Medicare quality reporting programs fall short for most physician practices, study finds

Most medical practices do not think Medicare Part B quality reporting programs enhance the quality of patient care, and believe the programs actually negatively affect practice resources, efficiency and morale, according to a study by the Medical Group Management Association.

Though 83 percent of practices surveyed reported active engagement in internal quality improvement processes, 84 percent said Medicare reporting programs do not boost the quality of patient care. In fact, 85 percent of respondents reported the quality reporting programs negatively affect productivity.

2015 will be the first year physicians are penalized for unsuccessful reporting under three Medicare quality reporting programs: the Physician Quality Reporting System, EHR Incentive program and the Value-Based Payment Modifier. Medicare payment penalties will reach up to 11 percent, levied in future years.

MGMA also reported the following:

• 76 percent of physician practices surveyed said Medicare's quality reporting programs are straining resources.

• 84 percent reported decreased practice efficiency as a result of the programs

• 85 percent reported lower clinician morale as a result of the programs

MGMA surveyed 1,005 practices with more than 48,000 practicing physicians in 49 states. Most participating organizations were independent practices (72.3 percent) and hospitals and integrated delivery systems (17.7 percent).

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