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Diagnostic Radiologists' Participation in the American Board of Radiology Maintenance of Certification Program
Andrew B Rosenkrantz1, Lincoln L Berland2, Darel E Heitkamp3
1Department of Radiology, NYU Langone Medical Center, 660 1st Ave, New York, NY 10016.
Abstract:
OBJECTIVE. Physicians across specialties have expressed concerns about Maintenance of Certification (MOC) programs of American Board of Medical Specialties member boards, calling for research about MOC acceptance, adoption, and value. The purpose of this study was to characterize diagnostic radiologists' participation in the American Board of Radiology (ABR) MOC program, the framework for its new Online Longitudinal Assessment program. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Practicing U.S. radiologists were identified from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Physician and Other Supplier Public Use File. Corresponding ABR diplomate certification information was obtained through the ABR public search engine. Focused on diagnostic radiologists (defined as those whose only ABR certificate is in diagnostic radiology), MOC participation rates were calculated across various physician characteristics for those whose participation was mandated by the ABR (time-limited certificates) and for those whose participation was not mandated (lifetime certificates). RESULTS. Among 20,354 included diagnostic radiologists, 11,479 (56.4%) participated in MOC. Participation rates were 99.6% (10,058/10,099) among those whose MOC was ABR mandated and 13.9% (1421/10,225) among those whose participation was not mandated (p < 0.001). The rates of nonmandated participation were higher (all p < 0.001) for academic than for non-academic radiologists (28.0% vs 11.3%), subspecialists than for generalists (17.0% vs 11.5%), and those in larger practice groups (< 10 members, 5.0%; 10-49 members, 12.6%; ≥ 50 members, 20.7%). State-level rates of nonmandated participation varied from 0.0% (South Dakota, Montana) to 32.6% (Virginia) and positively correlated with state population density (r = 0.315). CONCLUSION. Although diagnostic radiologists with time-limited certificates nearly universally participate in MOC, those with lifetime certificates (particularly general radiologists and those in smaller and nonacademic practices) participate infrequently. Low rates of nonmandated participation may reflect diplomate dissatisfaction or negative perceptions about MOC.
Insights
Diagnostic radiologists with mandated Maintenance of Certification (MOC) nearly all participate. However, those with lifetime certificates show low MOC adoption, especially generalists in smaller, non-academic practices, suggesting potential dissatisfaction with MOC programs.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Radiology
- Health Policy
Background:
- Physicians express concerns regarding Maintenance of Certification (MOC) programs.
- There is a need to research MOC acceptance, adoption, and perceived value.
- The American Board of Radiology (ABR) has introduced a new Online Longitudinal Assessment program.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize diagnostic radiologists' participation in the ABR MOC program.
- To analyze participation rates based on MOC mandate status (time-limited vs. lifetime certificates).
- To identify factors influencing MOC participation among diagnostic radiologists.
Main Methods:
- Identified practicing U.S. diagnostic radiologists from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services database.
- Obtained ABR certification information via the ABR public search engine.
- Calculated MOC participation rates for mandated (time-limited) and non-mandated (lifetime) certificates, analyzing by physician characteristics.
Main Results:
- 56.4% of 20,354 diagnostic radiologists participated in MOC.
- Mandated MOC participation was 99.6%, while non-mandated participation was 13.9% (p < 0.001).
- Non-mandated participation was higher in academic settings, among subspecialists, and in larger practice groups, varying significantly by state.
Conclusions:
- Diagnostic radiologists with time-limited certificates demonstrate near-universal MOC participation.
- Diagnostic radiologists with lifetime certificates show infrequent MOC participation, particularly generalists in non-academic, smaller practices.
- Low non-mandated MOC participation may indicate diplomate dissatisfaction or negative perceptions of MOC value.