Health Policy Update
CMS could help standardize pay-for-performance programs and facilitate evaluation of their components by taking a leadership role in the programs' development, according to a study in the American Journal of Managed Care. However, researchers found that private-sector groups likely will pursue pay-for-performance initiatives regardless of CMS' role in the programs and cited as evidence health plans' commitment of resources to the programs.
A national standard for pay-for-performance measures could help health plans avoid less effective components in designing their programs, thereby reducing waste and inefficiency, according to the authors.
This week's Health Policy Research Update also includes:
- A study on how physicians discuss medication side effects with patients; and
- Research on the insurance status of Oregon children after dropping enrollment in SCHIP or a subsidy assistance program.