Improvement in Medical Practice

Improvement in Medical Practice demonstrates commitment to patient centered care that improves quality. Physicians can meet this standard in one of three ways:

  • Attestation that diplomates participate in quality improvement activities as part of routine clinical practice, such as participation in a peer review process, attendance at tumor boards, or membership on a radiation safety committee. The list of approved activities can be viewed by clicking here.
  • Participation in a Practice Survey. Each year the ABNM releases a practice survey related to approved clinical guidelines. The survey has several questions based on review of actual cases. Diplomates receive a summary of the answers provided by other physicians that allows them to compare their practice to peers. The practice survey can be accessed by clicking here.
  • Improvement in medical practice projects designed by diplomates, or provided by professional groups such as the SNMMI. Project areas may include medical care provided for common/major health conditions, physician behaviors, such as communication and professionalism, as they relate to patient care, and many others. The projects typically follow the model of Plan, Do, Study, Act. The ABNM has developed a few IMP modules for the SNMMI, Alternatively, diplomates may design their own project.

Diplomates must complete one of the three requirements each year. Diplomates with no clinical responsibility can write to the ABNM, abnm@abnm.org, and request a waiver of the Part 4 requirement.