Continuing Education

1. AASP COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE THROUGH EDUCATION
2. BENEFITS OF OBTAINING CONTINUING EDUCATION THROUGH THE AASP
3. CONTINUING EDUCATION PROGRAMS
4. SPECIAL APPLICATIONS FOR CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS
5. CREDENTIALING WITH THE AASP
6. AMERICAN COLLEGE OF SPINE PHYSICIANS AND THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF
SPINE SPECIALISTS
7. BECOMING CREDENTIAL ELIGIBLE
8. MAINTAINING CREDENTIAL ELIGIBLE STATUS
9. THE CREDENTIALING PROCESS
10. MAINTAINING AN ACTIVE STATUS AS A CREDENTIALED SPINE PHYSICIAN OR
SPECIALIST.
11. RE-CREDENTIALING REQUIREMENTS
12. APPLICATION FOR CREDENTIALING
13. BENEFITS AND PRIVILEGES OF CREDENTIALING WITH THE AASP

1. AASP COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE THROUGH EDUCATION

The American Academy of Spine Physicians is committed to education. The AASP is dedicated to providing unique and affordable continuing educational opportunities for physicians and other healthcare professionals who care for the spine. Special opportunities are also provided for students and residents who are candidate members of the AASP. Emphasis is placed upon providing affordable self study options, which allow for broad and efficient dissemination of relevant information. The AASP educational opportunities are designed to reach a greater number of healthcare professionals thus better serving the public. The Academy's continuing education programs include online opportunities utilizing a variety of written and multimedia resources. The AASP supports the concept of jointly sponsored activities with other organizations and educational facilities whose goals are compatible with those of the Academy.

Through education of its members and the public, the AASP strives to improve the delivery of comprehensive spinecare. The AASP is dedicated to using all available methods and technologies to inform its members and the public about trends in spinecare while emphasizing the benefits of conservative and cooperative spinecare.

The AASP continuing education programs emphasize topics such as spine anatomy, biomechanics, disease pathogenesis, diagnosis and care of the full spectrum of spine disorders. The programs also emphasize the benefits of cooperative care, methods of early detection, and expanding therapeutic options available through multidisciplinary integration. The educational opportunities also promote clinical interaction between spine specialists of various disciplines which helps improve the continuity and quality of spinecare.

All AASP members receive an online profile which accounts for all continuing educational courses taken through the Academy. The AASP awards Diplomate status and Fellow status to those AASP members who meet the designated levels of academic achievement. Credentialing via a Diplomate or Fellow status with the AASP acknowledges the member's level of commitment to excellence to other professionals and the public. Non-physicians receive their credentialing from the American Academy of Spine Specialists, a Division of the American Academy of Spine Physicians.

The AASP is one of the only organizations of its kind to offer interdisciplinary post-doctoral credentialing to healthcare professionals who meet the academic criteria. The highest level of academic distinction offered by the AASP to physicians is Fellow status with the American College of Spine Physicians (FACSP), a division of the Academy. The highest level of academic distinction offered by the AASP to non-physicians is Fellow status with the American College of Spine Specialists (FACSS), a division of the Academy.

2. BENEFITS OF OBTAINING CONTINUING EDUCATION THROUGH THE AASP

- Affordable education.
- Flexible self study options
- Reduced time away from the office
- Ability to choose topics of interest
- Participation in continuing education in an interdisciplinary forum.
- Credits obtained through the AASP can be applied towards obtaining
Diplomate status with the American Academy of Spine Physicians (DAASP)
and Fellow status with the American College of Spine Physicians (FACSP).
- Access to continuing education opportunities which can be applied to
requirements for license renewal in various states
- Obtain relevant information for providing comprehensive spine care.
- Obtain information, which will help facilitate interdisciplinary dialogue and
clinical interaction thus increasing the potential to serve more patients.
- The ability to expand your resume/curriculum vitae with impressive
continuing education topics related to clinical and basic spine sciences.
- Ability to acquire prestigious credentialing which reflects the commitment
to excellence in spinecare.

3. CONTINUING EDUCATION PROGRAMS

Online courses are placed into a variety of different categories which include Journal Review Courses, Textbook Review Courses, Case Study Review Course, Seminars, Webinars and Webcasts. With the exception of free directory members all members of the AASP can access coursework and online tests under each category.

