Mechanics of the ABAM Certification and Recertification Examination

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

Who is ABAM Certified?

Breakdown of ASAM Certified By ABMS Board (ASAM Certified 4,267)

General Preventive Medicine (ABPM)

1%

Emergency Medicine (ABEM)

1%

Neurology (ABPN)0%

Obstetrics & Gynecology

(ABOG)1%

Surgery (ABS)0%

Other ABMS Certified

5%

Pediatrics (ABP)1%

Internal Medicine (ABIM)12%

Family Medicine (ABFM)

13%

Psychiatry (ABPN)27%

Non ABMS Certified39%

Psychiatry (ABPN)

Family Medicine (ABFM)

Internal Medicine (ABIM)

General Preventive Medicine(ABPM)

Neurology (ABPN)

Pediatrics (ABP)

Emergency Medicine (ABEM)

Surgery (ABS)

Obstetrics & Gynecology(ABOG)

Other ABMS Certified

Non ABMS Certified

ABAM Certified by Specialty

Breakdown of ASAM Certified by Specialty

General Preventive Medicine

3%

Emergency Medicine

1%

Addiction Psychiatry

2%

Anesthesiology2%

Pediatrics 2%

Internal Medicine17%

Family Medicine20%

Psychiatry35%

Addiction Medicine18%

Psychiatry

Family Medicine

Addiction Medicine

Internal Medicine

General Preventive Medicine

Addiction Psychiatry

Pediatrics

Anesthesiology

Emergency Medicine

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 be

Certified 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

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%)

Number Certified by Year in Addiction MEdicie

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





Optional Break Time 15 Minutes

Optional Survey 0 Minutes

Total: 5.5 Hours

Possible Break Time Up to 30 minutes

Computer Examination

Mechanics of the ABAM Certification and Recertification Examination

Christopher Weirs, MPA

ABAM Director of Operations

Mechanics of the ABAM Certification and Recertification Examination

Documents

Transcript of Mechanics of the ABAM Certification and Recertification Examination