The Monthly Dose: February 2025
Posted by Jorge Francisco on
Welcome to the latest edition of "The Monthly Dose"!
Let’s dig in!
News and Announcements
Elevance Health Credentialing Now Inclusive of NBPAS Physicians
We are thrilled to announce that Elevance Health (formerly Anthem/Blue Cross Blue Shield) has officially updated its credentialing criteria in a manner that includes NBPAS physicians for network enrollment.
Specifically, Elevance now includes language for physicians who choose not to participate in MOC programs. Key language:
"As alternatives, MDs and DOs meeting any one of the following criteria will be
viewed as meeting the education, training, and certification requirement:
i. Previous board certification (as defined by one of the following: ABMS, AOA, RCPSC, CFPC, ABFAS,
ABPM, or ABOMS) in the clinical specialty or subspecialty for which they are applying, which has now
expired, and a minimum of 10 consecutive years of clinical practice."
Read the full policy HERE
Why This Matters
Elevance Health is one of the largest health insurers in the U.S., with over 115 million covered lives. It operates under the Elevance, Anthem, and BCBS brands across 14 states (CA, CO, CT, GA, IN, KY, ME, MO, NV, NH, NY, OH, VA, WI) and owns myriad subsidiaries in 27 states. This decision has immediate, positive implications for NBPAS-certified physicians, their patients, and hospitals nationwide.
Next steps
Help spread the word! If your hospital does not yet recognize NBPAS certification, download and share our prepared letter with your credentialing office, medical executive committee, credentialing committee, and hospital leadership. Misinformation persists, and we need your help in clarifying that NBPAS certification does not impact reimbursement—key information that accelerates hospital acceptance.
Round of Applause to Our Physicians
This milestone is a testament to the power of physician-led change. By advocating for a fair, education-focused certification pathway, we are shaping the future of continuous board certification. Now more than ever, we must continue to stand together to ensure widespread recognition of NBPAS.
New Initiatives
NBPAS Leadership Academy Kickoff!
NBPAS is thrilled to announce the start of its Leadership Academy, designed to help you become an informed advocate and expert NBPAS ambassador.
Session One: Payors and Accreditation Requirements for Health Plans
📅 Thursday, March 27, 2025 | Live Session - 7pm EST
Join us as we dive into key insights, including:
- National accreditation requirements - what’s truly required (the answer may surprise you)
- NCQA and URAC - Understanding the two major accreditors for health plans and their role in enforcing CMS requirements
- Words that matter: "Current," "Active," "Initial," and "Previous" - Key words that influence MOC requirements
- Board certification versus Primary Source Verification - What’s the difference and why does it matter?
- Payor Tracking - Why NBPAS does not maintain a payor list in every state.
- Who Makes the Decisions? Unpacking who truly holds the power in credentialing.
- The NBPAS Value Proposition: Obtain data-driven tools to positively drive conversations and add wins!
Can’t make it live? No problem. All sessions will be recorded and shared in The Monthly Dose and on the NBPAS website.
New Accepting Health System
NBPAS Welcomes Community Health Network (CHN), Indianapolis, Indiana!
Community Health Network (CHN) is a non-profit health system with more than 200 sites of care and affiliates throughout Central Indiana. CHN’s full continuum of care integrates hundreds of physicians, specialty and acute care hospitals, surgery centers, home care services, MedChecks, behavioral health and employer health services. CHN prides itself to deliver exceptional, community-based care that puts patients and their caregivers first.
Thank you to our CHN physicians for their leadership and perseverance in bringing NBPAS to central Indiana!
Notes from the Office
New Application Improvements: Track Your CME Status
We’re excited to introduce a new feature that makes it easier to track your application progress! You can now monitor the status of your CME submissions, including the number of hours uploaded and, if applicable, any reasons for rejection.
To view your CME status, you must have an active application and be logged into your Physician Portal. Simply navigate to "View/Upload CMEs" to check your progress.
The images below provide a helpful guide on where to find this information. If you have any questions, please contact us at info@nbpas.org.
Champions of Change
Thank you to all NBPAS physicians who go above and beyond to champion life-long learning while advocating for competition and choice in continuing certification.
NBPAS is thrilled to introduce Dr. Jeremy A. Moore, MD as our FebruaryChampion of Change
Dr. Moore helped lead the way for NBPAS in Oklahoma by requesting permission from the Oklahoma Board of Medicine to advertise as "board certified." Dr. Moore’s request paved the way for the board's in-depth inquiry and widespread NBPAS approval. Dr.Moore can now proudly advertise that he is board-certified in Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, by the National Board of Physicians and Surgeons!
Dr. Moore is also a current member of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Oklahoma Academy of Otolaryngology, and is in private practice with
Oklahoma Otolaryngology Associates. In his spare time, Dr. Moore enjoys spending time with his family, playing the guitar and flying his T6 Texan. He attributes his great bedside manner to his father, Dr. Craig Moore, who showed him the value of being a caring, concerned physician. NBPAS is grateful to Dr. Moore for his willingness to be a trailblazer in Oklahoma.
A huge thank you to Dr. Moore for his willingness to lead on behalf of NBPAS and all physicians. We couldn’t do this important work without each and every one of you. Thank you for standing with us and for your dedication to this cause.
Not yet a Diplomate? Apply for NBPAS Certification today.
Suggestion Box
Have an idea, need help? Reach out to NBPAS at info@nbpas.org.
We look forward to hearing from you.
