Five Important Acronyms Every EP Professional Must Know

In this installment of EP Lab Digest’s “5 Ways” section, author Peggy McElgunn lists the acronyms of five crucial EP organizations. Being a professional in the healthcare arena can be both a complex and confusing place to work. One of the challenges faced daily is the use of acronyms as a way of shortening our communication and presumably saving time. However, this theory works only if you understand the acronym. Otherwise, the time and effort it takes to understand one piece of communication may be excessive. In an effort to assist, we have included below the five acronyms that any EP professional should know.

IBHRE: International Board of Heart Rhythm Examiners This organization is responsible for developing standards of excellence for cardiac electrophysiology professionals. Their exam is recognized around the world as the highest benchmark of professional competency in cardiac pacing, defibrillation and EP. More than 7,000 individuals have taken the IBHRE exam and earned certification in their specialty. The IHBRE, which was formerly known as NASPExAM®, was founded in 1985 and are based in Washington, DC. It is the IBHRE’s goal to raise the level of professionalism and academic credibility in cardiac pacing. Their initial examination was created for physicians and surgeons; however, in 1989 an additional examination was developed for allied professionals, and in 1997 they added a third examination for competency in cardiac electrophysiology for the allied professional. The IBHRE can be found online at: www.ibhre.org.

CCI: Cardiovascular Credentialing International This organization administers credentialing examinations to cardiovascular professionals. In 2007, they launched the Registry Level Exam for non-physician electrophysiology professionals; this credential is known as the Registered Cardiac Electrophysiology Specialist (RCES). CCI can be found online at: www.cci-online.org.

CES: The Cardiac Electrophysiology Society This international organization, which was founded in 1949, is committed to basic and clinical scientists and physicians interested in cardiac electrophysiology and arrhythmias. The society’s annual meeting occurs on the day preceding the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions. This year’s meeting takes place on Saturday, November 8 at the Hilton Riverside in New Orleans. The main focus of this year’s annual meeting is “The Anatomy Of Cardiac Arrhythmias.” The CES can be found online at: www.cardiaceps.org.

HRS: Heart Rhythm Society This is the leading organization for EP professionals; they are an advocate for all matters related to electrophysiology. The Heart Rhythm Society, which was founded in 1979, has a membership of more than 4,800 physicians, scientists and associated professionals representing more than 70 countries. As the leading professional group representing the allied specialties of cardiac pacing and cardiac electrophysiology, HRS plays an important role not only in education, but also as an intermediary between government regulatory agencies and its members. The Heart Rhythm Society can be found online at: www.hrsonline.org.

ACVP: Alliance of Cardiovascular Professionals This 3,000+ membership organization provides products, services and support for non-physician cardiovascular professionals including administrators, nurses, technologists, and technicians in all specialties of the cardiology service delivery. This includes electrophysiology professionals. Founded in 1957, it is the oldest, largest and most comprehensive society for cardiology professionals in the country. ACVP’s strength lies in the fact that it has combined all the cardiovascular specialties and disciplines. This diversity provides a rich source of networking possibilities for members, as well as allows them a strong voice in the cardiovascular field. There are distinct advantages to belonging to an organization that includes professionals from many different fields. ACVP has become a unique catalyst for multi-skilling and cross training; information and learning also take a leap forward. The ACVP sponsors a leadership conference annually. Their 2009 Leadership Conference is March 26-28 at the Disney Hilton in Orlando, Florida. The ACVP can be found online at: www.acp-online.org.

Summary It is important that professionals be involved with or participate in one or more of the professional organizations listed above. While individuals cannot participate in the exam or standard-setting organizations, their voices can be heard through the professional societies working with the exam bodies. Professional issues are addressed through the societies. In addition, professionals can access information, products and services providing them with a professional advantage not available elsewhere. Visit the Web sites and take time to participate!

For more information, contact ACVP at www.acp-online.org or call 804.632.0078.