Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Performance Improvement CME?
Developed in 2005 from the work of 2 AMA task forces, Performance Improvement (PI) CME is a structured, long-term learning model which uses evidence-based performance measures and quality improvement interventions to change physician performance. PI brings CME right into a physician's practice where they can earn up to 20 CME credits as they see patients.

The PI CME process involves 3 separate stages of learning rolled out over several months:

  • Stage A — Learning from current practice performance assessment
  • Stage B — Learning from the application of PI to patient care
  • Stage C — Learning from the evaluation of the PI effort
Why should I participate in Performance Improvement (PI) CME activities?
Performance Improvement (PI) is the future of CME and is poised to play a key role in the growing quality improvement movement. Now is the perfect time to participate in PI CME activities as Maintenance of Certification and Maintenance of Licensure and the Pay for Quality/Pay for Performance movements are all increasingly demanding improved quality in clinical practice.

The quality improvement movement is here to stay and PI CME will help you stay ahead of the quality curve. As you participate in PI CME activities you will receive confidential self-assessment reports on how you are treating patients compared to your peers and national guidelines. You will find out if treatment gaps exist in your practice so you can institute the needed change to improve your practice.

Participate in PI CME activities and join the ranks of top physicians who use guideline-approved quality measures to improve how they deliver patient care.

How does the Improving Outcomes in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome PI CME activity work?
This PI activity brings CME right into your practice where you can earn up to 20 CME credits as you treat ACS patients. In this activity you will use the Mobile Medical Outcomes™ platform and submit sets of patient data, formulate and implement an improvement plan, and take part in educational interventions.

This activity has 3 stages and follows the AMA's Performance Improvement format.

  • Stage A: Assess Your Current Performance
    • Assess your current practice by inputting data on 10 past ACS patients (a mix of STEMI and NSTEMI patients, aged 18 and older).
    • Patient data should be entered within 2 weeks of commencement of Stage A.
    At the completion of Stage A — Earn 5 CME Credits
  • Stage B: Apply Performance Improvements to Patient Care
    • Review your confidential Stage A report that summarizes your performance data and compares it to that of your peers and national guidelines.
    • Identify 1 or more areas for improvement. Submit a brief Improvement Plan.
    At the completion of Stage B — Earn 5 CME Credits
  • Stage C: Evaluate Your Performance Improvements
    • Re-evaluate your practice by inputting patient data on 10 ACS patients that you've treated after submitting your Stage B Improvement Plan.
    • Review your confidential Stage C report that summarizes your performance data and compares it to your Stage A report.
    • Complete a survey evaluating your experience during the PI program. Submit a short narrative describing your assessment of the success of the directed intervention(s) from Stage B, and any other reflections on why or why not the intervention(s) had an impact on patient care.
    At the completion of Stage C — Earn 5 CME Credits
Bonus for completing Stage A+B+C in order — Earn 5 CME Credits
Total — 20 CME Credits
What is the "Ask a Mentor" program?
The "Ask a Mentor" program enables you to pose ACS-related questions to expert faculty mentors, Christopher P. Cannon, M.D. and Sandeep Nathan, M.D. Submitted questions will be anonymous. All participants can easily access and participate in the Q&A discussion. All particpants will be able to access the discussions and pose additional follow-up questions using any web browser or their mobile smartphones.
What is Mobile Medical Outcomes™?
Mobile Medical Outcomes™ is the software platform that you will be using for the Improving Outcomes in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndromes Performance Improvement (PI) CME initiative. Mobile Medical Outcomes facilitates the process of measuring change in performance and is able to measure and analyze outcomes in any therapeutic area.
What happens to the patient data I submit?
Submitted patient data is uploaded in real-time to a secure, remote server. No data resides locally on your computer. Additionally, no patient identifiable data is stored on the server. iMD's staff has access to your patient data and will supply de-identified summary reports to the Sponsors of the PI CME activity.
Who do I contact if I have any questions during the PI CME activity?
Contact Intelligent Medical Decisions, Inc. (iMD) at .
Is there a charge for this PI CME activity?
There is no charge to participate in this PI CME activity.
What happens after I apply to participate in this PI CME activity?
We will acknowledge receipt of your application by e-mail within a few business days. After the Faculty reviews the applications, we will inform you if you qualify for participation.
Is there an end date for applying to participate in this PI CME activity?
Registration for this PI CME activity remains open until we reach a sufficient number of qualified participants.
Who is accrediting the Improving Outcomes in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome Performance Improvement (PI) CME activity?
The University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine designates this educational activity for a maximum of 20.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

What is the Acute Coronary Syndrome Self-Assessment Program from Professional Evaluations, Inc, and how is it related to this PI CME activity?
The Acute Coronary Syndrome Self-Assessment Program (ACS-SAP™) is a comprehensive update on the diagnosis and management of patients with acute coronary syndrome. The ACS SAP, accredited by he University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, is a supplementary activity to the PI CME activity. It is suggested that you participate in both activities, but it is not mandatory.