A new study reveals that diagnostic radiologists in the U.S. are expected to spend nearly $984 million on certification throughout their careers. This substantial sum breaks down to approximately $208.5 million for initial board certification and an additional $775.3 million for ongoing maintenance of their certification over a typical 35-year career, according to research published in the American Journal of Medicine.
The study also assessed the financial implications for all physicians certified under the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS), highlighting that the certification process will cost them about $3 billion for initial certification and around $9 billion for Maintenance of Certification (MOC) during their professional lives. With 90% of U.S. physicians currently board certified, the total costs associated with certification are anticipated to rise significantly as the number of board-certified physicians continues to grow.
Researcher Alan H. Daniels, MD, from Brown University, noted that these findings emphasize the need for further evaluation of the board certification process regarding its effectiveness in accurately reflecting professional competence and its correlation to patient outcomes. The study utilized data collected on active diplomates from ABMS reports, examining revenues and expenditures from IRS forms.
From 2016 to 2023, the number of physicians actively participating in certification increased by 14%, with those pursuing continuing certification rising by 33%. The certification exams vary by specialty, with the initial radiology exam consisting of two parts costing a total of $3,200, featuring a higher pass rate than many other specialties.
Despite the expenses, the value of maintaining certification has come under scrutiny. Critics have raised concerns about the cost-benefit relationship, with some arguing that the certification process provides no scientifically proven advantages. In a notable case, a Tennessee physician sued the American Board of Radiology (ABR) over claims that it enforced payment for “worthless” professional development, although the case was dismissed in 2021.
Daniels and the study’s authors call for more scrutiny regarding the current certification process, suggesting that funds currently allocated to board certification may be better spent on individual physician self-regulation, improving work environments, or enhancing well-being to ultimately foster better patient care.
This research highlights the ongoing evolution and scrutiny of the certification process in the medical field. As the system is reassessed, there is hope for reforms that could lead to more sustainable and effective methods of ensuring physician competence, which may promote better patient outcomes and a more supportive environment for healthcare professionals.
In summary, while the costs associated with certification for radiologists and other physicians are substantial and have been challenged, the discussion surrounding the certification’s value may lead to important changes that benefit both physicians and patients in the long run.