RDMS certification for emergency physicians.

Critics may argue that RDMS certification is merely a technician “merit badge.” However, there are a number of valid counterarguments to this claim. First, there are qualifying pathways for RDMS or Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer certification that are provided specifically for physicians. One new vascular sonography certification separate from RDMS is available only to physicians. Second, the concept that a certification for one group excludes its applicability to another group is misplaced. There are certifications designed for nonphysicians that have proven to be very helpful for the medical field. Although initially designed for manufacturing efficiency, “Black Belt” certification in Six Sigma is now popular for physician administrators. Third, some emergency physicians have experienced barriers for reimbursement by third-party payers related to perceived training and certification by emergency physicians. If such a reimbursement issue becomes widespread, then having a local emergency medicine ultrasonographic director with RDMS certification may prove valuable. In accordance with the American Medical Association’s 1999 resolution, only the successful completion of the credentialing pathway outlined in the ACEP ultrasonographic guidelines is required to perform point-of-care sonography. Neither RDMS certification nor an emergency medicine ultrasonographic fellowship is necessary. However, until such fellowships are recognized by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, RDMS certification may provide the only cross-specialty recognition of additional ultrasonographic expertise available to help win administrative and cross-specialty battles during emergency point-of-care sonography program implementation.