Pay-for-performance demo
This article was originally published in The Gray Sheet
Executive Summary
CMS' Physician Group Practice pay-for-performance demonstration realized $9.5 million in savings in its first year and saw significant quality-of-care improvements, the agency announces July 11. The three-year demo, which began in April 2005, has 10 participating practices. First year results were based on 10 quality measures for diabetes care, including blood sugar management and control. For the second year, groups added heart failure and coronary artery disease measures, and for the third year added breast and colorectal cancer screening and hypertension measures. Strategies among the groups, which are rewarded with 80% of the savings they achieve from quality improvements, include health information technology updates and better coordinated care. CMS is considering further expanding the project...