In 2009, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (BCBS) launched the Alternative Quality Contract (AQC), a global payment reimbursement pilot program that rewards participating physician groups for controlling spending and improving quality of care. A Commonwealth Fund-sponsored analysis of the first two years of the five-year pilot has found that such programs may be effective at controlling healthcare spending and improving quality.
In 2009, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (BCBS) launched the Alternative Quality Contract (AQC), a global payment reimbursement pilot program that rewards participating physician groups for controlling spending and improving quality of care. A Commonwealth Fund-sponsored analysis of the first two years of the five-year pilot has found that such programs may be effective at controlling healthcare spending and improving quality.
Based on venture capital funding levels, deal totals and merger and acquisition activity, global consulting firm Mercom Capital Group reports that the healthcare IT sector is experiencing its highest levels of economic bustle since 2010.
How do officials in the public health sector feel about the final 5-4 decision? For the most part, positively -- though many officials emphasize it's just the first step on a long road to reform.
A recent study by Alpharetta, Ga.-based staffing company Jackson Healthcare found that U.S. physician compensation is among the lowest of western nations.