CME

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Piebaldi

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Hey all,
So I'm in IL - I guess for IL unrestricted license, it's renewed every 3 years and it has a whopping 150 CME!
I don't want to pay for all those CMEs. I have been doing the free CME like at medscape and stuff but so far have only like 4 or so. Where can I get a lot of CMEs for cheap/free?
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Piebaldi said:
Hey all,
So I'm in IL - I guess for IL unrestricted license, it's renewed every 3 years and it has a whopping 150 CME!
I don't want to pay for all those CMEs. I have been doing the free CME like at medscape and stuff but so far have only like 4 or so. Where can I get a lot of CMEs for cheap/free?
Click to expand...
When did you finish residency? When did you take your boards?

You get something like 100 units of CME just for taking your board exam, so if that's within the 3 year window you can probably count it.
 
Raryn said:
When did you finish residency? When did you take your boards?

You get something like 100 units of CME just for taking your board exam, so if that's within the 3 year window you can probably count it.
Click to expand...

Really?You get 100 CME for boards? How is that even reported? Thank you for that info, I was not aware of that!
But for future events, same thing still applies - where do I get a whopping 150 CME?
 
The rules for IL are here:Illinois State Medical Society

First of all, there's this nugget:
A renewal applicant shall not be required to comply with the CME requirements for the first renewal of an Illinois license.
Click to expand...

So, if this is your first renewal, you don't need to do any CME.

Second, although you need 150 credits:
Credits shall be earned as follows:

  • A minimum of 40% (60 hours) of the required CME hours shall be obtained in formal CME programs. (The entire 150 hour requirement may be completed in Category 1).
  • A maximum of 60% (90 hours) of the required CME hours may be obtained in informal CME programs or activities.
Click to expand...

So you only need 60 credits. And you renew every 3 years, so you only need 20 credits a year.

The 90 credits of informal:
Category 2 Determination
These are educationally beneficial activities in which a physician may participate. Physicians self-designated Category 2 credits. Category 2 study includes any of the following:

  • Medical Teaching - Credit hours may be claimed for contact hours of teaching health professionals, including medical students, residents, practicing physicians, and allied health professionals. You should list the type of education, subject, institution, address, and inclusive dates.
  • Articles, publications, books and exhibits - Ten hours of credit may be claimed only once for the medical or educational content of a publication or exhibit regardless of whether it is reissued or changed in format.
  • Use of self-instructive materials, such as audiovisual materials, teleconferences, programmed medical education materials, and computer assisted instruction.
  • Clinical consultations that contribute to a physician's education. (Involvement in informal educational consultations about a patient should be estimated and reported in hour blocks.) Important: Ordinary case consultation should not be reported.
  • Discussion with colleagues about patient care and patient centered discussions with colleagues.
  • Participation in patient care review activities such as peer review, case conference, chart audit, service on hospital medical staff committees for tissue review, infections, death conference, pharmacy, etc.
  • Journal club activities.
Click to expand...

If you completed an IM residency, you also need MOC credits for your ABIM recert. Have you been keeping up with those?

You get credits for going to any Grand Rounds or other local educational events, if there are any.
 
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aProgDirector said:
The rules for IL are here:Illinois State Medical Society

First of all, there's this nugget:


So, if this is your first renewal, you don't need to do any CME.

Second, although you need 150 credits:


So you only need 60 credits. And you renew every 3 years, so you only need 20 credits a year.

The 90 credits of informal:


If you completed an IM residency, you also need MOC credits for your ABIM recert. Have you been keeping up with those?

You get credits for going to any Grand Rounds or other local educational events, if there are any.
Click to expand...

You know, you are incredibly helpful! (I hope that does not sound sarcastic, I mean it! you are super duper helpful, and your advice is typically right on!) I am not in IM. I am in private practice, so not aware of grand rounds or other educational events locally. there are a few dinners here and there, not sure if those qualify. I am a little socially reserved so I shy away from those.
I will look into how to document the other 90 I guess. Thank you!
 
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Piebaldi said:
You know, you are incredibly helpful! (I hope that does not sound sarcastic, I mean it! you are super duper helpful, and your advice is typically right on!) I am not in IM. I am in private practice, so not aware of grand rounds or other educational events locally. there are a few dinners here and there, not sure if those qualify. I am a little socially reserved so I shy away from those.
I will look into how to document the other 90 I guess. Thank you!
Click to expand...
Pharma dinners don't count.
 
