Health Services Researchers Publish Positive 6-Year Results of PPO Pay-for-Performance Program in Leading Scientific Journal

WOODLAND HILLS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Health Benchmarks® Inc. (HBI) published results from an observational study evaluating the impact of a physician pay-for-performance program on the quality of care received by patients enrolled in a PPO in the health policy and healthcare science journal Health Services Research. Dr. Richard Chung, Sr. Vice President of the Health Services Division of Hawaii Medical Service Association commented, “This first significant health services evaluation of a PPO program suggests that the Fee for Service independent practice environment could be preserved and perform in a Pay-for-Performance culture.” The study found that patients of generalists and specialists who participated in the pay-for-performance program were more likely to receive evidence-based care for all six years (1998-2003) since the program’s inception. These results suggest that physician reimbursement models built upon evidence-based care may positively affect the level of care quality received by patients. Eleven quality indicators ranging from cancer screening and childhood immunizations, to continuous and appropriate medication use and monitoring for chronic conditions were included in the study. These quality indicators were based on widely accepted national clinical guidelines and available scientific literature.

HBI is an industry leader in the development of physician and hospital pay-for-performance programs, and delivers real world business solutions that drive and sustain high quality and value in the healthcare industry. HBI conducts health outcomes analyses and health services research to facilitate evidenced based decision-making in an increasingly competitive marketplace. Please visit www.healthbenchmarks.com or call 1-800-465-6575 for more information.