PQRI Extended Through 2010
The Physician Quality Reporting Initiative (PQRI) has been extended through 2010, with increased physician bonuses beginning in 2009.
The PQRI extension was included in the Medicare Improvement for Patients and Providers Act of 2008, which also averted a 10.6 percent physician payment cut.
Eligible professionals—including MDs, DOs, CRNPs, CRNAs, and PAs—can report certain quality data to CMS to earn a bonus on their Medicare allowed charges. The current bonus is 1.5 percent but it will rise to 2 percent in 2009 and 2010.
The program is voluntary and participants do not have to participate with Medicare.
To learn more about the 119 PQRI measures for 2008, visit the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)
PQRI toolkit. The toolkit includes downloadable data collection worksheets.
CMS is considering the measures that it will accept in 2009.
Last Updated: 8/1/2008