Frequently
Asked Questions - Diplomates
MOC
MOC
What is the intent of the ABO’s Maintenance of Certification process?
The intent of the Maintenance of Certification (MOC) process of the American
Board of Ophthalmology (ABO) is to provide assurance to the public and to the
medical profession that certified physicians continue educational activities,
keep current in information and skills, and practice in a contemporary and safe
manner. The evaluation is designed to assess the knowledge, experience and
skills requisite to the delivery of high standards of patient care in
ophthalmology.
What is the MOC process?
MOC consists of the four components listed below:
-
Evidence of Professional Standing
-
Evaluation of Practice Performance
-
Evidence of a Commitment to Lifelong Learning and Self Assessment
-
Evidence of Cognitive Expertise
Click here for a
full description of the MOC components.
What are my requirements and timeframe for completing MOC?
Diplomates who wish to maintain their Board certification must complete the MOC
requirements in specified timeframes during the ten year cycle of their current
certificate. While transitioning from recertification to MOC, the components
and their required timeframe are slightly different for each group of
diplomates. Please refer to the MOC timeframe chart to determine the specific
requirements for each group of diplomates.
Click here for timeframe chart.
How do I access the ABO’s MOC Components?
To access the interactive features, users must login with an ABO-designated
username and password. The ABO mails usernames and passwords to candidates
and diplomates as they are eligible to register or apply for current Board
activities. Usernames and passwords are mailed only
to diplomates who are eligible to participate in the current MOC components. To find out your username and password, click
here.
How do I obtain my Username and password for use in accessing the Online MOC
Center?
The ABO mails usernames and passwords to candidates and diplomates as they
are eligible to register or apply for current Board activities. To find out your username and password, click
here.
Why did the ABO change from a recertification process to a Maintenance of
Certification process?
In March 2000, the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) issued a
statement expressing the commitment of the 24 medical specialty boards to the
process of MOC to expand on and replace recertification. The change represents
the ABO’s commitment to better fulfill its mission to serve the public by
improving the quality of ophthalmic practice through a process of certification
and maintenance of certification that fosters excellence and encourages
continuous learning.
MOC is a direct response to the rapidly changing environment of medical
practice, increased demand by patients for consistent quality medical care from
their doctors and formation of healthcare industry and payer-based
organizations aimed at measuring physician competence. These organizations are
reacting to a perceived lack of quality care that may lead to the profession’s
loss of freedom to set its own professional standards while also burdening
already busy physicians by fragmenting the processes of quality care
measurement. MOC strives to provide a continuous, streamlined process that will
support a physicians' goals of staying current in information and skills while
also providing them with a valuable certification of continued quality care.
Why did the MOC examination change from an open-book take-home exam to a
proctored, computerized exam?
The ABO is greatly concerned about the impact of its decisions regarding the
MOC process on the lives and careers of ophthalmologists. The decision to
change from an open-book, take-home examination to a closed-book, computerized
proctored examination was based primarily on the recognition of the value of
the certificate within the public domain. Public concern about the continued
competence of board certified physicians has prompted significant change not
only within the medical specialty board arena, but throughout the medical
community. Many state medical licensing boards now require Board certification
or recertification within the last ten years in order to obtain licensure by
endorsement in that state and other organizations are now recognizing the value
of recertification. In addition, state medical licensing boards are
increasingly asking for a proctored examination. For more information on the
computer-based MOC examination,
click here.
Can I participate in MOC if my certificate is not time-limited?
While the ABO does not require diplomates who hold non time-limited
certificates to participate in MOC, the ABO does believe in the value of MOC
and encourages all diplomates to participate. Since 2001, it has been ABO
policy that all newly elected Board Directors become recertified upon
acceptance of the appointment. As of January 2006, all ABO Board Directors have
either recertified or are currently participating in the MOC process.
Diplomates who hold a non time-limited certificate (certified prior to 1992) and who wish to voluntarily participate in MOC must submit an enrollment form to initiate participation in MOC. Non time-limited diplomates who complete the MOC process will receive a recertification certificate valid for ten years in addition to their non time-limited certificate, which will not be affected. MOC enrollment forms are accepted January - April 1 of each year.
If you would like to participate in the MOC process beginning in 2008, click here to submit an MOC enrollment form.
Will my certificate expire earlier if I complete the renewal process before it
expires?
No. Requirements for certificate renewal can be achieved before or after the
expiration date of the time-limited certificate; renewal is for ten years from
the expiration of the previous certificate or ten years from the date of
completion of the requirements, whichever is later.
Why do I have to recertify and my colleagues do not?