Raryn said:
Pharma dinners don't count.
Click to expand...

:( What about hospital sponsored dinners? I believe my hospital has anumber of those. They are sponsored by the hospital itself, and physicians I think that work within the hospital system.
 
Piebaldi said:
Really?You get 100 CME for boards? How is that even reported? Thank you for that info, I was not aware of that!
But for future events, same thing still applies - where do I get a whopping 150 CME?
Click to expand...
California has a box you check on the reporting to the medical board - you get 100 hours of CME the year you take the test. I'm not seeing anything like that on the IL board website though, so perhaps it is a CA specific thing.

Regardless, you have until July 2020 to get the CME.
 
Raryn said:
California has a box you check on the reporting to the medical board - you get 100 hours of CME the year you take the test. I'm not seeing anything like that on the IL board website though, so perhaps it is a CA specific thing.

Regardless, you have until July 2020 to get the CME.
Click to expand...

Well it will be my first renew so I guess I don't have to do it yet. But good to know
 
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If you're in/near Chicago, Pri-Med is a reasonable meeting that is very cheap: https://www.pri-med.com/

Looks like they have free online options also.

Your job (which I know is complicated from your other thread) usually includes CME funding, but perhaps yours doesn't.

UpToDate: since no one mentioned this, if you've signed up for an account with them, you get 0.25 credits for every page/article you read.

What specialty? Might be PM&R per your past posts. All boards require MOC of some sort, and you'll get CME credit for that also. Don't fall behind on your board MOC -- it's a huge pain to get caught up.

Lots of journals offer CME, if there is something you read regularly.

What do you do to keep up your knowledge?
 
aProgDirector said:
If you're in/near Chicago, Pri-Med is a reasonable meeting that is very cheap: https://www.pri-med.com/

Looks like they have free online options also.

Your job (which I know is complicated from your other thread) usually includes CME funding, but perhaps yours doesn't.

UpToDate: since no one mentioned this, if you've signed up for an account with them, you get 0.25 credits for every page/article you read.

What specialty? Might be PM&R per your past posts. All boards require MOC of some sort, and you'll get CME credit for that also. Don't fall behind on your board MOC -- it's a huge pain to get caught up.

Lots of journals offer CME, if there is something you read regularly.

What do you do to keep up your knowledge?
Click to expand...

Well I just graduated, so working on getting established in the job first - although obviously will be doing fellowship soon. But points well taken.
 
Most specialty societies have annual meetings. Important when you’re in private practice, or you’ll never learn anything new again.
 
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doc05 said:
Most specialty societies have annual meetings. Important when you’re in private practice, or you’ll never learn anything new again.
Click to expand...

That seems a little harsh!
 
If you're going back for fellowship, that will count towards CME credits as well. You can check how much credit you get per year for being in a training program.

My board gives us 90 credits (I think) toward CME for passing the board exam. I think it's 60 for renewals. So if you will pass your boards during the 2017-2020 license cycle, check with your board to see what your specialty-specific policy is.

I also belong to some professional societies that have FREE CME through their journals. FWIW, I've never struggled to get enough credits.
 
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Smurfette said:
If you're going back for fellowship, that will count towards CME credits as well. You can check how much credit you get per year for being in a training program.

My board gives us 90 credits (I think) toward CME for passing the board exam. I think it's 60 for renewals. So if you will pass your boards during the 2017-2020 license cycle, check with your board to see what your specialty-specific policy is.

I also belong to some professional societies that have FREE CME through their journals. FWIW, I've never struggled to get enough credits.
Click to expand...

How does one use or get CME credits from fellowship? Granted I have not really looked into this, but will have to renew next year so while I have some time, I don't have a ton of time.
 
Piebaldi said:
How does one use or get CME credits from fellowship? Granted I have not really looked into this, but will have to renew next year so while I have some time, I don't have a ton of time.
Click to expand...
AHA! I found it. Claim CME credit from the AMA at the very least - you get 20 credits per year of residency, plus 60 credits for passing your boards (certification or recertification).

CA gives more (I think it was a lot more - like 6 credits per month of residency or so), but that AMA application should work for any state.

That said, I'd look to see if you can just claim it - for CA, all I needed to submit was a letter from my program that had my graduation dates on it. I wouldn't submit the AMA application (and pay money for it) unless I absolutely had to.
 
Raryn said:
AHA! I found it. Claim CME credit from the AMA at the very least - you get 20 credits per year of residency, plus 60 credits for passing your boards (certification or recertification).

