Board Certification Requirements??

[DD214_DOC]

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This question applies to subspecialty board certification. I'm already BC in my specialty. I was planning to NOT take the BC exam for my subspecialty due to other expenses that I will incur this year. My program has said that they will, "reimburse" me for the full cost ($3000) but in the past fellows have not been reimbursed, so I don't trust that. I was informed, however, by my PD that per regulation I must be "actively pursuing board certification status". I don't know the reg and have not been able to find anything through google. Can anyone shed some light onto this?

 

[jabreal00]

I've never heard of a requirement to be board certified to practice especially in the military. I know some AD physicians who are not BC in either their primary or sub-specialties and are gainfully employed in the military. However, professionally it's something that you should strive to obtain. It may be the difference regarding promotion. Once you eventually get out of the military, it's a discriminator to get hired in metropolitan areas. What I suspect, is that if you are still a fellow, it's statistics that are important to your PD (BC attempt and pass rates). I took my boards several months after I finished my sub-specialty training and PCSed to another hospital. The new hospital that I was assigned to payed for my board review as well as reimbursed the exam fee. Don't let cost prevent you from taking your BC exam.

 

[backrow]

I have heard that board certification is essentially a requirement to promote beyond O5. Given you are already board certified in the primary specialty I'm not sure how that would play out.

 

[Gastrapathy]

Take the test. It won't get easier.

 

[Homunculus]

as long as you have at least one board cert, you should be fine. quick side question though-- who said you would be reimbursed for subspecialty boards? i understand the financial hit (taking mine next fall on an every other year schedule) and they're ridiculously pricey. i was under the impression i would *not* be reimbursed for them-- but if it's at all possible i'll pursue it. for my general boards i was reimbursed but it seemed a little shady-- it was literally a check from my hospital made out to me. didn't stop me from depositing it but was odd. i'll take anything i can get this go round seeing as though it's almost 3k.

--your friendly neighborhood penny pinching caveman

 

[DD214_DOC]

Homunculus,

For the primary specialty boards, the residency program paid for it up front. If we didn't pass, then we were charged that amount and had to pay it back. The same deal stood for the subspecialty boards, however the program did not register us in preCERT until after the deadline. We were told that we could pay the total fee up front and then apply to be reimbursed, but in the past other residents have tried this and were never actually reimbursed.

 

[Member 1337]

HooahDOc - It was a bit more tedious because I had to work through the local MEDDAC HR office. I was reimbursed after providing proof of passing the exam and waiting patiently for several weeks.

 

[pgg]

Homunculus,

For the primary specialty boards, the residency program paid for it up front. If we didn't pass, then we were charged that amount and had to pay it back. The same deal stood for the subspecialty boards, however the program did not register us in preCERT until after the deadline. We were told that we could pay the total fee up front and then apply to be reimbursed, but in the past other residents have tried this and were never actually reimbursed.

On the Navy side, for my specialty board exams (written/oral) I paid up front and got reimbursed by the Navy. I was told if I failed the Navy wouldn't pay for a 2nd attempt, but would still reimburse me for the first. Fortunately never had to find out how that worked.

 

[Gastrapathy]

I was reimbursed for IM and GI boards.

 

[jabreal00]

as long as you have at least one board cert, you should be fine. quick side question though-- who said you would be reimbursed for subspecialty boards? i understand the financial hit (taking mine next fall on an every other year schedule) and they're ridiculously pricey. i was under the impression i would *not* be reimbursed for them-- but if it's at all possible i'll pursue it. for my general boards i was reimbursed but it seemed a little shady-- it was literally a check from my hospital made out to me. didn't stop me from depositing it but was odd. i'll take anything i can get this go round seeing as though it's almost 3k.

--your friendly neighborhood penny pinching caveman

By the time I took my sub-specialty board I PCSed to my new duty location. My new MTF reimbursed me the cost after I showed proof of passing. Talk to your S1 and they'll pay it. The new MTF even paid for my board review prior to taking my boards.

 

[pgg]

In the Navy, funds don't come from individual commands. The local admin guys process it, but BUMED pays for it.