Frequently Asked Questions
You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers! The Portfolio Program and the participating ABMS Member Boards offer an array of frequently asked questions (and answers) in response to inquiries about the Program.
Q: What is the fee to participate in the Portfolio Program?
A: There is a non-refundable $1,000 application fee due upon submission of the Portfolio Program Application through the MOC Activity Manager. If the applying organization is approved for participation in the Portfolio Program, a $5,000 participation fee is due. The renewal fee is $5,000. Fees are subject to change.
Q: What is the approval term?
A: Portfolio Sponsors are approved or renewed for a two year term.
Q: Does the fee to participate increase if more ABMS Member Boards participate in the Portfolio Program?
A: No. There is no increase in fees if additional ABMS Member Boards choose to participate.
Q: Where can I find a list of the approved Portfolio Sponsors?
A: You can find a list of the approved Portfolio Sponsors here.
Q: Does the Portfolio Program review draft applications or provide assistance with completing the application process?
A: Yes. We will review a draft application one time (upon request) for no charge and provide feedback to the applicant organization. We are also developing an application guide, with examples, to help applicants to the Portfolio Program.
Q: Does the Portfolio Program help organizations understand the MOC requirements of the participating ABMS Member Boards?
A: We provide periodic webinars with the participating ABMS Member Boards for approved Portfolio Sponsors. These webinars are recorded and posted here. Otherwise, each physician is responsible for knowing and understanding their own unique requirements for their certifying Boards’ MOC program. You can access MOC information for each of the participating ABMS Member Boards via the links on the right.
Q: How does the Portfolio Program help physicians certified by multiple ABMS Member Boards?
A: Physicians certified by more than one participating ABMS Member Board receive MOC Part IV credit from each of their Boards for participating in one QI effort approved through the Portfolio Program. Some ABMS Member Boards grant full reciprocity to Diplomates who meet all the MOC requirements of another ABMS Member Board.
Q: Why do Portfolio Sponsors have to notify the Portfolio Program of approved QI efforts?
A: First, the participating ABMS Member Boards load the approved QI effort into their systems in order to assign MOC Part IV credit to an individual physician. Without a QI effort to associate to the physician, no credit can be given. Second, the Portfolio Program utilizes the information provided in approved QI efforts to assist new Portfolio Sponsors with working within the standards and guidelines of the program and to select which activities require Progress Reports for determining continued participation within the program. Lastly, a subset of the data provided in the notification is used to list the approved QI effort on many of the participating ABMS Member Boards sites.
Q: What are the Progress Reports used for?
A: Progress Reports are used to verify that the Portfolio Sponsor is approving and monitoring QI efforts that meet the standards and guidelines of the Portfolio Program as agreed. Further information about progress reporting can be found here under “Sponsor Reporting Requirements.”
Q: Is there a prescribed QI methodology that must be followed for approved QI efforts in the Portfolio Program?
A: No. Any improvement method may be used. Methodologies previously used in the Portfolio Program include FADE, PDSA/PDCA, Six Sigma (DMAIC), Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI), Total Quality Management (TQM), and LEAN. Each is a means to get to improvement and share the common principles of understanding systems, understanding variation in processes over time, understanding theories of knowledge, and understanding the psychology of change in complex organizations.