Health Care Quality & Management (HCQM) Certification



Certification in Health Care Quality and Management (HCQM) for Physicians, Nurses, and Other Health Care Professionals

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 demonstrates 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.

A hospital or health system adopting HCQM Certification/education for their medical staff allows them to say to outside interests that they have the highest possible standards for their medical team by certifying their medical staff through an independent, non-profit organization (ABQAURP) that is dedicated to improving the overall quality of health care that is provided to the public.

Professionals who have achieved certification in HCQM are deeply 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. HCQM Board Certification addresses the need for effectiveness, efficiency, equity, safety, and timeliness.

Acquiring the ABQAURP HCQM Board Certification demonstrates:
  • Professional drive and achievement.
  • Enhanced skills and expertise to manage in today’s complex health care environment.
  • Mastery of skills exceeding the minimum requirements of a specific position.
  • Educational accomplishment and increased knowledge.

Additional Sub-Specialty Certifications are available in the following categories:
  • Case Management
  • Managed Care
  • Patient Safety / Risk Management
  • Physician Advisor
  • Transitions of Care
  • Workers’ Compensation

HCQM Exam Candidate Handbook
Download the HCQM Exam Candidate Handbook, CLICK HERE  





What Others Have Said:
“As a Physician Advisor, achieving HCQM certification in the beginning of my physician advisor journey had been pivotal in enhancing my expertise and credibility in Utilization Management. The courses at ABQAURP and comprehensive examination process equipped me with invaluable skills to do my job as a physician advisor effectively and confidently. CHCQM certification not only signifies my commitment to ensuring patient-centric care but also empowers me to drive quality improvement initiatives within my organization. I highly recommend CHCQM to fellow Physician Advisors seeking to elevate their proficiency and make valuable contributions to healthcare quality and efficiency.”
Chandrasekhar Dinasarapu, MD, MPH, FHM, CCDS, CHCQM-PHYADV
Certified in 2019

"The content studied and the knowledge gained to achieve ABQAURP CHCQM status has greatly enhanced my ability to be a Utilization Management Physician Advisor. My hospital feels this is a valuable resource as we move forward."
William L. Crawford, MD
Medical Director of Utilization Management and Senior Physician Advisor, Concord Hospital
Certified in 2016

"There is a sense of trust from other healthcare professionals...it means the qualification obtained adheres to the standards and ethics of a professional board. My certification with ABQAURP exemplifies expertise, dedication and commitment to quality and safety. I am honored to be a Diplomate of this prestigious Organization.
Genoveva Prieto, MD, CHCQM
Diplomate since 2012

"ABQAURP offers prestige and leadership! As a member of ABQAURP, I can count on educational opportunities and vanguard information related to my profession. It is an honor to follow and share the organization's guiding principles with peers and future members. I look forward to the annual meetings and lectures by leading experts! … and enjoy the warm welcome and 'first name hellos' by the highly professional staff!"
Norma Romero, MSN, ARNP, CHCQM
Diplomate since 2012

"My ABQAURP Health Care Quality and Management Certification has earned me the ability to be a more effective Healthcare Information Technology consultant. As a nurse in the industry, I have up to date information on pressing issues, understand the bigger picture of health care quality and safety, and have a nationwide network of experts available through my certified peers."
 Rylla Riverman, RN
Emeritus, Certified in 1989

"I am truly grateful to represent ABQAURP and to have obtained the CHCQM designation. I feel that this certification will enhance my abilities as a physician actively working in the healthcare quality and utilization management arena."
Adam Rench MD, CHCQM-PHYADV
Physician Advisor, MedManagement LLC
Diplomate since 2016

"Working as a non-clinical person in a clinical environment, it (HCQM Certification) has allowed me to work in a peer to peer relationship leading to success not only in the medical management arena but in the business side of healthcare. I believe it provides opportunities to increase education in the current quality and patient safety movement."
 Joanne H. Soublis
Certified in 1995

How HCQM Certification adds to my daily professional performance: "It makes me aware of issues related to medical practice but not taught in medical schools, such as quality assurance, error management, medical records management, peer review issues and many more."
Sarala A. Rao, MD
Certified in 1986

"Low health literacy affects patient safety every day across our nation. To improve quality of care -- and help Americans live longer, healthier lives -- health care professionals and patients must understand and address how every individual's health is impacted by personal health choices, as well as by health care delivery systems. ABQAURP is fostering these connections through technology and education. Together, we can improve health care quality, health literacy, and the health of all Americans."
Vice Admiral Richard H. Carmona, MD, MPH, FACS
United States Surgeon General (August 5, 2002 - July 31, 2006)
Certified in 1995

"Achieving Diplomate status has not only enriched my professional expertise and standing, but it also has provided eligibility for my staff and me to qualify for a certification differential and earn additional income in recognition of that expertise."
Linda Lemon-Steiner, MPH, RN, LHRM
Chief Nursing Officer, Doctors Hospital of Sarasota, FL
Certified in 1999

"I am proud to include the CHCQM-CM credential as evidence of my commitment to health care quality and case management. It is essential that health care professionals take a broad view of health care delivery. The ABQAURP credential represents a pledge to health care quality first and foremost. The individual who successfully undergoes the rigorous application and testing process personifies the "best in class" mentality that is so desperately needed to meet the challenges presented by the business of health care today."
Teri Treiger, RN-BC, MA, CHCQM-CM, CCM
Ascent Care Management, LLC
Diplomate since 2011