Want to get doctors talking (or even shouting)? Mention the Maintenance of Certification program and then stuff some cotton in your ears.
Medpage Today now has a survey asking whether board certification has an impact on patient care. This in response to the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons’ lawsuit against the American Board of Medical Specialties’ which seeks to end the recertification program. (Why don’t they just make up their own certification?)
The comments … Well, here’s a taste: “Our practice has 9 physicians and 7 mid levels. It is sometimes embarrassing to see the lack of competence that the board certified physicians display. Board certification is useless. It is NOT an indicator of quality care. Not in my group.”
Ouch. But we know coders obtain and maintain coding certifications through such organizations as the AAPC and
BMSC. One reason they give for the extra effort is it helps them keep on top of the changing rules and demonstrates their coding competence. Why wouldn’t doctors want to do the same?