Board certification of osteopathic physicians.

Ramirez • Medical Education A managed care’s role has grown in recent years, board certification’s importance in the professional lives of physicians has grown correspondingly, as most managed care organizations require board certification for physicians participating in their plans. Hospitals increasingly are also making board certification a prerequisite to obtain staff privileges. Many physicians, of course, continue to become certified simply to obtain the professional recognition that accompanies completing the intensive requirements of board certification and to establish and legitimize areas of expertise. These are all compelling factors motivating more and more physicians to begin the process of certification. The public’s perspective of board certification continues to play a significant role in certification’s importance. As patients become more knowledgeable about their treatment options, they increasingly view board certification as a sign of quality and competence. The educated healthcare consumer prefers to be treated by board-certified physicians, and board certification, though a voluntary process, is becoming an indispensable designation for physicians.