The Impact Of Pay-For-Performance On Health Care Quality In Massachusetts, 2001-2003

Pay-for-performance (P4P) has become one of the dominant approaches to improving quality of care, yet few studies have evaluated its effectiveness. We evaluated the impact on quality of all P4P programs introduced into physician group contracts during 2001-2003 by the five major commercial health pl...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Health Affairs 2008-07, Vol.27 (4), p.1167-1176
Main Authors: Pearson, Steven D, Schneider, Eric C, Kleinman, Ken P, Coltin, Kathryn L, Singer, Janice A
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Calendars
Group medical practice
Health care
Impact analysis
Incentives
Medical research
Medicare
Pay for performance
Performance evaluation
Physicians
Primary care
Quality improvement
Quality of care
Studies
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Summary:Pay-for-performance (P4P) has become one of the dominant approaches to improving quality of care, yet few studies have evaluated its effectiveness. We evaluated the impact on quality of all P4P programs introduced into physician group contracts during 2001-2003 by the five major commercial health plans operating in Massachusetts. Overall, P4P contracts were not associated with greater improvement in quality compared to a rising secular trend. Future research is required to determine whether changes to the magnitude, structure, or alignment of P4P incentives can lead to improved quality. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]
ISSN:0278-2715
1544-5208
DOI:10.1377/hlthaff.27.4.1167