JANUARY 2024 1
ABIM invites diplomates to help develop the
Internal Medicine MOC blueprint
Based on feedback from physicians that MOC assessments
should better reflect what they see in practice, in 2015 the
American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) invited certified
general internists to provide ratings of the relative frequency
and importance of blueprint topics in practice.
This review process, which resulted in a new MOC exam
blueprint, will be used on a periodic basis to inform and update
all MOC assessments created by ABIM. No matter what form
ABIM’s assessments ultimately take, they will need to be
informed by front-line clinicians sharing their perspective on
what is important to know.
A sample of over 300 physicians, similar to the total invited
population of internists in age, time spent in direct patient care,
and practice setting, provided the blueprint topic ratings. ABIM
used this feedback to update the blueprint for MOC assessments
(beginning with the Fall 2015 administration of the traditional,
10-year MOC exam).
To inform how assessment content should be distributed across
the major blueprint content categories, ABIM considered the
average respondent ratings of topic frequency and importance
in each of the content categories. A second source of information
was the relative frequency of patient conditions in the content
categories, as seen by certified Internists and documented
by national health care data (described further under Content
distribution below).
To determine prioritization of specific exam content within each
major medical content category, ABIM used the respondent
ratings of topic frequency and importance to set thresholds for
these parameters in the exam assembly process (described
further under Detailed content outline below).
Purpose of the Internal Medicine MOC
Assessments
MOC assessments are designed to evaluate whether a certified
internist has maintained competence and currency in the
knowledge and judgment required for practice. The MOC
assessments emphasizes diagnosis and management of
prevalent conditions, particularly in areas where practice has
changed in recent years. As a result of the blueprint review by
ABIM diplomates, the assessments place less emphasis on rare
conditions and focuses more on situations in which physician
intervention can have important consequences for patients.
For conditions that are usually managed by other specialists,
the focus is on recognition rather than on management.
Assessment format
The traditional, 10-year MOC exam comprises up to 220 single-
best-answer multiple-choice questions, of which approximately
50 are new questions that do not count in the examinee’s score.
Examinees taking the MOC exam will have access to an external
resource (i.e., UpToDate®) for the entire exam.
The LKA for MOC is a five-year cycle in which physicians answer
questions on an ongoing basis and receive feedback on how
they’re performing along the way. More information on how
assessments are developed can be found at abim.org/about/
exam-information/exam-development.aspx.
Most questions describe clinical scenarios and ask about the
work done (that is, tasks performed) by physicians in the course
of practice:
• Diagnosis: making a diagnosis or identifying an
underlying condition
• Testing: ordering tests for diagnosis, staging, or follow-up
• Treatment/Care Decisions: recommending treatment
or other patient care
• Risk Assessment/Prognosis/Epidemiology: assessing
risk, determining prognosis, and applying principles from
epidemiologic studies
• Pathophysiology/Basic Science: understanding the
pathophysiology of disease and basic science knowledge
applicable to patient care
Reflecting the overall predominance of oce-based internal
medicine practice, most questions describe patient encounters
that take place in outpatient settings; some encounters will
occur in hospital or other inpatient settings as most general
internists provide patient care in these settings as well.
INTERNAL MEDICINE Blueprint
For traditional, 10-year Maintenance of Certification (MOC) exam and Longitudinal Knowledge Assessment (LKA
™
)
JANUARY 2024 2
ABIM is committed to working toward health equity and
believes that board-certified physicians should have an
understanding of health care disparities. Therefore, health
equity content that is clinically important to each discipline
will be included in assessments, and the use of gender, race,
and ethnicity identifiers will be re-evaluated.
Clinical information presented may include patient photographs,
radiographs, electrocardiograms, and other media to illustrate
relevant patient findings.
Exam tutorials, including examples of ABIM assessment question
format, can be found at abim.org/maintenance-of-certification/
exam-information/internal-medicine/exam-tutorial.aspx.
Content distribution
Listed below are the major medical content categories that
define the domain for the Internal Medicine traditional, 10-year
MOC exam and LKA. The relative distribution of content
is expressed as a percentage of the total assessment. To
determine the content distribution, ABIM considered the
average respondent ratings of topic frequency and importance
To cross-validate these self-reported ratings, ABIM also
considered the relative frequency of conditions seen in patients
from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAMCS)
and the National Hospital Discharge Survey (NHDS) by a
cohort of certified internists. Informed by these data, the
Internal Medicine Approval Committee and Internal Medicine
Board have established the content category targets.
The Internal Medicine MOC assessments may cover other
dimensions of medicine as applicable to the medical content
categories, such as critical care medicine, preventive medicine,
women’s health, clinical epidemiology, ethics, nutrition, palliative
and end-of-life care, occupational medicine, patient safety,
and substance use disorders.
How the blueprint ratings are used to assemble
the MOC assessments
Blueprint reviewers provided ratings of relative frequency in
practice for each of the detailed content topics in the blueprint
and provided ratings of the relative importance of the topics
for each of the tasks described in Assessment format above.
In rating importance, reviewers were asked to consider factors
such as the following:
• High risk of a significant adverse outcome
• Cost of care and stewardship of resources
• Common errors in diagnosis or management
• Eect on population health
• Eect on quality of life
• When failure to intervene by the physician deprives
a patient of significant benefit
Frequency and importance were rated on a three-point scale
corresponding to low, medium, or high. The median importance
ratings are reflected in the Detailed content outline below.
The Internal Medicine Approval Committee and Internal Medicine
Board, in partnership with the physician community, have set
the following parameters for selecting MOC assessment
questions according to the blueprint review ratings:
• At least 75% of questions will address high-importance
content (indicated in green)
• No more than 25% of questions will address medium-
importance content (indicated in yellow)
• No questions will address low-importance content
(indicated in red)
Independent of the importance and task ratings, no more than
18% of questions will address low-frequency content (indicated
by “LF” following the topic description).
MEDICAL CONTENT CATEGORY Target %
Allergy and Immunology 2%
Cardiovascular Disease 15%
Dermatology 3%
Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism 10%
Gastroenterology 10%
Hematology 4%
Infectious Disease 10%
Miscellaneous 1%
Nephrology and Urology 6%
Neurology 4%
Obstetrics and Gynecology 3%
Medical Oncology 6%
Ophthalmology 1%
Otolaryngology and Dental Medicine 1%
Psychiatry 3%
Pulmonary Disease 8%
Rheumatology and Orthopedics 10%
Geriatric Syndromes 3%
Total 100%
JANUARY 2024 3
ALLERGY AND IMMUNOLOGY
(2% of exam) Diagnosis Testing
Treatment/
Care Decisions
Risk Assessment/
Prognosis/
Epidemiology
Pathophysiology/
Basic Science
ANAPHYLAXIS (<2% of exam)
General anaphylaxis
Aspirin idiosyncrasy
LF
Stinging insect hypersensitivity
Desensitization therapy
LF
Serum sickness*
ASTHMA (<2% of exam)
General asthma
Exercise- and cold-induced asthma
Allergic bronchopulmonary
aspergillosis
LF
Nasal polyps and aspirin sensitivity
Occupational asthma
Asthma and pregnancy
LF
Asthma mimics (including vocal
cord dysfunction)
LF
RHINITIS, SINUSITIS, CONJUNCTIVITIS (<2% of exam)
Allergic rhinitis
Acute and chronic sinusitis
Allergic conjunctivitis
Upper airway cough syndrome
Detailed Content Outline for the Internal Medicine traditional, 10-year MOC exam and the LKA
– High Importance: At least 75% of questions
will address topics and tasks with this
designation.
– Medium Importance: No more than 25%
of questions will address topics and tasks
with this designation.
– Low Importance: No questions will
address topics and tasks with
this designation.
LF
– Low Frequency: No more than 18% of questions will address topics with this designation, regardless of task or importance.
The content selection priorities below are subject to change in response to future blueprint review.
Note: The same topic may appear in more than one medical content category.
*This topic was added or revised after the blueprint was reviewed by Internal Medicine diplomates; it has been
provisionally rated by the Internal Medicine Approval Committee, pending the next blueprint review process.
JANUARY 2024 4
*This topic was added or revised after the blueprint was reviewed by Internal Medicine diplomates; it has been
provisionally rated by the Internal Medicine Approval Committee, pending the next blueprint review process.
– High Importance: At least 75% of questions
will address topics and tasks with this
designation.
– Medium Importance: No more than 25%
of questions will address topics and tasks
with this designation.
– Low Importance: No questions will
address topics and tasks with
this designation.
LF
– Low Frequency: No more than 18% of questions will address topics with this designation, regardless of task or importance.
ALLERGY AND IMMUNOLOGY
continued…
(2% of exam) Diagnosis Testing
Treatment/
Care Decisions
Risk Assessment/
Prognosis/
Epidemiology
Pathophysiology/
Basic Science
FOOD ALLERGY (<2% of exam)
Food allergy
URTICARIA AND ANGIOEDEMA (<2% of exam)
Hereditary angioedema
LF
Drug-induced urticaria and
angioedema
Other causes of urticaria
and angioedema
Contrast-related allergy
SKIN DISORDERS (<2% of exam)
Atopic dermatitis
Contact dermatitis
DRUG ALLERGY OTHER THAN DRUG-INDUCED URTICARIA AND ANGIOEDEMA (<2% of exam)
Drug allergy other than drug-
induced urticaria and angioedema
LF
PRIMARY IMMUNODEFICIENCY DISORDERS (<2% of exam)
Primary humoral immunodeciency*
LF
Cellular immunodeciency other
than human immunodeciency
virus (HIV) infection
LF
Complement deciency
LF
ALLERGIC COMPLICATIONS OF TRANSFUSIONS (<2% of exam)
Hemolytic transfusion reactions
LF
Transfusion-related acute lung injury
LF
Transfusion-related urticaria
and anaphylaxis
LF
JANUARY 2024 5
*This topic was added or revised after the blueprint was reviewed by Internal Medicine diplomates; it has been
provisionally rated by the Internal Medicine Approval Committee, pending the next blueprint review process.
– High Importance: At least 75% of questions
will address topics and tasks with this
designation.
– Medium Importance: No more than 25%
of questions will address topics and tasks
with this designation.
– Low Importance: No questions will
address topics and tasks with
this designation.
LF
– Low Frequency: No more than 18% of questions will address topics with this designation, regardless of task or importance.
ALLERGY AND IMMUNOLOGY
continued…
(2% of exam) Diagnosis Testing
Treatment/
Care Decisions
Risk Assessment/
Prognosis/
Epidemiology
Pathophysiology/
Basic Science
AUTOIMMUNE SYSTEMIC DISORDERS (INCLUDING IgG4-RELATED DISORDERS) (<2% of exam)
Mastocytosis
LF
Allergic interstitial nephritis
LF
Eosinophilic esophagitis
LF
Eosinophilic pneumonia
LF
Eosinophilic granulomatosis
with polyangiitis
LF
Hypersensitivity pneumonitis
(extrinsic allergic alveolitis)
LF
CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE
(15% of exam) Diagnosis Testing
Treatment/
Care Decisions
Risk Assessment/
Prognosis/
Epidemiology
Pathophysiology/
Basic Science
HYPERTENSION (5% of exam)
NOTE: This total includes the Hypertension content listed under Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism and Nephrology and Urology
Essential hypertension
Renal (including renal parenchymal
and renovascular)
Coarctation of the aorta
LF
Hypertensive urgency and
emergency
Undierentiated hypertension
PERICARDIAL DISEASE (<2% of exam)
Pericarditis
LF
Pericardial eusion
LF
Constrictive pericarditis
LF
ISCHEMIC HEART DISEASE (<2% of exam)
Stable angina pectoris
Acute coronary syndrome (ACS)
ACS complications
JANUARY 2024 6
*This topic was added or revised after the blueprint was reviewed by Internal Medicine diplomates; it has been
provisionally rated by the Internal Medicine Approval Committee, pending the next blueprint review process.
– High Importance: At least 75% of questions
will address topics and tasks with this
designation.
– Medium Importance: No more than 25%
of questions will address topics and tasks
with this designation.
– Low Importance: No questions will
address topics and tasks with
this designation.
LF
– Low Frequency: No more than 18% of questions will address topics with this designation, regardless of task or importance.
CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE
continued…
(15% of exam) Diagnosis Testing
Treatment/
Care Decisions
Risk Assessment/
Prognosis/
Epidemiology
Pathophysiology/
Basic Science
ISCHEMIC HEART DISEASE continued… (<2% of exam)
Heart failure from ischemic
cardiomyopathy
Non-cardiac chest pain
Other ischemic heart disease
(coronary artery disease and spasm)
LF
DYSRHYTHMIAS AND CONDUCTION DEFECTS (<2% of exam)
Conduction defects
Bradyarrhythmias
Tachyarrhythmias
Other dysrhythmias (cardiac
resuscitation)*
CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE IN ADULTS (<2% of exam)
Atrial septal defect and patent
foramen ovale
LF
Bicuspid aortic valve
LF
Other congenital heart disease
(patent ductus arteriosus, ventricular
septal defect, pulmonic stenosis)
LF
VALVULAR HEART DISEASE (<2% of exam)
Aortic stenosis
Aortic regurgitation
Mitral regurgitation
Mitral stenosis
LF
Prosthetic heart valve
MYOCARDIAL DISEASE (<2% of exam)
Heart failure with preserved
ejection fraction (HFpEF)
Myocarditis
LF
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with
and without obstruction
LF
JANUARY 2024 7
*This topic was added or revised after the blueprint was reviewed by Internal Medicine diplomates; it has been
provisionally rated by the Internal Medicine Approval Committee, pending the next blueprint review process.
– High Importance: At least 75% of questions
will address topics and tasks with this
designation.
– Medium Importance: No more than 25%
of questions will address topics and tasks
with this designation.
– Low Importance: No questions will
address topics and tasks with
this designation.
LF
– Low Frequency: No more than 18% of questions will address topics with this designation, regardless of task or importance.
CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE
continued…
(15% of exam) Diagnosis Testing
Treatment/
Care Decisions
Risk Assessment/
Prognosis/
Epidemiology
Pathophysiology/
Basic Science
MYOCARDIAL DISEASE (<2% of exam)
Restrictive cardiomyopathy
LF
Dilated cardiomyopathy
LF
Cor pulmonale
Undierentiated myocardial disease*
ENDOCARDITIS AND OTHER CARDIOVASCULAR INFECTION (<2% of exam)
Endocarditis
LF
Infections of the pericardial space
LF
Endocarditis prophylaxis
Cardiovascular implantable device
infection
VASCULAR DISEASE (<2% of exam)
Carotid artery disease
Aorta
Peripheral arterial disease
Pulmonary vascular disease
Venous disease of the lower
extremities
Superior vena cava syndrome
(not due to cancer)
LF
SYNCOPE (<2% of exam)
Reex syncope (vasovagal and
situational)
Orthostatic hypotension
Cardiac syncope (structural and
electrical)
JANUARY 2024 8
*This topic was added or revised after the blueprint was reviewed by Internal Medicine diplomates; it has been
provisionally rated by the Internal Medicine Approval Committee, pending the next blueprint review process.
– High Importance: At least 75% of questions
will address topics and tasks with this
designation.
– Medium Importance: No more than 25%
of questions will address topics and tasks
with this designation.
– Low Importance: No questions will
address topics and tasks with
this designation.
LF
– Low Frequency: No more than 18% of questions will address topics with this designation, regardless of task or importance.
CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE
continued…
(15% of exam) Diagnosis Testing
Treatment/
Care Decisions
Risk Assessment/
Prognosis/
Epidemiology
Pathophysiology/
Basic Science
PREOPERATIVE CONSULTATION (<2% of exam)
No testing required
Testing indicated
LIPID DISORDERS (<2% of exam)
Lipid disorders
ANTITHROMBOTIC THERAPY IN CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE (<2% of exam)
Antithrombotic therapy in
cardiovascular disease
MISCELLANEOUS CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE (PHYSICAL EXAMINATION FINDINGS, MURMURS) (<2% of exam)
Miscellaneous cardiovascular
disease (physical examination
ndings, murmurs)
LF
DERMATOLOGY
(3% of exam) Diagnosis Testing
Treatment/
Care Decisions
Risk Assessment/
Prognosis/
Epidemiology
Pathophysiology/
Basic Science
DERMATITIS (ECZEMAS) (<2% of exam)
Atopic dermatitis
Contact dermatitis
Photodermatitis
LF
Stasis dermatitis
Hand dermatitis
Drug eruptions
Nummular dermatitis
LF
Exfoliative dermatitis (erythroderma,
not including mycosis fungoides)
LF
Seborrheic dermatitis
DERMATOLOGIC IMMUNOLOGY (<2% of exam)
Urticaria and angioedema
Leukocytoclastic vasculitis
LF
JANUARY 2024 9
*This topic was added or revised after the blueprint was reviewed by Internal Medicine diplomates; it has been
provisionally rated by the Internal Medicine Approval Committee, pending the next blueprint review process.
– High Importance: At least 75% of questions
will address topics and tasks with this
designation.
– Medium Importance: No more than 25%
of questions will address topics and tasks
with this designation.
– Low Importance: No questions will
address topics and tasks with
this designation.
LF
– Low Frequency: No more than 18% of questions will address topics with this designation, regardless of task or importance.
DERMATOLOGY continued…
(3% of exam) Diagnosis Testing
Treatment/
Care Decisions
Risk Assessment/
Prognosis/
Epidemiology
Pathophysiology/
Basic Science
VASCULAR DERMATOSES (<2% of exam)
Erythema multiforme
LF
Erythema nodosum
LF
Telangiectasia
Leg ulcers
ACNE AND ROSACEA (<2% of exam)
Acne vulgaris
Rosacea
PAPULOSQUAMOUS DERMATOSES (<2% of exam)
Psoriasis
Pityriasis rosea
LF
Lichen planus
LF
SKIN AND SOFT TISSUE INFECTIONS (<2% of exam)
Dermatophytes
Herpes zoster and varicella
Viral exanthems other than varicella
LF
Cellulitis, erysipelas, and skin
abscess
Necrotizing soft tissue infections
and gas gangrene
LF
Lymphadenitis and lymphangitis
LF
Ectoparasites (lice, scabies,
and others)
LF
VESICULOBULLOUS DERMATOSES (<2% of exam)
Pemphigus vulgaris
LF
Dermatitis herpetiformis
LF
JANUARY 2024 10
*This topic was added or revised after the blueprint was reviewed by Internal Medicine diplomates; it has been
provisionally rated by the Internal Medicine Approval Committee, pending the next blueprint review process.
– High Importance: At least 75% of questions
will address topics and tasks with this
designation.
– Medium Importance: No more than 25%
of questions will address topics and tasks
with this designation.
– Low Importance: No questions will
address topics and tasks with
this designation.
LF
– Low Frequency: No more than 18% of questions will address topics with this designation, regardless of task or importance.
DERMATOLOGY continued…
(3% of exam) Diagnosis Testing
Treatment/
Care Decisions
Risk Assessment/
Prognosis/
Epidemiology
Pathophysiology/
Basic Science
PIGMENT DISORDERS (<2% of exam)
Vitiligo and other hypopigmentation
disorders
LF
Melasma (chloasma)
LF
Acanthosis nigricans
LF
Xeroderma pigmentosa*
PHOTOSENSITIVITY DERMATOSES (<2% of exam)
Porphyria cutanea tarda
LF
Photodermatitis
ALOPECIA (<2% of exam)
Alopecia
NODULES AND TUMORS OF THE SKIN (<2% of exam)
Seborrheic keratosis
Actinic keratosis
Warts, corns and skin tags
Squamous cell carcinoma of the skin
Basal cell carcinoma of the skin
Melanoma and nevi
Mycosis fungoides
LF
Other nodules and tumors of the
skin (dermatobroma)*
CUTANEOUS MANIFESTATIONS OF NUTRITIONAL DEFICIENCIES (<2% of exam)
Cutaneous manifestations of
nutritional deciencies
LF
DISORDERS OF THE NAILS (<2% of exam)
Disorders of the nails
JANUARY 2024 11
*This topic was added or revised after the blueprint was reviewed by Internal Medicine diplomates; it has been
provisionally rated by the Internal Medicine Approval Committee, pending the next blueprint review process.
– High Importance: At least 75% of questions
will address topics and tasks with this
designation.
– Medium Importance: No more than 25%
of questions will address topics and tasks
with this designation.
– Low Importance: No questions will
address topics and tasks with
this designation.
LF
– Low Frequency: No more than 18% of questions will address topics with this designation, regardless of task or importance.
DERMATOLOGY continued…
(3% of exam) Diagnosis Testing
Treatment/
Care Decisions
Risk Assessment/
Prognosis/
Epidemiology
Pathophysiology/
Basic Science
ENVIRONMENTAL INJURY OF SKIN (<2% of exam)
Frostbite
LF
Burns
LF
PRESSURE INJURIES (<2% of exam)
Pressure injuries
Dermatologic emergencies*
ENDOCRINOLOGY, DIABETES,
AND METABOLISM
(10% of exam) Diagnosis Testing
Treatment/
Care Decisions
Risk Assessment/
Prognosis/
Epidemiology
Pathophysiology/
Basic Science
ADRENAL DISORDERS (<2% of exam)
Adrenal hormonal excess
LF
Adrenal insuciency
LF
Adrenal masses and nodules*
LF
THYROID DISORDERS (<2% of exam)
Hyperthyroidism
Hypothyroidism
Thyroiditis (not Hashimoto
or peripartum)
LF
Thyroid nodules and thyroid cancer
Euthyroid sick syndrome
Thyroid storm*
Myxedemal coma*
Thyroid disease in pregnancy,
peripartum, or postpartum period*
ENDOCRINE CAUSES OF SECONDARY HYPERTENSION (2% of exam)
Endocrine causes of secondary
hypertension*
JANUARY 2024 12
*This topic was added or revised after the blueprint was reviewed by Internal Medicine diplomates; it has been
provisionally rated by the Internal Medicine Approval Committee, pending the next blueprint review process.
– High Importance: At least 75% of questions
will address topics and tasks with this
designation.
– Medium Importance: No more than 25%
of questions will address topics and tasks
with this designation.
– Low Importance: No questions will
address topics and tasks with
this designation.
LF
– Low Frequency: No more than 18% of questions will address topics with this designation, regardless of task or importance.
ENDOCRINOLOGY, DIABETES,
AND METABOLISM continued…
(10% of exam) Diagnosis Testing
Treatment/
Care Decisions
Risk Assessment/
Prognosis/
Epidemiology
Pathophysiology/
Basic Science
LIPID DISORDERS (<2% of exam)
Hypercholesterolemia
Hypertriglyceridemia (not including
chylomicronemia)
Chylomicronemia syndrome
LF
Diet and hyperlipidemia
OVARIAN DISORDERS AND FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH (<2% of exam)
Polycystic ovary syndrome
Premature ovarian failure*
Female infertility*
Hormonal therapy (contraception,
postmeLnFopausal replacement
therapy, abnormal uterine bleeding)*
TESTES AND MALE REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH (<2% of exam)
Male hypogonadism
Male infertility
LF
Erectile dysfunction
Gynecomastia*
DIABETES MELLITUS (<2% of exam)
Type 1 diabetes mellitus
Type 2 diabetes mellitus
Diabetes mellitus and pregnancy
LF
Complications of diabetes mellitus
DISORDERS OF CALCIUM METABOLISM AND BONE (<2% of exam)
Hypercalcemia
Hypocalcemia (not including
vitamin D deciency)
LF
Hyperphosphatemia
LF
Hypophosphatemia
LF
JANUARY 2024 13
*This topic was added or revised after the blueprint was reviewed by Internal Medicine diplomates; it has been
provisionally rated by the Internal Medicine Approval Committee, pending the next blueprint review process.
– High Importance: At least 75% of questions
will address topics and tasks with this
designation.
– Medium Importance: No more than 25%
of questions will address topics and tasks
with this designation.
– Low Importance: No questions will
address topics and tasks with
this designation.
LF
– Low Frequency: No more than 18% of questions will address topics with this designation, regardless of task or importance.
ENDOCRINOLOGY, DIABETES,
AND METABOLISM continued…
(10% of exam) Diagnosis Testing
Treatment/
Care Decisions
Risk Assessment/
Prognosis/
Epidemiology
Pathophysiology/
Basic Science
DISORDERS OF CALCIUM METABOLISM AND BONE continued… (<2% of exam)
Paget disease
LF
Osteoporosis
Vitamin D deciency and
osteomalacia
Chronic kidney disease-mineral
and bone LdFisorder*
LF
HYPOTHALAMIC DISORDERS (<2% of exam)
Hypothalamic disorders
LF
ANTERIOR PITUITARY DISORDERS (<2% of exam)
Pituitary tumors
LF
Hypopituitarism
LF
POSTERIOR PITUITARY AND WATER HOMEOSTASIS (<2% of exam)
Hypernatremia
Hyponatremia
ENDOCRINE TUMORS AND ENDOCRINE MANIFESTATIONS OF TUMORS (<2% of exam)
Insulinoma
LF
Carcinoid syndrome
LF
Other endocrine tumors or
manifestation LoFf tumors*
LF
HYPOGLYCEMIA NOT DUE TO INSULINOMA (<2% of exam)
Hypoglycemia not due to insulinoma
POLYGLANDULAR AUTOIMMUNE DISORDERS (<2% of exam)
Multiple endocrine hypofunction
LF
JANUARY 2024 14
*This topic was added or revised after the blueprint was reviewed by Internal Medicine diplomates; it has been
provisionally rated by the Internal Medicine Approval Committee, pending the next blueprint review process.
– High Importance: At least 75% of questions
will address topics and tasks with this
designation.
– Medium Importance: No more than 25%
of questions will address topics and tasks
with this designation.
– Low Importance: No questions will
address topics and tasks with
this designation.
LF
– Low Frequency: No more than 18% of questions will address topics with this designation, regardless of task or importance.
GASTROENTEROLOGY
(10% of exam) Diagnosis Testing
Treatment/
Care Decisions
Risk Assessment/
Prognosis/
Epidemiology
Pathophysiology/
Basic Science
ESOPHAGEAL DISEASE (<2% of exam)
Gastroesophageal reux
Barrett esophagus
Esophageal cancer screening
LF
Esophageal motility disorders
Medication-induced esophageal
disorder
Esophageal diverticula
LF
Esophageal strictures and webs
Gastroesophageal varices
Infectious esophagitis
(Candida, herpes simplex virus,
cytomegalovirus)
LF
Mallory-Weiss syndrome
LF
Other esophageal disease
(eosinophilic esophagitis,
esophageal rupture)
LF
STOMACH AND DUODENAL DISEASE (<2% of exam)
Helicobacter pylori infection
Peptic ulcer disease (other than
Helicobacter pylori infection)
Gastritis and gastropathy
Non-ulcer dyspepsia
Disorders of gastric emptying
SMALL INTESTINAL DISEASE (<2% of exam)
Celiac disease
LF
Bacterial overgrowth syndrome
LF
Short bowel syndrome
LF
Ischemic bowel disease*
Crohn disease including Crohn
colitis
JANUARY 2024 15
*This topic was added or revised after the blueprint was reviewed by Internal Medicine diplomates; it has been
provisionally rated by the Internal Medicine Approval Committee, pending the next blueprint review process.
– High Importance: At least 75% of questions
will address topics and tasks with this
designation.
– Medium Importance: No more than 25%
of questions will address topics and tasks
with this designation.
– Low Importance: No questions will
address topics and tasks with
this designation.
LF
– Low Frequency: No more than 18% of questions will address topics with this designation, regardless of task or importance.
GASTROENTEROLOGY continued…
(10% of exam) Diagnosis Testing
Treatment/
Care Decisions
Risk Assessment/
Prognosis/
Epidemiology
Pathophysiology/
Basic Science
SMALL INTESTINAL DISEASE continued… (<2% of exam)
Gastroenteritis other than antibiotic
colitis
Other small intestinal disease
(diarrhea [osmotic, post-surgical,
bile salt-induced, nocturnal], gastric
bypass complications)
LF
COLONIC AND ANORECTAL DISEASE (<2% of exam)
Colorectal cancer screening
Colon polyposis syndrome and
other genetic colon cancer
syndromes
LF
Diverticular disease
Ulcerative colitis
Irritable bowel syndrome
Hemorrhoids and ssures
Antibiotic colitis
Acute appendicitis
Radiation colitis
LF
Other colonic and anorectal
disease (constipation, fecal
incontinence, neutropenic and
lymphocytic colitis)
LF
PANCREATIC DISEASE (<2% of exam)
Acute pancreatitis
Chronic pancreatitis
Cystic brosis
LF
Neuroendocrine tumors of the
pancreas
LF
Infections of the pancreas and
pancreatic abscess
LF
Other pancreatic disease*
JANUARY 2024 16
*This topic was added or revised after the blueprint was reviewed by Internal Medicine diplomates; it has been
provisionally rated by the Internal Medicine Approval Committee, pending the next blueprint review process.
– High Importance: At least 75% of questions
will address topics and tasks with this
designation.
– Medium Importance: No more than 25%
of questions will address topics and tasks
with this designation.
– Low Importance: No questions will
address topics and tasks with
this designation.
LF
– Low Frequency: No more than 18% of questions will address topics with this designation, regardless of task or importance.
GASTROENTEROLOGY continued…
(10% of exam) Diagnosis Testing
Treatment/
Care Decisions
Risk Assessment/
Prognosis/
Epidemiology
Pathophysiology/
Basic Science
BILIARY TRACT DISEASE (<2% of exam)
Cholelithiasis
Cholecystitis
Choledocholithiasis
Cholangitis
LF
Primary sclerosing cholangitis
LF
Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction*
LIVER DISEASE (<2% of exam)
Viral hepatitis
Liver abscess
LF
Cirrhosis
Drug-induced liver disease other
than acetaminophen
LF
Autoimmune hepatitis
LF
Primary biliary cholangitis
LF
Cholestasis
LF
Wilson disease
LF
Liver disease in pregnancy
LF
Hemochromatosis
LF
Hepatic vein thrombosis
(Budd-Chiari syndrome)
LF
Fatty liver and nonalcoholic
steatohepatitis
Alcoholic hepatitis
Fulminant liver failure
LF
Gilbert syndrome
Hepatocellular carcinoma screening
LF
Liver transplantation
LF
Other liver disease*
JANUARY 2024 17
*This topic was added or revised after the blueprint was reviewed by Internal Medicine diplomates; it has been
provisionally rated by the Internal Medicine Approval Committee, pending the next blueprint review process.
– High Importance: At least 75% of questions
will address topics and tasks with this
designation.
– Medium Importance: No more than 25%
of questions will address topics and tasks
with this designation.
– Low Importance: No questions will
address topics and tasks with
this designation.
LF
– Low Frequency: No more than 18% of questions will address topics with this designation, regardless of task or importance.
GASTROENTEROLOGY continued…
(10% of exam) Diagnosis Testing
Treatment/
Care Decisions
Risk Assessment/
Prognosis/
Epidemiology
Pathophysiology/
Basic Science
GASTROINTESTINAL COMPLICATIONS OF HIV INFECTION (<2% of exam)
Gastrointestinal complications of
HIV infection
LF
GASTROINTESTINAL HEMORRHAGE (<2% of exam)
Upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage
LF
Lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage
LF
Hemorrhage of unknown source*
HEMATOLOGY
(4% of exam) Diagnosis Testing
Treatment/
Care Decisions
Risk Assessment/
Prognosis/
Epidemiology
Pathophysiology/
Basic Science
HYPOPROLIFERATIVE ANEMIA (<2% of exam)
Aplastic anemia
LF
Anemia of chronic disease or organ
failure (including kidney failure)
Iron deciency anemia
Sideroblastic anemia
LF
Megaloblastic anemia
Lead intoxication
LF
HEMOLYTIC ANEMIA (<2% of exam)
Glucose-6-phosphate
dehydrogenase deciency
LF
Autoimmune hemolytic anemia
LF
Microangiopathic hemolytic anemia
LF
Other hemolytic anemia*
HEMOGLOBINOPATHIES AND THALASSEMIAS (<2% of exam)
Thalassemias
Hemoglobinopathies
JANUARY 2024 18
*This topic was added or revised after the blueprint was reviewed by Internal Medicine diplomates; it has been
provisionally rated by the Internal Medicine Approval Committee, pending the next blueprint review process.
– High Importance: At least 75% of questions
will address topics and tasks with this
designation.
– Medium Importance: No more than 25%
of questions will address topics and tasks
with this designation.
– Low Importance: No questions will
address topics and tasks with
this designation.
LF
– Low Frequency: No more than 18% of questions will address topics with this designation, regardless of task or importance.
HEMATOLOGY continued…
(4% of exam) Diagnosis Testing
Treatment/
Care Decisions
Risk Assessment/
Prognosis/
Epidemiology
Pathophysiology/
Basic Science
LEUKOCYTE DISORDERS (<2% of exam)
Acute leukemia
LF
Chronic leukemia
Leukocyte disorders (marrow
inltration, myelosuppression,
leukopenia, leukocytosis,
eosinophilia)
LF
PLATELET DISORDERS (<2% of exam)
Idiopathic thrombocytopenic
purpura
LF
Qualitative defects of platelet
function (drugs only)
Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia
(HIT)
LF
Essential thrombocythemia
LF
COAGULATION FACTOR DISORDERS AND THROMBOTIC DISORDERS (<2% of exam)
Coagulation factor deciencies
LF
Primary hypercoagulable states
(including antithrombin III [ATIII]
deciency, activated protein C
[APC] resistance)
LF
Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome
Undierentiated thrombotic
disorders*
PORPHYRIAS (<2% of exam)
Porphyria
LF
MYELOPROLIFERATIVE DISORDERS (<2% of exam)
Polycythemia vera and other
erythrocytosis
Essential thrombocythemia
LF
Agnogenic myeloid metaplasia
and myelobrosis
LF
JANUARY 2024 19
*This topic was added or revised after the blueprint was reviewed by Internal Medicine diplomates; it has been
provisionally rated by the Internal Medicine Approval Committee, pending the next blueprint review process.
– High Importance: At least 75% of questions
will address topics and tasks with this
designation.
– Medium Importance: No more than 25%
of questions will address topics and tasks
with this designation.
– Low Importance: No questions will
address topics and tasks with
this designation.
LF
– Low Frequency: No more than 18% of questions will address topics with this designation, regardless of task or importance.
HEMATOLOGY continued…
(4% of exam) Diagnosis Testing
Treatment/
Care Decisions
Risk Assessment/
Prognosis/
Epidemiology
Pathophysiology/
Basic Science
MYELODYSPLASTIC SYNDROME (<2% of exam)
Myelodysplastic syndrome
HEMATOLOGIC MALIGNANCIES (<2% of exam)
Chronic leukemias
Acute leukemia
LF
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
Hodgkin disease
LF
Plasma cell disorder
TRANSFUSION MEDICINE (PRINCIPLES AND COMPLICATIONS) (<2% of exam)
Indications for transfusion
Complications of transfusions
LF
HEMATOLOGIC COMPLICATIONS OF HIV INFECTION (<2% of exam)
Hematologic complications of
HIV infection
LF
BONE MARROW TRANSPLANTATION (LATE COMPLICATIONS ONLY) (<2% of exam)
Bone marrow transplantation
(late complications only)
LF
INFECTIOUS DISEASE
(10% of exam) Diagnosis Testing
Treatment/
Care Decisions
Risk Assessment/
Prognosis/
Epidemiology
Pathophysiology/
Basic Science
SKIN AND SOFT TISSUE INFECTIONS (<2% of exam)
Dermatophytes
Herpes zoster and varicella
Viral exanthems other than varicella
LF
Cellulitis
Impetigo
LF
Necrotizing soft tissue infections
and gas gangrene
LF
JANUARY 2024 20
*This topic was added or revised after the blueprint was reviewed by Internal Medicine diplomates; it has been
provisionally rated by the Internal Medicine Approval Committee, pending the next blueprint review process.
– High Importance: At least 75% of questions
will address topics and tasks with this
designation.
– Medium Importance: No more than 25%
of questions will address topics and tasks
with this designation.
– Low Importance: No questions will
address topics and tasks with
this designation.
LF
– Low Frequency: No more than 18% of questions will address topics with this designation, regardless of task or importance.
INFECTIOUS DISEASE continued…
(10% of exam) Diagnosis Testing
Treatment/
Care Decisions
Risk Assessment/
Prognosis/
Epidemiology
Pathophysiology/
Basic Science
SKIN AND SOFT TISSUE INFECTIONS continued… (<2% of exam)
Lymphadenitis and lymphangitis
LF
Diabetic foot infections
Undierentiated skin and soft
tissue infections*
CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM (CNS) INFECTIONS (<2% of exam)
Meningitis
LF
Brain abscess
LF
Encephalitis
LF
Epidural abscess
LF
Iatrogenic and postoperative
CNS infections
LF
Undierentiated central nervous
system infection*
UPPER RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTIONS (<2% of exam)
Acute and chronic sinusitis
Otitis media and externa
Mastoiditis
LF
Common cold
Pharyngitis
Epiglottitis
LF
Deep infections of head and neck
LF
Other upper respiratory tract
infections (pertussis)
JANUARY 2024 21
*This topic was added or revised after the blueprint was reviewed by Internal Medicine diplomates; it has been
provisionally rated by the Internal Medicine Approval Committee, pending the next blueprint review process.
– High Importance: At least 75% of questions
will address topics and tasks with this
designation.
– Medium Importance: No more than 25%
of questions will address topics and tasks
with this designation.
– Low Importance: No questions will
address topics and tasks with
this designation.
LF
– Low Frequency: No more than 18% of questions will address topics with this designation, regardless of task or importance.
INFECTIOUS DISEASE continued…
(10% of exam) Diagnosis Testing
Treatment/
Care Decisions
Risk Assessment/
Prognosis/
Epidemiology
Pathophysiology/
Basic Science
EYE INFECTIONS (<2% of exam)
Preseptal cellulitis
LF
Conjunctivitis
Keratitis
LF
Endophthalmitis
LF
Uveitis/Iritis
Orbital infections
LF
LOWER RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTIONS (<2% of exam)
Bronchitis
Pneumonia
Lung abscess
LF
Tuberculosis (TB)
LF
Infections of the pleural space
and empyema
LF
ENDOCARDITIS AND OTHER CARDIOVASCULAR INFECTIONS (<2% of exam)
Endocarditis
LF
Infections of the pericardial space
LF
Endocarditis prophylaxis
Suppurative thrombophlebitis
LF
Catheter-related infections
Device and pocket infections
LF
HEPATIC INFECTIONS (<2% of exam)
Viral hepatitis
Liver abscess
LF
Cholecystitis
Cholangitis
LF
JANUARY 2024 22
*This topic was added or revised after the blueprint was reviewed by Internal Medicine diplomates; it has been
provisionally rated by the Internal Medicine Approval Committee, pending the next blueprint review process.
– High Importance: At least 75% of questions
will address topics and tasks with this
designation.
– Medium Importance: No more than 25%
of questions will address topics and tasks
with this designation.
– Low Importance: No questions will
address topics and tasks with
this designation.
LF
– Low Frequency: No more than 18% of questions will address topics with this designation, regardless of task or importance.
INFECTIOUS DISEASE continued…
(10% of exam) Diagnosis Testing
Treatment/
Care Decisions
Risk Assessment/
Prognosis/
Epidemiology
Pathophysiology/
Basic Science
ENTERIC INFECTIONS (<2% of exam)
Esophagitis (Candida, herpes
simplex virus, cytomegalovirus)
Gastroenteritis
Infections of the pancreas and
pancreatic abscess
LF
Bacterial peritonitis
LF
Intra-abdominal abscess other than
liver and pancreas abscesses
LF
ACQUIRED IMMUNODEFICIENCY SYNDROME (AIDS) AND HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS (HIV) INFECTION (<2% of exam)
Transmission and prevention of HIV
LF
Prevention of opportunistic
infections
LF
Immune reconstitution inammatory
syndrome (IRIS)
LF
Neurologic complications of HIV
infection
LF
Pulmonary complications of HIV
infection
LF
Gastrointestinal complications of
HIV infection
LF
Hematologic complications of
HIV infection
LF
Oncologic complications of
HIV infection
LF
Rheumatologic complications of
HIV infection
LF
Cardio-metabolic complications of
HIV therapy and infection
LF
Oral complications of HIV infection
LF
JANUARY 2024 23
*This topic was added or revised after the blueprint was reviewed by Internal Medicine diplomates; it has been
provisionally rated by the Internal Medicine Approval Committee, pending the next blueprint review process.
– High Importance: At least 75% of questions
will address topics and tasks with this
designation.
– Medium Importance: No more than 25%
of questions will address topics and tasks
with this designation.
– Low Importance: No questions will
address topics and tasks with
this designation.
LF
– Low Frequency: No more than 18% of questions will address topics with this designation, regardless of task or importance.
INFECTIOUS DISEASE continued…
(10% of exam) Diagnosis Testing
Treatment/
Care Decisions
Risk Assessment/
Prognosis/
Epidemiology
Pathophysiology/
Basic Science
SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES AND INFECTIONS OF REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS (<2% of exam)
Urethritis
Genital ulcers
LF
Vulvovaginitis
Cervicitis
LF
Epididymitis
LF
Salpingitis and other infections of
female pelvis
LF
Syphilis
LF
Human papillomavirus and
anogenital warts
LF
Undierentiated sexually
transmitted diseases*
URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS (<2% of exam)
Asymptomatic bacteriuria
Cystitis and pyelonephritis
Perinephric abscess
LF
Prostatitis
Epididymitis
LF
INFECTIOUS ARTHRITIS (<2% of exam)
Infectious arthritis
LF
OSTEOMYELITIS (<2% of exam)
Osteomyelitis
BACTEREMIA AND SEPSIS SYNDROME (<2% of exam)
Fever and neutropenia
Systemic inammatory response
syndrome (SIRS) and septic shock
Toxic shock syndrome
LF
Undierentiated bacteremia and
sepsis syndromes*
JANUARY 2024 24
*This topic was added or revised after the blueprint was reviewed by Internal Medicine diplomates; it has been
provisionally rated by the Internal Medicine Approval Committee, pending the next blueprint review process.
– High Importance: At least 75% of questions
will address topics and tasks with this
designation.
– Medium Importance: No more than 25%
of questions will address topics and tasks
with this designation.
– Low Importance: No questions will
address topics and tasks with
this designation.
LF
– Low Frequency: No more than 18% of questions will address topics with this designation, regardless of task or importance.
