Business
Mass. Blues pay-for-performance program grows
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted June 5, 2006
BlueCross BlueShield of Massachusetts has expanded its pay-for-performance program in 2006, including doubling the bonus pool money available to physicians from $94 million to about $189 million.
Blues officials report nearly 5,300 primary care physicians and more than 9,100 specialists are actively participating in the program in 2006, an increase from fewer than 5,000 primary care and about 6,500 specialists in 2005.
The program also has 60 participating hospitals this year, compared to 29 in 2005. Blues officials attributed increased participation to both a larger bonus pool and to natural renegotiation after old contracts had expired.
Primary care physicians who participate in the program are eligible for a maximum bonus of $20,000 annually, with the average bonus totaling about $10,000, according to Blues officials. The Blues launched the pay-for-performance program in 2003.
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2006/06/05/bibf0605.htm.
