Stereotactic Breast Procedures Certification
The Stereotactic Breast Procedures Certification program is based on the principles for the proper performance of stereotactic breast procedures as outlined in the Society's Performance and Practice Guidelines for Stereotactic Breast Procedures.
Program Goals
The American Society of Breast Surgeons' goal in establishing certification is to improve the quality of care for patients with breast disease by encouraging education and training for surgeons who perform stereotactic breast procedures.
Requirements for Initial Certification
There are three components to the stereotactic certification process:
- A clinical application
- A written exam
- A practical exam
The practical exam may only be taken after an applicant successfully passes both the clinical application and the written exam components. Provisional certification will be granted upon completion of these steps and will be valid for one year. During that year the applicant will be expected to register, take and pass the practical examination. If at the end of one year the applicant has not made arrangements to be tested the provisional certification will expire. The examinations and submission of the clinical application must occur within the same two year period.
Prerequisites
The Society has established the following minimum prerequisites for surgeons who may choose to undertake certification for stereotactic breast procedures:
- Must have attained board certification by the American Board of Surgery (ABS) or American Osteopathic Board of Surgery (AOBS), or evidence of international equivalent, upon completion of training. Current recertification is not a requirement. OB/GYNs not certified by the ABS or AOBS, must have completed an approved ASBrS-SSO Breast Surgical Oncology fellowship or ACGME Complex General Surgical Oncology fellowship.
- Must document an appropriate level of training and a minimum of 1-year experience in the performance of stereotactic breast procedures.
- Must document performance of no fewer than 12 stereotactic breast procedures per year and evaluation* of a minimum of 480 mammography exams in the last 2 years. (*Evaluation means review of the mammographic films in direct consultation with an MQSA-qualified physician and/or independent review of mammograms with the authenticated mammographic report.)
- All applicants must have a minimum of 4 hours of AMA PRA Category 1 CME in medical radiation physics or can attest to the review of Radiation Physics and Safety by Howard Snider, MD, included with the application. In addition:
- Applicants with less than 5 years' experience must have a minimum of 15 hours of AMA PRA Category 1 CME in breast imaging, including a minimum of 7 hours from a stereotactic breast procedures focused course during the last 5 years.or
- Applicants with 5 or more years' experience must have a minimum of 5 hours of AMA PRA Category 1 CME in breast imaging or breast intervention during the last 5 years.
- Applicants with less than 5 years' experience must have a minimum of 15 hours of AMA PRA Category 1 CME in breast imaging, including a minimum of 7 hours from a stereotactic breast procedures focused course during the last 5 years.
Clinical Application
The clinical application includes all details related to the required documentation of board certification, training, procedure volume, CME accrual and the 2 required clinical case submissions. Stereotactic Clinical Case Requirements
Written Examination - Now available online
- Registration and further information can be found here.
- Sample exam questions and system requirement testing are available here.
Practical Examination – Now Offered Virtually
- Registration for a virtual testing session will be coordinated with eligible candidates as appropriate.
- Successful completion of the written examination and clinical case submissions are required prior to the practicum.
Fees
- A $50 document fee must be submitted to access the online Clinical Application.
- A $600 review fee is due when submitting the completed Clinical Application.
- A $100 fee is required to sit for the written exam.
- A $100 fee is required to take the practical exam.
Maintenance of Certification in Stereotactic Breast Procedures
Stereotactic MOC requirements include the following:
- Documented performance of no fewer than 12 stereotactic breast procedures
- 15 category 1 CME credits breast content
- Equipment Maintenance Reports
- Valid for 5 years.
Fees
- A $50 application access fee will be charged when starting the application.
- A $75 review fee is due upon submission of the completed clinical application.
Questions?
- Frequently Asked Questions about Stereotactic Breast Procedures
- Please contact the Society by email or telephone 410-381-9500
