What does the CAQ in Geriatric Medicine signify?
The Certificate of Added Qualification (CAQ) in Geriatric Medicine signifies a healthcare provider’s advanced expertise beyond their primary board certification. This voluntary credential is a collaboration between major medical boards for physicians, typically the American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM) and the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM), to recognize additional training and knowledge in elderly care. A new CAQ for Physician Assistants (PAs) in Geriatric Medicine is also being developed by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).
Key certifying bodies and their programs
- American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM): Offers the CAQ with the ABIM for family physicians.
- American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM): Offers the CAQ in Internal Medicine: Geriatric Medicine to internal medicine physicians.
- National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA): Developing a CAQ in Geriatric Medicine for PAs.
Pathway to obtaining the CAQ
The process for obtaining the CAQ ensures a high level of competency and is distinct from primary board certification.
- Complete Fellowship Training: Physicians must complete at least 12 months of full-time training in an ACGME-accredited Geriatric Medicine fellowship. This training focuses on the specific needs of older adults.
- Maintain Primary Certification: Candidates must hold and maintain primary board certification in family or internal medicine.
- Adhere to Professionalism Guidelines: Compliance with the certifying board's guidelines is required.
- Pass the Examination: Candidates must pass a comprehensive written exam on geriatric medicine. This exam evaluates advanced knowledge and clinical judgment in treating elderly patients.
For PAs, the NCCPA CAQ pathway will involve specialty CME, clinical experience, and passing a specialty exam.
Comparison of training and certification
For a detailed comparison of primary board certification and the CAQ in Geriatric Medicine, refer to {Link: The ABFM website https://www.theabfm.org/added-qualifications/geriatric-medicine/}. The comparison covers areas such as training length, knowledge scope, focus of practice, certification type, and exam focus.
What is the significance of the CAQ for geriatric medicine?
The CAQ is significant for enhancing the quality of care for older adults. It ensures that providers have advanced knowledge to handle conditions common in the elderly, such as complex medication management and dementia.
- Enhanced Expertise: Validates advanced knowledge for complex geriatric care.
- Patient Confidence: Assures patients and families of specialized training.
- Career Advancement: Can lead to better job prospects and recognition.
- Credentialing: Important for positions in specialized geriatric settings.
Maintaining the Certificate of Added Qualification
Maintaining the CAQ, typically over a 10-year cycle, requires ongoing activities to ensure providers stay current.
- Continuous Certification: CAQ holders must meet ongoing requirements.
- Longitudinal Knowledge Assessment (LKA): An alternative to a one-day exam offered by many boards.
- Continuing Medical Education (CME): Required in the specialty.
- Compliance with Guidelines: Adherence to professional guidelines is mandatory.
Conclusion
The Certificate of Added Qualification in Geriatric Medicine is a voluntary credential signifying a physician or PA's advanced expertise in the specialized care of older adults. It involves completing a fellowship and passing a rigorous exam. The CAQ assures patients and employers of a provider's deep knowledge in complex geriatric care, contributing to better health outcomes for the aging population and demonstrating a lasting commitment to excellence in this critical field.
