Health Care News:
- In this study, radiation oncology care managed by remote physicians was found to be safe and effective, with no serious patient safety events. Read here.
- A culture of analytics, starting with leadership at the top, is key for hospitals and health systems that aim to bolster care delivery and manage other health care challenges, says one patient safety expert. Learn more.
- A new study finds the implementation of a standardized handoff protocol in the operating room can reduce errors and improve patient care. Download the abstract.
Joseph G. Vitolo, MD, FAPA, FASAM, CHCQM-PHYADV, FABQAURP
ABQAURP Chairman of the Board
 ABQAURP is pleased to announce Joseph G. Vitolo, MD, FAPA, FASAM, CHCQM-PHYADV, FABQAURP, as the Chairman of the Board of Directors. Dr. Vitolo brings many years of expertise and insight to his new leadership position. He has been a member of the Board of Directors since 1998 and has served as Vice Chairman, Chair of the Exam, Credentials, and Nominating Committees, and as a member of the Education, Finance, and Executive Committees.
Dr. Vitolo has a consultation-based private practice with a background in multiple specialties including primary care, psychiatry, and addiction medicine. As well he provides consultations for disability determinations and vocational rehabilitation. Dr. Vitolo is also a Federal Contractor in the System of Award Management (SAM) and holds two Federal Contracts as a Medical Expert Consultant with the Social Security Administration, specifically, the Office of Hearings Operations and the Office of Appellate Operations. Dr. Vitolo received his MD from the University of Monterrey and completed his Clinical Clerkship at S.U.N.Y. Downstate Medical Center, Coney Island Hospital.
Join us in welcoming Dr. Vitolo as the Chairman of the Board!
Now Accepting Applications for the 2025 CHCQM Diplomate Achievement Award!
 To recognize the achievements of our extraordinary Diplomates, ABQAURP presents the Diplomate Achievement Award bi-annually in conjunction with our Annual Conference.
ABQAURP presents the Award to recognize the Diplomate that embodies the values of the medical profession through leadership, service, excellence, and integrity; demonstrating their commitment to advancing our mission to improve the quality of health care!
The award will identify leaders whose outstanding initiatives have led to measurable change in patient safety outcomes, provider and/or patient engagement, and overall quality improvements.
The Diplomate Achievement Award presentation will take place on Friday, September 12, 2025, at ABQAURP’s 48th Annual Conference in Clearwater Beach, Florida.
Submissions must be received by January 15, 2025.
Learn more and apply here.
 We value your continued membership and contribution to our shared mission to improve health care quality and safety!
Don’t wait to recertify! The new biennial recertification cycle runs from October 1st through September 30th of year two. Diplomates are required to complete a minimum of 8 CME / CE credit hours of applicable continuing education every two years and remain current with all account balances. To encourage Diplomates to recertify now, ABQAURP is offering several options for recertification.
Annual Conference
Join us September 12-13, 2024, at Disney's BoardWalk Inn in Lake Buena Vista, FL to hear from industry leaders as we discuss "Embracing Technology to Empower Health Care Quality Leaders". Click here to register today!
Online Courses
Earn educational credit at your convenience! A variety of online courses are now available in our Education Center, including complimentary courses, last year's Annual Conference sessions, and the 12-hour Patient Safety Certificate Course! Save 10% on ANY online course - use Promo RECERT24EM by September 30th! Click here to browse the online course catalog!
CE Recertification Application
Submit non-ABQAURP credits already earned. Submit online here ! See Option 2.
Diplomates are encouraged to recertify in the first year of their 2-year recertification cycle. Upon completion of eight hours of continuing education, at anytime during your recertification cycle, your recertification due date will be advanced two years.
View recertification details here.
Share Your Professional Accomplishments with Your ABQAURP Peers!
 Do you have news to share or a recent accomplishment you would like to post in the ABQAURP Newsroom? Email abqaurp@abqaurp.org with your request. Please send your full contact information along with your member ID# and information you would like to post. We will review your submission and, once approved, post information in the newsroom.
If you would like to submit an article for publication, review the ABQAURP Author Guidelines and complete the form included. Email abqaurp@abqaurp.org with your contact information.
There is Still Time to Register for ABQAURP’s 2024 Annual Conference!
 As the future of health care advances, the collaborative care team must forge ahead while providing quality patient care. Gaining the knowledge and practical tools to incorporate innovative technology, like artificial intelligence, while maintaining quality and safety standards is integral in developing health care leaders.
ABQAURP's 47th Annual Conference will provide insight into emerging technology, aligning digital quality to care delivery, and strategies to improve processes and utilization while decreasing payment denials. Discover how new strategies can be incorporated without losing sight of the return on investment or quality of care. A panel discussion will examine how the interprofessional health care team can work together to improve care transitions into the community and is committed to advocating for patients and providers as we traverse into the future.
Expert faculty will discuss key communication strategies for participating in peer-to-peer discussions to decrease denials and improve success. Attendees will discover strategies to assess their utilization programs to transform their review process into a robust utilization management program. Join us for this opportunity to learn firsthand from health systems that have developed internal physician advisor programs.
To make your hotel reservations, call the Disney Group Reservations Phone Team at (407) 939-4686.
We can't wait to see you at ABQAURP's 47th Annual Conference in Lake Buena Vista, Florida!
Exhibitors and Sponsors:
       
View Exhibit and Sponsorship opportunities here.
How Can Your Organization Partner with ABQAURP?
 Exhibit at ABQAURP's Annual Conference to network with organization leaders and demonstrate the value of your products and services to health care quality leaders! Conference attendees include professionals in the following positions: Physicians and Nurses from all specialties, Medical Directors, CMOs, CNOs, CEOs, Physician Advisors, Hospitalists, Quality and Utilization Directors, Care Transition Directors, Case Managers, and Managed Care providers.
