How many CME credits and MOC points do physicians specializing in Internal Medicine need?
The American Board of Internal Medicine requires physicians specializing in Internal Medicine are required to earn 100 MOC points, 20 of which must be Medical Knowledge, every 5 years to maintain their board certification. In addition, Internists must complete at least 1 MOC activity every 2 years. The MOC points earned from these MOC activities count towards the 100 MOC points needed every 5 years to maintain board certification.
Regardless of if you focus on Cardiovascular Disease, Hematology, Nephrology, Sleep Medicine, Sports Medicine, or any of the other ABIM subspecialties, you must complete the requirements mentioned above if you wish to maintain your ABIM board certification.
In addition to the ABIM requirements, Internists must meet their specific state CME requirements to be able to continue practicing in that specific state. The number of CME credits varies by state. You can find your state’s specific requirements in our State CME requirements guide.
Why are CME and MOC important for Internists?
In addition to maintaining board certifications and licenses to practice, continuing education is important for Internists because it helps them stay current in their field of practice and as a result improves their performance and overall patient satisfaction. According to the ABIM, the MOC program “was created from the input from thousands of physicians across the country. It provides doctors with a pathway to know that they are staying current in the medical knowledge they use to treat patients and make important care decisions daily.”
In regards to improving physician performance, the ABIM claims that ABIM board-certified physicians have a 19% lower mortality rate compared to non-certified physicians when treating patients with acute myocardial infarction. Another example of improved performance is that certified Internists 2.8% more likely to screen women appropriately for breast cancer compared to non-certified Internists. Physicians who participate in the ABIM MOC program are constantly improving their skills by staying current with the latest developments and findings in their specialty. In addition, they are ideally filling in the gaps of knowledge where they happen to be the weakest in. This continuous learning helps them keep up to date with the best diagnosis methods, treatments, etc., and deliver increased patient care to their physicians.
How can Internists Complete their CME requirements?
There are many options for Internists to complete their CME requirements, but one of the most popular options is via online Internal Medicine CME courses. Online courses give physicians the benefits of convenience and the ability to earn their CME credits and MOC points at their own pace. In addition, many online courses often come with a complimentary gift card with a purchase, which allows physicians to get something in return when using their CME allowance.
Given that there are many subspecialties within Internal Medicine, it is recommended that you find an online course that focuses on your specific subspecialty. However, there are also many general Internal Medicine CME courses that are great resources for earning CME credits, ABIM MOC points, and broadening your knowledge of key Internal Medicine topics.
Two of the most popular Internal Medicine CME courses physicians use to earn CME credits are:
- BoardVitals Online CME + MOC Internal Medicine Self-Assessment Activity with Bonus $2,500 Amazon Gift Card or Visa Prepaid Card
- CMEInfo Insider with free $2,000 Amazon Gift Card
Both of these Intfernal Medicine courses offer at least 40 AMA PRA Category 1 CreditsTM and cover relevant Internal Medicine topics such as Infectious Disease, Cardiovascular issues, Hematology, Neurology, and more. They both also come with a complimentary gift card with purchase.
Check out our post on top Internal Medicine CME gift card offers for more information on these online courses.
What are some Live CME activities Internists can attend to meet their CME and MOC requirements?
Other than online CME courses, a popular option amongst Internists looking to complete their CME and MOC requirements is live Internal Medicine CME conferences and courses. These live events often feature top speakers in the field of Internal Medicine who deliver comprehensive sessions covering the latest advances in Internal Medicine. These sessions are often held in popular vacation destinations, allowing physicians to go on a nice getaway using their CME allowance.
Some top upcoming live Internal Medicine CME activities are:
- 31st Annual Selected Topics in Internal Medicine (January 28 - February 1, 2019 in Waikoloa, Hawaii)
- American College of Physicians Internal Medicine Meeting 2019 (April 11-13, 2019 in Philadelphia, PA)
How can I get Internal Medicine CME credits for free?
Internists can earn free Internal Medicine CME courses via ScientiaCME’s catalog of free Internal Medicine courses covering many subspecialties including Cardiology, Infectious Disease, Hematology and Oncology and many more. ScientiaCME’s free CME lectures and videos are perfect for the physician who is looking to earn CME credits quickly, conveniently, and for free.
Some of SceintiaCME’s top free Internal Medicine CME courses are:
- Dyslipidemia and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD): Updates from AHA 2016
- Osteoporosis Management: Advances in Pharmacotherapy
- Hemophilia A: Therapeutic Updates, Emerging Therapies, and Barriers to Care
Click here to view additional free Internal Medicine CME courses.
