Leapfrog Group updates P4P Web site

The Leapfrog Group has updated its online reward and incentive compendium and added a new P4P Decision Tool to help users learn about the range of programs available -- or devise their own.

The pay-for-performance compendium has been on the group's Web site since 2004. The database is searchable and sortable, and has an area where outcomes are evaluated, said Kat Song, spokeswoman for Leapfrog. The recent upgrade allows for direct comparisons among programs.

The P4P Decision Tool allows users to sort the database by choosing specific attributes of a program, categorized by sponsor; target and location; performance metrics, such as those for clinical quality and safety, or HIT adoption; financial incentives/rewards; nonfinancial incentives; and other keywords.

Only 49 programs are represented in the self-reported compendium so far, a number Leapfrog would like to see grow. A survey by Leapfrog and Med-Vantage found about 148 P4P programs existed as of March 2007. The study also found the number of programs has continued to rise significantly each year as many existing programs have expanded their scope.

Any organization may list its incentive and rewards program, for no charge, on the compendium Web site (link). Users may search the database for free.

Song said that because each entry includes detailed contact information along with a description, physicians could also use the site as a reference point for programs they are, or wish to be, involved with.

American Medical Association policy states that P4P programs must be voluntary, ensure quality of care, foster the patient-physician relationship, establish fair and accurate performance measures, and offer positive incentives and not penalties.

Delegates at the 2007 Annual Meeting also directed the Association to actively oppose programs that do not meet the AMA's standards.

Leapfrog is a consortium of large employers who want to improve health care delivery and lower costs. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality funds online decision tool (link).