A recent study reveals that diagnostic radiologists in the United States will collectively spend nearly $984 million on certification throughout their careers. This substantial figure breaks down into approximately $208.5 million for initial board certification and around $775.3 million for maintaining that certification over a term of 35 years. This analysis was published on November 19 in the American Journal of Medicine.
The research also examined the financial implications for all members of the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS), noting that about 90% of U.S. physicians are currently board certified. The overall costs related to initial certification and maintenance of certification (MOC) for all board-certified physicians are projected to reach nearly $3 billion and $9 billion, respectively, over their careers. Since 2014, member boards have accumulated a net surplus of $839 million, reflecting a 31% increase in that surplus.
Alan H. Daniels, MD, from the Department of Orthopedics at Brown University, and his co-authors indicate that as the number of board-certified physicians continues to grow, these costs are likely to increase. They emphasize the need for further research into the effectiveness of board certification as a measure of professional competence and its relationship with patient outcomes, given the estimated $12 billion burden on the healthcare industry.
The study revealed that the number of actively certified physicians increased by 14% from 2016 to 2023, while those maintaining certification surged by 33%. Initial certification exams are notably challenging, with an average of 300 questions and a 6-hour duration, while the cost for a certification exam in diagnostic radiology reaches $3,200.
Maintaining certification includes periodic exams and the acquisition of continuing medical education (CME) credits. The financial overview of the American Board of Radiology highlights that a significant portion of its revenue—around $17.6 million—derives from exam fees.
However, there has been persistent skepticism among physicians about the actual value of certification, with some arguing that the financial burden does not correlate with improved outcomes in the quality of care. A previous lawsuit against the American Board of Radiology (ABR) accused it of compelling costly payments for dubious educational products, although the case was dismissed in court.
The authors of the study call for more dialogue surrounding the certification process, suggesting the potential for redirecting funds toward self-regulation among physicians or enhancing the work environment to improve overall wellness and performance.
In summary, while the financial commitment to board certification is immense, this study raises important questions about its effectiveness and outcomes. This could spur a needed conversation regarding how resources are allocated in a way that best supports physicians and ultimately benefits patients.
These findings could lead to reforms that make the certification process more efficient and beneficial, ensuring that physicians can focus more on delivering quality patient care rather than merely meeting financial obligations.