How many CME credits and MOC points do Pediatricians Need?
Pediatricians are required by the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP) to earn at least 40 Self Assessment (SA), 40 Quality Improvement (QI), and an additional 20 QI or SA points every 10 years to maintain their board certification.
In addition, they must earn a specific amount of Pediatrics CME credits based off which state medical board they are licensed by. For example, the Arkansas State Medical Board requires pediatricians licensed in Arkansas to earn at least 20 CME credits every year to legally continue practicing medicine in the state. Check out our state CME requirements guide to determine exactly how many CME credits you need to earn.
Why are CME and MOC important for Pediatricians?
Continuous learning including CME and MOC is important for pediatricians because it helps board-certified pediatricians “expand their medical knowledge, improve their practice, and increase patient safety.”
Each part of the ABP recertification has a specific purpose. Part 2, or Lifelong Learning and Self Assessment, which requires pediatricians to earn 40 self-assessment points every 5 years, helps ensure pediatricians assess and improve the skills critical to important to their clinical practice.
Part 4 of the recertification process, or Quality Improvement, which requires physicians to earn 40 MOC points every 5 years, is focused on improving patient care. Completing QI activities should help pediatricians improve overall patient care and processes that lead to better treatment of children.
In addition to better patient care, MOC has personal benefits to pediatricians. Being board certified indicates that a pediatrician is dedicated to improving their performance and clinical practice. This commitment to excellence can lead to increased recognition among insurers, regulators, hospitals, physicians, patients, and other important entities.
Check out this page highlighting the value of MOC for more information on why continuing education is important for pediatricians.
How can Pediatricians meet their MOC and CME requirements?
Pediatricians can meet their CME and MOC requirements by participating in comprehensive online Pediatrics courses that will also help them improve their practice and deliver enhanced patient care. Online CME courses are popular amongst pediatricians because they allow them to earn CME credits and MOC points quickly and conveniently.
What live Pediatrics CME activities can Pediatricians attend to complete their CME and MOC requirements?
There are many live Pediatrics CME conferences, courses, board reviews, etc. that are held throughout the year that Pediatricians can attend to complete their board and state requirements.