MDCMEOverview
The American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery (ABCRS) requires continuing certification through an ongoing process with annual requirements. Diplomates certified in 1990 or later are required to participate; those certified prior to 1990 are strongly encouraged but not required.
MOC Requirements
The ABCRS uses a four-part assessment system addressing six core competencies:
Four-Part Structure
| Part | Component | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Part I | Written Exam | Knowledge assessment |
| Part II | Quality Assessment | Quality measures review |
| Part III | Self-Assessment | Self-evaluation modules |
| Part IV | Longitudinal Assessment | Specialty-specific components |
Six Core Competencies
- Practice-based Learning and Improvement
- Patient Care and Procedural Skills
- Systems-based Practice
- Medical Knowledge
- Interpersonal and Communication Skills
- Professionalism
Fees
| Diplomate Type | Annual Fee |
|---|---|
| Time-limited (certified 1990 or later) | $500 |
| Unlimited (certified before 1990) | $200 |
Important: Fees must be paid by December 31 annually to avoid certificate revocation. At five-year intervals, non-payment results in revocation. Fees paid are applied to oldest outstanding balance first.
Key Deadlines
- December 31 — Annual fee payment deadline
- Five-year intervals — Comprehensive assessment review periods
- Ongoing — Must maintain current payment status for portal access
CertLink System
ABCRS uses the CertLink online portal for managing continuing certification:
- Track requirements and progress
- Complete assessments
- Maintain payment status
- Access continuing certification tools
Special Pathways
ABCRS offers several special provisions:
| Pathway | Description |
|---|---|
| ABS Diplomate | Pathway for American Board of Surgery diplomates |
| RCPSC Reciprocity | Recognition for Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada |
| Lifetime Certificate | Special provisions for lifetime holders |
| Clinically Inactive | Status for non-practicing diplomates |
| Re-entry | Policy for previously certified physicians |
Tips for ABCRS MOC
- Pay fees on time — Non-payment has escalating consequences
- Use CertLink — Portal provides comprehensive tracking
- Check five-year milestones — Comprehensive reviews occur at intervals
- Maintain documentation — Practice improvement records required
Certificate Revocation
- Non-payment consequences escalate at five-year intervals
- Revocation procedures in place for non-compliance
- Retirement status available as alternative
- Re-entry policy available for those seeking reinstatement