National Board of Physicians and Surgeons (NBPAS)

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DrMetal

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This is pretty huge news, NBPAS is gaining more acceptance. NBPAS is an alternative BC, that requires iBC (initial BC via ABMS), then rigid CME. No 'MOC', no further testing. It's quickly picking up steam. Would encourage all to look into it (I have no official affiliation, am only a member).


NBPAS - Providing a Pathway for Continuous Certification

The Monthly Dose

News and Announcements​

Major Momentum: UnitedHealthcare and HCSC Accept NBPAS Certification​

NBPAS_Email_MarketingApril.jpg

NBPAS_Email_MarketingApril_1.jpg

We’re excited to announce two major developments that advance physician choice and modernize credentialing standards.

UnitedHealthcare, one of the nation’s largest insurers, has formally confirmed that its credentialing policies do not require participation in costly Maintenance of Certification (MOC) programs. In a recent letter, UnitedHealthcare emphasized that physician competency is best demonstrated through initial board certification, active clinical practice, and ongoing learning—not burdensome testing. The organization also affirmed that NBPAS certification is accepted as part of its credentialing process, reinforcing the shift toward fair, evidence-based standards.

Additionally, Health Care Service Corporation (HCSC), which operates Blue Cross Blue Shield plans in Illinois, Montana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas, now accepts NBPAS board certification. As the largest customer-owned health insurer in the country, HCSC’s acceptance is a powerful endorsement and a major milestone in our mission to expand recognition nationwide.

We extend our sincere thanks to Monica Berner, MD, Senior Vice President of Markets and Chief Clinical Officer at HCSC, and an NBPAS-certified family physician, for her leadership in helping make this possible at HCSC.

Members don't see this ad.
 
Thanks for sharing, I was thinking to ask our credentialing department this to see what they say about hospital and clinic privilege's based on NBPAS certification alone. I am in the in Mid West for reference.
 
Thanks for sharing, I was thinking to ask our credentialing department this to see what they say about hospital and clinic privilege's based on NBPAS certification alone. I am in the in Mid West for reference.

It seems to be catching on. If you want to get more involved, you can contact NBPAS, and they can do the leg work with your credentialing office, if they're interested.

Still a long ways to go, I wouldn't give up your ABMS certs. But it would be nice to one day have options?!
 
Members don't see this ad :)
How did they get UHC to accept them though? That company hates doctors. The paranoid part of me thinks there was some sort of backroom deal that helps UHC significantly and if that is the case it isn't worth the cost.

I don't know the details. I suspect if NBPAS keeps more doctors in the game, maybe UHC financially benefits.

There's a decently sized community of doctors over 60 years old who want to continue practicing but are absolutely done with any further testing or MOC. If MOC was forcing their hand into retirement, this might be a great solution.

I'd rather have a 65yo FP, BCd via NBPAS, as my primary, than a 28yo NP with some crackerjack degree.
 
I don't know the details. I suspect if NBPAS keeps more doctors in the game, maybe UHC financially benefits.

There's a decently sized community of doctors over 60 years old who want to continue practicing but are absolutely done with any further testing or MOC. If MOC was forcing their hand into retirement, this might be a great solution.

I'd rather have a 65yo FP, BCd via NBPAS, as my primary, than a 28yo NP with some crackerjack degree.
Ok but why is UHC playing along though?
 
Ok but why is UHC playing along though?

I dunno, maybe a change of heart since Luigi took out their CEO . . . maybe they've become more physician-friendly!

NBPAS isn't quite big or powerful enough, nor do they have enough money or clout . . . to work out any "drug deals", so I don't think that's the case here.
 
I dunno, maybe a change of heart since Luigi took out their CEO . . . maybe they've become more physician-friendly!

NBPAS isn't quite big or powerful enough, nor do they have enough money or clout . . . to work out any "drug deals", so I don't think that's the case here.
I'd bet it will count as board certified but get a lower fee schedule compared to ABMS board certification. So they don't lose the doctors but can pay them less.
 
I'd bet it will count as board certified but get a lower fee schedule compared to ABMS board certification. So they don't lose the doctors but can pay them less.
Or I am thinking the board promised to be a supportive voice behind reimbursement cuts or coding change in their favor to make it seem like doctors are happy with the insurance company ****ing them in the dingus.
 
I'm sure there is a lot of effort behind the scenes. I wish there were more obvious ways we could support them.
The hard part is hospital system acceptance.

I took what I hope to be my last 10 yr MOC exam in 2023. After that expires, I'll do the LKA for another five but NBPAS would be an attractive option.
 
I'm sure there is a lot of effort behind the scenes. I wish there were more obvious ways we could support them.
The hard part is hospital system acceptance.

I took what I hope to be my last 10 yr MOC exam in 2023. After that expires, I'll do the LKA for another five but NBPAS would be an attractive option.

How many times have you taken it? Can I ask roughly how old you are?
 
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