THE



Exam Information and

Requirements for 2014

( Self-Assessment

( Maintenance of Certification

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American Board of Podiatric Medicine

Re-Credentialing Information and Requirements for 2013

Table of Contents

SECTION I: GENERAL INFORMATION

Exam Dates to Remember …………………………………………………………………..….3

Officers and Directors ……………………………………………………………………….…….3

What Is ABPM? ………………………………………………………………………………………..4

Functions ………………………………………………………………………………………………...4

Goals & Objectives …………………………………………………………………………………..5

Annual Re-registration Fees …………………………………………………………………….6

SECTION II: RE-CREDENTIALING SECTION

Who Must Re-credential ……………………..………………………………………………….6

Self-Assessment Examination Information...…………………………………………….7

Testing Arrangements ……………………………………………………………………………..7

Fees for Self-Assessment …………………….…………………………………………………..7

Subject Outline ………………………………………………………………………………………..8

Sample Self-Assessment Questions…………………………………………………………..9-21

Maintenance of Certification (MOC) Program Overview………………………….22

Change of Address ……………………………………………………………………………........22

DEADLINES TO REMEMBER

July 5, 2014

For the self-assessment examination the completed application Form 105 and all appropriate fees must be received in the ABPM office postmarked by July 5, 2014.

Self-Assessment Examination will take place at local testing centers nationally October 7-19, 2014

August 8, 2014

For the MOC enrollment the completed application Form 107 and all appropriate fees must be received in the ABPM office postmarked by August 8, 2014.

ABPM OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS, AUGUST 2013-JULY 2014

OFFICERS

James W. Stavosky, D.P.M. – Daly City, CA (16)

President

Steven L. Goldman, D.P.M. - Rockville Centre, NY (16)

Vice President

Michael P. DellaCorte, D.P.M. - Maspeth, NY (16)

Treasurer

Gina M. Painter, D.P.M. – Great Falls, MT (16)

Secretary

Lester J. Jones, D.P.M. – Pomona, CA (17)

Immediate Past President

DIRECTORS

William E. Chagares, D.P.M. – Naperville, IL (17)

Mitchell D. Shikoff, D.P.M. - Bensalem, PA (17)

Samuel J. Spadone, D.P.M. - Philadelphia, PA (17)

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Marc A. Benard, D.P.M. — Torrance, CA

WHAT IS THE AMERICAN BOARD OF

PODIATRIC MEDICINE?

The American Board of Podiatric Medicine (ABPM) offers a comprehensive board qualification and certification process in podiatric medicine and orthopedics.

Podiatric Medicine and Orthopedics is the medical specialty concerned with the comprehensive and continuous foot health care of patients. It integrates the biological, biomechanical, rehabilitative, clinical and behavioral sciences and encompasses first contact care, continuous care, long term care and general medicine.

Board certification provides the assurance to both the public and health professionals that the highest level of achievement has been attained in the specialty area.

While certification by the Board does not guarantee competence in practice, it does indicate that the podiatric physician has been judged by his/her peers to have demonstrated, via a rigorous examination process, a fund of knowledge and competence in the areas being tested.

The Certificate of the American Board of Podiatric Medicine is a unique achievement–a step well beyond the mandatory education of the podiatrist or state requirements for licensure.

FUNCTIONS OF ABPM

The American Board of Podiatric Medicine is recognized by the Joint Committee on the Recognition of Specialty Boards of the Council on Podiatric Medical Education under the authority of the American Podiatric Medical Association as the specialty board to conduct a certification process in Podiatric Orthopedics and Primary Podiatric Medicine. Recognition is an indication of satisfactory compliance with the recognition criteria as well as public approbation, attesting to the competency and proficiency of the specialty board to assure that only qualified podiatrists have obtained certified classification. 

The Board arranges and conducts a comprehensive examination process heading to Board certification and grants and issues Diplomate certificates to successful applicants duly licensed to practice podiatric medicine. The Board holds the power to revoke such certificates.

