Updated CME / CE Course!
 Utilization Management Peer Reviewer Training
Linda G. Sheff, MBA, CHCQM
This online PDF-based course presents the principles and components of Utilization Review and Utilization Management standards. Learners will explore how collaborating with the health care team will accomplish the goals of utilization management and maximize the health and well-being of the patients they serve. Learn the review process to meet national standards including those as required for URAC's Health Utilization Management Accreditation.
Learn more and register for the course.
New CME / CE Course – Complimentary!
 Clinical Pearls for Reconciling Analgesic Medications
Elizabeth Cook, PharmD, BCACP, CDCES
This online course presented by Elizabeth Cook, PharmD, BCACP, CDCES, discusses during transitions of care (TOC), medication errors are commonly attributed to inadequate medication reconciliation practices. The risk of medication errors can be compounded in patients with multiple comorbid diseases, or those with complex pharmacotherapeutic regimens, such as those patients suffering from pain conditions.
The course will review best practices in verifying, clarifying, and reconciling analgesic regimens in persons with acute and/or chronic pain to ensure safe and effective management during TOC.
Hear more from Elizabeth Cook, as she presents her session: Quality and Safety Considerations for Reconciling Analgesic Medications During Care Transitions at ABQAURP’s 48th Annual Conference.
Updated CME / CE Course!
 Patient Advocacy in Utilization Review
Linda G. Sheff, MBA, CHCQM
This online PDF text-based course introduces the concepts, language, and processes of Utilization Review (UR) for interprofessional providers acting as patient advocates, including physicians, nurses, medical office staff, professional patient advocates, and other individuals that want to expand their knowledge of UR and its role in managed health care.
Registration is Open to Attend ABQAURP's 2025 Annual Conference
 Network with your colleagues and earn CME / CE credit at ABQAURP 's 48th Annual Conference. Discover methods to utilize collaboration and emerging technologies across health care settings to break down silos to ensure quality improvement. Learn valuable skills to develop internal leadership competencies to communicate more effectively, become more resilient and lead teams to consistently thrive.
Discover the invaluable role of the physician advisor in managing resources, enhancing quality, maximizing utilization, reducing readmissions and denials. Don't miss this opportunity to partner for success!
Special Annual Conference Registration Offer for Diplomates: Bring a Colleague and Save!
Do you know a colleague that would benefit from ABQAURP education or membership? Invite them to register for our annual conference to discover our top-notch education!
To show our appreciation, you receive 50% off your registration fee when you bring one non-member colleague. Your registration is free when you bring two (2) non-member colleagues. Call for offer details at (800) 998-6030 or (727) 569-0190.
Register here.
View Our Conference Exhibitors!
Our exhibitors provide an enriching experience with interactive discussions that are informative and beneficial to health care quality and patient safety. We value their presence and industry insight at our conference. Learn how your organization can partner with us as an exhibitor!
   
Sheraton Sand Key Resort
 
Hotel Deadline is August 15, 2025! Make your hotel reservations online here or by calling Sheraton Sand Key Reservations at (727) 595-1611. Identify yourself as an ABQAURP conference attendee to receive our special room rate of $219/single or double occupancy. Rooms in this block are limited and availability is offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
 A Message from Our Corporate Member: AppriseMD
AppriseMD denial management and physician advisor services increase reimbursement revenue and shorten the revenue cycle through solutions aimed at reducing denials. Our unique approach to medical case review allows our hospital clients to:
- Optimize reimbursement
- Improve patient outcomes
- Manage length of stay
- Promote compliance
- Reinforce revenue integrity
With no software installation required, we are equipped to support hospital advisory overflow needs quickly and efficiently with our human-powered clinical and payer expertise.
Learn more here.
 2025 CHCQM Diplomate Achievement Award Winner!
ABQAURP is pleased to announce the selection of Karen Clark, MD, MACP, FRCP, CHCQM-PHYADV, as the winner of the 2025 CHCQM Diplomate Achievement Award!
Dr. Clark provides Physician Advisory Services to the West Virginia University Health System and serves as Medical Director Utilization Management and Physician Advisory Services. She is also a Professor of Medicine in the Internal Medicine Department at WVU Medicine.
