Recertification

There Are Four Criteria that Need to be Met for Maintenance of Certification

Part I — Professional Standing

Diplomates must provide if chosen for an audit written verification of a valid, unrestricted medical license in good standing in all jurisdictions where the Diplomate maintains a medical or osteopathic license.

Part II — Lifelong Learning and Self-Assessment

In response to the increasing difficulty in obtaining accredited CME, the ABHRS Board approved the implementation of a new recertification system, effective October 1, 2024.

This updated system introduces a Recertification Scorecard, which outlines specific requirements that ABHRS diplomates must meet. The scorecard details the number of hours awarded for various activities and the total hours required over a three-year period to maintain certification. Diplomates must accumulate a set number of points across a range of professional activities, including:

• Attending ISHRS-sponsored meetings
• Publishing peer-reviewed articles
• Participating in exam-related roles and responsibilities
• And other approved educational activities

This new structure is designed to recognize and reward diplomates’ ongoing commitment to excellence in the field of hair restoration surgery.

We encourage all diplomates to review the full Recertification Scorecard available at abhrs.org and to engage continuously in these activities rather than waiting until the end of the certification cycle. This approach supports professional development and upholds the high standards expected of ABHRS diplomates.

Important Note:
If selected for an audit, ABHRS staff will verify only activities completed during the three years leading up to the diplomate’s recertification exam.

Part III — Cognitive Expertise

Diplomates must achieve a passing score on a formalized written examination (recertification exam) demonstrating that they have the fundamental, practice-related and practice environment-related knowledge to provide quality care in hair restoration surgery. The recertification exam must be retaken every 10 years.

Part IV — Practice Performance Assessment

Diplomates are evaluated in their clinical practice according to standards for patient care. They are asked to demonstrate that they can assess the quality of care they provide compared to peers and national benchmarks and then apply the best evidence or consensus recommendations to improve that care using follow-up assessments. Typically there are several options to satisfy this component. In order to satisfy the 4th component Diplomates must provide if called upon a patient outcome monitor for the three years preceding the expiration date of their certificate* in the form of any one of the following two items:

1. Provide proof of an Internal chart review as normally required by an accrediting agency such as TJC, AAAHC, AAAASF, IMQ, MEDICARE or a similar accrediting body; or
2. Submit copies of your patient satisfaction survey results as part of your practice. Diplomate to submit 8 surveys per year for the past three years for a total of 24 surveys. Give your patient a printed copy of the survey which is available on our website ask the patient to complete and return to your office.