The Board endeavors to serve hospitals and the health care industry in general by preparing documentation of podiatric physicians who it has qualified or certified and provides primary source verification of their classification in the accreditation process. Inquiries regarding a member’s classification must be expressed in writing to Board Headquarters to be considered official.

The Board makes no attempt to control the practice of its members by license or legal regulation, and does not interfere with or limit the professional activities of any duly licensed podiatric physician. The Board does, however, issue advertising and ethics guidelines with respect to appropriate use of Diplomate classification, and reserves the right to withdraw such classification if guidelines are not properly adhered to.

Goal of ABPM

To protect the health and welfare of the public through an ongoing process of evaluation and certification of the competence of podiatric physicians in the specialty of Podiatric Orthopedics and Primary Podiatric Medicine

Objectives of the ABPM

1. To create evaluations that are free of bias, are valid and reliable, and in accord with accepted psychometric principles and practices; that are created and tested by Diplomates who are geographically well represented and reflect a variety of practice settings within the specialty of Podiatric Orthopedics and Primary Podiatric Medicine.

2. To establish and enforce standards relating to the advertisement of board certification and qualification classification by members.

3. To provide information regarding criteria for board qualification and certification to hospitals, health care organizations and other individuals and groups deemed appropriate by the Board, in addition to identifying board certified and qualified practitioners.

4. To provide information to the podiatric medical community and community-at-large regarding the ABPM and the specialty of Podiatric Orthopedics and Primary Podiatric Medicine.

5. To support the educational endeavors of the American College of Foot and Ankle Orthopedics and Medicine (ACFAOM).

6. To collaborate with the CPME in the development of standards and requirements for the evaluation and enhancement of postgraduate education programs

7. To provide representation to the relevant committees of the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) and other organizations as deemed appropriate by the Board.

8. To ensure that its activities are conducted in accord with its policy of non-discrimination.

ANNUAL RE-REGISTRATION FEES

All applicants achieving either board qualification or board certification are subsequently required to pay annual re-registration fees. Payment is due in February of each year and is subject to a late penalty if delinquent. The following is the present fee structure:

Board Qualified: $200 Board Certified: $350 Emeritus: $175

WHO MUST RE-CREDENTIAL?

All active Diplomates, including Founders and Emeritus, must re-credential, with the following exceptions:

• Diplomates who have already attained 60 years of age (including Founders and Emeritus) prior to 2007 remain exempt from the 10-year re-credentialing requirement

• Diplomates who are retired are exempt from the requirement

• Diplomates who can document permanent disability from the ability to practice the profession of podiatry are exempt from the re-evaluative process.

• Diplomates who are disabled or are inactive may have the re-evaluation requirement extended based upon appeal to the Board of Directors.

A. Lifetime Certificate Holders:

Lifetime Certificate Holders may re-credential via either of two methods:

1. Taking the self-assessment examination no later than the 10th year from their prior re-credentialing date, or

2. Enrolling in the ABPM Maintenance of Certification (MOC) Program*

*For Diplomates enrolled in the MOC program, the Self -Assessment Examination fulfills Component 3 of the MOC program

Lifetime certificate holders who fail to meet the re-credentialing requirement via self-assessment by the 10th year from their prior re-credentialing date, or who fail to voluntarily enter the Maintenance of Certification (MOC) Program by the 10th year from their prior re-credentialing date, will have their Diplomate classification revoked.

Note: The Self-Assessment Examination, as an isolated activity, fulfills the re-credentialing requirement for ABPM Diplomates holding lifetime certificates. It is not, however, the same as enrollment into the MOC and may not fulfill third party re-credentialing requirements (e.g. hospitals or managed care companies). We strongly advise you to review your third party contracts carefully. ABPM headquarters is mandated to inform inquiring third party credentialing organizations who seek verification of a Diplomate’s classification of the method by which the Diplomate has been re-credentialed (e.g. MOC versus self-assessment).

B. 10-year Time-Limited Certificate Holders:

10-year Time-Limited Certificate Holders must enroll in the ABPM Maintenance of Certification (MOC) Program no later than the 10th year from their prior re-credentialing date. Thereafter, they must meet the requirements detailed in the program.