Journal Review Courses:

Continuing medical education credits can be obtained through the American Academy of Spine Physicians' Journal Review Courses (JRC). You can review designated articles some of which are available online. After reading the select journal articles you can take an online test. Continuing education credits are available for reading the articles and completing the assigned test bank with a minimum of 80% proficiency. The number of credits available is assigned to each Journal article.

Textbook Review Courses:

The AASP's Textbook Review Courses (TRC) represents an outstanding practice resource and provides many of the advantages of a seminar in the convenience of your home or office. The TRC format is affordable, effective and practical. You are provided with a comprehensive list of spine related topics to choose from. The list includes the names of textbooks and chapter sources for the material.

You can choose topic specific educational coursework based upon your practice needs. The information is carefully chosen by the multidisciplinary education committee of the AASP. The chosen authoritative texts provide insights and wisdom from world renowned experts on the spine and spinecare. The selected combination of materials provides comprehensive coverage of subjects of interest to physicians and healthcare professional of all disciplines. They also provide an overview of the spectrum of spinal disorders.

The TRC format provides you with a unique opportunity to stay ahead in your field and gain a better understanding of the role of healthcare providers in the spinecare related field. You can choose your area of focus and textbook of your choice.

Case Study Review Courses:

The case study review courses (CSRC) refer to an archive of case studies which is posted on the AASP website. Cases can be chosen by topic. Each case study will include the case, an authoritative review (grand rounds) and a bank of test questions. Continuing education credits can be obtained by successfully completing each case study format.

Symposia:

The American Academy of Spine Physicians may offer periodic symposia. This platform brings together international experts in spinecare thus representing a comprehensive review of spinecare. These meetings provide an opportunity for AASP members and non-members to update their skills and knowledge as well as earn continuing medical education credits in spinecare. Upcoming symposia will be posted on the AASP website.

Webinar:

The American Academy of Spine Physicians may from time to time offer a Webinar which is essentially a Web-based seminar. They are presented like a conference room based seminar with the exception that participants view the presentation through a Web-browser. Some Webinars will offer interactive elements such as the ability to share, receive and present information. Hosting a Webinar requires the use of specialized software. The benefits of a Webinar include the ability to reach a large audience and record the progam for future playback.

Webcast:

The American Academy of Spine Physicans may periodically offer Webcasts. Unlike an interactive Webinar a "Webcast", is characterized by information transmission in one direction. It does not typically provide for live interaction between the presenter and the audience. The Webcast format is used to distribute media over the Internet using streaming media technology. A webcast may be distributed live or on demand.

4. SPECIAL APPLICATIONS FOR CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS

License Renewal: Many states require that practicing physicians and other licensed professionals obtain a specific number of continuing education credits each year. The American Academy of Spine Physicians provides continuing education opportunities online. Home study courses are available with online testing. The continuing education requirements for healthcare professionals differ from state to state, therefore, each member must confirm their own license renewal criteria and the eligibility of AASP credits for application to those requirements.

Credentialing: The AASP credentialing process provides recognition to spine physicians and other healthcare professionals for their academic achievement and for their commitment to excellence in spinecare. Becoming a credentialed spine physician or spine specialist requires that the member fulfill designated eligibility criteria, achieve the minimum level of continuing education credits required and receive a passing score on examinations. The AASP offers credentialing opportunities including Diplomate and Fellow status.

Recognition (Achievement) Awards: The AASP periodically confers special recognition to members and non-members who contribute to the spinecare field. Such awards may be conferred to educational faculty and/or educational institutions that have been supportive to the AASP mission.

Candidate Member Recognition (Achievement) Award: Candidate members of the AASP are eligible to obtain Continuing Education credits through online programs. These credits can be applied to Diplomate or Fellow credentialing with the Academy, although the credentials are not conferred until the participant graduates, obtains their degree, and is granted a license to practice. This program provides a unique opportunity for the candidate to advance their knowledge, develop relationships, and expand their resume. Some colleges, universities and medical centers may have a dedicated computer resource station within their library or resource center for students and/or residents to access American Academy of Spine Physicians online educational programs.

5. CREDENTIALING WITH THE AASP

The AASP provides acknowledgement of the level of continuing education achieved through the Academy via the designation of Diplomate or Fellow to those members meet the necessary criteria. Application for credentialing thorough the American Academy of Spine Physicians is voluntary.

