MGMA In Practice blog

Despite the economy, last year the American College of Medical Practice Executives (ACMPE) – the certification body of MGMA – saw an increase in membership and a record-breaking addition of 240 certified members. Even in trying times, competition pushes motivated people to differentiate themselves and prove their worth. What better way to demonstrate your knowledge and dedication to your medical practice management profession than by attaining ACMPE certification?

It's a great investment in your future that provides many rewards, including:

• Professional respect from physicians, peers and colleagues
• Increased earning and career potential
• Knowing that what you learn and implement measurably benefits your practice

Make this year your year to earn your credentials as a Certified Medical Practice Executive (CMPE) or Fellow in ACMPE. After all, CMPEs and Fellows earn, on average, 24 percent more than their non-certified colleagues.

To get started, check out these seven (mostly free!) resources for ACMPE members pursuing board certification and Fellowship.

1. Take the Body of Knowledge Quiz
   Passing the ACMPE objective exam is one of the certification requirements. This quiz has 100 questions weighted by domain in the same manner as the objective exam. In addition to helping Nominees prepare for the exam, all ACMPE members earn continuing education credit hours for completing it. MGMA members are free to take it, too.
   
2. Earn continuing education with MGMA Connexion article assessments
   New last year, ACMPE members can earn ACMPE continuing education by reading and completing assessments about MGMA Connexion magazine articles. Each assessment provides 1 hour of continuing education – perfect for earning credit without leaving your office.
   
3. Download the Board Certification Progress Report & Planning Tool
   Chart your path to certification with this easy-to-use worksheet that walks you through each step of the certification process. The tool allows you to note your progress and contains helpful ACMPE resources for achieving your goal.
   
4. Attend a workshop to plan your certification process
   Prefer to have someone guide you through certification? Attend an upcoming, online board-certification course to get an in-depth understanding of the four ACMPE board-certification requirements: objective examination, essay examination, presentation requirement and continuing education requirement.
   
   An ACMPE Fellow and ACMPE staff member will guide you through the process, and you'll be connected instantly with other ACMPE members pursuing certification. Think of this workshop like your own personal cheerleader.
   
5. Bookmark the Body of Knowledge Web pages
   Accompanying the Body of Knowledge for Medical Practice Management, 2nd Edition, are eight Web pages dedicated to each of the eight knowledge domains. These pages contain free domain quizzes and are continually updated with articles and products that can help you manage your practice in the areas of:

• Business Operations
• Financial Management
• Human Resource Management
• Information Management
• Organizational Governance
• Patient Care Systems
• Quality Management
• Risk Management
  

6. Use the ACMPE Knowledge Assessment
   Earn continuing education credit, and prepare for the exams, with this self-scored, objective evaluation containing 175 multiple-choice questions from material in the Body of Knowledge. The assessment is a great way to determine your strengths and areas for improvement. Plus, explore five sample essay questions and a sample essay exam grading form.
   
7. Check out ACMPE Fellowship resources
   Already a CMPE? If you're thinking about Fellowship this year, be sure to visit the ACMPE Fellowship page for everything you need to achieve the highest level of distinction in the medical practice profession. This year's Fellows class will be officially recognized (and will celebrate!) at the MGMA 2010 Annual Conference in New Orleans.