| UCare Says Its P4P Program Works; Has Data To Back It Up
UCare’s P4P program paid $2,445,250 to clinics and
care systems across Minnesota for their performance in key
quality-of-health measurements achieved in 2008.
The payments recognized and rewarded providers for
superior or improved performance in measurable key areas for care
delivered to members of UCare’s Minnesota Health Care Programs
(MHCP).
UCare’s payments for improvements in key
measurements increased 58 percent over 2007 results. This increase came
primarily from clinics and care systems that have historically
participated in UCare’s P4P program.
UCare paid $1,499,800 to 546 eligible care systems and
independent clinics serving MHCP members, an increase of 46 percent
from 2007. Total Medicare payments were $945,450, an 82 percent
increase in payments from 2007.
"The increase in [P4P] payments means more of our
members are receiving high quality care and screenings from our
providers," said Dr. Barry Baines, UCare’s chief medical officer.
"We noted a heightened interest in the program this year, which led to
a healthy boost in participation and measurable results achieved by our
valued providers.
Baines said UCare’s P4P differs from others as all providers, large and small, are eligible for payments.
For UCare’s state public program population, 2008 P4P payments were made based on the achievement of goals and included:
- Well child visits for children age 3-6 years and 12-21 years
- Colon cancer screening
- Diabetes care
- Mammography
- Chlamydia screening
For UCare’s Seniors Medicare Advantage members, 2007 P4P payments were made based on the achievement of goals set for:
- Colon cancer screening
- Mammography
- Diabetes care
- LDL cholesterol screening
Address: UCare, 500 Stinson Boulevard NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413; (612) 676-6500, www.ucare.org.
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