CME Providership

As an ACCME Recognized Accreditor, the Iowa Medical Society accredits organizations in Iowa and surrounding states that would like to provide continuing education with CME credit.  Being accredited allows you as an organization to be a trusted voice for physicians.  Physicians who attend accredited CME activities can know that they are receiving the most current and evidence-based information in the field.  At the Iowa Medical Society, we are dedicated to furthering physician education in Iowa to be the premier destination for CME, which we achieve through our accredited providers.

Accredited CME improves patient care and can act as a catalyst for change in your organization.

• CME has been shown to be one of the most effective methods for improving physician performance.
• CME has been linked to a decrease in physician burnout and turnover.
• Commercial influence in medical education puts learners at increased risk for misinformation. Accreditation protects the integrity and independence of medical education, ensuring it is accurate and based on best practices.
• Interprofessional teams are empowered to work more effectively together to achieve your organization’s quality improvement and strategic goals.

• ACCREDITATION REQUIREMENTS
• GUIDE TO THE PROCESS OF ACCREDITATION

The process of seeking initial accreditation from IMS generally takes 12 to 18 months. The reaccreditation process is started 12 months before expiration deadline.

The first step in obtaining IMS accreditation is completion of a "Pre-Application for IMS Accreditation." Prior to completing this pre-application, there are several things that CME providers should know. For a description of the factors that first-time applicants should consider, as well as the initial accreditation process itself, see the Accreditation Process.

The IMS requires that a provider complete at least one activity prior to seeking accreditation. Note that these activities do not have to be certified for credit, but should serve as a demonstration of your organization's ability to understand and comply with IMS accreditation requirements. Accreditation is determined, in large part, by a provider's ability to demonstrate compliance with the IMS' accreditation requirements.

No. The IMS accredits organizations that produce CME activities. The accreditation process includes the review of CME activities for the demonstration of compliance with the IMS' requirements.

The IMS expects providers to submit descriptive narrative along with evidence that demonstrates compliance with the ACCME Accreditation Requirements and Standards for Integrity and Independence in CME, as well as IMS policies.  Whether a provider is seeking initial accreditation or reaccreditation, the format is a self-study report.  The IMS supplies the provider with a template, and restricts the submission to 15 pages in a PDF format.  In addition to the self-study, the provider is required to complete a performance in practice abstract for certain activities within the CME program.  These activities will be selected by IMS and the provider will be notified when the selection is available to view in PARS.

• INITIAL ACCREDITATION SELF STUDY 
• REACCREDITATION SELF STUDY