EXAMINATION INFORMATION

The Self-Assessment Examination consists of 100 multiple choice (or other forms of short answer questions) administered at Prometric's network of testing centers. The examination is equally weighted in areas relevant to podiatric orthopedics and primary podiatric medicine, and is represented by questions in the subject areas delineated further in this booklet.

TESTING ARRANGEMENTS

ABPM will provide contact information to examination applicants on how to schedule their test-center appointment at least 60 days prior to the examination. Appointments are made on an individual basis and are based on a given center's availability.

FEES FOR THE SELF-ASSESSMENT EXAMINATION

Application processing fee for all applicants (non-refundable).............. $250* plus

Self-assessment (written examination)..................................................... $475

(These fees are non-refundable after September 3, 2014)

Total Amount ……………………………………………………………………………. $725

* An additional $250 will be withheld from your refund for withdrawals made less than 30 days prior to the examination.

** Applicants who do not request a refund prior to the examination, waive the right to have any of their Examination fee refunded. (See booklet entitled “Exam Information and Requirements for 2014”)

SUBJECT OUTLINE

The following subject areas are tested to determine Board Qualified or Board Certified classification, along with their approximate proportional representation in the qualification examination. Categories may include imaging, laboratory (including gait studies), pharmacology and special considerations in pediatric and geriatric patients, as is appropriate. Both local and systemic manifestations of podiatrically relevant pathology will be assessed.

I) Podiatric Orthopedics (50%):

Each section includes the general podiatric orthopedics knowledge that is required to assure the overall well-being of the patient. Within the podiatric orthopedics section each of the following areas will represent approximately 8% (4% of the total exam).  These areas may include neurologic and rheumatologic manifestations of podiatric orthopedic pathology.

Biomechanics / Pathomechanics / Orthotics / Prosthetics

General Orthopedics

Pedorthics

Rehabilitation / Physical Therapy

Surgical Criteria

Trauma / Sports Medicine

II) Podiatric Medicine (50%): Each section includes the general medical knowledge that is required to assure the overall well-being of the patient (i.e. primary care/triage). Within the podiatric medicine section each of the following areas will represent approximately 4%, (2% of the total exam.)

Cardiology / Pulmonology

Dermatology

Emergencies

Endocrinology

Gastroenterology / Nephrology

General Medicine

Hematology / Oncology

Infectious Disease

Neurology

Peripheral Vascular Disease

Psychosocial / Public Health (includes biostatistics, community health and epidemiology)

Rheumatology

Wound Care

Note: medical imaging and podopediatrics are dispersed among other subject areas where relevant

SAMPLE SELF-ASSESSMENT EXAMINATION QUESTIONS

Below are sample questions of the type to be used in the qualification portion of the examination. Answers are found at the end of the booklet.

1. A 45 year old male with diabetes mellitus type II presents for evaluation of a painful hammer toe of the third digit. The patient has diminished sensation and denies a history of trauma.

Based on the accompanying radiograph, which of the following is the most appropriate diagnosis?

A. Avascular necrosis

B. Fracture

C. Osteochondroma

D. Enchondroma

2. A consultation is requested to the ICU for this 67 year-old female with diabetes mellitus type I who was admitted for diabetic ketoacidocis. The patient was last heard from two days prior to admission and found in her apartment by her sister. No history is available due to the patient’s inability to communicate. Her foot is pictured below.

What is the most appropriate treatment?

A. Initiate culture driven IV antibiotics

B. Apply NS wet to dry dressings until patient is alert

C. Incise and drain in operating room

D. Apply an enzymatic debriding agent to the wound bed

3. A 73 year old male has diabetes mellitus type II, congestive heart failure, renal insufficiency, peripheral vascular disease and an open left second toe amputation. He presents to the emergency room with fever, chills, nausea and vomiting for the last 24 hours. His medications are:

Ciprofloxacin (Cipro), lispro (Humalog), metoprolol (Toprol) and warfarin (Coumadin).

Allergies: penicillin and tetanus toxoid.

