ABFM Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield ABFM facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What is a key performance indicator (KPI)? → A measurable value that demonstrates effectiveness in achieving objectives
2. A family physician completes a simulation-based airway management course. What makes this activity eligible for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™? → It was planned and accredited by an ACCME-accredited provider
3. Which laboratory finding is most specific for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in a patient presenting with polyarthritis, malar rash, and fatigue? → Anti-double-stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA) antibody
4. A family physician wants CME credit for reading a peer-reviewed journal article and completing a post-test. This is an example of which CME format? → Enduring material
5. Which factor most significantly affects the reliability of assessment findings? → Standardized procedures and consistent methodology
6. Under the Medicare Shared Savings Program (MSSP), an Accountable Care Organization (ACO) earns shared savings when: → Its per-capita expenditures fall below its benchmark by more than the minimum savings rate
7. How does CME contribute to the Maintenance of Certification (MOC) process for family physicians? → It helps physicians stay informed and fulfill the educational component of MOC
8. How does practical experience complement theoretical knowledge in the ABFM field? → It develops judgment, skills, and the ability to handle real-world complexity
9. A diplomate discloses a financial relationship with a pharmaceutical company when presenting a CME session. What additional step is required by ACCME? → Resolve the conflict of interest before the activity occurs
10. Under HIPAA, a physician may share patient health information without explicit authorization for which of the following purposes? → Treatment, payment, and healthcare operations
11. The 'substituted judgment' standard for surrogate decision-making requires the surrogate to: → Make the decision the patient would have made based on known values and preferences
12. A 360-degree assessment in physician evaluation typically gathers feedback from all of the following EXCEPT: → Insurance company claims adjusters
13. What is the consequence for an ABFM diplomate who fails to meet annual Continuous Certification requirements for two consecutive years? → Their certification lapses and they must retake the full initial certification exam
14. What is the purpose of the ABFM board exam for family physicians? → To assess a physician’s medical knowledge and decision-making in family medicine
15. A diplomate's ABFM certification lapses due to failure to complete CME requirements. What is the most likely pathway to regain certification? → Pass the ABFM Family Medicine Certification Examination
16. When evaluating a medical student's clinical performance, which assessment tool is most appropriate for observing history-taking skills in real time? → Mini-Clinical Evaluation Exercise (mini-CEX)
17. A physician suspects a colleague is impaired by substance use during clinical duties. The most appropriate first action is to: → Address patient safety and follow institutional protocol for reporting impaired physicians
18. Which federal agency enforces the Anti-Kickback Statute in healthcare? → Office of Inspector General (OIG), Department of Health and Human Services
19. A 72-year-old woman on warfarin for atrial fibrillation presents with an INR of 5.8 but no active bleeding. What is the most appropriate management? → Hold warfarin and give oral vitamin K 1–2.5 mg
20. A 55-year-old man with a 30 pack-year smoking history presents for an annual visit. Per USPSTF guidelines, which screening test should be offered? → Low-dose CT (LDCT) scan of the chest annually
21. What role does reflection play in professional practice? → It enables learning from experience and continuous improvement
22. What is mandatory reporting? → A legal obligation to report certain situations such as abuse or neglect
23. What should a ABFM professional do when facing a conflict of interest? → Disclose the conflict and recuse if necessary
24. How often must a family physician undergo the MOC process to maintain their ABFM certification? → Every 5 years
25. When a terminally ill patient requests physician aid in dying in a state where it is legal, the physician who objects should: → Provide information about the process and ensure timely referral
26. The ABFM offers a 'Certificate of Added Qualifications' (CAQ) in which of the following areas? (Select the best answer) → Sports Medicine, Hospice and Palliative Medicine, and Geriatric Medicine
27. According to the USPSTF, at what age should average-risk adults begin colorectal cancer screening? → 45 years
28. Which type of informed consent is generally sufficient for routine physical examinations in outpatient family medicine? → Implied consent from the patient's actions
29. Under the Controlled Substances Act, which schedule includes drugs with high abuse potential and no currently accepted medical use in the United States? → Schedule I
30. How should a professional handle a situation where institutional policy conflicts with ethical standards? → Advocate for policy change while following ethical guidelines