla.