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AMA passes pay-for-performance principles

Quality Improvement Monitor, June 23, 2005

The American Medical Association (AMA) House of Delegates on June 21 approved a set of pay-for-performance principles that many members hope will give the organization a say in how Medicare reforms its payment and reimbursement structure.

The AMA at its annual meeting in Chicago called for a need to pilot test the pay-for-performance concept before implementing a program. The association also does not want programs to penalize physicians based on factors outside of their control.

Delegates also added an amendment saying the AMA would oppose any prviate payer, congressional, or Medicare pay-for-performance initiative if it does not meet AMA guidelines.

"Some so-called pay-for-performance programs are a lose/lose proposition for patients and their physicians with the only benefit accruing to health insurers," said AMA Secretary John H. Armstrong, MD, in a press release. "We believe that pay-for-performance programs done properly have the potential to improve patient care, but if done improperly can harm patients."

Go to Click'>www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/category/15254.html to view the AMA pay-for-performance guidelines.

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