The ABO recognizes the disparity between those diplomates who hold non
time-limited certificates and those who must recertify every 10 years. Prior to
1992, the board issued certificates that did not have an expiration date and is
legally constrained from imposing one now. The ABO believes in the value of
maintenance of certification for all diplomates. Today, only time-limited
certificates are issued by the 24 primary or conjoint boards.
Continuing Medical Education
What CME credits apply towards the ABO CME requirement for MOC?
The Board accepts only Category 1 CME obtained from an Accreditation Council
for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME)-approved organization.
How do I submit my CME credits?
The ABO offers different CME submission options based on when you submit CME
information and how you submit the CME information. Review the submission options
on the CME information page to determine the best submission option for you.
Do I have to submit all 300 CME credits when I apply for MOC?
You have two options for CME submission:
One Submission at the Time of DOCK Registration
To complete this option, you must submit a total of 30 credits multiplied by
the year you are planning to sit for the cognitive examination as a requirement
for registration. For example, a diplomate registers for the cognitive exam in
the first year they are eligible, year 8: 8 X 30 = 240 CMEs are due with
registration. If you submit the required amount of CME, you will owe no
additional CME towards MOC.
Two Submissions: One Submission at the Time of DOCK Registration and One
Additional Submission Prior to Successful Completion of the MOC Process
If you do not have the required number of CME at the time of registration, you
must submit a total of 300 CME by the December 31 expiration date of your
current certificate. CME submission will be required once at the time of
registration for the DOCK and again prior to successful completion of the MOC
process.
What qualifies as ethics CME and where can I find ethics CME?
While there are no specific guidelines regarding courses that will satisfy the
ethics requirement, the course should contain the word ethics in the title or
be designated as ethics by the sponsoring organization. Ethics courses can be
found through various institutions; such as bioethics departments of many
universities, community hospitals and medical centers. The American Academy of
Ophthalmology (AAO) also has an active ethics program which offers courses at
its annual meetings and on its web site:
www.aao.org.
The ABO does not accept risk management or medico legal courses as ethics
courses. Please note, even if an ACCME-sponsored organization designates a
specific course as ethics, the ABO reserves the right to accept or reject any
course submitted as ethics based on course content. Diplomates can submit
documentation on the content of CME courses to the ABO office for further
review as ethics.
Will the ABO audit my CME submission?
The ABO does not require individual CME certificates; however, the Board
reserves the right to verify CME by asking for documentation.
Office Record Review
What is the Office Record Review?
The ORR is an online self-review of clinical practice in which a diplomate
reviews 15 of his/her current patient charts. The ORR consists of over 35
ophthalmic diagnoses with specific criteria (ORR modules), for example: Myopia:
a new adult patient who presents with myopia, seen by you at least once in the
past 12 months.
ORR module content encompasses practice patterns related to the specific
diagnosis. Self-review of patient charts via ORR modules is meant to assess the
quality of practice through verification of the documentation of appropriate
measurements, diagnosis, management, treatment, and follow-up.
Will someone from the ABO review my patient charts? OR Do I need to send the ABO
copies of the patient records I will use in the ORR process?
NO. You will review the 15 patient records you select for review in your own
home or office according to the ORR modules. The ABO requires some basic,
non-identifying information about the patient records to be used, including
year of birth, initial visit date and most recent visit date. The online ORR
program will guide users through entering the required information. Once the
patient information is entered, you will be prompted to start the ORR.
The entire record for each patient is necessary to complete the online ORR
modules.
What do I do if I currently do not practice ophthalmology or I am in the process
of relocating?
It is important for diplomates to be well informed about the ORR process, in
order to anticipate any difficulties or unforeseen events they might encounter.
In order to register for and complete the ORR, you must select and utilize
patient charts from the past 12 to 36 months. Therefore, diplomates who may
not, for any reason, have access to 15 appropriate patient records will not be
able to complete the ORR process. The ABO will not recertify those who do not
currently practice ophthalmology. However, for those anticipating a relocation
or brief leave of absence, the ABO recommends being aware of what is required
for the office record review in order to anticipate any unforeseen
difficulties.
What if my practice is 100 percent specialty, and I am having trouble meeting the
five patient requirement for the three modules?
The ABO is aware of the need for a pool of modules that encompasses
subspecialty areas and will add appropriate modules as the process continues.
However, certificate renewal by the American Board of Ophthalmology implies
some knowledge of comprehensive ophthalmology; therefore even though a
diplomate’s practice is limited to one or two disease entities, that diplomate
must meet this requirement.
Can I substitute different patient records after I have registered for the ORR?
No. It is imperative that you select patient records that meet the module
definition and timeframe requirements. You must use the records you submit at
the time of registration to complete the corresponding ORR modules.