CA gives more (I think it was a lot more - like 6 credits per month of residency or so), but that AMA application should work for any state.

That said, I'd look to see if you can just claim it - for CA, all I needed to submit was a letter from my program that had my graduation dates on it. I wouldn't submit the AMA application (and pay money for it) unless I absolutely had to.
Click to expand...

But how long do the 20credits/yr of residency last? I did a 4 year residency, so that would be 80 credits. But for how long would I be able to claim that? I would have to look into it I guess since the first renewal I would have to do nothing, but the second renewal would be like 4 years away from residency if that makes sense (renewal q 3 years here in IL)
 
Piebaldi said:
How does one use or get CME credits from fellowship? Granted I have not really looked into this, but will have to renew next year so while I have some time, I don't have a ton of time.
Click to expand...

Most states give you credit for being in a training program. So you can subtract whatever that amount is, from the total you need.
But as aPD pointed out, your first renewal in IL doesn't have a CME requirement.
Every state posts their licensing requirements online. Each state will vary. For example, IL will require 3 credits in opioids and 1 credit in sexual harassment starting in 2020 as part of the 150 credits required for the entire cycle. While everyone here is googling responsibly, remember that you really should look this up yourself and make sure we aren't screwing you over by missing a requirement.

You can only claim credits taken during the license cycle. So for the next IL renewal, it'll be for things you do between 8/1/2017 and 7/31/2020. Once you renew, you start back at zero.
 
Smurfette said:
Most states give you credit for being in a training program. So you can subtract whatever that amount is, from the total you need.
But as aPD pointed out, your first renewal in IL doesn't have a CME requirement.
Every state posts their licensing requirements online. Each state will vary. For example, IL will require 3 credits in opioids and 1 credit in sexual harassment starting in 2020 as part of the 150 credits required for the entire cycle. While everyone here is googling responsibly, remember that you really should look this up yourself and make sure we aren't screwing you over by missing a requirement.

You can only claim credits taken during the license cycle. So for the next IL renewal, it'll be for things you do between 8/1/2017 and 7/31/2020. Once you renew, you start back at zero.
Click to expand...

Yes of course. Don't worry I'm not planning on holding you guys responsible for anything! I just renewed my first cycle for FL license and it was easy, since first renewal was only a few CME. But then I was thinking - I have to renew my IL license and I'll be in FL so thinking of how I would get all the credits. Just thinking that's all! I appreciate everyone's input and help!
 
Piebaldi said:
Yes of course. Don't worry I'm not planning on holding you guys responsible for anything! I just renewed my first cycle for FL license and it was easy, since first renewal was only a few CME. But then I was thinking - I have to renew my IL license and I'll be in FL so thinking of how I would get all the credits. Just thinking that's all! I appreciate everyone's input and help!
Click to expand...
How many states are you doing fellowship in?
 
gutonc said:
How many states are you doing fellowship in?
Click to expand...

One. I currently live in IL and work here. I will be doing fellowship in FL. I had to renew my FL license in order to do my fellowship there. I will be coming back to IL after fellowshp to work. I will have to renew my license in IL when I come back.
 
Piebaldi said:
Hey all,
So I'm in IL - I guess for IL unrestricted license, it's renewed every 3 years and it has a whopping 150 CME!
I don't want to pay for all those CMEs. I have been doing the free CME like at medscape and stuff but so far have only like 4 or so. Where can I get a lot of CMEs for cheap/free?
Click to expand...

Those hospital sponsored dinners while somewhat aggravating at times do often have cme with them and allow you to network with your peers. I’m in a small community and it’s allowed me to talk with all of the specialists, etc which helps with patient care since I’ve exchanged lots of cell phone numbers. (After I’ve made sure they are sane of course). It’s a nice dinner for us as well.
 
​
Keona said:
Those hospital sponsored dinners while somewhat aggravating at times do often have cme with them and allow you to network with your peers. I’m in a small community and it’s allowed me to talk with all of the specialists, etc which helps with patient care since I’ve exchanged lots of cell phone numbers. (After I’ve made sure they are sane of course). It’s a nice dinner for us as well.
Click to expand...

Yep, I would agree. Again I am a little socially anxious and don't do well in large settings so I tend to stay away from those.
 
aProgDirector said:
Poor wording on my part. I meant "Up To Date was mentioned by the great @VA Hopeful Dr , but then the OP said "Can you elaborate on that" and no one had elaborated."
Click to expand...
By the time I saw the reply you'd gotten there first - which is pretty good in only 2 hours.
 
rokshana said:
and you actually get 0.5 credits everytime you look something up!
Click to expand...

