Physician Coaching and CME Documentation
CME Information for Physicians and Administrators
Coaching for Physicians provides individualized educational coaching focused on communication, leadership, professional performance, workplace relationships, self-awareness, and sustainable medical practice. This page explains the distinction between AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ and AMA PRA Category 2 Credit™ and describes the documentation available for institutional reimbursement review.
Category 1 and Category 2 CME
AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™
Category 1 credit is designated by an accredited CME provider for an activity that satisfies applicable accreditation and American Medical Association requirements. Coaching for Physicians is not an accredited Category 1 CME provider and does not award Category 1 credit.
AMA PRA Category 2 Credit™
The American Medical Association describes AMA PRA Category 2 Credit™ as “self-designated and self-claimed by individual physicians” for educational activities that are not certified for Category 1 credit.
For a physician to self-claim Category 2 credit, the activity must:
- Comply with the AMA definition of continuing medical education.
- Comply with relevant AMA ethical opinions.
- Be nonpromotional.
- Be considered by the physician to be a “worthwhile learning experience related to a physician’s practice.”
The AMA identifies examples that may meet these requirements, including consultation with peers and medical experts, small-group discussions, self-assessment, medical writing, research, and participation in peer review or quality assurance. The individual physician is responsible for evaluating the educational value of each activity, determining whether it is appropriate to self-claim Category 2 credit, and maintaining the required record.
Physician Coaching as Professional Development
Depending on the physician’s goals, educational coaching may address:
- Communication, listening, feedback, and conflict management.
- Leadership, influence, accountability, and team effectiveness.
- Emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and self-regulation.
- Professional judgment, workplace relationships, and professional presence.
- Stress responses, boundaries, values, career development, and sustainable practice.
- Reflection, case discussion, role-play, goal setting, and application to workplace situations.
The participating physician must decide whether a particular coaching experience satisfies the AMA requirements for self-claimed Category 2 credit. The physician’s employer, medical board, credentialing organization, or other reviewing entity determines whether the activity or expense is acceptable for its purposes.
Documentation Available for Administrators
At the physician’s request, Coaching for Physicians can provide:
- A description of the coaching program and its educational objectives.
- A participation letter listing the physician’s name, coaching dates, educational topics, and participation hours.
- An itemized invoice and proof of payment.
- This explanatory webpage and an administrator brochure.
These documents verify participation in an educational coaching activity. They do not award, certify, or determine eligibility for Category 2 credit.
Important CME Notice
Coaching for Physicians is not accredited for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ and does not award or certify AMA PRA Category 2 Credit™. Category 2 credit is self-designated, self-claimed, and self-documented by the individual physician. Physicians should confirm applicable licensing and credentialing requirements and obtain advance approval from their employer or benefits administrator when seeking reimbursement.
References
American Medical Association. “What to know about the other kind of CME credit.” https://www.ama-assn.org/education/ama-pra-credit-system/what-know-about-other-kind-cme-credit
American Medical Association. “Understanding the AMA PRA Credit System.” https://www.ama-assn.org/system/files/cme-issue-brief-pra-credit-system.pdf
American Medical Association. “Teaching medical students & residents.” https://www.ama-assn.org/education/ama-pra-credit-system/teaching-medical-students-residents
Georgia Composite Medical Board. “Continuing Education and Other Required Training for Physicians.” https://medicalboard.georgia.gov/professional-resources/continuing-education-and-other-required-training-physicians
Last reviewed August 2026.