More METRIC FAQs

This page provides answers to a few more frequently asked questions about the METRIC program. For a basic explanation of the program, see the METRIC home page.

How do I earn CME?
Once you’ve completed the final step in the METRIC program, you’ll earn 20 Prescribed CME credits. You must complete the entire program to earn CME.

What is the Part IV Maintenance of Certification requirement?
Performance in practice (MC-FP Part IV) replaces the traditional clinical chart review. Under the original MC-FP program that began in 2004, each ABFM certified Diplomate was required to complete one Part IV Module before sitting for the examination in the sixth or seventh year. In 2007, an additional option allows Diplomates to earn a ten-year certificate. Under this process, a Diplomate must complete one Part IV module in each of three separate three-year stages.

The METRIC program helps family physicians complete the MC-FP Part IV requirement. It does not address the Part II requirement, Lifelong Learning and Self Assessment (SAM's).

Do I have to be in the Maintenance of Certification recertification cycle to use the METRIC program?
No. Any interested family physician can use the program. However, to earn Part IV credit from the ABFM, you must be in the correct stage of your recertification cycle.

How will the ABFM know that I’ve fulfilled my Part IV requirement?
Once you have completed the final step in the METRIC program, notification of your completion is electronically transmitted to ABFM.

Who developed METRIC?
The METRIC program is developed through the collaborative efforts of an AAFP Physician Advisory Committee along with the AAFP METRIC staff.

I don’t work in a traditional primary care setting, so I don’t have patient charts. Can I still use the METRIC program?
The METRIC program is designed for family physicians who are able to pull patient charts. Unfortunately, physicians who do not see patients regularly (e.g., physicians working as hospitalists or in urgent care clinics) cannot complete the program. These Diplomates will elect to complete a different type of Part IV activity through the American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM). The AAFP suggests that family physicians who have questions about this issue contact the ABFM.

I work in a primary care or multispecialty medical group. Can my colleagues and I complete the METRIC program as a group?
METRIC is designed to be completed by an individual family physician. Only one family physician can receive CME credit for completing a METRIC module. Similarly, notification of completion to ABFM will include only the physician who registered for the program. In order for each physician to receive credit, he or she must separately enroll in and complete the METRIC program.

However, multiple physicians from one group could collaborate to complete the practice assessment survey. The group could also join efforts to improve patient care by concentrating on specific quality improvement interventions. If you would like to receive a group comparison report in addition to your individual assessment report, e-mail a request for a group number to metric@aafp.org. Include the name, city and state of the practice group, and the number of participants in the group. A group number will be assigned and e-mailed back to you. The group number must be requested and activated before any of the participants complete their initial chart reviews.

Can I reuse the chart review tool after I complete the program?
Yes. Once you have completed the METRIC program, the chart review tool will always be available to you. You may enter charts for as many patients as you like and may view a report comparing your data to METRIC users’ data. However, once you log out of the program, your chart review data will not be saved.