The American Academy of Spine Physicians credentialing process helps

- Promote professional accountability, visibility and leadership.
- Identify those professionals who have chosen to advance their knowledge
and who are committed to excellence in spinecare.
- Advance interdisciplinary cooperation between healthcare professional of
various disciplines
- Encourage continued professional growth and development.

Levels of Credentialing

The American Academy of Spine Physicians offers two levels of credentialing. The level of credentialing awarded is based upon meeting the designated professional and continuing educational criteria. The AASP developed two Divisions referred to as the American College of Spine Physicans and the American College of Spine Specialists to recognize and represent those members who achieve the designated credentials.

For Physicians

- Diplomate status with the American Academy of Spine Physicians is
awarded to AASP physician members who acquire a minimum of 300
continuing education credits through the AASP. Upon acknowledgment by
the AASP the member may then use the designation D.A.A.S.P. (DAASP)
after their name indicating their status as Diplomate of the American
Academy of Spine Physicians.

- Fellow status with the American College of Spine Physicians is awarded to
those physicians who have met the requirements of the Diplomate status
and who have acquired an additional 200 continuing education credits
through the AASP. The member may then use the designation F.A.C.S.P.
(FACSP) after their name indicating their status as Fellow of the American
College of Spine Physicians.

For Non-Physicians

- Diplomate status with the American College of Spine Specialists is
awarded to AASP Affiliate Members (non-physicians) who acquire a
minimum of 300 continuing education credits through the AASP. Upon
acknowledgment by the AASP the member may then use the designation
D.A.C.S.S. (DACSS) after their name indicating their status as Diplomate of
the American College of Spine Specialists.

- Fellow status with the American College of Spine Specialists is awarded to
non-physicians who meet the requirements of the Diplomate status and
who have acquired an additional 200 continuing education credits through
the AASP. The member may then use the designation F.A.C.S.S. (FACSS)
after their name indicating their status as a Fellow of the American College
of Spine Specialists.

6. AMERICAN COLLEGE OF SPINE PHYSICIANS AND THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF SPINE SPECIALISTS

The American College of Spine Physicians is a Division of the American Academy of Spine Physicians. The College represents a select group of physician members of the AASP who have achieved the highest-level of continuing education recognized by the Academy. Members inducted into the College as a Fellow have achieved a minimum of 500 continuing educational credits through the AASP. After being awarded prestigious Fellow status with the College the physician may use the initials F.A.C.S.P. (FACSP) representing their status as a Fellow of the American College of Spine Physicians.

The American College of Spine Specialists is a Division of the American Academy of Spine Physicians. The College represents a select group of non-physician members of the AASP who have achieved the highest-level of continuing education recognized by the Academy. Members inducted into the College as a Fellow have achieved a minimum of 500 continuing education credits through the AASP. After being awarded prestigious Fellow status with the College, the heathcare professional may use the initials F.A.C.S.S. (FACSS) representing their status as a Fellow of the American College of Spine Speciliasts.

7. BECOMING CREDENTIAL ELIGIBLE

The first requirement for becoming a credentialed spine physician or a credentialed spine specialist with the AASP is to become credential eligible. The application to become credential eligible requires completion of the following steps:

- Meet AASP membership criteria.
- Be a member of the American Academy of Spine Physicians in good
standing.
- Complete and submit the Credentialing Application Form
- Submit a non-refundable one time $100 credentialing application fee made
payable to the American Academy of Spine Physicians.

Upon completion of these steps, the application will be forwarded to and reviewed by the Academy's Continuing Education Committee. The Academy reserves the right to request any additional information or clarification required for the completion of the application process. You will be notified regarding the decision of the Continuing Education Committee. Completion of the peer review process may take 2-4 weeks after all of the required application materials have been received by the Academy.

Individuals who have satisfactorily completed the steps necessary for becoming Credential Eligible may begin acquiring continuing educational credits through the Academy. Credits achieved will be applied to credentialing status.

