Quality metrics play small role in physician compensation

(HealthDay)—Quality measures play a small but emerging role in physician compensation, according to a report published by the Medical Group Management Association (MGMA).

Researchers from MGMA surveyed more than 60,100 physician and non-physician providers in more than 170 specialties to investigate physician compensation, with a focus on quality and patient satisfaction metrics.

According to the survey, primary care physicians and specialists reported that 3 and 2 percent, respectively, of their total compensation was based on quality metrics. In addition, physicians reported that patient satisfaction played a small role in their compensation. The median compensation varied by physician specialty, and was $216,462 for primary care physicians and $388,199 for specialists.

"Quality and patient satisfaction metrics are not yet dominant components of physician compensation plans right now; however, as reimbursement models continue to shift, the small changes we've observed recently will gain momentum," Susan Turney, M.D., the president and chief executive officer of MGMA, said in a statement. "It's encouraging to see physician practices invested in patient-centered care and continuing to seek ways to better incorporate quality and experience into compensation methodologies."