Medical Staff

CMS links MDs’ pay to quality of care

Hospitalist Leadership Connection, December 27, 2006

Physicians who care for Medicare patients had feared a 5% cut in payments in 2007. However, on December 8, Congress approved legislation that stopped the cut and also provides a 1.5% bonus to physicians who report quality measures in 2007, the New York Times reported December 11.

To receive the bonus, physicians must report how often they provide quality care using measures defined by the government (e.g., how often they prescribe a certain drug after to heart attack victims).

While lawmakers approved the change stating that it would improve healthcare quality, some physicians expressed concern that it could "erode the professional autonomy of doctors," according the othe article.

To access the compete article, click here.

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