The ABPMR is making adjustments to exam application schedules, exam dates, and policies in response to COVID-19. For more information, click this link.

ABPMR PIP Wizard

Wondering what to do for your Practice Improvement Project (PIP)?

Answer a few simple questions for suggestions and resources for a project related to your practice area.

Improving Your Medical Practice

Demonstrating Quality

The practice performance component of MOC is designed to document quality improvement in medical practice. The ABPMR isn't assessing quality; instead, we're providing a mechanism for documenting quality and improvements you are making on a regular basis.

The ABPMR offers an ever-expanding variety of options for fulfilling MOC Part IV, including a straightforward documentation of those small improvements you make in your practice all the time, a guided tour of practice improvement with products, the portfolio program available at certain institutions, a spine patient registry option available through the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (AAPM&R), and credit for Patient-Centered Specialty Practice recognition by the National Committee on Quality Assurance.

IV

Practice Performance Requirement

How Many Projects Should I Complete?

Eventually, all diplomates will complete a practice improvement project every five years, but we are still in the phase-in process.

If your current certificate issue date is prior to 2012, complete one practice improvement project during your 10-year cycle. If your certificate date is 2012 or later, complete one practice improvement project every five years, for a total of two projects over the course of the 10-year MOC cycle.

Practice Performance Options

Options to Complete a Practice Improvement Project

You have several options for completing the MOC Part IV requirement, Practice Performance. These options fall into three categories:

  • 1.

    Self-directed practice improvement project (PIP) from the ABPMR

  • 2.

    Pre-formatted PIPs from PM&R-related specialty societies (AAPM&R and AANEM)

  • 3.

    Multi-Specialty Portfolio Program, sponsored by 45 healthcare institutions and collaboratives nationwide

  • 4.

    Spine patient registry through the AAPM&R

  • 5.

    Patient-Centered Specialty Practice recognition through the National Committee on Quality Assurance (NCQA)

Name Cost Available CME Estimated Completion Time More Information
ABPMR Self-Directed PIP

Topic chosen by diplomate relevant to his/her practice

 Free N/A
  • Dependent on project and review time
  • Review can take up to 8 weeks
  • NOTE: Sometimes, PIP reviewers can request revisions, which can add more time
Pre-Formatted PIP: AAPM&R Options
  • Deep Vein Thrombosis
  • Low Back Pain
  • Osteoporosis
  • Stroke

Member: Free

Non-Member: $275

 20
  • Dependent on project
  • Process includes a recommended 30-day period for data gathering and analysis
Pre-Formatted PIP: AANEM Options
  • Electrodiagnostic Report Writing
  • Ulnar Neuropathy

Member: $125

Non-Member: $250

 20
  • Dependent on project
  • Process includes 30-day mandatory lockout period for data gathering and analysis
Portfolio Program
 Per institution Per institution Per institution
Spine Patient Registry

via AAPM&R

 Free during pilot period N/A Ongoing, longitudinal
Patient-Centered Specialty Practice Recognition

via National Committee on Quality Assurance (NCQA)

 Per NCQA N/A Per NCQA and institution
Practice Accreditation in MSK Ultrasound Guided Interventional Procedures

via the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine

 Varies N/A
  • Dependent on project and review time
  • Review can take up to 8 weeks