Assess, Improve, Measure (AIM) modules are the ACR’s online self-assessment tools for practice performance and improvement. In AIM, physicians develop and implement an improvement plan for their practice based on their de-identified patient data and evidence-based quality measures. Physicians can choose to enter rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients with AIM:RA or gout patients with AIM:Gout. Twenty MOC points are awarded for successful completion of an AIM module, and it is free to participate.
In addition to its online modules, the ACR also provides two live settings for MOC exam preparation. Each spring, the ACR holds the Rheumatology Maintenance of Certification Course, an interactive review course that provides an in-depth look at 14 rheumatology topics and reviews the newest CARE module (I am the RA speaker for this course). This year’s course is in Baltimore. There is also a preconference course at the annual meeting, where clinical experts lead attendees through 25 case-based questions from the ABIM’s latest Update in Rheumatology module.
Learn More about MOC
You can read more about getting started on MOC on the ACR’s MOC webpage at www.rheumatology.org/education/recertification, or contact Katie Duggan, continuous professional development specialist at 404-633-3777 ext. 338 or [email protected].
A Happy Ending
Prior to receiving my exam results, people asked me, somewhat incredulously, “Are you really recertifying?” My standard answer was, “I will let you know when I get the results of the exam.” That is the one perk of being this type of grandfather: if you fail the quiz, you are still certified. I am happy to report that I did pass the exam! In that regard, I want to thank the faculty at both the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) board review course and the ACR MOC course for preparing me for the exam. I especially want to thank the ACR for putting together rheumatology self-assessment tools, such as CARE and AIM, that make it possible for even grandfathers like me to successfully navigate recertification.
The good news is if I can do it, you can do it! With recertification behind me, perhaps forever, I can go back to being a great grandfather to my grandchildren and a great rheumatologist to my patients.
Dr. O’Dell is director of the Internal Medicine Residency Program and division chief of rheumatology at the University of Nebraska, Omaha and the Omaha VA medical centers. Contact him via e-mail at [email protected].
