Attention Physicians: MD and DO, and those who assist them.
Are you clear on the recommended CME's for hyperbaric physicians? Do you know where to go to find critical information regarding the UHMS recommended guidelines for hyperbaric clinic operations? While this is not a "one size fits all" question, we do have some answers for you.
Let's start by referencing the UHMS Guidelines for Hyperbaric Facility Operations, 4th ed. recommendations for continuing education for hyperbaric physicians (MD, DO). We chose this text as it is a simple, accessible source for basic recommendations that are needed to guide practitioners on issues such as training, responsibility, staffing, credentialing, safety, and quality assurance. Excerpts are published here with permission. The current edition of the UHMS Guidelines for Hyperbaric Facility Operations is not intended to be inclusive, to rewrite authoritative texts, nor to usurp accepted organizations or certifying bodies, but often references these standards when appropriate.
It is of critical importance to note that continuing medical education, as we’re discussing here, is separate and different from basic training in Hyperbaric Medicine. For basic training medical professionals will want to begin with a 40-hour UHMS approved course like Introduction to Hyperbaric Medicine.
In this article we will excerpt a few of the recommendations that point to continuing education requirements for (already credentialed) hyperbaric physicians (MD, DO). Disclaimer: refer to the source itself, UHMS Guidelines for Hyperbaric Facility Operations, 4th ed., for full explanation and details.
These practice guidelines below are the continuing education recommendations from the UHMS for hyperbaric physicians, after the initial qualifications and hyperbaric training recommendations are met.
HYPERBARIC MEDICINE PHYSICIAN / INDEPENDENT SUPERVISOR & HYPERBARIC MEDICAL DIRECTOR
Physicians (MD, DO)
For an initial appointment or reappointment, physicians must complete at least
twelve (12) hours of hyperbaric medicine-specific Category 1 CME each year. (reference Page 6)
PRACTICE GUIDELINES:
Note: Providers receiving a proctorship are restricted in their practice. An independent supervisor of hyperbaric medicine must remain immediately available to this provider and the patient(s) being treated throughout the entire hyperbaric session.
- Meet the qualifications and training recommendations as stated above (refer to the book for details).
- Privileging should be commensurate with the hyperbaric medicine physician’s credentials and the practice patterns and capabilities of the hyperbaric facility. Restricted privileges are appropriate for physicians without hyperbaric medicine certification or advanced training.
- Hyperbaric medicine physician privileges should specify the range of approved indications, chamber types, and degree of patient complexity (e.g., stable, complex, critically ill, ventilated, adult, or pediatric) and the details of restriction, supervision, or proctorship requirements. (See sample Credentials Privilege List in the book).
- For an initial appointment or reappointment, physicians must complete at least twelve (12) hours of hyperbaric medicine-specific 1 CME each year or twenty-four (24) hours of CME within the preceding two-year period. If local requirements or the requirements of certification agencies exceed these standards, the CME requirements of the physician’s certification and privileging agencies should be followed.
Looking to complete those hyperbaric-specific CME credit hours?
Wound Care Education Partners offers the following AMA PRA Category 1 Credit courses specific to hyperbaric medicine:. These courses are provided on a livestreamed platform with credentialied faculty teaching live (not recorded).
- Hyperbaric Safety Director course - up to 16 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™
- Introduction to Hyperbaric Medicine - up to 45 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™
Additional Information:
For complete details of the UHMS' recommended guidelines for hyperbaric clinic operations on topics such as:
- Qualifications and Training
- Practice Guidelines
- Job Description and Responsibilities
- Staffing Guidelines
- Sample Credentials Privilege List
- Quality Assurance and Improvement
Please refer to the source material, UHMS Guidelines for Hyperbaric Facility Operations available through the UHMS and Best Publishing Company.