DJP 3rd AMA update for 3-2-2005 - Pay-For-Performance press release

 

Sorry for 3 emails in one day.

Changing planes in Atlanta and just noted this important press release of today.

See AMA release below with quotes from Dr. John Armstrong, AMA Board Secretary.

Thanks.

DJP

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                March 2, 2005

 

AMA RELEASES POSITION ON PAY-FOR-PERFORMANCE

 

WASHINGTON -- The American Medical Association (AMA) today unveiled a new set of principles and guidelines for the formation and implementation of pay-for-performance programs.

 

“Pay-for-performance programs may serve as a positive force in the health care industry if the programs are designed primarily to improve the effectiveness and safety of patient care,” said AMA Secretary John H. Armstrong, M.D.  “Fair and ethical pay-for-performance programs are patient-centered and assess physician performance with evidence-based measures.”

 

As the pay-for-performance concept becomes more commonplace, the physician community will work to ensure pay-for-performance programs are positively structured and appropriately applied.  The AMA believes pay-for-performance programs must be aligned with the following five principles:

 

·        Ensure quality of care

·        Foster the relationship between patient and physician

·        Offer voluntary physician participation

·        Use accurate data and fair reporting

·        Provide fair and equitable program incentives

 

Health plans, large employers, Medicare, and some members of Congress are supporting the pay-for-performance concept. Both private and public sector organizations have started offering incentive payments to physicians based on an appraisal of their performance.

 

“The primary goal of any pay-for-performance program must be to promote quality patient care,” Dr. Armstrong said. “Some so-called pay-for-performance programs are a lose/lose proposition for patients and their physicians with the only benefit accruing to health insurers. We believe that pay-for-performance programs done properly have the potential to improve patient care, but if done improperly can harm patients.”

 

A complete set of the AMA’s new principles and guidelines for pay-for-performance programs can be obtained by visiting the AMA Web site at: www.ama-assn.org/go/pfp.

 

# # #

 

For additional information, please contact:

 

Brenda Craine                          Katherine Hatwell                     Robert J. Mills

(202) 789-7447                       (202) 789-7419                       (312) 464-5970