Physicians certified or recertified in 2003 become the first group of Diplomates to participate in Maintenance of Certification for Family Physicians (MC-FP). This new process, which replaces recertification, is more focused and encompasses multiple dimensions of physician performance. In addition to a cognitive examination every 7 years, MC-FP will involve annual participation throughout each 7-year cycle. To make this process convenient for the practicing physician, it will be completed over the Internet. Most components of MC-FP can be accessed in the comfort of one’s home or office at a time convenient to the participant.
A new ABFP Web portal, http://www.abfp.org, will be used to navigate and manage MC-FP, and track individual progress throughout the certification cycle. To view a brief tutorial on how to use the Web portal, please visit http://www.abfp.org and click on the tutorial link conveniently located at the top of the page. (The tutorial requires the free Flash player, which is standard on all modern Web browsers.) Furthermore, comprehensive information on the ABFP will be posted for our Diplomates and for the general public. Information regarding these features is provided below.
GENERAL INFORMATION (NO LOGIN REQUIRED)
MC-FP Instruction Booklet.
ABFP has compiled an instruction booklet to aid our Diplomates in understanding the new MC-FP process and its components. This downloadable instruction book may be accessed at http://www.abfp.org/MOC/InstructionManualMC-FP.pdf.
Frequently Asked Questions.
Answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) about MC-FP may be found at http://www.abfp.org/MOC/faq.aspx.
MC-FP Payment Plans.
ABFP offers 3 payment options for MC-FP fees. A list of the payment options for Diplomates entering MC-FP in 2004 is included in the MC-FP Instruction Booklet.
MC-FP AND DIPLOMATE PORTFOLIO (LOGIN, USER ID AND PASSWORD REQUIRED)
Login/Access.
You should have received an ID and password that allow you to access your information via the Web portal. Each time you visit the ABFP Web portal, you may log in to access your personal and professional information. If you have not received your login information, please contact the ABFP Help Desk at the number below. To log in, go to http://www.abfp.org/login.aspx.
Lifelong Learning.
Clinical self-assessment modules (SAMs), and patient simulation modules using the new Computer-Based Assessment System (CBAS) will permit educational and appraisal opportunities for each physician during the MC-FP cycle. To learn more about these exciting new technologies, go to http://www.abfp.org/MOC/sam.aspx.
MC-FP Tutorials.
The Web portal offers online tutorials for SAM and CBAS components, accessible at http://www.abfp.org/MOC/abfpSAMTutorial.html and http://www.abfp.org/MOC/abfpCBASTutorial.html.
Portfolio.
The Web portal will permit each physician to access his or her unique Diplomate portfolio. The portfolio will contain personal and professional history, and will track progress in completing components of MC-FP. To view your portfolio, go to http://www.abfp.org/my/portfolio.aspx.
Should you have any questions regarding MC-FP or the Web portal, please do not hesitate to contact the ABFP Help Desk at (877) 223-7437.
This site was designed to help all Diplomates in their professional endeavors. Whether you are seeking a verification to present to a hospital or participating in the MC-FP program, this Web site will be a valuable resource for you. The ABFP is making every effort to make it easy and efficient for you to participate in our new MC-FP Program and successfully maintain your certification as a Diplomate. As we continue to roll out this new program and add new resources and features, we encourage you to offer advice and suggestions on how we can make it more beneficial for you.
FIRST DIPLOMATE TO COMPLETE THE MC-FP DIABETES SAM ONLINE
Days after the ABFP launched its new Web site, http://www.abfp.org, Natan Khotianov, MD, completed the Diabetes Self-Assessment Module (SAM) for the MC-FP. The Board contacted Dr. Khotianov and asked him to share his thoughts about his experience using the Web site and completing his first SAM.
Q. What were your initial thoughts about the Web site and the MC-FP process?
Dr. K. At first, all I wanted to do was to see what this new process was all about, take it, and get it over with. But once I logged on and followed the tutorial for the Web site and the SAM, I was intrigued. I couldn’t believe how everything was so easy to understand and navigate.
Q. Would you consider yourself proficient with the Internet and computers?
Dr. K. I do have some experience with both computers and the Internet, but even if I didn’t, the way the Web site is designed makes it easy for anyone to use. The steps outlined in the tutorial explain everything to you.
Q. Describe your experience with regard to the 60-question portion of the SAM.
Dr. K. When I went into this area of the Web site, it told me what is expected. I was then able to review the new guidelines for diabetes. I think this is a good review exercise for everyone—no matter how long they have been practicing. This exam is not set up to make a person fail, instead it is designed to improve and update one’s knowledge of diabetes. What I really appreciated were the linked reference articles to review if I had difficulty with a question. After having reviewed the linked reference material, I could go back and answer the question. Another advantage is the ability to answer any number of questions at my convenience 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, from my home, office, or wherever I have Internet access.
Q. Can you describe your experience with the interactive patient simulator portion of the diabetes SAM?
Dr. K. The introductory content and graphics were unbelievable! It felt like a real patient actually walked into my office. At the end, when I finished the management of the patient, the SAM provided a great summary that addressed what I did and also what I could have done. It was exactly what I was expecting from this module.
Q. You said that you used the Help Desk and technical support; can you elaborate?
Dr. K. In the beginning, I had some technical problems with my computer when I was trying to take the SAM. The problem was on my end. I called the Help Desk, and they helped me resolve it so I could continue. They were very professional. They made me feel that every question I asked was important to them.
Q. What would you say to other diplomates who certified or recertified in 2003 who haven’t taken the SAM yet?
Dr. K. I would encourage them to go online and see it for themselves. As I said earlier, I was apprehensive and wanted to get it over with, but once I logged on, I couldn’t believe how easy it was! It made me want to proceed further. It was a great educational experience and I’m proud that my specialty has invented this process.
Dr. Khotianov, who is 37 years old, completed his family practice residency and was Chief Resident at SUNY in Buffalo, NY. He maintains a practice in Toronto, Canada, and in outlying rural areas.
- © 2004 Annals of Family Medicine, Inc.
Jump to section
Related Articles
Cited By...
- No citing articles found.