8. MAINTAINING CREDENTIAL ELIGIBLITY STATUS

You may remain Credential Eligible with the AASP for no more than 4 years. During this period you may use the term "credential eligible spine physician." To remain in good standing as Credential Eligible with the AASP you must:

- Remain a member in good standing of the American Academy of Spine
Physicians.
- Practice in accordance with the American Academy of Spine Physicians
Code of Ethics.
- Maintain a current license to practice, if applicable.
- Remain in good standing with state regulatory agencies and your
profession.
- Meet the continuing education criteria for Diplomate status within 4 years
of becoming credential eligible.

9. THE CREDENTIALING PROCESS

To obtaining Credentialed Status with the AASP

The applicant must be a member in good standing of the American Academy of Spine Physicians.
The applicant must have met all criteria and be credential eligible.

- To become a Diplomate of the American Academy of Spine Physicians or a Diplomate of the American College of Spine Specialists the applicant must successfully obtain a minimum of 300 continuing education credits through the AASP while maintaining membership and a credential eligible status.

- To become a Fellow of the American College of Spine Physicians or a
Fellow of the American College of Spine Specialists the applicant must
successfully complete the requirements for Diplomate status and acquire an additional 200 hours of continuing education credits through the AASP. Fellow status represents the highest level of academic achievement which can be obtained through the AASP.

10. MAINTAINING AN ACTIVE CREDENTIALED STATUS

To maintain your Credentialed Spine Physician or Credentialed Spine Specialist status with the American Academy of Spine Physicians, the following is required;

- Must be a member in good standing of the American Academy of Spine
Physicians.
- Practice in accordance with the American Academy of Spine Physicians
Code of Ethics and the Patient Bill of Rights.
- Maintain a current licensure to practice, if applicable
- Remain in good standing with state regulatory agencies and your
profession.
- To maintain an active credentialed status with the AASP will require a
minimum of 100 continuing education credits during every four-year
period.

11. RECREDENTIALING REQUIREMENTS

Credentialing by the American Academy of Spine Physicians is valid for 4 years. At the end of the fourth year the Credentialed Spine Physician and the Credentialed Spine Specialists will be re-credentialed if the following requirements are met:

- Submission of proof of a minimum of 100 continuing education credits
through the AASP.
- Send a copy of current license, if requested.
- Remain in good standing with state regulatory agencies and your
profession.
- Maintain an active member status with the American Academy of Spine
Physicians

12. APPLICATION FOR CREDENTIALING

The application for credentialing with the AASP is a three step process:

Step 1

- Become a member of the American Academy of Spine Physicians

Step 2

- Meet the entry requirements of the applicable level of credentialing.
- Complete all portions of the Credentialing Application.
- Submit a one time non-refundable $100 credentialing application fee
made payable to the American Academy of Spine Physicians.

Step 3

- Be officially designated as Credential Eligible by the Academy. For
physicians the designation is "Credential Eligible Spine Physician"
and for non-physicians the designation is "Credential Eligible Spine
Specialist".
- Achieve a passing score on all applicable continuing education
course tests with a proficiency of 80% or better.
- Achieve the continuing education requirements for Diplomate status
within four years of becoming "Credential Eligible".

Upon completion of the above requirements, you can use the letter designations
after your name as follows

For Physicians

DAASP

Diplomate status with the American Academy of Spine Physicians

FACSP

Fellow status with the American College of Spine Physicians

For Non-Physicians

DACSS

Diplomate status with the American College of Spine Specialists

FACSS

Fellow status with the American College of Spine Specialists

13. BENEFITS AND PRIVELEGES OF CREDENTIALING WITH THE AMERICAN
ACADEMY OF SPINE PHYSICIANS

- The member will be provided with a personalized certificate designating
the level of credentialing (Diplomate or Fellow) acquired through the
AASP. The certificate is suitable for framing.

- The member will be listed as a credentialed spine physician or a
credentialed spine specialist in the National Registry of Spine Physicians
and Specialists (which includes international members)

- The member will be listed as a member and a credentialed spine
physician/spine specialist on appropriate online directories.

- The member will be granted the right to use the appropriate letter
designations after their name.

- The member will receive a press release acknowledging the academic
achievement and credentialed status with the AASP, which can be
submitted to local media.

- The credentialed status will promote professional accountability and
visibility through recognition among peers, patients and the healthcare
community.

- The credentialed status enhances your role as a healthcare professional
who is dedicated to providing ethical, interdisciplinary, multidisciplinary
and cooperative spinecare.