Dr. Clark was project lead for WVUH’s Complex Care Plans for High Utilizers pilot program which has grown to be co-led by physician advisors and an interdisciplinary team to manage the overuse of emergency department services and resources while preventing adverse outcomes. Safety, utilization, and financial outcomes have been significant and positive, hospital staff and physician acceptance of the care plan model is high, and they have continued to examine processes for opportunities to improve through annual reviews utilizing QI principles. Read Dr. Clark's award submission!
Thank you to all the Diplomates that submitted outstanding initiatives leading to sustainable change in patient safety outcomes, provider and/or patient engagement, and overall quality improvements. Read the Honorable Mention award submissions.
 Join us at our 2025 Annual Conference to hear more about the program and to congratulate Dr. Clark. The CHCQM Diplomate Achievement Award presentation will take place on Friday, September 12, 2025.
Membership Dues Reminder - Don't Walk Away from Quality
 If you have not done so already, please pay your member dues online now! ABQAURP is grateful for your membership and ongoing support of our shared goal to improve the quality of health care provided to patients. We recommend paying your membership dues online through our secure payment system.
If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact Membership Services at (800) 998-6030. ABQAURP does not engage in lobbying; 0% of your membership dues are allocated for lobbying activities.
Pay your dues online HERE.
Don't Delay! Recertify Today!
Attention Diplomates! Recertify now and avoid delays! We recommend completing your recertification early in your cycle instead of waiting until the deadline to recertify. The recertification cycle is two years, with the member's initial recertification cycle beginning on October 1, after passing the exam, and ending on September 30 of the second year.
CHCQM Recertification: Complete a minimum of eight (8) CME / CE credit hours of applicable continuing education every two years and remain current with all account balances. Read the HCQM Recertification Policy.
CPHYADV Recertification: Complete a minimum of 20 CME / CE credit hours of continuing education as relevant to the field of Physician Advisory per two-year recertification cycle and remain current with all account balances. Read the CPHYADV Recertification Policy.
ABQAURP’s Center for Education provides high-quality educational activities including ABQAURP’s Annual Conferences on-demand, complimentary courses and more! Learn new skills and strategies from the comfort and convenience of your own home or office.
Applicable online course credits automatically apply toward Diplomate recertification or certification exam eligibility requirements.
Earn the credential of Certified Advanced Physician Advisor – CPHYADV!
Applications are currently being accepted for the Advanced Physician Advisor exam, and the testing window is open! Submit your application now to reserve your preferred test time and location.
Learn more and download the application.
Health Care Quality Management (HCQM) Certification Exam
Apply today for the Health Care Quality and Management Certification exam. Applications are currently being accepted, and the test window is open. Submit your application now to secure your preferred testing time and location.
Learn more and download the application.
HCQM Sub-Specialty Certifications
Validate your specialized knowledge and experience through HCQM sub-specialty certification. Sub-specialty certification may be applied for during completion of the initial HCQM Exam application, or you may return and apply after passing the HCQM Exam and achieving Diplomate status.
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
Learn more here.
Prepare for the Health Care Quality and Management (HCQM) Certification Exam
Prepare to become a quality leader or refresh your knowledge by completing the HCQM: A Review of the Core Body of Knowledge® (CBK) online course. This course is a primer for the Health Care Quality and Management Certification Exam.
Learn the basics of health care quality, risk management, accreditation, and patient safety. With ABQAURP’s CBK online course, you can prepare for the exam on your own terms and at your own pace.
View details and order course here.
The American Board of Quality Assurance and Utilization Review Physicians, Inc. is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
ABQAURP designates this enduring material for a maximum of 26 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
ABQAURP is an approved provider of continuing education for nurses. This activity is designated for 26 contact hours through the Florida Board of Nursing, Provider #50-94.
Join ABQAURP as a Professional Member! Membership is open to all health care professionals, including those in clinical and health care managerial roles.
Be recognized for your commitment to quality health care! ABQAURP has led the health care quality movement for over 48 years and has grown to become a premier professional association providing board certification in Health Care Quality & Management (HCQM) and Advanced Physician Advisor Certifications, ACCME-accredited continuing medical education, and membership to health care professionals worldwide. View a compiled list of organizations that recognize, prefer, or require HCQM Certification and/org Advanced Physician Advisor Certification when seeking new employees.
Professional Membership benefits include:
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