Good to know!
But I just looked it up - it cost $519 to subscribe for a year! That is a lot of $. Yikes
 
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Piebaldi said:
Good to know!
But I just looked it up - it cost $519 to subscribe for a year! That is a lot of $. Yikes
Click to expand...

1. You should get CME money to cover that from your employer.
2. CME courses aren't cheap either, but you can rack up more credits annually without significant effort if you use UTD frequently than you would get from a single conference (which generally involves travel and hotel expenses on top of conference fees).
 
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Had a Question is Uptodate considered Formal CME? I know the certificate says category one, but Not sure if by the word formal they mean like a live conference or lectures.

"
Credits shall be earned as follows:

  • A minimum of 40% (60 hours) of the required CME hours shall be obtained in formal CME programs. (The entire 150 hour requirement may be completed in Category 1).
  • A maximum of 60% (90 hours) of the required CME hours may be obtained in informal CME programs or activities.
"
 
bananas85 said:
Had a Question is Uptodate considered Formal CME? I know the certificate says category one, but Not sure if by the word formal they mean like a live conference or lectures.

"
Credits shall be earned as follows:

  • A minimum of 40% (60 hours) of the required CME hours shall be obtained in formal CME programs. (The entire 150 hour requirement may be completed in Category 1).
  • A maximum of 60% (90 hours) of the required CME hours may be obtained in informal CME programs or activities.
"
Click to expand...
By whom? The ABIM? Yes.

By some other board? Maybe, but I don’t care.

By the hospitals that you have privileges at? Depends.
 
Piebaldi said:
How does one use or get CME credits from fellowship? Granted I have not really looked into this, but will have to renew next year so while I have some time, I don't have a ton of time.
Click to expand...
For anyone else reading this: often as a part of fellowship, you’re doing things that get you CmE credit: attending grand rounds, attending case conferences, etc.

bananas85 said:
By Illinois board department
Click to expand...
Informal CME is anything that doesn’t actually give you a certificate. You basically say you did it, and they count it. Things like teaching med students or residents count.
Formal CME you get a certificate for, which includes up to date and any CME done by your board/specialty society.
 
mvenus929 said:
For anyone else reading this: often as a part of fellowship, you’re doing things that get you CmE credit: attending grand rounds, attending case conferences, etc.


Informal CME is anything that doesn’t actually give you a certificate. You basically say you did it, and they count it. Things like teaching med students or residents count.
Formal CME you get a certificate for, which includes up to date and any CME done by your board/specialty society.
Click to expand...
too bad that in my joke of a "fellowship" there were no grand rounds, case conferences, etc. glad I got out of there
 
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So, if I use UTD to look up things, is there usually a limit on how much CME I could submit? Because I believe I have accumulated like 200ish hours on my account over the past 3 years, and I wasn't sure if the board would find that a problem.
 
KnuxNole said:
So, if I use UTD to look up things, is there usually a limit on how much CME I could submit? Because I believe I have accumulated like 200ish hours on my account over the past 3 years, and I wasn't sure if the board would find that a problem.
Click to expand...
No. Though your individual licensing board may have some specific requirements that UTD may not meet (say, N hours of opiate CME from a specific list). I'm not sure if any require some proportion be in-person CME but it wouldn't surprise me.
 
Piebaldi said:
too bad that in my joke of a "fellowship" there were no grand rounds, case conferences, etc. glad I got out of there
Click to expand...

If the concern for CME is for state licensure, most states give you some automatic credit for being in a training program, enough so that you meet the minimum standard automatically. Sometimes it's only for ACGME accredited programs, so if you're doing a non-accredited fellowship you may need to get credits the old way.


KnuxNole said:
So, if I use UTD to look up things, is there usually a limit on how much CME I could submit? Because I believe I have accumulated like 200ish hours on my account over the past 3 years, and I wasn't sure if the board would find that a problem.
Click to expand...

If you're using UTD for Cat 1 credit, it's not self report. You need to create an account at UTD, and it tracks your usage. I think you get 0.25 credits for every article you pull up. I don't know if it tracks how long you look at the article, or whether you scroll or not. You should be able to pull up a certificate. If it give you 200 hours, then that's what you get. The board certainly won't care.
 
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