How Patients Benefit from ABPS Board Certification

Board Certification Patient BenefitsThe American Board of Physician Specialties® (ABPS) is one of three nationally recognized organizations that oversee physician board certification and recertification in the United States. The ABPS has implemented eligibility requirements and rigorous testing standards that evaluate the competence and clinical knowledge of the physician candidates.

The objectives of our organizations include the following:

  • Establish stringent standards for board certification
  • Provide a forum for addressing certification issues faced by medical specialists
  • Institute professional standards for each ABPS Member Board
  • Maintain a coordinated structure for conducting Member Board affairs
  • Review and act on applications for the creation of new specialty boards
  • Encourage collegiality, fraternity, and service among all ABPS Diplomates
  • Inform the public about certification and the status of our board certified physicians

Attaining the distinction of board certification through the ABPS is not easy. However, becoming an ABPS Diplomate greatly benefits all those who you entered the medical professional to serve – namely, your patients. People in search of quality medical care have a handful of local specialists from which to choose in many cases. Board certification – though it is just one of many factors a patient should consider when choosing a specialist – provides definitive evidence that a physician is highly qualified to provide care in a given specialty. Board certification stands out as tangible proof that an M.D. or a D.O. has fully mastered a specialty’s core competencies. If there is one quality that all ABPS Diplomates have in common, it is the unyielding commitment to providing exceptional care to their patients. To this end, ABPS Diplomates:

  • Adhere to the ABPS Medical Code of Ethics
  • Work diligently and collaboratively to find practical solutions to shortcomings in the healthcare system
  • Share and implement medical best practices with their peers
  • Publicly advocate for the highest level of patient care
  • Remain zealously dedicated to putting people – not profit – first

Determining whether a doctor is board certified through the ABPS is simple. Prospective patients are encouraged to confirm board certification of ABPS physicians by conducting a database search using this online form, which is free of charge. We have also created the Online Verification Database specifically for hospitals, credentialers, and other healthcare organizations who wish to receive official ABPS board certification verification online within minutes. The Database provides information that may be used for physician credentialing and other professional purposes.

For more information, contact the ABPS today.

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Patient Care Is Our Priority

Medical organizations throughout North America understand that our rigorous certification standards prove that ABPS Diplomates are capable of delivering the best patient care possible.

The American Board of Physician Specialties has provided me with the opportunity to demonstrate mastery of internal medicine through board certification. As a hospitalist, board certification is an expected credential, and hospitals recognize the American Board of Physician Specialties (ABPS) as one of the three standard credentialling bodies for Internal Medicine. Additionally, the ABPS has helped me develop leadership skills as a Board member and Committee Chairperson. ABPS has also helped me sharpen critical thinking skills as a test question developer and reviewer. The Allopathic (MD) and Osteopathic (DO) physicians in the ABPS are lifelong learners and frequently pursue multiple board certifications. I enjoy the camaraderie of my peers in ABPS.

Loren Jay Chassels, DO
Internal Medicine
When I think historically, advancement in medicine and patient safety and care has been driven by the diversity of people and scientific thought. That’s what I found at the ABPS and more. For over 60 years that is just who we are. I found a physician certifying body that provides a choice and voice to all physicians ensuring that patients are always placed first.

Jerry Allison, MD
Emergency Medicine
When I decided to pursue a full time role as a physician executive it was important to me to obtain additional professional training, education and work experience. Board certification through the ABPS in Administrative Medicine is validation of my efforts and a demonstration of dedication to professional development. We need more physicians to become full time health care executives, knowing there is a board certification option in Administrative Medicine encourages physicians to take the leap from full time clinical practice to healthcare organizational leadership.

Richard Paula, MD
Administrative Medicine