Improving Health & Healthcare (IHHC) (formerly maintenance of certification certification part IV) resources and faqs

The Children’s Health℠ Improving Health & Health Care (IHHC) (formerly Maintenance of Certification (MOC) Part IV) Portfolio Program assists physicians with earning IHHC/MOC credit for initiatives they are already working on. The IHHC/MOC Program is a resource to physicians while developing projects and can submit projects and participation to ABMS boards on behalf of the physician.

No, the Children’s Heath℠ IHHC/MOC Program does not charge a fee to submit project applications or participation through our Portfolio for credit. Individual Boards may have fees associated with IHHC/MOC Parts.

The Children’s Heath℠ IHHC/MOC Program only accepts submission of applications for projects that are ongoing or completed. The MOC Program can advise physicians during the planning of a project to ensure it meets appropriate standards and guidelines for quality initiatives and meaningful participation for future submission. The project can then be submitted to the Committee for approval once baseline data is available.

The IHHC/MOC Program Manager will provide feedback to physicians after Committee review, and once Approved, an email will be sent to the Project Lead with information on submitting participation for the project.

Project Leads are required to present a project progress report annually to the committee. Project Leads will also review, approve, and submit participation forms for other physicians participating in their project.

Project Leads should maintain documentation for at least 6 years. Documentation can also be provided to the IHHC/MOC Portfolio Program for permanent retention electronically.

Physicians who have identified a gap in patient care impacting quality that are not currently being met by one of our Active projects are encouraged to develop a project that meets their practice’s needs. The IHHC/MOC Program can advise physicians during the planning of a project to ensure it meets appropriate standards and guidelines for quality initiatives and meaningful participation for future submission. The project can then be submitted to the Committee for approval once baseline data is available.

Project Leads will need to complete a participation form for credit. The form will be reviewed and signed by the IHHC/MOC Committee Chair.

Once a participation form is received, the IHHC/MOC Program will submit credit in the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) Multispecialty Portfolio Program and notify the physician of submission via email. Physicians should expect to see credit issued to their Board profile within 30 days.

Physicians should contact their Project Lead to determine if the project has been submitted for participation under an ABMS Multispecialty Portfolio Program’s Sponsors. The Sponsor can submit participation according to their procedures. If the project is not currently sponsored, the Children’s Heath℠ MOC Portfolio Program can work with the Project Lead on submission and approval, so that participation can subsequently be submitted.

Children’s Heath℠ CME activities are not currently registered as part of the ABMS Continuing Certification Directory. Physicians may still receive credit for the CME activities based on individual Board requirements but would need to submit CME credit directly to the Board.