INFECTIOUS DISEASE continued…
(10% of exam) Diagnosis Testing
Treatment/
Care Decisions
Risk Assessment/
Prognosis/
Epidemiology
Pathophysiology/
Basic Science
RHEUMATIC FEVER (<2% of exam)
Rheumatic fever
LF
POSTSTREPTOCOCCAL GLOMERULONEPHRITIS (<2% of exam)
Poststreptococcal
glomerulonephritis
LF
PROCEDURE- AND DEVICE-ASSOCIATED INFECTIONS (<2% of exam)
Procedure- and device-associated
infections
NOSOCOMIAL INFECTIONS (<2% of exam)
Infection control including isolation
Hospital-acquired infections
and prevention
Needlestick injury and
postexposure prophylaxis
LF
Undierentiated nosocomial
infections*
PREVENTION OF INFECTIOUS DISEASE (<2% of exam)
Immunization
Infection prevention and control
including isolation precautions*
Needlestick injury and
postexposure prophylaxis
LF
Travel-related illness prevention*
Other preventions of infectious
disease*
LF
TRAVEL-RELATED ILLNESS (FEVER, RASH, DIARRHEA, AND OTHER) (<2% of exam)
Travel-related illness (fever, rash,
diarrhea, and other)*
INFECTIOUS DISEASE OUTBREAKS (<2% of exam)
Infectious disease outbreaks
JANUARY 2024 25
*This topic was added or revised after the blueprint was reviewed by Internal Medicine diplomates; it has been
provisionally rated by the Internal Medicine Approval Committee, pending the next blueprint review process.
– High Importance: At least 75% of questions
will address topics and tasks with this
designation.
– Medium Importance: No more than 25%
of questions will address topics and tasks
with this designation.
– Low Importance: No questions will
address topics and tasks with
this designation.
LF
– Low Frequency: No more than 18% of questions will address topics with this designation, regardless of task or importance.
INFECTIOUS DISEASE continued…
(10% of exam) Diagnosis Testing
Treatment/
Care Decisions
Risk Assessment/
Prognosis/
Epidemiology
Pathophysiology/
Basic Science
SPECIFIC CAUSATIVE ORGANISMS (<2% of exam)
Viral diseases
Prion diseases
LF
Rickettsioses and ehrlichioses
Bacterial diseases
LF
Chlamydial diseases*
LF
Mycoplasmal diseases*
LF
Mycoses (fungal infections)
Protozoan and helminthic diseases
(including malaria)
LF
Ectoparasites (including lice and
scabies)
LF
Vector-borne diseases
LF
FEVER OF UNKNOWN ORIGIN (<2% of exam)
Fever of unknown origin
MISCELLANEOUS
(1% of exam) Diagnosis Testing
Treatment/
Care Decisions
Risk Assessment/
Prognosis/
Epidemiology
Pathophysiology/
Basic Science
PRIMARILY EPIDEMIOLOGY (<1% of exam)
Primarily epidemiology
LF
PRIMARILY ETHICS (<1% of exam)
Primarily ethics
PRIMARILY SAFETY/QUALITY IMPROVEMENT (<1% of exam)
Primarily safety and quality improvement
JANUARY 2024 26
*This topic was added or revised after the blueprint was reviewed by Internal Medicine diplomates; it has been
provisionally rated by the Internal Medicine Approval Committee, pending the next blueprint review process.
– High Importance: At least 75% of questions
will address topics and tasks with this
designation.
– Medium Importance: No more than 25%
of questions will address topics and tasks
with this designation.
– Low Importance: No questions will
address topics and tasks with
this designation.
LF
– Low Frequency: No more than 18% of questions will address topics with this designation, regardless of task or importance.
NEPHROLOGY AND UROLOGY
(6% of exam) Diagnosis Testing
Treatment/
Care Decisions
Risk Assessment/
Prognosis/
Epidemiology
Pathophysiology/
Basic Science
ACUTE KIDNEY INJURY (<2% of exam)
Hypotension- or shock-induced
acute kidney injury
Toxic kidney injury
Rhabdomyolysis
Hepatorenal syndrome
LF
Disseminated atheroembolism
(cholesterol emboli syndrome)
LF
Other acute kidney injury
Myeloma-induced kidney disease*
CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE (<2% of exam)
Kidney dialysis
Kidney transplantation
LF
Strategies to prevent progression
of chronic kidney disease
Undierentiated chronic kidney
disease*
TUBULOINTERSTITIAL DISEASE (<2% of exam)
Allergic interstitial nephritis
LF
GLOMERULAR DISORDERS (<2% of exam)
Lupus nephritis and
glomerulonephritis
LF
Minimal change disease
LF
Focal and segmental
glomerulosclerosis
LF
Membranous nephropathy
LF
Membranoproliferative
glomerulonephritis
LF
IgA nephropathy
LF
Anti-glomerular basement
membrane syndrome
LF
JANUARY 2024 27
*This topic was added or revised after the blueprint was reviewed by Internal Medicine diplomates; it has been
provisionally rated by the Internal Medicine Approval Committee, pending the next blueprint review process.
– High Importance: At least 75% of questions
will address topics and tasks with this
designation.
– Medium Importance: No more than 25%
of questions will address topics and tasks
with this designation.
– Low Importance: No questions will
address topics and tasks with
this designation.
LF
– Low Frequency: No more than 18% of questions will address topics with this designation, regardless of task or importance.
NEPHROLOGY AND UROLOGY
continued…
(6% of exam) Diagnosis Testing
Treatment/
Care Decisions
Risk Assessment/
Prognosis/
Epidemiology
Pathophysiology/
Basic Science
GLOMERULAR DISORDERS continued… (<2% of exam)
Vasculitis and the kidney
LF
Other glomerular disorders
(post-infectious, hematuria)
HYPERTENSION (5% of exam)
NOTE: This total includes the Hypertension content listed under Cardiovascular Disease
Essential hypertension
Primary aldosteronism and
mineralocorticoid excess
LF
Renovascular hypertension
LF
URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS (<2% of exam)
Asymptomatic bacteriuria
Cystitis and pyelonephritis
Perinephric abscess
LF
Prostatitis
Epididymitis
LF
NEPHROLITHIASIS (<2% of exam)
Nephrolithiasis
OTHER KIDNEY DISORDERS (<2% of exam)
Renal vein thrombosis
LF
Obstructive uropathy (acute or
chronic)
Diabetic nephropathy
Cystic kidney disease (polycystic,
medullary sponge, medullary cystic)
LF
UROLOGIC CANCER SCREENING (<2% of exam)
Urological cancer screening
LF
JANUARY 2024 28
*This topic was added or revised after the blueprint was reviewed by Internal Medicine diplomates; it has been
provisionally rated by the Internal Medicine Approval Committee, pending the next blueprint review process.
– High Importance: At least 75% of questions
will address topics and tasks with this
designation.
– Medium Importance: No more than 25%
of questions will address topics and tasks
with this designation.
– Low Importance: No questions will
address topics and tasks with
this designation.
LF
– Low Frequency: No more than 18% of questions will address topics with this designation, regardless of task or importance.
NEPHROLOGY AND UROLOGY
continued…
(6% of exam) Diagnosis Testing
Treatment/
Care Decisions
Risk Assessment/
Prognosis/
Epidemiology
Pathophysiology/
Basic Science
PROSTATE DISORDERS (<2% of exam)
Benign prostatic hyperplasia
Undierentiated prostate disorders*
OTHER UROLOGIC DISORDERS (<2% of exam)
Testicular torsion
LF
Scrotal and testicular nodules
and masses other than testicular
carcinoma
LF
Erectile dysfunction
URINARY INCONTINENCE (<2% of exam)
Urinary incontinence in women
Urinary incontinence in men
WATER AND ELECTROLYTE BALANCE (<2% of exam)
Hypernatremia
Hyponatremia
Hypokalemia
Hyperkalemia
Hypercalcemia and hypercalciuria
Hypocalcemia
LF
Hyperphosphatemia
LF
Hypophosphatemia
LF
Hypermagnesemia
LF
Hypomagnesemia
Metabolic acidosis
Metabolic alkalosis
LF
Respiratory acidosis
Respiratory alkalosis
LF
Mixed acid-base disturbance
JANUARY 2024 29
*This topic was added or revised after the blueprint was reviewed by Internal Medicine diplomates; it has been
provisionally rated by the Internal Medicine Approval Committee, pending the next blueprint review process.
– High Importance: At least 75% of questions
will address topics and tasks with this
designation.
– Medium Importance: No more than 25%
of questions will address topics and tasks
with this designation.
– Low Importance: No questions will
address topics and tasks with
this designation.
LF
– Low Frequency: No more than 18% of questions will address topics with this designation, regardless of task or importance.
NEPHROLOGY AND UROLOGY
continued…
(6% of exam) Diagnosis Testing
Treatment/
Care Decisions
Risk Assessment/
Prognosis/
Epidemiology
Pathophysiology/
Basic Science
HEMATURIA (<2% of exam)*
Glomerular cause*
Non-glomerular cause
NEUROLOGY
(4% of exam) Diagnosis Testing
Treatment/
Care Decisions
Risk Assessment/
Prognosis/
Epidemiology
Pathophysiology/
Basic Science
SEIZURES (<2% of exam)
Seizures
CEREBROVASCULAR DISEASE (WITHOUT SPECIFIC DIAGNOSIS) (<2% of exam)
Transient ischemic attack
Stroke
Cavernous sinus thrombosis
LF
Other cerebrovascular disease
(less common anatomic locations,
mechanisms)
HEADACHE AND FACIAL PAIN (<2% of exam)
Primary headache
Cluster headache
Secondary headache and facial pain
NERVE ROOT SYNDROMES AND MECHANICAL LESIONS OF THE SPINE (<2% of exam)
Cervical root disease
Lumbar disc herniation, lumbosacral
radiculopathy, sciatica
Spinal stenosis
JANUARY 2024 30
*This topic was added or revised after the blueprint was reviewed by Internal Medicine diplomates; it has been
provisionally rated by the Internal Medicine Approval Committee, pending the next blueprint review process.
– High Importance: At least 75% of questions
will address topics and tasks with this
designation.
– Medium Importance: No more than 25%
of questions will address topics and tasks
with this designation.
– Low Importance: No questions will
address topics and tasks with
this designation.
LF
– Low Frequency: No more than 18% of questions will address topics with this designation, regardless of task or importance.
NEUROLOGY continued…
(4% of exam) Diagnosis Testing
Treatment/
Care Decisions
Risk Assessment/
Prognosis/
Epidemiology
Pathophysiology/
Basic Science
PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY (<2% of exam)
Acute inammatory demyelinating
polyneuropathy (Guillain-Barre
syndrome)
LF
Carpal tunnel syndrome and other
entrapment neuropathies
Meralgia paresthetica
LF
Fibular (peroneal) neuropathy
LF
Diabetic neuropathy
Postherpetic neuralgia
Drugs and toxins
LF
CRANIAL NEUROPATHY (<2% of exam)
Bell palsy and other facial nerve
disorders
Disorders of eye movement from
cranial neuropathy (CN III, IV, VI)
LF
Vestibular neuronitis
(acute labyrinthitis)
LF
DISORDERS OF CEREBRAL FUNCTION (<2% of exam)
Dementia
Aphasia
Medical causes of delirium
MOVEMENT DISORDERS (<2% of exam)
Parkinson disease and
parkinsonism
Benign essential tremor
Other movement disorders
(including other tremors, dystonias,
chorea, myoclonus, tardive
dyskinesia, restless leg syndrome)*
LF
JANUARY 2024 31
*This topic was added or revised after the blueprint was reviewed by Internal Medicine diplomates; it has been
provisionally rated by the Internal Medicine Approval Committee, pending the next blueprint review process.
