What is the definition of CME according to the AMA?

CME consists of educational activities that serve to maintain, develop, or increase the knowledge, skills and professional performance and relationships a physician uses to provide services for patients, the public, or the profession. The content of CME is that body of knowledge and skills generally recognized and accepted by the profession as within the basic medical sciences, the discipline of clinical medicine, and the provision of health care to the public.

Some subjects, such as medical ethics, use of electronic databases in patient care, physician/patient communication skills, and understanding the changing medical environment, are applicable to a number of practice areas.

Modalities of diagnosis or therapy sufficiently proven by medical research and judged to be safe for medical practice by a consensus of experts in the field are acceptable subjects for CME. Discussion of modalities not yet generally accepted for use in patient care can be an acceptable subject for CME; the burden of proof is on the sponsor. Continuing education activities that respond to physicians' nonprofessional educational needs or interests, such as financial planning or appreciation for literature or music, do not meet this definition of CME limited to learning activities that relate directly to a physician's professional responsibilities.

ACCME policy 98-C-02 further defines CME. The ACCME accepted the AMA's interpretation that the topic of "coding/reimbursement" fits within the definition of CME.

Questions can be directed to cme@upstate.edu or 800-283-4606.

Back to AMA Rules for CME