Vitals: Temp: 97.4F BP 98/47 P:61 0² 93%

[pic][pic][pic]

Which of the following advanced imaging studies would be the most appropriate?

A. Bone Scan

B. Densitometry

C. MRI

D. Computed tomography

4. A 34 year old male with a history of AIDS presents with the following unilateral lesions of the plantar aspect of his left foot. The lesions are firm, but not hard and are vascular in appearance. They are asymptomatic; however the patient relates that they have been slowly growing over the past year.

[pic]

Which of the following conditions is most likely?

A. Sarcoidosis

B. Melanoma

C. Mycosis fungoides

D. Kaposi’s sarcoma

5. A patient who presents with pain at the first MTP joint is diagnosed with metatarsus primus elevatus

[pic][pic]

Which of the following physical exam finding is most likely present?

A. Hallux valgus

B. Hallux hammertoe

C. Dorsally contracted second toe

D. Dorsal hypertrophy, first metatarsal head

6. A patient presents with severe Achilles tendonitis. MRI findings reveal longitudinal tearing of the tendon fibers. She is not a surgical candidate, due to peripheral vascular disease, damaged kidneys and decreased peripheral sensation secondary to chemotherapy treatment for lymphoma.

[pic][pic]

Which of the ankle-foot orthoses shown is the most appropriate for this patient?

A. Option A

B. Option B

C. Option C

D. Option D

7. You are consulted for evaluation of a 6 month old with the left foot deformity shown, present since birth. Clinically the condition is flexible. No other abnormalities are noted.

[pic][pic]

[pic][pic]

Which of the following is the most appropriate initial treatment for this deformity?

A. Counter Rotation Splint

B. AFO

C. Serial casting

D. Surgical correction

8. A 4 year-old male is referred for evaluation of pain on the inner aspect of the left foot and abnormal gait for the past month, when his sister accidentally landed on his foot while playing. The condition is worsening. Musculoskeletal examination reveals smooth, unrestricted range of motion at the ankle, STJ and MTJ bilaterally. Gait is antalgic on the left with persistent supination of the left foot. Radiographs are shown.

[pic][pic]

[pic][pic]

Based on the suspected diagnosis, which of the following is the most appropriate treatment at this time?

A. Cast immobilization

B. NSAID therapy; PTB brace

C. AFO

D. UCBL with valgus rearfoot post

9. A 56 year-old male complains of long-term pain in his first MTP joint. Examination reveals moderately severe pain and crepitation with dorsiflexion. He is undomiciled and uninsured. Radiographs are shown.

[pic] [pic]

[pic][pic]

[pic][pic]Which of the following shoe recommendations/modifications are most appropriate for this patient?

A. Heel lift

B. Negative heel

C. Less rigid-sole

D. Metatarsal rocker bar

10. A patient who previously underwent an Austin bunionectomy complains of dorsal pain of the right hallux. The hallux does not purchase the ground with weight bearing. The hallux range of motion is a total of 60°.

[pic] [pic]

[pic][pic]

Which of the following procedures is most appropriate for this patient?

A. Hallux interphalangeal arthrodesis

B. Keller arthroplasty

C. Scarf osteotomy of first metatarsal

D. Arthrodesis of first MTP joint

11. These are the radiographs of a 26 year-old male, in good health, who presented to the ED 30 minutes after a gunshot wound to the right foot. A 2.0 cm. entrance wound is located on the dorsum of the first MTP joint.

[pic] [pic]

[pic][pic]

Initial care for the patient should include all the following EXCEPT:[pic][pic]

A. Irrigation & debridement

B. Cast immobilization

C. Tetanus prophylaxis

D. Primary fracture fixation

E. Antibiotics

12. A 60 year-old female presents for biopsy of the right fourth nail. Past surgical history includes aortic valve replacement. Medications include 5 mg of Coumadin (warfarin) daily. Her INR is 3.5 (0.9-1.2).

[pic][pic]

Which of the following is the most appropriate course of action?

