Performance Improvement credit (PICME) FAQ

The AAFP Credit System and the American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM) collaborated so that CME providers have the option to offer their learners both AAFP CME credit and ABFM certification points depending on the learners’ needs.

CME providers complete an online application for CME credit for Performance Improvement activities through the AAFP Credit System.

If a CME provider is interested in applying for credit through this single application process, then the provider should check the ABFM attestation box in the application to indicate that ABFM Certification Activity points are being sought in conjunction with AAFP CME credit. The CME provider must attest that the CME activity meets the following requirements to be eligible for credit through both entities:

• The AAFP requirements for performance improvement activities,
• ABFM Industry Support Policy, and
• The ABFM requirements for performance improvement activities.

There is no additional fee to receive credit through this single application process. The regular review fee for a Performance Improvement activity will apply.

Upon approval, the AAFP Credit System will email the CME provider an approval letter that contains the AAFP CME credit statement and the ABFM Certification Activity statement. These statements can be used to inform learners that the Performance Improvement activity has been approved for CME credit by the AAFP and certification activity points by the ABFM.

CME providers no longer have to pay for ABFM Certification Activity credit approval. Additionally, CME providers no longer have to submit two separate applications or wait on two separate timelines.

For AAFP members, CME providers should report their completion data directly to AAFP using the AAFP CME Reporting Spreadsheet. AAFP will share this information with ABFM.

For any non-AAFP members participating in your PICME activity who wish to report completion to the ABFM via the AAFP, please follow the steps below:

1. The non-AAFP member needs to create an individual AAFP account.
2. Once registered, they will be assigned an AAFP ID number, which they should provide to the CME provider.
3. Use the PI specific reporting spreadsheet, designed to accommodate AAFP and non-AAFP members, when submitting completion data for the PI activity. (Email cmecredit@aafp.org in order to request the spreadsheet.)
4. Send the completed spreadsheet to AAFP Membership at aafp@aafp.org.
5. If there are any issues with the learner data submission, AAFP Membership staff will contact you directly.

*If a non-AAFP member does not want to create an AAFP account, then the diplomate will need to report completion through the ABFM’s system as a “Self-Directed Clinical Activity” and contact ABFM directly for any questions on how to report.

Please contact Ann Williamson with the ABFM by email at awilliamson@theabfm.org or by phone (877) 223-7437. She will assist with questions concerning ABFM PICME requirements and ABFM audits.