Frequently Asked Questions

Who is CME Vacations and what are you trying to do?

We started by offering the best Hospital Medicine CME, and people love it. We've now added Outpatient / Primary Care CME. The concept is simple:

  • The best content: 16 hours of CME highlighting the latest guidelines, studies and updates that affect how we manage patients every day. Content is case-based, with actual patient scenarios and questions. 
  • Flexible scheduling: Offered multiple times a year, at multiple locations.
  • A “Working Vacation:” Family-friendly tourist destinations with a schedule that allows you to have fun while you earn CME.
  • Reasonable pricing: We strive for the entire week to fit within a typical CME budget.

We also offer the same content in online courses.

The online version is included for conference attendees!  ($695 value) We really want everyone to have a "working vacation" so including the online content gives you more flexibility.

How does CME Vacations differentiate themselves from other CME providers?

1) We review the latest guidelines as well as relevant studies and provide the consolidated information to you in easy Take Home Points.  You can apply the most current recommendations in your practice without spending countless hours reviewing documents.  We do it for you!!  

2) We promote working vacations at fabulous sites.  We make CME fun by only having classes half of the day so that you are encouraged to have some fun the rest of the day.

3) We provide both online and in person courses.  Additionally, if you attend a CME seminar, you receive FREE access to the online course for flexibility and review purposes.    

What is your refund policy?

Please see our refund policy page for detailed information.

Do I have to stay at the hotel where the conference is?

No, you can stay at any hotel you like. We strive to offer great value and options when we choose our venues, but budgets, tastes and preferences vary.  However, we strongly recommend to stay at the conference hotel for our overseas conferences.

How do your cruises work?

The conference price does not include the cruise.  For cruises, you would purchase the conference on our website and book your cabin through CME Custom Travel, the details are on the product page for each event. This is a cruise line requirement - groups must be managed through one agency.

How do I get my CME certificate?

On the last day of the conference, you will receive access to an online evaluation which you will need to complete.  Your CME certificate will be emailed to you after completion of the evaluation.

Is Hospital Medicine Update only for hospitalists?

No, our content is useful for others, too. There are physicians, nurse practitioners and physician assistants that all function as hospitalists, as well as some specialists that handle inpatient work, such as surgeons or other specialists that admit patients. Our conferences have been attended by hospitalists, NPs, PAs, cardiologists, ED physicians, anesthesiologists, surgeons, gastroenterologists, nephrologists and others. Some PCPs also care for inpatients - this is perfect for those providers, helping them stay current. It's also very applicable for students and residents, especially those considering becoming hospitalists, and helpful for board review. 

Is Outpatient Medicine Update only for Primary Care Physicians?

No, our content is appropriate for physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and other specialists such as cardiologists, ED physicians, anesthesiologists, gastroenterologists, nephrologists, and dermatologists.  It's also very applicable for students and residents and helpful for board review. 

I'm a Hospitalist but I prefer the time and location of an Outpatient Medicine Update Conference.  What can you do to help me?

There is a lot of overlap in the information provided between the two conferences.  However, to ensure that you receive the best of both worlds, if you attend the Outpatient Medicine Update conference we can give you access to the Hospital Medicine Update On Demand for free instead of Outpatient Medicine Update on Demand.

My focus is Primary Care but I prefer the time and location for a Hospital  Medicine Update Conference.  What can you do to help me?

There is a lot of overlap in the information provided between the two conferences.  However, to ensure that you receive the best of both worlds, if you attend the Hospital Medicine Update conference we can give you access to the Outpatient Medicine Update On Demand for free instead of Hospital Medicine Update on Demand.

Will I receive printed slides?

We do not provide a printed set of slides. We will email you the conference slides in pdf format at least 3 days prior to the start date, allowing you enough time to print slides if you desire. We also include a "Take Home Points" for each lecture.  The slides are in pdf format, one slide per page, so it's easy to follow along on a phone, tablet or laptop. 

What’s the difference between live CME conferences and enduring CME?