– High Importance: At least 75% of questions
will address topics and tasks with this
designation.
– Medium Importance: No more than 25%
of questions will address topics and tasks
with this designation.
– Low Importance: No questions will
address topics and tasks with
this designation.
LF
– Low Frequency: No more than 18% of questions will address topics with this designation, regardless of task or importance.
NEUROLOGY continued…
(4% of exam) Diagnosis Testing
Treatment/
Care Decisions
Risk Assessment/
Prognosis/
Epidemiology
Pathophysiology/
Basic Science
CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM (CNS) INFECTIONS (<2% of exam)
Meningitis
LF
Brain abscess
LF
Encephalitis
LF
Epidural abscess
LF
Neurologic complications of HIV
infection
LF
Progressive multifocal
leukoencephalopathy*
CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM (CNS) TUMORS (<2% of exam)
Brain tumors
LF
Spinal cord tumors and compression
LF
Carcinomatous meningitis
LF
Paraneoplastic neurologic
syndromes*
LF
DISEASES OF MUSCLE AND NEUROMUSCULAR JUNCTION (<2% of exam)
Myasthenia gravis and
Lambert-Eaton syndrome
LF
Polymyositis and dermatomyositis
LF
Drug-induced myopathy
Myotonic dystrophy and other
inherited myopathies*
Other diseases of muscle
and neuromuscular junction*
MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS AND OTHER DEMYELINATING DISEASES (<2% of exam)
Multiple sclerosis and other
demyelinating diseases
JANUARY 2024 32
*This topic was added or revised after the blueprint was reviewed by Internal Medicine diplomates; it has been
provisionally rated by the Internal Medicine Approval Committee, pending the next blueprint review process.
– High Importance: At least 75% of questions
will address topics and tasks with this
designation.
– Medium Importance: No more than 25%
of questions will address topics and tasks
with this designation.
– Low Importance: No questions will
address topics and tasks with
this designation.
LF
– Low Frequency: No more than 18% of questions will address topics with this designation, regardless of task or importance.
NEUROLOGY continued…
(4% of exam) Diagnosis Testing
Treatment/
Care Decisions
Risk Assessment/
Prognosis/
Epidemiology
Pathophysiology/
Basic Science
OTHER NEUROLOGIC DISORDERS (<2% of exam)
Neurocutaneous syndromes
LF
Head injury
Spinal cord injury and disorders
LF
Idiopathic intracranial hypertension
LF
Motor neuron disease
LF
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
LF
Cerebellar ataxias
LF
NEURO-OPHTHALMOLOGY (<2% of exam)
Optic nerve disorders, including
optic neuritis
LF
Horner’s syndrome
LF
Pupillary abnormalities
LF
Disorders of eye movement
LF
Papilledema
LF
MISCELLANEOUS NEUROLOGIC DISORDERS (<2% of exam)
Vertigo
Gait and balance disorders
OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY
(3% of exam) Diagnosis Testing
Treatment/
Care Decisions
Risk Assessment/
Prognosis/
Epidemiology
Pathophysiology/
Basic Science
DISEASES OF THE VULVA AND EXTERNAL GENITALIA (<2% of exam)
Diseases of the vulva and
external genitalia
LF
BREAST DISORDERS (<2% of exam)
Breast nodules
Mastitis and breastfeeding
LF
Other breast disorders (cyclic pain,
nipple discharge)
JANUARY 2024 33
*This topic was added or revised after the blueprint was reviewed by Internal Medicine diplomates; it has been
provisionally rated by the Internal Medicine Approval Committee, pending the next blueprint review process.
– High Importance: At least 75% of questions
will address topics and tasks with this
designation.
– Medium Importance: No more than 25%
of questions will address topics and tasks
with this designation.
– Low Importance: No questions will
address topics and tasks with
this designation.
LF
– Low Frequency: No more than 18% of questions will address topics with this designation, regardless of task or importance.
OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY
continued…
(3% of exam) Diagnosis Testing
Treatment/
Care Decisions
Risk Assessment/
Prognosis/
Epidemiology
Pathophysiology/
Basic Science
OVARIAN DISORDERS (<2% of exam)
Polycystic ovary syndrome
Ovarian cysts
Ovarian cancer
LF
UTERINE DISORDERS (<2% of exam)
Uterine broids
Endometriosis
LF
Endometrial cancer
LF
Cervical cancer
LF
VAGINAL DISORDERS OTHER THAN VULVOVAGINITIS (<2% of exam)
Vaginal disorders other than
vulvovaginitis
LF
PREGNANCY (<2% of exam)
Hypertension in pregnancy
LF
Asthma and pregnancy
LF
Hyperthyroidism during pregnancy
or peripartum period
LF
Liver disease in pregnancy
LF
Peripartum cardiomyopathy
LF
Ectopic pregnancy
LF
Diabetes mellitus and pregnancy
Urinary tract infections in pregnancy
Nutritional deciencies*
MENSTRUAL DISORDERS (<2% of exam)
Dysmenorrhea
Amenorrhea
LF
Abnormal uterine bleeding
JANUARY 2024 34
*This topic was added or revised after the blueprint was reviewed by Internal Medicine diplomates; it has been
provisionally rated by the Internal Medicine Approval Committee, pending the next blueprint review process.
– High Importance: At least 75% of questions
will address topics and tasks with this
designation.
– Medium Importance: No more than 25%
of questions will address topics and tasks
with this designation.
– Low Importance: No questions will
address topics and tasks with
this designation.
LF
– Low Frequency: No more than 18% of questions will address topics with this designation, regardless of task or importance.
OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY
continued…
(3% of exam) Diagnosis Testing
Treatment/
Care Decisions
Risk Assessment/
Prognosis/
Epidemiology
Pathophysiology/
Basic Science
MENOPAUSE: MANAGEMENT, RISKS, AND BENEFITS OF THERAPY (<2% of exam)
Menopause – management, risks, and
benets of therapy
FAMILY PLANNING AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH (<2% of exam)
Family planning and reproductive health
SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES AND INFECTIONS OF REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS (<2% of exam)
Sexually transmitted diseases and
infections of reproductive organs
MEDICAL ONCOLOGY
(6% of exam) Diagnosis Testing
Treatment/
Care Decisions
Risk Assessment/
Prognosis/
Epidemiology
Pathophysiology/
Basic Science
LUNG CANCER – CLINICAL PRESENTATION AND DIAGNOSIS (<2% of exam)
Lung cancer (clinical presentation
and diagnosis)
BREAST CANCER (<2% of exam)
Breast cancer
NEOPLASMS OF THE HEAD AND NECK (<2% of exam)
Thyroid nodules and thyroid cancer
Other neoplasms of the head and neck
(not thyroid cancer)
GASTROINTESTINAL OR HEPATIC CANCER (<2% of exam)
Esophageal carcinoma
LF
Stomach cancer
LF
Colorectal cancer
Pancreatic carcinoma other than
pancreatic endocrine tumors
LF
Hepatocellular carcinoma
LF
Gallbladder cancer*
Anal cancer*
JANUARY 2024 35
*This topic was added or revised after the blueprint was reviewed by Internal Medicine diplomates; it has been
provisionally rated by the Internal Medicine Approval Committee, pending the next blueprint review process.
– High Importance: At least 75% of questions
will address topics and tasks with this
designation.
– Medium Importance: No more than 25%
of questions will address topics and tasks
with this designation.
– Low Importance: No questions will
address topics and tasks with
this designation.
LF
– Low Frequency: No more than 18% of questions will address topics with this designation, regardless of task or importance.
MEDICAL ONCOLOGY
continued…
(6% of exam) Diagnosis Testing
Treatment/
Care Decisions
Risk Assessment/
Prognosis/
Epidemiology
Pathophysiology/
Basic Science
UROLOGIC CANCER (<2% of exam)
Renal cell carcinoma
LF
Bladder carcinoma
LF
Prostate carcinoma
Testicular carcinoma and tumors
LF
GYNECOLOGIC CANCER (<2% of exam)
Ovarian cancer
LF
Endometrial cancer
Cervical cancer
Vulvar cancer*
BONE TUMORS (<2% of exam)
Bone tumors
LF
CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM (CNS) TUMORS (<2% of exam)
Brain tumors (primary or metastatic)
LF
Spinal cord tumors and compression
LF
Carcinomatous meningitis
LF
SKIN CANCER (<2% of exam)
Squamous cell carcinoma of the skin
Basal cell carcinoma of the skin
Melanoma and nevi
Mycosis fungoides
LF
HEMATOLOGIC MALIGNANCIES (<2% of exam)
Chronic leukemia
Acute leukemia
LF
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
LF
JANUARY 2024 36
*This topic was added or revised after the blueprint was reviewed by Internal Medicine diplomates; it has been
provisionally rated by the Internal Medicine Approval Committee, pending the next blueprint review process.
– High Importance: At least 75% of questions
will address topics and tasks with this
designation.
– Medium Importance: No more than 25%
of questions will address topics and tasks
with this designation.
– Low Importance: No questions will
address topics and tasks with
this designation.
LF
– Low Frequency: No more than 18% of questions will address topics with this designation, regardless of task or importance.
MEDICAL ONCOLOGY
continued…
(6% of exam) Diagnosis Testing
Treatment/
Care Decisions
Risk Assessment/
Prognosis/
Epidemiology
Pathophysiology/
Basic Science
HEMATOLOGIC MALIGNANCIES continued… (<2% of exam)
Hodgkin disease
LF
Plasma cell disorder
LF
SOFT TISSUE CANCER (<2% of exam)
Soft tissue cancer
LF
ONCOLOGIC COMPLICATIONS OF HIV INFECTION (<2% of exam)
Oncologic complications of HIV
infection
LF
CANCER OF UNKNOWN PRIMARY (<2% of exam)
Cancer of unknown primary
LF
CANCER PREVENTION (<2% of exam)
Smoking cessation
Environmental carcinogens
Inherited cancer risk
Lifestyle interventions
ONCOLOGIC EMERGENCIES (<2% of exam)
Superior vena cava syndrome
LF
Fever and neutropenia
Brain tumors
LF
Spinal cord tumors and compression
LF
Cardiac tamponade from neoplastic
pericarditis
LF
Tumor lysis syndrome
LF
Hypercalcemia
LF
JANUARY 2024 37
*This topic was added or revised after the blueprint was reviewed by Internal Medicine diplomates; it has been
provisionally rated by the Internal Medicine Approval Committee, pending the next blueprint review process.
– High Importance: At least 75% of questions
will address topics and tasks with this
designation.
– Medium Importance: No more than 25%
of questions will address topics and tasks
with this designation.
– Low Importance: No questions will
address topics and tasks with
this designation.
LF
– Low Frequency: No more than 18% of questions will address topics with this designation, regardless of task or importance.
