Physician certification in cardiovascular imaging: rationale, process, and benefits

Abstract

Cardiologists, radiologists, and nuclear medicine physicians receive training and may be allowed to perform cardiovascular imaging by using echocardiography, nuclear cardiology, or cardiovascular computed tomography. Given the tremendous variability in training and expertise, physician certification in each of these areas has been developed as a measure of providing quality studies for accurate patient diagnosis and management. In this paper, the history, the process of examination development and administration, eligibility requirements, the results of physician testing, and board recognition will be presented for each of the 3 boards. Payers and government regulators have recognized these boards as a measure of physician quality, and they are often required for physician reimbursement and licensure. Because many physicians provide service in more than 1 specialty, discussions are ongoing to simplify the application, testing and recertification processes.