• E-mail
• Print
• RSS

Tip: Check out the new AMA pay-for-performance principles

Patient Financial Services Weekly Advisor, July 1, 2005

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

At its annual meeting in Chicago, the AMA 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 stating the AMA would oppose any private-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 the AMA Web site to view the AMA pay-for-performance guidelines.

• E-mail to a Colleague
• Print
• RSS
• Archive