Philadelphia, PA, May 10, 2011 – To assist physicians who treat patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) has developed a new tool to help physicians examine and improve the care they provide patients with COPD. COPD is a life-threatening lung disease that blocks airflow and makes it increasingly difficult for patients to breathe. More than nine million adult Americans were diagnosed with COPD in 2010.
The Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Practice Improvement Module (PIM) is a Web-based tool that guides physicians through the collection of patient data to identify gaps in COPD care and ultimately implement a quality improvement plan for their practice.
Pulmonologists, critical care medical specialists, geriatricians and general internists can use the COPD module to earn CME and meet the requirements of the ABIM Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program. As part of MOC, ABIM requires board certified physicians to re-assess their medical knowledge and engage in quality improvement activities every 10 years.
“The COPD module will help physicians improve the care they deliver to Americans who suffer from this terrible disease,” says Eric Holmboe, MD, Chief Medical Officer of the American Board of Internal Medicine. “The module provides physicians with valuable data that enables them to look at the care they provide and make improvements based on the direct feedback they receive.”
COPD is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States. Those suffering from the disease experience shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness and chronic cough.
ABIM Board Certified Doctors Make a Difference
Internists and subspecialists who earn and maintain board certification from the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) differentiate themselves every day through their specialized knowledge and commitment to continual learning in service of their patients. Established as an independent nonprofit more than 80 years ago, ABIM continues to be driven by doctors who want to achieve higher standards for better care in a rapidly changing world. Visit ABIM's blog to learn more and follow ABIM on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. ABIM is a member of the American Board of Medical Specialties.