A. Prescribe post-op antibiotics

B. Discontinue warfarin for 3-5 days before pre-op and start antibiotics post-op

C. Discontinue warfarin for 3-5 days and provide antibiotic prophylaxis pre-op

D. Prescribe pre-op antibiotics and perform the biopsy

13. A 34 year-old construction worker fell from a ladder at work. Muscle testing on the right reveals +2/5 strength of the peroneals, extensor hallucis longus, extensor digitorum longus, and posterior tibial muscles. His MRI is shown.

[pic][pic]

[pic][pic]

Which of the following is most consistent with these findings?

A. Low back strain

B. Spinal stenosis

C. Disk herniation

D. Tumor

14. A 48 year-old female presents with pruritic water blisters on her right foot. She has previously tried over the counter Lotrimin Ultra and Cortisone 10.

[pic] [pic]

[pic][pic]

Which of the following oral medications would be the most effective for this patient?

A. Terbinafine

B. Acyclovir

C. Tetracycline

D. Prednisone

15. A 23 year-old male complains of long-standing heel pain combined with a history of intermittent low back and hip pain. Radiograph is shown. Laboratory findings reveal a positive HLA-B27.

[pic]

[pic][pic]

Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

A. Rheumatoid arthritis

B. Systemic lupus erythematosus

C. Ankylosing spondylitis

D. Gouty arthritis

16. An 81 year-old female is seen with darkening of the toes as shown, which began 1 week ago. She has Type 2 DM, loss of protective threshold and an ABI of 0.8. She was recently diagnosed with atrial fibrillation.

[pic] [pic]

[pic][pic]

Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

A. Shower emboli

B. Ischemic changes

C. Raynaud's phenomenon

D. Perfringens infection

17. A 49 year-old male with Type 2 DM presents with the ulceration shown, of 8 weeks duration. He denies pain, redness or swelling. He notes clear fluid accumulating on his socks during the day, with odor. Examination reveals palpable pedal pulses and absent protective threshold.

[pic][pic]

Which of the following is the most appropriate initial treatment for this wound?

A. Admit; begin IV antibiotics; schedule for surgical debridement

B. Debride; obtain tissue cultures; radiographs; off-load the wound

C. Order MRI; begin Cipro 500mg Q12; prescribe depth inlay shoes

D. Swab culture; order CT angiography with runoff; apply enzymatic debriding agent

18. A 54 year-old female presents with a non-healing foot ulcer. Examination reveals an ankle brachial index of 1.2 (>1) and a TCpO2 of 45 mmHg (>55 mm Hg).

[pic][pic]

[pic][pic]

[pic][pic]Which of the following is the most likely explanation?

A. Poor arterial collateralization

B. Medial calcific sclerosis affected the study results

C. Vasospastic disease

D. Venous congestion

19. A 68 year-old RA female with the deformities shown is scheduled for first MTP joint arthrodesis with resection of metatarsal heads 2, 3, 4, 5.

[pic][pic]

[pic][pic]

Which of the following is the best post-op gait assistive device for partial weight bearing for this patient?

A. Single pronged cane

B. Four pronged cane

C. Forearm crutch

D. Platform crutch

20. A 32 year-old female tennis player presents for recent acute pain in the posterior right ankle during a match. MRI is shown.

[pic][pic]

[pic][pic]

Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

A. Inflamed retrocalcaneal bursa

B. Tumor or mass within the Achilles tendon

C. Avulsion fracture of the calcaneus at the Achilles tendon insertion

D. Partial rupture of the Achilles tendon

21. A 56 year-old male complains of long-term pain in his first MTP joint. Examination reveals moderately severe pain and crepitation with dorsiflexion. He is undomiciled and uninsured. Radiographs are shown.

[pic] [pic]

[pic][pic]

[pic][pic]Which of the following shoe recommendations/modifications are most appropriate for this patient?

A. Heel lift

B. Negative heel

C. Less rigid-sole

D. Metatarsal rocker bar

22. A 4 year-old male is referred for evaluation of pain on the inner aspect of the left foot and abnormal gait for the past month, when his sister accidentally landed on his foot while playing. The condition is worsening. Musculoskeletal examination reveals smooth, unrestricted range of motion at the ankle, STJ and MTJ bilaterally. Gait is antalgic on the left with persistent supination of the left foot. Radiographs are shown.

