New research suggests that the diagnostic radiologist workforce will incur nearly $984 million in certification costs over the span of their careers. This total encompasses approximately $208.5 million for initial board certification and $775.3 million for ongoing maintenance of this designation over 35 years, as detailed in an analysis published on November 19 in the American Journal of Medicine.
The findings reflect broader trends among physicians, highlighting that about 90% of U.S. doctors are currently board certified. This implies a substantial financial burden across the medical field, with nearly $3 billion spent on initial certification and a whopping $9 billion dedicated to Maintenance of Certification (MOC) throughout a physician’s career. The Member boards associated with the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) have also reported a total net surplus of $839 million, growing by 31% since 2014.
Dr. Alan H. Daniels from Brown University, alongside his colleagues, stressed the need for further research to assess the effectiveness of the board certification process in measuring professional competence and the implications it has for patient outcomes. They noted the escalating costs associated with board certification amidst an increase in the number of actively certified physicians, which rose by 14% from 2016 to 2023, while those maintaining their certification saw a 33% rise.
The examination process for initial certification varies by specialty. For radiology, candidates face two written exams costing a total of $3,200. The first exam requires 11.5 hours to answer 615 questions, while the second involves 298 questions completed over 5.7 hours. An impressive 95% pass rate for the initial exam and 86% for the second attests to the rigor of the certification process.
Ongoing certification, on the other hand, involves a MOC exam with 260 questions to be completed in 13 hours. Radiologists need to accumulate 125 Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits every five years and pay an annual fee of $340 to maintain their certification.
The financial implications are substantial. In 2022, the certification process alone resulted in a surplus of approximately $47 million across all ABMS member boards. The American Board of Radiology (ABR) generates around $18.4 million in revenue, primarily from fees. However, concerns persist regarding the true value of the certification process, with some arguing that it imposes significant financial burdens without conclusively proving benefits to patient care. Past lawsuits have surfaced, questioning the merit of the ongoing certification requirements, though they have generally been dismissed by the courts.
Dr. Daniels and his co-authors encourage a reevaluation of the board certification process, suggesting that funds currently directed toward these certification activities might be more effectively utilized in enhancing physician self-regulation and overall wellness within the profession.
In summary, while the costs associated with physician certification are undeniably high, the call for improvements presents an opportunity for a reassessment of the certification process, with the potential to enhance care quality and physician well-being in the long term. The ongoing dialogue surrounding certification can lead to a more efficient and beneficial system for both physicians and patients.