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Mechanics of the ABAM Certification and Recertification Examination. Christopher Weirs, M.P.A. Introduction to the ABAM Examination.
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Mechanics of the ABAM Certification and Recertification Examination Christopher Weirs, M.P.A.
Introduction to the ABAM Examination • Purpose is to identify, for patients, physician’s with the knowledge, experience and skills to provide quality healthcare within the specialty of Addiction Medicine. • Certification by ABAM involves a rigorous process of testing and peer evaluation that is designed and administered by specialists in the field of Addiction Medicine, and that closely parallels the standards set by the ABMS. • It is a process of Application and Examination • And to date, over 2000 Physicians have been Certified in Addiction Medicine by ABAM
Value of ABAM Certification to Physicians • Treatment Centers, hospitals, and yes, even managed care organizations actively seek and recruit ABAM Certified Members to provide direction and leadership for their programs. • Several states such as New Jersey require their Medical Directors to beCertified in Addiction Medicine. • Physicians who hold ABAM Certification qualify to receive a waiver from the special registration requirements in the Controlled Substances Act for the provision of medication-assisted opioid therapy. • For those physicians interested in faculty appointments (either voluntary or full time) at a medical school, the demonstration of certification by an outside recognized agency will serve to enhance their applications.
Value of ABAM Certification to Physicians • State Hospitals and Medical Facilities call on ABAM Certified Physicians for testimony and identifying legislation that affects substance abuse issues and treatment. • The widely recognized National Committee on Quality Assurance (NCQA) 2008 Standards for Accreditation of Managed Behavioral Healthcare Organizations (MBHOs) require MBHOs accredited by NCQA to have policies and procedures for credentialing "psychiatrists and/or physicians who are certified in addiction medicine." NCQA recognition of addiction certified physicians gives added value to the ABAM certificate by making ABAM-certified physicians eligible to be credentialed by NCQA-accredited MBHOs. • Credibility with third party payers when advocating for patient treatment/length of stay.
The Numbers Number Certified by Year in Addiction MEdicie Pass Rates 1986 (76%) 1987 (79%) 1988 (83%) 1990 (84%) 1992 (89%) 1994 (83%) 1996 (79%) 1998 (80%) 2000 (86%) 2002 (85%) 2004 (88%) 2006 (85%) 2008 (86%)
ABAM Examination • This is a Computer Examination • 477 Test Centers Nationally and 127 Internationally
What to Bring to the Test Center • Orange Permit • Bring a copy of your Orange Permit • Acceptance Letter • Government Issued Identification • Test Center Confirmation • Test Center Address and phone number • Snacks
Important Notes Prior to the Exam • Schedule your examination at a prometric test center • Practice by taking the Tutorial on the ABAM Web Site www.ABAM.net/ComputerExaminationOrientation.PDF • Confirm your testing appointment 7 days prior to the exam, December 4th. • Exam Date is December 11th, Saturday • Appointment times vary On Exam Day • Get to the Test Center 30 minutes early, do not be late • Keep your identification and your Orange Permit with you at all times
Examination Schedule Optional Tutorial 15 minutes Block 1: 50 Items 60 Minutes Block 2: 50 Items 60 Minutes Block 3: 50 Items 60 Minutes Block 4: 50 Items 60 Minutes Block 5: 50 Items 60 Minutes Optional Break Time 15 Minutes Optional Survey 0 Minutes Total: 5.5 Hours Possible Break Time Up to 30 minutes
Mechanics of the ABAM Certification and Recertification Examination Christopher Weirs, MPA ABAM Director of Operations