Substitutions are not permitted after registration.
How long do I have to complete the ORR?
The ORR must be completed within 30 days of starting the actual review of
patient charts. The start date of the 30-day window is the day when you finish
submitting the required information on all 15 charts you will review. Once
started, you can access and re-access the ORR during the 30-day timeframe. You
must use the patient charts submitted during registration, no substitutions are
allowed.
Demonstration of Ophthalmic Cognitive Knowledge (DOCK)
What is the DOCK?
DOCK is a secure, proctored, 150-item computer-based examination administered
at approximately 230 ACT Center locations for a period of one month each year
in September. DOCK is comprised of three 50-item modules: one in Core Ophthalmic
Knowledge (knowledge considered fundamental to the practice of ophthalmology
regardless of the practice emphasis) and two in a Practice Emphasis Area(s)
(PEA) of your choice.
Do I need to complete the other MOC requirements to sit for the DOCK?
Please
refer to the MOC timeframe chart on the ABO web site for more information.
The ABO does recommend that diplomates participate in Periodic Ophthalmic Review
Tests (PORTs) prior to sitting for the DOCK because the content of the PORTs
reflects the content of the DOCK. Participation in PORT is designed to help
gauge strengths and weaknesses prior to sitting for the DOCK.
Why should I take the DOCK in 2008 when my certificate does not expire
until 2009 or 2010?
The ABO offers diplomates three opportunities to
participate in the DOCK prior to certificate expiration. The ABO encourages
all diplomates to take the DOCK in the first year of eligibility in order to
avoid a loss of certification due to failure or unforeseen circumstances preventing
participation in the examination.
What day during September do I need to sit for the DOCK?
DOCK
is available by appointment on regular business days throughout the month of
September. During the month of May, approved diplomates will be sent an email with instructions for scheduling a test appointment at an ACT Center location.
Do I need to travel to sit for the DOCK?
DOCK is administered
at approximately 230 nationally-distributed ACT Center locations. The availability
of approximately 230 test centers should enable you to take the DOCK in a location
close to your home or practice.
How much time do I have to take the DOCK?
DOCK is administered
in an approximately four hour testing period, which includes a tutorial and optional break time.
What is the basis for the questions on the DOCK?
The content
of DOCK is based on the Practicing Ophthalmologists Curriculum (POC), an ophthalmic
knowledge base developed by ten panels of practicing ophthalmologists under
the guidance of the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) that identifies
and defines areas of clinically relevant knowledge. To review the topics covered
in each practice emphasis area of the POC, visit the AAO web site:http://www.aao.org/moc/dock.
What are the DOCK (and PORT) practice emphasis area modules?
The ten practice emphasis areas are: Cataract/Anterior Segment; Cornea/External
Disease; Comprehensive Ophthalmology; Glaucoma; Neuro-ophthalmology and Orbit;
Oculoplastics and Orbit; Pediatric Ophthalmology/Strabismus; Refractive Management/Intervention;
Retina/Vitreous; and Uveitis.
I am a sub-specialist, will the DOCK actually test information related
to my practice?
The DOCK is designed to test the information you use
to practice on a daily basis and allows you to select the content area of the
exam according to your personal practice patterns. All examinees must take 50
questions in core ophthalmic knowledge and can then pick two 50-question modules
from 10 areas of practice emphasis.
There are two versions of most practice emphasis modules; however, there is
only one version of the Refractive Management/Intervention and Uveitis modules.
Examinees can opt to select two modules from one practice emphasis area or one
module from two different practice emphasis areas. For example:
Dr. Schmidt practices 100 percent pediatric ophthalmology and therefore selects
his two DOCK modules choices in pediatric ophthalmology.
Dr. Burrell practices pediatric ophthalmology and neuro-ophthalmology and,
therefore, selects one DOCK module in pediatric ophthalmology and one in neuro-ophthalmology.
What is the passing score?
The passing score will
be set following the administration of the examination.
What happens if I fail the DOCK?
Individuals who fail to achieve
a passing score on the DOCK can register for the next year’s DOCK administration.
The registration period runs from January to April 1 of each year for the September
DOCK. Diplomates who do not complete all MOC requirements prior to the expiration
of their current certificate will no longer be Board certified; however, they
can continue to participate in the MOC components in an effort to regain Board
certification.
Does the ABO recommend study material for the DOCK?
As a nonprofit
testing organization, it is a conflict of interest for the ABO to recommend
specific study material for any of its examinations. The ABO does recommend
participation in the PORT prior to sitting for the DOCK examination.
