Orthopedic Specialty Certification: Comparative Matrix Shows Value
The most common questions the BOC receives about the Board-Certified Specialist in Orthopedics (BCS-O) relates to the value of the Orthopedic Specialty Certification. In the FAQ below, we answer important questions about the Orthopedic Specialty Certification and the BCS-O credential.
HOW DOES THE BCS-O CREDENTIAL COMPARE TO OTHER REQUIRED CREDENTIALS?
Since the launch of the Orthopedic Specialty Certification, we are starting to see the BCS-O credential being accepted in place of other required credentials for certain positions and roles, such as assisting in the operating room or scrub privileges. We have also seen Athletic Trainers (ATs) with the credential being promoted within their field.
To further spread awareness about the value of the Orthopedic Specialty Certification, the BOC developed a Comparative Matrix to compare the BCS-O credential to other orthopedic-related credentials available to ATs. This resource takes a closer look at the eligibility requirements for the exam, credential maintenance requirements and practice domains between the BCS-O credential and other credentials. Use the Comparative Matrix to help determine whether the BCS-O is right for you.
HOW WILL EARNING THE BCS-O CREDENTIAL ENHANCE MY CAREER?
Being a BCS-O credential holder demonstrates to the public and employers, ATs who have acquired specialized education and focused experience in orthopedics beyond the requirements for the ATC® credential. As a BCS-O credential holder, ATs will be better positioned to practice within the orthopedic field where they are highly valued by employers for increasing throughput, serving as an extension of the physician, connecting systems to create efficiency and building patient relationships. This is the only board-certified orthopedic specialty for ATs with advanced knowledge, skills and experience in orthopedics. It’s a major step on a pathway toward improved working conditions, compensation, advancement and respect in the health care community. For ATs, this means a viable, long-term career filled with opportunities to distinguish themselves in the delivery of patient care and earning recognition and respect for the experience, focus and skills they demonstrate. To learn more, visit the BOC website and view the BOC Orthopedic Specialty Certification eligibility requirements.
HOW WILL THE BCS-O CREDENTIAL IMPACT MY SALARY AND ABILITY TO GAIN INSURANCE REIMBURSEMENT?
In other health care professions, such as physical therapy, nursing and pharmacy, those practitioners with a specialty certification earn more. We anticipate this pattern to hold true for those who earn the BCS-O credential. Of course, salaries are established by employers and are correlated to the value you bring to the practice.
Below are a few resources of the other health care professions who have indicated as such:
White paper: value of specialty certification in pharmacy
Employer View of Specialist Certification
Impact of Nursing Certification on nurses, healthcare employers and patients
Each insurer and facility will have their own policies and procedures regarding billing and reimbursement. This National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) news article describes how direct revenue is possible with the addition of an assistant at surgery (AS) modifier to the surgical CPT code when seeking reimbursement for the AT who is acting as an AS. The NATA has been active in gaining third party reimbursement for ATs. Please visit the NATA website for more information.
The orthopedic specialty exam takes place twice yearly, first in February, and the second offering in September to align with the completion dates of orthopedic residency programs. To find out more about eligibility pathways and requirements, visit the Orthopedic Specialty section of our website. In addition, you can opt-in to receive updates on specialties through your preferences in BOC profile.
This article was originally published in the 2024 summer “Cert Update” newsletter.
