The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) began the 2008 Physician Quality Reporting Initiative (PQRI) this month and the organization is posting worksheets, information and other online tools for individuals to browse.
 
The PQRI program establishes a financial incentive for eligible professionals to participate in a voluntary quality reporting program. Under this program, these professionals who successfully report on a designated set of quality measures may earn a bonus payment, subject to a cap, of 1.5 percent of total allowed charges for covered services payable under the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule.
 
The PQRI program aims to improve the care of patients these professionals serve through the evidence based measures, which are based upon clinical guidelines. Participating in PQRI is a way to prepare for future pay-for-performance programs.
 
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This article originally appeared in the January 2008 issue of AAKP Public Policy Briefing.