PORTs are 50-item, online self-review tests in core ophthalmic knowledge and
the same 10 PEAs offered in the DOCK. There is no fee for participation in two
PORTs: one core and one PEA. PORT content reflects the content of the DOCK and
provides feedback to missed questions. Therefore, the ABO recommends that individuals
registered for the DOCK take the two PORTs offered in order to identify the
need for additional study material and/or review of specific topics.
There are three versions of each PORT module (except uveitis). Diplomates can take as many PORT
modules as they would like. Any PORTs beyond the two provided by the ABO are
$100.
Is the DOCK similar to the written certification examination I took
when I first became Board Certified?
Both examinations are designed
to evaluate clinically relevant knowledge important to the delivery of quality
eye care by practicing ophthalmologists. However, the DOCK has as its principal
focus, the clinical knowledge specific to an individual’s practice.
Is the DOCK the same as the previous MOC written examination, the CREW?
No. The CREW examination was created to be completed over a two-month timeframe
and allowed examinees to use reference material to research information on questions
with a high degree of difficulty or that they could not answer with certainty.
The DOCK is designed to be completed in an approximate four-hour test period in a closed-book
environment and includes questions that test the knowledge practicing ophthalmologists
use everyday to deliver quality eye care.
General Questions
How do I change my address with the ABO?
If you would like to change your address with the ABO, you may submit your
change of address in writing to the ABO
office or update your address via your personalized MOC status page.
How does a doctor obtain his/her own status letter?
Board Certified physicians or Active Candidates may request a status letter to
be sent to him or her from the Board by submitting the request in writing.
How do I get another certificate? How much does it cost?
Requests for additional certificates must be submitted in writing to the Board
office either by mail or fax. The appropriate form will then be mailed to your
address on record with the Board. Diplomates may purchase additional
certificates for $100 each.
What is the certificate number to put on the forms I am filling out?
The American Board of Ophthalmology does not issue certificate numbers.
Can I pay for the Board examinations with a credit card?
The ABO accepts Visa and MasterCard as payment for all Board fees.
When will I get my examination results?
You will receive results for the Office Record Review and the Periodic
Ophthalmic Review Tests (PORT) instantly upon completion of the activity.
Results for the Demonstration of Ophthalmic Cognitive Knowledge (DOCK)
examination will be mailed four to six weeks following the September 30 close
of the testing window.
How can I change my name with the ABO?
If you would like to change your name with the ABO, please submit your request
in writing, along with legal documentation of your name change (i.e. marriage
license, divorce decree, legal name change document).
MOC for Non
Time-Limited Certificate Holders and Former Time-Limited Certificate Holders
MOC Enrollment
To participate in the MOC process, the ABO requires two groups of applicants to submit a MOC enrollment form:
- Diplomates who hold a non time-limited certificate (certified prior to 1992) and who wish to voluntarily participate in MOC must submit an enrollment form to initiate participation in MOC. Non time-limited diplomates who complete the MOC process will receive a recertification certificate valid for ten years in addition to their non time-limited certificate, which will not be affected.
- Former diplomates whose time-limited certificates (certified in 1992 and after) have lapsed and who wish to participate in MOC must submit an enrollment form to initiate participation in MOC. Former diplomates who complete the MOC process will receive a recertification certificate valid for ten years.
MOC enrollment forms are accepted January - April 1 of each year.
If you would like to participate in the MOC process beginning in 2008, click here to submit an MOC enrollment form.
Once your enrollment form is received, you will be sent a username and password and instructions for initiating the MOC process. Please allow five to ten business days for processing.
Required MOC Components
Applicants can obtain a recertification certificate by completing the current MOC components listed below.
- Evidence of Professional Standing: A valid and unrestricted license to practice medicine is required throughout certification.
- Evaluation of Practice Performance: One online, on-demand Office Record Review (ORR) is required. ORR is a self-review of 15 current patient records.
- Evidence of a Commitment to Lifelong Learning and Self Assessment:
- Part A: Submission of a total of 300 Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits obtained in the past ten years is required prior to successful completion of MOC.
- Part B: Two Periodic Ophthalmic Review Tests (PORT) are required. PORTs are 50-item online, on-demand open-book self-assessment tests that reflect the content of the closed-book cognitive exam (DOCK).
- Evidence of Cognitive Expertise: The Demonstration of Ophthalmic Cognitive Knowledge (DOCK) examination is a secure, proctored 150-item computer-based examination given by one-day appointment in September of each year.
- Applicants can complete the MOC components in any order, as they are offered.
Approved applications are valid until December 31 of the third year following application. For example, if an application is approved February 1, 2008, that application is valid until December 31, 2010.
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