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Beth Israel physicians sign "alternative" contract with Mass. Blues
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted Jan. 3, 2011
The largest physician group to date has agreed to a "global payment" contract with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts. Beth Israel Deaconess Physician Organization, an independent practice organization affiliated with Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, has signed on to an "Alternative Quality Contract" with the Blues, the insurer announced Dec. 10, 2010.
With the addition of Beth Israel's physician group, 40% of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts members in the state see physicians who are part of an Alternative Quality Contract. The arrangement pays the group a flat, per-patient fee for primary care, hospital care and specialist visits, with additional incentive payments tied to scores on 32 quality measures.
The Beth Israel physician group includes nearly 1,800 doctors who practice around the state.
Following the recommendations of the Massachusetts Special Commission on the Health Care Payment System, which met in 2009, Massachusetts lawmakers are planning to consider legislation as early as 2011 moving the state's entire health care system to global payments, as opposed to fee-for-service.
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/01/03/bibf0103.htm.
