Physicians Closer to Learning Amounts of Their 2004 Bonuses From Insurers in ‘Pay for Performance’ Program
Insurance companies participating in the Integrated Healthcare Association's "Pay for Performance" program are beginning to announce the bonuses they will award to some 40,000 doctors for the quality of care that they provide, American Medical News reports. Insurers that are part of IHA's initiative include the six largest California health plans: Aetna, Blue Cross of California, Blue Shield of California, Cugna Healthcare of California, Health Net of California and PacifiCare Health Systems. At least two more plans, including Western Health Advantage, might join the initiative (Norbut, American Medical News, 10/6). Under the program, doctors are evaluated on their scores from a patient-satisfaction survey, childhood immunization rates, cancer-screening rates, treatment of chronic conditions and the inclusion of information technology in their practices. IHA, which launched the program in January 2002, will then make performance evaluation scores public to assist consumers in choosing doctors (California Healthline, 10/30/02). Beau Carter, IHA executive director, announced last month that he has created a comprehensive data spreadsheet of insurers' bonus plans. For example, Cigna plans to reward the top 50% of physician groups in each of IHA's rating categories a minimum bonus payment of $1.60 per member per month. Cigna also intends to reward physicians through its existing "Provider Group Rewards Program." In addition, Blue Cross recently announced $28 million in payouts for 80 physician groups in the state under its program (American Medical News, 10/6).
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