Stereotactic Breast Procedures Certification FAQ
- Applicants with less than five (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 in stereotactic breast procedures during the last five years.or
- Applicants with five (5) or more years experience must have a minimum of five (5) hours of AMA-PRA Category 1 CME in breast imaging or breast intervention during the last five years.
- Initial scout view, clearly showing the target lesion
- Stereotactic pair, demonstrating the lesion in the standard 15% offset views
- Stereotactic pair with the biopsy device in the pre-fire position, if applicable
- Stereotactic pair showing the biopsy device in the post-fire position
- Specimen radiograph, if applicable
- Stereotactic pair showing appropriate placement of the biopsy marker
- Pre-biopsy mammogram images; MLO, CC views as well as magnification views
- Medical Licensure
- Ultrasound Equipment Maintenance
- Documented performance of no fewer than 12 stereotactic breast procedures
- 15 category 1 CME credits breast content
- Valid for 5 years
Yes, you may take the exam up to 2 years prior to the submitting your clinical case application.
Yes, you may submit your application up to 2 years prior to taking the exam.
No, eligibility is granted upon successful completion of both the written examination and clinical case application.
Provisional certification is granted to candidates that have passed both the written examination and clinical case application. Provisional certification is valid for 12 months. During the 12 month period applicants are required to sit for and pass the practical examination.
The practical examination is offered virtually. Eligible candidates are contacted directly for scheduling and are provided a complete explanation of practical examination requirements, components and instructions.
No, you do not need to submit documentation of the 12 stereotactic breast procedures and 480 mammograms; however, keep in mind that you should maintain records for your own reference. In the application, you will be required to complete an attestation regarding your procedure volume.
All applicants must have a minimum of four (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. In addition,
Yes, you must submit documentation of your required CME credit hours with your completed application.
The Society offers a pre-meeting stereotactic course at our Annual Meeting and several other pre-meeting courses that cover breast imaging material. Our Annual Meeting's General Session offers approximately 2 hours of breast imaging CME as well. The American College of Surgeons and several other organizations offer stereotactic breast procedures CME that also meet the requirements. Some on-line category I CME in breast imaging is also acceptable as part of the total credit hours.
The review of a basic stereotactic breast imaging course materials in conjunction with clinical case experience will help in preparing you for the exam. The Stereotactic Written Exam tests for understanding of all elements associated with the performance of a stereotactic breast procedure, including knowledge of radiation and physics, stereotactic principles as well as all aspects your stereotactic table. Questions will also relate to dealing with dilemmas, clip placement and appropriate follow up.
Two stereotactic cases are submitted for review. One case must be a malignancy invasive or in situ, or atypical ductal hyperplasia. Both case submissions must have been performed utilizing 2D technology.
Yes, the reports generated from the Mastery from the percutaneous procedure module contain all of the required elements of the stereotactic procedure reports.
The reviewers are looking for cases that represent your best work and meet all of the requirements spelled out within the application. Please see the clinical case grading system for details.
Adherence to the application instructions is important for a successful outcome. Clinical cases should be chosen prospectively in order for the applicant to best meet all criteria. Please read the entire application prior to choosing your cases.
Cases may be submitted from fellowship training only if the images were personally acquired and independently interpreted by the applicant. In addition, the applicant must have made the final independent disposition for the patient based on the procedure findings.
Yes, provided stereotactic training was provided.
The applicant is provided a critique of their cases by the reviewing surgeons. The applicant is given the opportunity to correct any deficiencies and resubmit additional cases for review.
The MOC application will be available through the society website 6 months prior to expiration.
Stereo Certification is valid for 5 years.
MOC requirements:
The MOC application requires 15 credits of “breast” CME which can be earned through any activity on this topic. It does NOT need to be specific to stereo.
