There's been a lot of angst in our MGMA community recently due to the February 28 certification exams. I've talked to a lot of people who would like to become certified, but who have a very real fear of the exams. Why so much fear? And if the process is so scary, why do so many of us do it? These are the kind of thoughts that have been rolling around in my head as I prepare to restart my on-line study group for the next round of tests. I'd like to think that I've come up with a few answers.
Why do we fear the test? I think there's a lot of reasons, but my guess is that the major one for most people is fear of failure. No one likes to fail, and the test is HARD. If it wasn't hard then anyone could pass it, and then certification wouldn't mean anything. For a lot of us it's been many years since we took a test. Our test-taking skills are rusty. Our ability to concentrate for that amount of time is impaired by the daily training we get on doing tasks in short bursts with constant interruption.
Plus, it's difficult to prepare for the test, although there are a lot more resources now than there used to be. Before I took the test many years ago I asked some colleagues what to study and they told me it would be like trying to study to go to work every day. In other words, impossible. But now we have the Body of Knowledge, and it's a tremendous tool. Just reviewing it and researching the areas that you feel less familiar with is a big help. I always advise people to just go ahead and take the test! You'll discover the areas you're weak in, and who knows? You may pass! I think most people know more than they give themselves credit for. The only thing you really have to lose is the registration fee. Be like Nike and JUST DO IT!
So why do we bother? Is it worth it? My answer would be a resounding YES, and not even for the obvious reason that many medical practices are showing a hiring preference for CMPE or FACMPE administrators and managers. The value of certification to me is far bigger than marketability. A lot of the value is opportunities - namely opportunities for networking and opportunities for giving back.
Networking is a big thing. When you become certified (and especially when you become a Fellow) your name goes on a whole different set of lists. These are people who have been "certified" as experts in our field. People who know stuff. Sometimes I feel like I don't belong on that list with them, but it's really nice to have these resources available. Certification also identifies people who are like me - driven to excel, succeed, learn, develop. You know us - the Type A personalities!
I have found the opportunities to give back to be surprisingly rewarding. Like I said, your name is on a new set of lists once you're certified, and those lists are where our MGMA leaders often go when they need a volunteer. So, you might say, getting certified gets a person into more work. Yup! It certainly can. But like I said, it can be surprisingly valuable. Working on committees, as officers, as leaders, gives us as much opportunity to learn and grow as it does to give. I have learned a tremendous amount from my volunteer work. For example, my online study group, which started out to be for Alaska ACMPE nominees and has expanded to all over the country. I've learned a lot from preparing those little "lectures" and researching pertinent articles. It's amazing how this volunteer work can stimulate your imagination and motivation.
And I would be remiss if I didn't admit there wasn't just a little bit of ego involved too. Working for doctors doesn't give us a lot of opportunity for pats on the back and warm fuzzies! Probably the highlight of my professional career was the Fellows Dinner the year I got my Fellow. Every year the new Fellows are introduced, and everyone present up and applauds their accomplishment and welcomes them into the group. It warmed the cockles of my heart the year it was MY turn, and still brings tears to my eyes when I stand and recognize the new Fellows every year at our celebratory dinner. These are people who understand what we go through every day, as we try our best to run topnotch medical practices that are good for patients, doctors and staff. We have so many competing priorities and demands, but this group of people knows EXACTLY how it is.
Certification? I'd do it all over again if I had to!