MEDICAL ONCOLOGY
continued…
(6% of exam) Diagnosis Testing
Treatment/
Care Decisions
Risk Assessment/
Prognosis/
Epidemiology
Pathophysiology/
Basic Science
COMPLICATIONS OF CANCER AND ITS TREATMENT (<2% of exam)
Pain (including neuropathy)
Dyspnea
Paraneoplastic syndromes
LF
Lymphedema*
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea,
constipation*
Cardiotoxicity
LF
Radiation toxicity
LF
Immunotherapy*
LF
Other complications of cancer
treatment*
LF
CANCER SURVIVORSHIP (<2% of exam)
Surveillance
Second malignancies
LF
PSYCHOSOCIAL AND FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS (<2% of exam)
Psychosocial and nancial
considerations*
OPHTHALMOLOGY
(1% of exam) Diagnosis Testing
Treatment/
Care Decisions
Risk Assessment/
Prognosis/
Epidemiology
Pathophysiology/
Basic Science
CONJUNCTIVITIS (<1% of exam)
Viral conjunctivitis
Bacterial conjunctivitis
Allergic conjunctivitis
Other conjunctivitis
(keratoconjunctivitis sicca [dry eye],
undierentiated)
LF
GLAUCOMA (<1% of exam)
Glaucoma
JANUARY 2024 38
*This topic was added or revised after the blueprint was reviewed by Internal Medicine diplomates; it has been
provisionally rated by the Internal Medicine Approval Committee, pending the next blueprint review process.
– High Importance: At least 75% of questions
will address topics and tasks with this
designation.
– Medium Importance: No more than 25%
of questions will address topics and tasks
with this designation.
– Low Importance: No questions will
address topics and tasks with
this designation.
LF
– Low Frequency: No more than 18% of questions will address topics with this designation, regardless of task or importance.
OPHTHALMOLOGY continued…
(1% of exam) Diagnosis Testing
Treatment/
Care Decisions
Risk Assessment/
Prognosis/
Epidemiology
Pathophysiology/
Basic Science
CATARACTS (<1% of exam)
Cataracts
DISEASES OF THE CORNEA (<1% of exam)
Corneal abrasion
LF
Keratitis (infections of the cornea)
LF
NEURO-OPHTHALMOLOGY (<1% of exam)
Optic nerve disorders, including
optic neuritis
LF
Puppillary abnormalities, including
anisocoria
LF
Disorders of eye movement
LF
Papilledema
LF
RETINAL DISEASE (<1% of exam)
Macular degeneration
Retinal detachment
LF
Diabetic retinopathy
Amaurosis fugax
LF
Temporal arteritis
LF
Roth spot*
UVEITIS (<1% of exam)
Uveitis
LF
MISCELLANEOUS OPHTHALMOLOGIC DISORDERS (<1% of exam)
Episcleritis and scleritis
LF
Preseptal cellulitis
LF
Endophthalmitis
LF
Orbital infections
LF
JANUARY 2024 39
*This topic was added or revised after the blueprint was reviewed by Internal Medicine diplomates; it has been
provisionally rated by the Internal Medicine Approval Committee, pending the next blueprint review process.
– High Importance: At least 75% of questions
will address topics and tasks with this
designation.
– Medium Importance: No more than 25%
of questions will address topics and tasks
with this designation.
– Low Importance: No questions will
address topics and tasks with
this designation.
LF
– Low Frequency: No more than 18% of questions will address topics with this designation, regardless of task or importance.
OTOLARYNGOLOGY AND DENTAL
MEDICINE
(1% of exam) Diagnosis Testing
Treatment/
Care Decisions
Risk Assessment/
Prognosis/
Epidemiology
Pathophysiology/
Basic Science
DISORDERS OF THE NOSE AND PARANASAL SINUSES (<1% of exam)
Allergic rhinitis
Acute and chronic sinusitis
Disturbances of taste and smell
LF
Epistaxis
DISEASES OF THE EAR (<1% of exam)
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo
Vestibular neuronitis and
acute labyrinthitis
Meniere disease
LF
Acoustic neuroma
LF
Presbycusis and other hearing loss
Otitis media and externa
Cholesteatoma
LF
Other disorders of the ear and
mastoid*
DISEASES OF THE ORAL CAVITY, PHARYNX, AND SALIVARY GLANDS (<1% of exam)
Pharyngitis
Epiglottitis
LF
Deep infections of head and neck
LF
Parotid disease
LF
Diseases of the oral mucosa and
the tongue
Other disorders of the oral cavity,
pharynx, or salivary glands*
DISEASES OF THE LARYNX AND AIRWAY (<1% of exam)
Diseases of the larynx and airway
LF
JANUARY 2024 40
*This topic was added or revised after the blueprint was reviewed by Internal Medicine diplomates; it has been
provisionally rated by the Internal Medicine Approval Committee, pending the next blueprint review process.
– High Importance: At least 75% of questions
will address topics and tasks with this
designation.
– Medium Importance: No more than 25%
of questions will address topics and tasks
with this designation.
– Low Importance: No questions will
address topics and tasks with
this designation.
LF
– Low Frequency: No more than 18% of questions will address topics with this designation, regardless of task or importance.
PSYCHIATRY
(3% of exam) Diagnosis Testing
Treatment/
Care Decisions
Risk Assessment/
Prognosis/
Epidemiology
Pathophysiology/
Basic Science
MOOD DISORDERS (<2% of exam)
Depression and suicide
Bipolar disorder
Other mood disorders (psychogenic
erectile dysfunction, premenstrual
dysphoric disorder)*
EATING DISORDERS (NOT INCLUDING OBESITY) (<2% of exam)
Anorexia nervosa
LF
Bulimia
LF
SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER (<2% of exam)
Substance use disorder
SCHIZOPHRENIA AND DELUSIONAL (PARANOID) DISORDERS (<2% of exam)
Complications of drug therapy
Delusional disorder, somatic type*
ANXIETY DISORDERS (<2% of exam)
Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Phobias
LF
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Generalized anxiety disorder
Panic disorder
SOMATOFORM DISORDERS (<2% of exam)
Somatic symptom disorder
Hypochondriasis*
LF
Conversion disorders
LF
SEXUAL DISORDERS AND GENDER DYSPHORIA (<2% of exam)
Sexual disorders and Gender
Dysphoria
LF
JANUARY 2024 41
*This topic was added or revised after the blueprint was reviewed by Internal Medicine diplomates; it has been
provisionally rated by the Internal Medicine Approval Committee, pending the next blueprint review process.
– High Importance: At least 75% of questions
will address topics and tasks with this
designation.
– Medium Importance: No more than 25%
of questions will address topics and tasks
with this designation.
– Low Importance: No questions will
address topics and tasks with
this designation.
LF
– Low Frequency: No more than 18% of questions will address topics with this designation, regardless of task or importance.
PSYCHIATRY continued…
(3% of exam) Diagnosis Testing
Treatment/
Care Decisions
Risk Assessment/
Prognosis/
Epidemiology
Pathophysiology/
Basic Science
SLEEP DISORDERS (<2% of exam)
Insomnia
Narcolepsy*
FACTITIOUS DISORDERS (<2% of exam)
Factitious disorders
LF
PERSONALITY DISORDERS (<2% of exam)
Personality disorders
NEUROLEPTIC MALIGNANT DISORDER
Neuroleptic malignant disorder*
PULMONARY DISEASE
(8% of exam) Diagnosis Testing
Treatment/
Care Decisions
Risk Assessment/
Prognosis/
Epidemiology
Pathophysiology/
Basic Science
OBSTRUCTIVE AIRWAY DISEASE (2.5% of exam)
General asthma
Chronic bronchitis and emphysema
OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL LUNG DISEASE (<2% of exam)
Organic inhalations (hypersensitivity
pneumonitis)
LF
Inorganic inhalations
(pneumoconiosis)
LF
Occupational asthma
High-altitude illness
LF
Carbon monoxide poisoning
LF
RESTRICTIVE LUNG DISEASE OTHER THAN INTERSTITIAL LUNG AND PLEURAL DISEASE (<2% of exam)
Pulmonary complications of obesity
Chest wall disorders
LF
Neuromuscular disorders
LF
Undierentiated restrictive lung
disease*
JANUARY 2024 42
*This topic was added or revised after the blueprint was reviewed by Internal Medicine diplomates; it has been
provisionally rated by the Internal Medicine Approval Committee, pending the next blueprint review process.
– High Importance: At least 75% of questions
will address topics and tasks with this
designation.
– Medium Importance: No more than 25%
of questions will address topics and tasks
with this designation.
– Low Importance: No questions will
address topics and tasks with
this designation.
LF
– Low Frequency: No more than 18% of questions will address topics with this designation, regardless of task or importance.
PULMONARY DISEASE continued…
(8% of exam) Diagnosis Testing
Treatment/
Care Decisions
Risk Assessment/
Prognosis/
Epidemiology
Pathophysiology/
Basic Science
INTERSTITIAL LUNG DISEASE (<2% of exam)
Idiopathic pulmonary brosis
Sarcoidosis
Radiation pneumonitis
LF
Drug-induced interstitial lung
disease
LF
Connective tissue disorders and
vasculitis
LF
Eosinophilic pneumonia
LF
Anti-glomerular basement
membrane syndrome
LF
PULMONARY VASCULAR DISEASE (<2% of exam)
Pulmonary embolism
Idiopathic pulmonary arterial
hypertension
LF
Cor pulmonale
Superior vena cava syndrome
LF
Hepatopulmonary syndrome
LF
PLEURAL DISEASE (<2% of exam)
Noninfectious pleural eusion
Infections of the pleural space
and empyema
Pneumothorax
LF
LOWER RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTIONS (<2% of exam)
Bronchitis
Pneumonia
Lung abscess
LF
Tuberculosis
LF
Infection of the pleural space
and empyema
LF
JANUARY 2024 43
*This topic was added or revised after the blueprint was reviewed by Internal Medicine diplomates; it has been
provisionally rated by the Internal Medicine Approval Committee, pending the next blueprint review process.
– High Importance: At least 75% of questions
will address topics and tasks with this
designation.
– Medium Importance: No more than 25%
of questions will address topics and tasks
with this designation.
– Low Importance: No questions will
address topics and tasks with
this designation.
LF
– Low Frequency: No more than 18% of questions will address topics with this designation, regardless of task or importance.
