ACC is clear in our advocacy and quality efforts that the use of claims data to attempt to measure physician quality performance is a seriously flawed idea. While there are some legitimate uses of claims data (ie. estimating volume/usage of procedures, drugs, diagnoses, hospital readmissions, etc), more information is needed to truly measure performance.

Fortunately HHS Secretary Leavitt reacted to physician concerns about this proposed unfiltered release of data, and has appealed the court ruling. The ACC is planning on being an amicus (friend of the court) partner on that suit! In addition, given the lawsuit and increased discussions in Congress and among payers about the use of claims data as a means of measuring physician performance, ACC leaders are in the final stages of defining principles for public reporting. 

Greater transparency of health care quality is a goal to which we as physicians, other health care providers, payers, and consumers should continue to strive, but only if this “clarity” accurately reflects the performance of those being measured and only if these reports serve to improve health care, including access to it, for patients. Stay tuned for more information.