WASHINGTON — Pay-for-performance rewards totaling $1.4 million were distributed to physicians in 20 group practices in a pilot project sponsored by CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, Dr. Jon Shematek said at a meeting on health information technology sponsored by eHealth Initiative and Bridges to Excellence.
Thirty practices initially were selected for participation in the first year of a $4.5 million, 3-year project, said Dr. Shematek, vice president for quality and medical policy at CareFirst. Eight dropped out and rewards were given to the remaining practices that met National Committee for Quality Assurance certification requirements.
CareFirst used the Bridges to Excellence model program developed by a group of employers, insurers, and physicians. Standards met by physicians addressed clinical information systems, use of evidence-based medicine, patient education and support, and care management. Of the 20 practices, 17 passed at a basic level and 3 passed at an intermediate level; 14 had paper medical records and 6 had partial electronic records.
Practice improvements included chronic disease registries and follow-up, electronic prescribing, follow-up of emergency department visits and inpatient admissions, and improved rates of colonoscopy screening and diabetes eye exams. Certified practices receive program recognition via a “practice connections” seal they can use in advertising.