Exhibit booth space is limited - Reserve your space now!
Download the Conference Prospectus, complete the Exhibit or Sponsor order form, and return the completed application to ksokoll@abqaurp.org.
Earn the credential of Certified Advanced Physician Advisor - CPHYADV!
Relying on our 47 years of certification expertise, this psychometrically sound board certification was developed under the guidance of a diverse panel of seasoned subject matter experts and Certification Management Services (CMS) to ensure a valid, reliable certification exam. Developed by Physician Advisors for Physician Advisors, with well-defined topics identified through a robust competency analysis, the certification exam blueprint and exam items were written by a team of credible experts serving in a variety of Physician Advisor roles throughout the country.
The exam was developed by a team of expert Physician Advisors with the goal to elevate the skills of all Physician Advisors! The certification exam is designed to validate the knowledge of the Advanced Physician Advisor. Testing not only the basics, but practical application of concepts and skills used in everyday practice. The Advanced Physician Advisor board certification enhances the credibility of the physician advisor practicing today in health systems, hospitals, and ancillary facilities.
 Candidates who successfully complete the advanced board certification exam will earn the credential of Certified Advanced Physician Advisor (CPHYADV). Earning this credential leverages Physician Advisors for professional opportunities and allows you to stand out amongst your peers.
The Advanced Physician Advisor Certification Exam window is open through September 30, 2024.
ABQAURP offers candidates in-person testing at Meazure Learning Test Centers or remote testing via the MonitorEDU remote proctoring system.
Read eligibility requirements and get started now!
ABQAURP 2024 Member Referral Program
 Spread the Word on Quality! Referrals are the number one source of new ABQAURP Members!
You are our strongest and most valuable resource. Your involvement in the 2024 membership referral campaign plays an essential role in ensuring the vitality of your organization. A strong membership foundation ensures a strong association!
ABQAURP rewards existing members who recruit new members and will credit your account $25.00 for each referral you submit that joins as a Professional Member, Corporate Member, Joint Provider, or applies for the HCQM Exam. The member who recruits the most will receive a "Member Spotlight" on the home page of ABQAURP's website, one complimentary 2025 annual conference registration, and win $500!* The prize will be awarded at the Annual Conference. A complimentary conference registration will be provided to the winner to attend. ABQAURP is not responsible for travel or hotel costs.
*The prize is awarded as a $500 Visa gift card. If the winner is unable to attend conference, the prize will be awarded as a $500 credit on your ABQAURP account for future use.
Don't miss this opportunity to advance your association's goals and save money on your annual dues!
View member referral program details here.
HCQM Certification Exam 2024
Prepare for Excellence with HCQM Certification!
For 47 years, health care professionals certified in Health Care Quality and Management (HCQM) have shown their commitment and specialized focus in quality care and patient safety that distinguishes them from their colleagues
HCQM Certification demonstrates that ABQAURP Diplomates have the practical knowledge to reduce medical errors, ensure patient safety, eliminate waste and unnecessary services, while avoiding potentially harmful delays in care. Certification verifies to internal and external entities that you, your group practice, or hospital is accountable. The result is a safer, more efficient and cost-effective system that better satisfies the needs of patients, providers, purchasers, and payers.
Professionals who have achieved certification in HCQM are committed to patient safety, health care quality, and effective care. Those certified in HCQM demonstrate their superior ability to critically evaluate industry literature, identify evidence-based best practices, and make recommendations that balance appropriateness of health care services with cost and quality.
The 2024 exam window is open from April 1st through September 30th. Test in-person at a Meazure Learning Test Center or test remotely via the MonitorEDU remote proctoring system. MonitorEDU allows you to test safely, reliably, securely, at any time, and from any location, through a proven remote online assessment platform.
*While MonitorEDU allows an exam candidate to test anywhere, it is recommended that your work network not be utilized due to firewall and other security concerns.
Register here.
Sub-Specialty Certifications are available in the following categories:
- Case Management – CHCQM-CM
- Managed Care – CHCQM-MC
- Patient Safety/Risk Management – CHCQM-PSRM
- Physician Advisor (US-licensed physicians only) – CHCQM-PHYADV™
- Transitions of Care – CHCQM-TOC
- Workers' Compensation – CHCQM-WC
ABQAURP Professional Membership
 Join ABQAURP Today and Be Recognized for Your Commitment to Health Care Quality and Patient Safety!
Be part of the success in improving health care and help support the advancement of the health care quality industry.
Professional Membership benefits include:
- Complimentary CME/CEs in ABQAURP's Learning Management System. Credits earned for these programs may be applied toward eligibility for the certification exam.
- Discounted tuition for ABQAURP-sponsored Continuing Education Conferences.
- Discount on the Core Body of Knowledge online course for HCQM Exam preparation.
- Discounts on Advanced Physician Advisor and HCQM Certification Exam registrations.
- Discounted tuition for online courses in ABQAURP's Learning Management System.
- Access to ABQAURP's CE Spotlight Courses which offer health care quality and management online courses from our course catalog for free several times per year!
- Access to ABQAURP’s Career Center. Take advantage of employment opportunities through ABQAURP’s participating health care placement companies.
- Listing in ABQAURP's online directory and unlimited access to the Member's Only section of the website.
Learn more about Professional Membership here.
Follow ABQAURP on Social Networks
Follow us on social media to keep up to date on our announcements, special incentives on our programs and services, and topical discussions from fellow leaders in the health care arena! Share strategies with your peers to cope in this uncertain time.
 ABQAURP LinkedIn Group
 ABQAURP Facebook Page |
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