Here are answers to some of the most common questions AGA receives from members. Still have questions? E-mail MOC@gastro.org.
What has changed?
Several changes went into effect in 2014. For all ABIM Board Certified physicians, ABIM has begun reporting whether or not you are “Meeting MOC Requirements.” In order to meet MOC requirements, you are now required to earn 100 MOC points every 5 years with at least some activity every 2 years. ABIM has also created a requirement for MOC points in the categories of patient safety and patient voice.
I hold a lifetime certificate (‘grandfather’ or time-unlimited); do these changes impact me?
Yes. You will remain Board Certified for your lifetime. But ABIM will now qualify your credential of board certification by reporting it as either Board Certified – Participating in MOC or Board Certified – Not Participating in MOC.
Will I lose my certification if I do not participate in MOC?
ABIM will honor time remaining on all certifications. You will continue to be certified for the length of your current certification(s), assuming you hold a current and valid license. If you hold certification(s) that are valid indefinitely, you will not lose those certification(s).
Do ABIM’s changes mean I lose points I’ve already earned?
Points earned prior to 2014 will count toward certifications expiring from 2014 through 2017 but will not count toward the “Meeting MOC Requirements” reporting. Only those points earned in 2014 and after will count toward “Meeting MOC Requirements.”
What is the Patient Safety requirement?
You are required to earn some points (no minimum) in the area of patient safety. ABIM lists options for this requirement on their website.
What is the Patient Voice requirement?
ABIM is still working to clarify this and will provide “Pathways to approve and give credit for these activities … well before the requirement is first due in 2018.” They list a few options already available on their site.
I’m already paying the ABIM a fee, and now I have to pay for MOC from other organizations?
ABIM is exploring pricing options whereby diplomates, over their 10-year exam cycle, can opt in or opt out of access to ABIM products and, if they opt out, get a discount on their MOC fee.
How can AGA help me prepare?
AGA has MOC and exam preparation resources: www.gastro.org/education- meetings/maintenance-of-certification.
