Survey reveals urologists’ opinions on MOC

Urology Times conducted a survey in June and July 2016 in which we sought urologists’ opinions on maintenance of certification. The above chart, along with the ones that follow, provide a snapshot of their thoughts regarding the controversial program.

“CME is enough; this ridiculous process has not been proven to be of any benefit to anyone but the boards themselves,” wrote one respondent.

While discontent about MOC is common, what may be more concerning is that some urologists may put their words into action and choose not to recertify later in their career-a scenario that could negatively impact an already shrinking urologist work force.

Another hotly debated issue is whether certain physicians should be grandfathered from MOC, which is the case for those certified before 1985. Legally, these urologists who have lifetime certificates cannot be required to enter into the MOC process, according to the ABU.

When asked to choose a single aspect of certification they find most bothersome, urologists put testing at the top of the list (47%). This was followed by surgical logs (35%) and CME (1.4%). Five percent of respondents indicated that there are no aspects of certification they find bothersome.

“MOC is a joke, but I’m not laughing,” wrote one respondent in an open-ended question. “I don’t think it does anything to ensure quality or value or ethical practice of urology. It just adds one more burden to my overburdened private practice of urology.”

How the survey was conducted

The Urology Times survey on maintenance of certification was conducted via email in June and July of 2016. Survey recipients, who were subscribers to Urology Times with email addresses on file, were required to indicate that they were a urologist before proceeding with the survey. A total of 419 qualified responses were received.

More on MOC:

Look for MOC changes in 2017, American Board of Urology says

MOC: Members of the UT editorial board weigh in

Update: States limit the role of specialty certification

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