In the CME world live events and "enduring material" are different courses. The "live event" is attended in person or via "live streaming".  The "enduring material" is an online course.  The "live event" certificate will include the location and dates of the conference. The "enduring material" certificate will only provide the date of completion.  If you attend one of our conferences, as an educational benefit we give you access to the "enduring material" for reference and attendance flexibility.  If you have any additional questions please reach out to info@cmevacations.com

Where can I find the accreditation information for a specific course?

For accreditation information for a specific course please reference the accreditation page.

Can I receive ACCME  AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™?

Yes, we are jointly accredited with the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™.

Can I receive ABIM MOC points?

Yes, we are jointly accredited with the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM).

Can I receive AAPA Credits?

AAPA accepts certificates of participation for educational activities certified for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ from organizations accredited by ACCME or a recognized state medical society.

Can I receive ANCC credit for your courses?

Yes, for the DEA and Outpatient Medicine Update courses, including pharmacotherapy credit.

But for the Hospital Medicine Update courses we are not directly associated with the American Nurses Credentialing Center.  However, our educational programs are ACCME certified.  ANCC accepts certificates of participation for educational activities certified for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ from organizations accredited by ACCME.  AANP contact hours are also accepted by ANCC.  However, it is a good idea to check with your state board to make sure your state accepts the credits.

https://www.nursingworld.org/certification/faqs/

Can I receive AANP credit for your courses?

Yes, for the Hospital Medicine Update courses, including pharmacotherapy credit.

But for the DEA and Outpatient Medicine Update courses we are not directly associated with the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP).  However, our educational programs are ACCME certified.  AANP accepts certificates of participation for educational activities certified for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ from organizations accredited by ACCME.  Additionally, AANC contact hours are also accepted by ANNP, including pharmacotherapy credit.  However, it is a good idea to check with your state board to make sure your state accepts the credits.

https://www.nursingworld.org/certification/faqs/

Can I receive ACPE credit for your courses?

Yes, for the DEA and the Outpatient Medicine Update courses.

But for the Hospital Medicine Update courses we are not accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE).  Our educational programs are ACCME certified to award AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™, which may fulfill CPE requirements in some states. However, pharmacists should check directly with their state’s board of pharmacy.  We are hoping to accredit the Hospital Medicine Update courses by December, 2024.

Can I receive AAFP credit for your courses?

Our CME activities are designated for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ and as such you can receive AAFP Elective Credit.  However, they have not been reviewed and approved for AAFP Prescribed Credit.

Can I receive ECMEC credit for your courses?

Our educational programs are ACCME certified to award AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™Following the agreement on the mutual recognition of credits between the American Medical Association and the UEMS-EACCME: European physicians can earn their ECMECs by attending live events worldwide, except in Europe, that have been certified for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ and completing e-learning programs: from accredited providers from the United States, that have been certified for AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™

https://www.uems.eu/areas-of-expertise/cme-cpd/eaccme/mutual-recognition-with-the-united-states

Does your 8 Hour DEA Course fulfill the eight-hour DEA requirement of the MATE Act?

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0268/3768/0200/files/MATE_Training_Letter_Final.pdf?v=1685311071

Yes, as an accredited organization named in Section 1263 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, Partners for Advancing Clinical Education (PACE) certifies that completion of this course meets the DEA requirement for 8 hours of education on substance use disorder(s).

How do I renew my DEA license?

Once you have obtained your certificate, you can renew your DEA license as before at this link.   You can renew as early as 60 days before the license expires.

Does your DEA 8 Hour Course fulfill the Controlled Substance Education Course Requirement by PAB?

No, our course has NOT been deemed approved by PAB to fulfill the Controlled Substance Education Course Requirement.  Only three organizations have been approved.  Please reference link below:

https://www.pab.ca.gov/licensees/csec_info.shtml

However, our coursework can count as CME since our educational programs are ACCME certified to award AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™.   .

https://www.pab.ca.gov/licensees/cmeregs.shtml

Do you have any specials?

Please refer to our SPECIALS page for any special promotions.