ABIM Eases Maintenance of Certification (MOC) Requirements 

In a landmark decision, the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) has removed the requirement for physicians to complete Maintenance of Certification (MOC) points every two years, effective immediately. This policy change, announced on October 28 by ABIM’s new President and CEO, Dr. Furman S. McDonald, M.D., M.P.H., brings a significant shift to how internists and subspecialists manage their certification requirements, offering a more streamlined approach without compromising the value of the MOC program. 

A Brief Overview of the Maintenance of Certification (MOC) Program 

The ABIM’s MOC program is an essential requirement for board-certified internists and subspecialists, designed to ensure that physicians engage in continuous professional development. The MOC program is also crucial for maintaining credibility, as certification reassures patients, peers, and institutions that a physician’s expertise meets the latest standards of medical care. Historically, the ABIM required diplomates to complete MOC points every two years to maintain active certification status, alongside other requirements such as a five-year, 100-point threshold and periodic assessments. 

Immediate Impact of the New Policy on Certification Status 

With the removal of the two-year MOC point requirement, an estimated 12,000 physicians whose certification status was previously listed as “Certified, Not Participating in MOC” due to missed point deadlines will now be reclassified as “Certified, Participating in MOC,” provided they meet all other MOC requirements. This change not only simplifies the certification process but also alleviates the administrative burden on many providers who were previously struggling to meet biennial requirements. 

ABIM will update the Physician Portal and ABIM.org to reflect these adjustments, with notifications sent to impacted diplomates once the changes are fully implemented. Providers are encouraged to monitor their accounts and email notifications to ensure their status is accurate and up-to-date. 

Reasoning Behind the Policy Change 

Dr. McDonald, who assumed his role on September 1, 2024, emphasized that the two-year point requirement did not add substantial value to the MOC process and had become a source of confusion among physicians across various specialties. ABIM conducted surveys and received consistent feedback indicating that the biennial point requirement was overly burdensome and contributed little to physicians’ ongoing professional development. As Dr. McDonald noted, the board’s goal is to listen to physician feedback and streamline the MOC process where possible, ensuring that the program remains effective and manageable for providers. 

Key Takeaways for Physicians Regarding Updated MOC Requirements 

The recent policy update removes the need for physicians to earn MOC points every two years. However, ABIM requires diplomates to earn 100 MOC points over five years to maintain “Certified, Participating in MOC” status. This ongoing requirement ensures that providers remain engaged with the latest knowledge and practices in their field without the pressure of frequent, incremental deadlines. 

Physicians now have greater flexibility to choose how they fulfill the five-year, 100-point requirement, allowing them to balance professional development with other demands of their medical practice. In addition to reducing administrative load, the new policy reinforces ABIM’s commitment to recognizing physicians’ need for a flexible and streamlined MOC structure. 

How Physicians Can Earn MOC Points Under the Updated Program 

To meet the five-year, 100-point requirement, ABIM offers a variety of options that cater to different learning styles and professional interests. Here’s a breakdown of ways physicians can earn MOC points: 

1. Longitudinal Knowledge Assessment (LKA) 

The LKA offers a practical way for physicians to stay current with medical knowledge. Participants can earn up to 24 MOC points annually by completing this assessment, which is designed to be low-stakes and offers immediate feedback. The LKA focuses on covering relevant, current topics that align with day-to-day practice, making it a valuable option for physicians aiming to fulfill a significant portion of their MOC requirement gradually over time. 

2. Traditional 10-Year MOC Exam 

Physicians who prefer a more comprehensive assessment can take the traditional 10-year MOC exam, which awards 20 MOC points upon successful completion. This exam, although high-stakes, provides an opportunity for diplomates to demonstrate their expertise in a structured format and complete a large portion of the MOC point requirement in one sitting. 

3. Continuing Medical Education (CME) Activities Eligible for MOC Credit 

Many CME activities are approved for MOC points, allowing physicians to align their continuing education efforts with MOC requirements. By selecting MOC-eligible CME activities, diplomates can simultaneously expand their knowledge base and earn points, enhancing their professional growth and certification status. 

4. Subspecialty Certification 

For those expanding their qualifications, earning an initial ABIM subspecialty certification counts for a full 100 points. This option is ideal for physicians seeking to specialize further within internal medicine, as it satisfies the entire five-year MOC point requirement in a single step. 

Balancing Professional Growth and Certification 

The ABIM’s updated requirements offer a less intensive certification model that supports providers’ professional growth. Physicians now have a broader range of MOC options to meet their five-year goal without biennial deadlines, which can alleviate the pressure of frequent point-checks and improve the overall MOC experience. 

Practical Tips for Meeting MOC Requirements with Ease 

To make the most of the ABIM’s flexible MOC structure, physicians can adopt a strategic approach to completing their certification requirements: 

• Plan for the Five Years 

To avoid the need to earn a large number of points near the five-year deadline, physicians may find it helpful to schedule their MOC activities across the entire period. For example, incorporating the LKA into a yearly routine can accumulate up to 120 points over five years, easily fulfilling the MOC point requirement. 

• Integrate MOC-Eligible CME Activities into Regular Learning 

Many providers participate in CME activities as part of their professional development. By choosing CME programs that are MOC-eligible, physicians can make steady progress toward the MOC requirement without dedicating additional time solely to certification points. 

• Use the Physician Portal to Tracking Progress 

The ABIM Physician Portal is a valuable tool for monitoring MOC status and upcoming requirements. Regularly reviewing the portal can help providers avoid last-minute efforts to meet the five-year threshold, making the process smoother and more manageable. 

• Consider Subspecialty Certification for a One-Step Solution 

Physicians considering further specialization in a subspecialty can benefit from ABIM’s policy, allowing initial subspecialty certification to meet the full MOC point requirement. This path is ideal for diplomates seeking new qualifications, as it provides an efficient, single-step method to maintain certification status. 

The Broader Implications of ABIM’s Policy Update 

The new policy underscores a shift in the ABIM’s approach, focusing on removing unnecessary barriers and simplifying the path to maintaining certification. By aligning MOC requirements with physicians’ practical needs, ABIM aims to foster a positive, productive certification experience while ensuring that board-certified providers remain engaged in lifelong learning. 

This update reduces administrative strain, offers flexibility, and provides a clearer, more achievable path for diplomates to uphold their credentials. By focusing on five years and offering diverse ways to earn points, ABIM reaffirms its commitment to supporting physicians’ ongoing development in a way that values their time, expertise, and feedback. 

With this policy change, ABIM paves the way for a more practical certification model that aligns with the realities of modern medical practice. 

Disclaimer: 

This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as official guidance from the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) or any affiliated organizations. The content provided here is based on public announcements and updates available at the time of writing. For the latest and most accurate information regarding Maintenance of Certification (MOC) requirements, please consult the ABIM directly or visit ABIM.org. Providers should rely on official ABIM communications and speak with their professional advisors or the ABIM support team for guidance specific to their certification status and requirements.