No abstract

This study demonstrates a modest effect in improving provider adherence to quality standards for a single measure of diabetes care during the early phase of a pay-for-performance program that placed physicians under limited financial risk. Further research is needed to determine the most effective incentive structures for achieving substantial gains in quality of care.

This article identifies and discusses key conceptual issues in designing and implementing pay-for-quality programs. Such programs offer financial incentives to providers for achieving predefined quality targets. The purpose of the article is to provide health care professionals with a framework for designing, implementing, and evaluating pay-for-quality programs. Examples are drawn from the Rewarding Results demonstration project for which the authors serve as the national evaluation team.

No abstract