Case List

Case List Entry and De-Identification

All information for the case list for the Certifying Examination must be entered online. The information can be entered through any device with an internet connection, including smartphones, laptops, tablets, and desktop computers.

• To enter a case, open your ABOG portal and click on "Case List Entry."
• The entry process is simple, and common abbreviations are acceptable.

You will be asked to enter patient-identifying information on the case list that you print. This information will be stored on a non-ABOG HIPAA-compliant server. The electronic copy of the case list that is submitted to ABOG must not contain patient-identifying information. The case lists submitted to the ABOG office must not contain the patient hospital number or other identifying information other than age.

• The de-identification of patient case lists doesn't allow the omission of any patients under your care, which are otherwise to be reported.
• The completeness of your case list is subject to audit.
• If you're found to have not listed any case that is required, you'll be subject to disqualification from the exam and other discipline as appropriate.

Case List Categories

Additional Case Sources

If you don't perform obstetrical procedures, or if you don't perform gynecologic procedures, or if you can't meet the minimum number of cases from your current practice, the minimum number and types of gynecological and obstetrical cases must be obtained from the additional sources listed below. Regardless of the candidate's current practice or training, the exam will cover all three areas. Candidates who limit their practice to outpatient care only will not be eligible for OB-GYN certification.

Case List Submission

You will submit your case list electronically to the ABOG office through the Case List Entry System located on your ABOG portal. During the submission process you will review and complete attestations. An affidavit will only be required if your case list is selected for an audit.

• All patients primarily cared for by you in all hospitals and surgical centers. See Specialty Certifying Exam Dates and Fees for case collection timeframes.
• Patient case lists that fail to provide the required information, include an insufficient number of patients, are inadequately or incompletely prepared, are not appropriately de-identified, or fail to provide sufficient breadth and depth of clinical problems may disqualify you from admission to the Certifying Examination. You are personally responsible for the proper preparation, de-identified accuracy, and completeness of the case lists.
• The completeness and accuracy of submitted case lists are subject to audit by the ABOG. All audits will be conducted in accordance with the provisions of the HIPAA Privacy Rule. Permission to conduct on-site audits will be required of you prior to final approval to take the Certifying Exam.
• Falsification of information in the case lists may result in ineligibility to apply for the Certifying Exam for a minimum of three years. You must then meet all requirements in effect at the end of the deferred period.
• If the falsification is discovered after you have successfully completed the Certifying Exam, the results of the test will be voided, and your certification will be revoked.

Candidates will self-attest that their case lists are accurate and complete within the appropriate timeframe. Affidavits will only be required if your case list is selected for an audit. If audited, each list of obstetrics and gynecology patients from each hospital and surgical center must be verified on the appropriate affidavit form. The medical record librarian or designated hospital/surgical center authority must submit a statement attesting that:

• The patients listed were cared for by you
• All of the hospitalized patients dismissed from your care have been separately listed or reported in the totals for the period indicated.
• For cases chosen from the fellowship or senior residency year, the affidavit must be obtained from your Program Director or the medical records librarian. There is no affidavit for office practice cases.

Verification of Case List and Audit

The list of patients you provide is subject to independent verification and audit by an agent or employee of ABOG. As a condition of candidacy, you agree to cooperate fully with any audit authorized by the Board, but not limited to:

• Providing full and unrestricted access to your office records of patients for whom you had personal responsibility for professional management and care during the period for which the lists of patients are required
• Authorizing access to such hospital or other institutional records as the ABOG deems necessary, in its absolute discretion, to verify the completeness and accuracy of the patient lists you submitted
• Using your best efforts to obtain, where necessary and possible, written patient consent to release to the Board information concerning the patient's condition and treatment

Any audit undertaken by the Board pursuant to the authority granted by the section shall be conducted in compliance with the HIPAA Privacy Rule.