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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Q. What is the cost-benefit of the CPEP approach to physician performance and competence concerns? A. Frequently, licensing boards and hospitals launch an intensive investigation with an audit of multiple patient charts and collection of collateral information from multiple sources. Some administrators estimate the cost of a thorough investigation in the tens of thousands of dollars. Defense of licensure to practice medicine can cost up to $100,000 and malpractice actions can cost much more. In addition, the investment in a physician’s training and education may also be at stake. Physician Assessment/Educational Intervention represents a significantly less costly alternative to other options with the added benefit that it can also provide an educational solution to the clinical concerns that are found. Q. How does the Physician Assessment help referring organizations with issues related to physician competence? A. The Physician Assessment is based on the understanding that index cases are not predictive of underlying problems and that there is no simple measure of competence. As a result, the Physician Assessment looks beyond the initial complaint or index case to provide an in-depth review of multiple aspects of the participant’s practice and determine whether there are more substantive or comprehensive concerns regarding clinical abilities. The Physician Assessment also provides participants with an opportunity to demonstrate their clinical strengths and receive constructive feedback on ways to improve their practice. Q. What are the possible outcomes of the Physician Assessment? A. Approximately 10-15% of participants demonstrate acceptable skills in all areas assessed and do not need further educational intervention; 60-70% of participants demonstrate educational deficiencies, varying in extent and severity, and need to participate in a structured education program to address these areas of need; 10-15% of participants demonstrate global deficiencies in all areas assessed and it is recommended that they pursue residency training or fully supervised education. The Assessment Report will not make specific recommendations about licensure or privileges. Q. What are the limitations of the Physician Assessment? A. The Physician Assessment does not address psychiatric or substance abuse issues, ethical or fraudulent behavior, and/or boundary or behavior issues. If the referring agency suspects problems in these areas (whether or not they may be related to the performance or competence concerns), it is recommended that the physician be evaluated prior to carrying out the Physician Assessment. If the above issues are identified during the course of the Physician Assessment, the Assessment Report will include recommendations for further evaluation through appropriate resources. Q. Can the program evaluate technical skills? A. The Physician Assessment process has successfully evaluated physicians from over 32 medical and surgical specialties. It provides in-depth clinical discussion and case review that offers valuable insights into the proceduralist’s abilities. However, since the Assessment process does not include direct observation of the physician in practice, it cannot fully answer questions about technical abilities in surgery or procedures. Q. What does the Physician Educational Intervention involve? A. The Intervention begins with the development of a structured, personalized education plan. The plan includes a variety of activities and procedures such as preceptor-mentor interaction, mini-residencies, clinical updates, CME courses, and self-study. The activities are designed so that they can be measured objectively. The plan is monitored by a CPEP Associate Medical Director for Education to provide directive feedback and guidance to the participant. A Post Physician Education Evaluation is usually indicated at the completion of the plan to finalize the Educational Intervention. Q. What is the length of the Physician Educational Intervention? A. The length can vary depending on the number of educational activities required to address the areas of need. Most Physician Educational Interventions range from 6 months to 12 months. Q. How is the Physician Educational Intervention individualized? A. There is large variance in the needs of CPEP participants as there are many specialties and reasons for participating in the program. For these reasons, the CPEP staff and Associate Medical Directors for Education identify specific educational activities to address the needs that are unique to each participant. The development and implementation of the Intervention is based on the findings of the Assessment Report and input from the participant and referring organization. Q. Do you need a license to participate in a Physician Educational Intervention? A. The physician may be able to begin some aspects of the Intervention without a license. However, a license is required to fully participate in and complete all the components of the Intervention since the physician needs to manage patients in order to demonstrate improvement in the application of clinical skills. Q. Do you have to come to Colorado to participate in the Physician Educational Intervention? A. Physicians remain in their home state while participating in the Educational Intervention. In most cases, they can incorporate the educational activities into their schedules while maintaining a full-time clinical practice. If a Post-Education Evaluation is indicated, the physician would return to Colorado for one to two days to be evaluated in the areas addressed in the education plan. The
CPEP Advantage : Physician Assessment : Physician Education : Physician Assessment : Re-Entry Program CPEP |