PULMONARY DISEASE continued…
(8% of exam) Diagnosis Testing
Treatment/
Care Decisions
Risk Assessment/
Prognosis/
Epidemiology
Pathophysiology/
Basic Science
BRONCHIECTASIS (<2% of exam)
Bronchiectasis
CONGENITAL LUNG DISEASE (<2% of exam)
Cystic brosis
LF
Alpha-1-antitrypsin deciency
LF
ACUTE RESPIRATORY DISTRESS SYNDROME (ARDS) (<2% of exam)
Fat embolism
LF
Transfusion-related acute lung injury
LF
Acute respiratory distress syndrome
(not including fat embolism)
LF
LUNG CANCER (<2% of exam)
Paraneoplastic syndromes
LF
Undierentiated lung cancer
SLEEP MEDICINE (<2% of exam)
Obesity-hypoventilation syndrome
Obstructive sleep apnea
Insomnia
Parasomnia
LF
MANAGEMENT OF VENTILATORS (<2% of exam)
Management of ventilators
LF
PULMONARY COMPLICATIONS OF HIV INFECTION (<2% of exam)
Pulmonary complications of
HIV infection
LF
EVALUATION OF COMMON PULMONARY SYMPTOMS (2.5% of exam)
Cough
Dyspnea
Hemoptysis
JANUARY 2024 44
*This topic was added or revised after the blueprint was reviewed by Internal Medicine diplomates; it has been
provisionally rated by the Internal Medicine Approval Committee, pending the next blueprint review process.
– High Importance: At least 75% of questions
will address topics and tasks with this
designation.
– Medium Importance: No more than 25%
of questions will address topics and tasks
with this designation.
– Low Importance: No questions will
address topics and tasks with
this designation.
LF
– Low Frequency: No more than 18% of questions will address topics with this designation, regardless of task or importance.
PULMONARY DISEASE continued…
(8% of exam) Diagnosis Testing
Treatment/
Care Decisions
Risk Assessment/
Prognosis/
Epidemiology
Pathophysiology/
Basic Science
SOLITARY PULMONARY NODULE (<2% of exam)
Solitary pulmonary nodule
MISCELLANEOUS PULMONARY DISORDERS (INDICATIONS FOR SPIROMETRY) (<2% of exam)
Miscellaneous pulmonary disorders
(indications for spirometry)
LF
RHEUMATOLOGY AND
ORTHOPEDICS
(10% of exam) Diagnosis Testing
Treatment/
Care Decisions
Risk Assessment/
Prognosis/
Epidemiology
Pathophysiology/
Basic Science
CRYSTAL-INDUCED ARTHROPATHY (<2% of exam)
Gout
Pseudogout
Hydroxyapatite deposition disease
LF
REGIONAL MUSCULOSKELETAL SYNDROMES (<2% of exam)
Back pain
Shoulder syndromes
Elbow syndromes
Wrist and hand syndromes
Hip and pelvic pain
Knee syndromes
Foot and ankle syndromes
SPONDYLOARTHROPATHIES (<2% of exam)
Ankylosing spondylitis
LF
Reactive arthritis
LF
Psoriatic arthritis
Enteropathic arthritis, arthritis with
inammatory bowel disease
LF
Other spondyloarthropathies
LF
JANUARY 2024 45
*This topic was added or revised after the blueprint was reviewed by Internal Medicine diplomates; it has been
provisionally rated by the Internal Medicine Approval Committee, pending the next blueprint review process.
– High Importance: At least 75% of questions
will address topics and tasks with this
designation.
– Medium Importance: No more than 25%
of questions will address topics and tasks
with this designation.
– Low Importance: No questions will
address topics and tasks with
this designation.
LF
– Low Frequency: No more than 18% of questions will address topics with this designation, regardless of task or importance.
RHEUMATOLOGY AND
ORTHOPEDICS continued…
(10% of exam) Diagnosis Testing
Treatment/
Care Decisions
Risk Assessment/
Prognosis/
Epidemiology
Pathophysiology/
Basic Science
RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS (<2% of exam)
General clinical presentation:
Skeletal disease*
Systemic manifestations*
LF
Adverse eects of antirheumatic
drugs
Other rheumatoid arthritis
LF
SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS (SLE) (<2% of exam)
General clinical presentation*
LF
Specic organ system
complications
LF
Discoid lupus and other cutaneous
manifestations
LF
Drug-induced lupus*
LF
Other topics in systemic lupus
erythematosus
LF
SYSTEMIC SCLEROSIS (<2% of exam)
Scleroderma, generalized
LF
CREST syndrome
LF
Scleroderma, interstitial lung disease
LF
Raynaud phenomenon
VASCULITIS (<2% of exam)
Polyarteritis nodosa
LF
Eosinophilic granulomatosis
with polyangiitis
LF
Leukocytoclastic vasculitis
LF
Large-vessel vasculitis
LF
ANCA-associated vasculitis
LF
JANUARY 2024 46
*This topic was added or revised after the blueprint was reviewed by Internal Medicine diplomates; it has been
provisionally rated by the Internal Medicine Approval Committee, pending the next blueprint review process.
– High Importance: At least 75% of questions
will address topics and tasks with this
designation.
– Medium Importance: No more than 25%
of questions will address topics and tasks
with this designation.
– Low Importance: No questions will
address topics and tasks with
this designation.
LF
– Low Frequency: No more than 18% of questions will address topics with this designation, regardless of task or importance.
RHEUMATOLOGY AND
ORTHOPEDICS continued…
(10% of exam) Diagnosis Testing
Treatment/
Care Decisions
Risk Assessment/
Prognosis/
Epidemiology
Pathophysiology/
Basic Science
OTHER PRIMARY RHEUMATIC DISORDERS (<2% of exam)
Dermatomyositis and polymyositis
LF
Relapsing polychondritis
LF
Behcet disease
LF
Rheumatic fever
LF
Sjogren syndrome
LF
Fibromyalgia
Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
LF
Adult Still disease
LF
Marfan and Ehlers-Danlos
syndromes
LF
Scoliosis
Arthropathy of hemochromatosis
LF
INFECTIOUS ARTHRITIS (<2% of exam)
Infectious arthritis
LF
METABOLIC AND OTHER BONE DISEASE (<2% of exam)
Hyperparathyroidism
Paget disease of bone
LF
Avascular necrosis and
osteonecrosis
LF
Osteogenesis imperfecta*
OSTEOARTHRITIS (<2% of exam)
Osteoarthritis
SPORTS INJURIES AND TRAUMA (<2% of exam)
Sport injuries and trauma
CHARCOT-MARIE-TOOTH DISEASE (<2% of exam)
Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease
LF
JANUARY 2024 47
*This topic was added or revised after the blueprint was reviewed by Internal Medicine diplomates; it has been
provisionally rated by the Internal Medicine Approval Committee, pending the next blueprint review process.
– High Importance: At least 75% of questions
will address topics and tasks with this
designation.
– Medium Importance: No more than 25%
of questions will address topics and tasks
with this designation.
– Low Importance: No questions will
address topics and tasks with
this designation.
LF
– Low Frequency: No more than 18% of questions will address topics with this designation, regardless of task or importance.
RHEUMATOLOGY AND
ORTHOPEDICS continued…
(10% of exam) Diagnosis Testing
Treatment/
Care Decisions
Risk Assessment/
Prognosis/
Epidemiology
Pathophysiology/
Basic Science
MIXED CONNECTIVE TISSUE DISEASE (<2% of exam)
Mixed connective tissue disease*
SELECT TOPICS IN RHEUMATOLOGY (<2% of exam)
Select Topics in Rheumatology*
LF
GERIATRIC SYNDROMES
(3% of exam) Diagnosis Testing
Treatment/
Care Decisions
Risk Assessment/
Prognosis/
Epidemiology
Pathophysiology/
Basic Science
PRESSURE INJURIES (<2% of exam)
Pressure Injuries
VENOUS ULCERS AND CHRONIC WOUNDS (<2% of exam)
Venous ulcers and chronic wounds
END-OF-LIFE AND PALLIATIVE CARE OF THE ELDERLY (<2% of exam)
End-of-life and palliative care of
the elderly
ETHICS IN THE ELDERLY (<2% of exam)
Assessment of decisional capacity and
competency; surrogate decision-making
in the elderly
CONSTIPATION IN THE ELDERLY (<2% of exam)
Constipation in the elderly
DISORDERS OF SWALLOWING IN THE ELDERLY (<2% of exam)
Disorders of swallowing in the elderly
URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS IN THE ELDERLY (<2% of exam)
Urinary tract infections in the elderly
INCONTINENCE IN THE ELDERLY (<2% of exam)
Incontinence in the elderly
JANUARY 2024 48
*This topic was added or revised after the blueprint was reviewed by Internal Medicine diplomates; it has been
provisionally rated by the Internal Medicine Approval Committee, pending the next blueprint review process.
– High Importance: At least 75% of questions
will address topics and tasks with this
designation.
– Medium Importance: No more than 25%
of questions will address topics and tasks
with this designation.
– Low Importance: No questions will
address topics and tasks with
this designation.
LF
– Low Frequency: No more than 18% of questions will address topics with this designation, regardless of task or importance.
GERIATRIC SYNDROMES continued…
(3% of exam) Diagnosis Testing
Treatment/
Care Decisions
Risk Assessment/
Prognosis/
Epidemiology
Pathophysiology/
Basic Science
DEMENTIA IN THE ELDERLY (<2% of exam)
Dementia in the elderly
DELIRIUM IN THE ELDERLY (<2% of exam)
Delirium in the elderly
DIZZINESS AND VERTIGO IN THE ELDERLY (<2% of exam)
Dizziness and vertigo in the elderly
NUTRITION IN THE ELDERLY (<2% of exam)
Nutrition in the elderly
OPHTHALMOLOGY IN THE ELDERLY (<2% of exam)
Cataracts
Age-related macular degeneration
Ischemic optic nerve or retinal
disease other than giant cell arteritis*
Glaucoma*
PSYCHIATRY IN THE ELDERLY (<2% of exam)
Depression in the elderly
Sleep disorders in the elderly
Neuropsychological testing of the elderly
HIP FRACTURE IN THE ELDERLY (<2% of exam)
Hip fracture in the elderly
COMMON FOOT PROBLEMS IN THE ELDERLY (<2% of exam)
Common foot problems in the elderly
PRINCIPLES OF THE GERIATRIC ASSESSMENT (<2% of exam)
Principles of the geriatric assessment
REHABILITATION AND THE ELDERLY (<2% of exam)
Rehabilitation and the elderly
JANUARY 2024 49
*This topic was added or revised after the blueprint was reviewed by Internal Medicine diplomates; it has been
provisionally rated by the Internal Medicine Approval Committee, pending the next blueprint review process.
– High Importance: At least 75% of questions
will address topics and tasks with this
designation.
– Medium Importance: No more than 25%
of questions will address topics and tasks
with this designation.
– Low Importance: No questions will
address topics and tasks with
this designation.
LF
– Low Frequency: No more than 18% of questions will address topics with this designation, regardless of task or importance.
GERIATRIC SYNDROMES continued…
(3% of exam) Diagnosis Testing
Treatment/
Care Decisions
Risk Assessment/
Prognosis/
Epidemiology
Pathophysiology/
Basic Science
OTHER PRIMARY GERIATRIC TOPICS (<2% of exam)
Clinical pharmacology and aging
Epidemiology and aging
LF
Nursing home care
Home care
Presbycusis and hearing loss in
the elderly
Elder mistreatment
LF
Falls
Sexual function in the elderly
LF