[pic][pic]

[pic][pic]

Based on the suspected diagnosis, which of the following is the most appropriate treatment at this time?

A. Cast immobilization

B. NSAID therapy; PTB brace

C. AFO

D. UCBL with valgus rearfoot post

23. You are consulted for evaluation of a 6 month old with the left foot deformity shown, present since birth. Clinically the condition is flexible. No other abnormalities are noted.

[pic][pic]

[pic][pic]

Which of the following is the most appropriate initial treatment for this deformity?

A. Counter Rotation Splint

B. AFO

C. Serial casting

D. Surgical correction

24. A patient presents with severe Achilles tendonitis. MRI findings reveal longitudinal tearing of the tendon fibers. She is not a surgical candidate, due to peripheral vascular disease, damaged kidneys and decreased peripheral sensation secondary to chemotherapy treatment for lymphoma.

[pic][pic]

Which of the ankle-foot orthoses shown is the most appropriate for this patient?

A. Option A

B. Option B

C. Option C

D. Option D

25. A patient who presents with pain at the first MTP joint is diagnosed with metatarsus primus elevatus

[pic]

[pic]

Which of the following physical exam finding is most likely present?

A. Hallux valgus

B. Hallux hammertoe

C. Dorsally contracted second toe

D. Dorsal hypertrophy, first metatarsal head

Answers: 1.d, 2.c, 3.c, 4.d, 5.d, 6.a, 7.c, 8.a, 9.d, 10.d, 11.b, 12.c, 13.c, 14.a, 15.c, 16.a, 17.b, 18.b, 19.d, 20.d, 21.d, 22.a, 23.c, 24.a, 25.d

THE ABPM MAINTENANCE OF CERTIFICATION (MOC) PROGRAM

What is the MOC Program?

The ABPM Maintenance of Certification (MOC) Program is designed to provide its Diplomates with a self-study, self-assessment, patient evaluation, and peer evaluation process to improve and maintain that Diplomate's clinical knowledge and skills in delivering quality patient care. This program is based on current trends in MOC program development implemented by certifying boards in most medical specialties. The ABPM shares "Fully Qualified" status by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), with several allopathic and other certifying boards.

The purpose of MOC is to facilitate constant improvement in the physician’s ability to effectively maintain knowledge and skills in an environment of ongoing growth and complexity within medical science and the demands on clinical care. Public accountability and transparency are requirements of current medical practice and the MOC program will assist the physician in meeting this goal.

There are FOUR components to MOC:

1. Professionalism

2. Lifelong Learning

3. Cognitive Expertise (Examination)

4. Performance in Practice

For ABPM Diplomates holding 10-year time-limited certificates, the ABPM Maintenance of Certification (MOC) Program has replaced the previous re-certification process. If not voluntarily enrolled in sooner by Diplomates in this class, the program becomes mandatory at the conclusion of the Diplomate's existing 10-year cycle. Components 1 and 2 are essentially unchanged from current requirements.

Diplomates holding Lifetime Certificates are not required to enter the MOC program and may continue to re-credential through the Board's self-assessment examination, as had been done previously. Lifetime Certificate holders' verification classification will remain as “Diplomate.” Lifetime Certificate holders may, however, elect to enroll or dis-enroll in the MOC program at any given year within their certification cycle. When enrolled, Lifetime Certificate holders must fulfill all four components of the MOC requirements (components 1-3 are essentially unchanged from current requirements).

Regardless of certificate type, once enrolled and while fulfilling the requirements, Diplomates will be reported by the ABPM as “Certified and Meeting all the Requirements of MOC.”

Details regarding the ABPM MOC program can be obtained at and clicking on "MOC program".

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CHANGE OF ADDRESS

Whenever there is a change in the address appearing on your application form, it is mandatory that you inform us immediately, in writing only, by mail, fax or e-mail. Do not phone in your change of address.

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