Nonetheless, the AMA wants physicians to be aware that PQRS penalties in 2015 will be based on this year's performance. They are also working with CMS to raise awareness about the importance of meeting these requirements.

Duszak said that radiological professional organizations like ACR have made an effort through the years to educate members about the PQRS program, which might be a reason why radiologists' bonus payments from PQRS increased year to year, and slightly more than other providers, according to the PQRS program data they analyzed from 2007-2010, and included in the recent study.


The Neiman Health Policy Institute study also found that registry reporting versus claims-based reporting more frequently resulted in incentive payments from CMS for physicians.

Granted, introducing quality into health care performance and pay is nothing new for doctors who treat Medicare patients. But penalizing them for it, well, this is likely a first.

The Washington (Policy) Update is a column from DOTmed's Online Editor about important policy decisions that affect radiologists, hospital decision-makers and other imaging industry stakeholders.

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