The Role of the ABPS in the Physician Board Certification Process

Physician board certification is a way for practitioners, of particular medical specialties, to demonstrate their mastery of the core competencies required to provide patients the highest level of care. The prestige and relevance of board certification is enhanced by the authority of the certifying body responsible for administering the exams and for maintaining shareable records of who has achieved board certification.

The American Board of Physician Specialties® (ABPS) is one of the most respected multi-specialty certifying boards in the United States. It is the official certifying body of the American Association of Physician Specialists, Inc. and Member Boards administer physician board certification exams for 18 distinct specialties. One way, the ABPS maintains its elite position among certifying bodies, is an insistence that all Diplomates strictly adhere to the ABPS Code of Ethics, as outlined in the mission statement.  Member Boards also ensure the accurate measurement of the abilities and experience of candidates by using clinically based written, oral and patient simulation exams developed with the most rigorous standards available.

In addition to providing a platform for physician board certification, the ABPS provides managed care organizations, hospitals, and other medical employers a detailed, primary-sourced verification of an individual’s current board certification and recertification. A similar, less-detailed service caters to public inquiries from patients who wish to confirm  their doctors are board certified in the specialty or specialties claimed.

Finally, the ABPS serves as a focal point for a distinguished network of physicians whose priority is the advancement of patient care. To learn more about the role of the ABPS in the physician board certification process, contact ABPS today.