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Selected Works of Grace Makari-Judson MD
Article
Using quality oncology practice initiative metrics for physician incentive compensation
All Scholarly Works
  • Grace Makari-Judson, MD, Baystate Health
  • Tamara Wrenn, Baystate Health
  • Wilson Mertens, MD, Baystate Health
  • Gordon Josephson, MD, Baystate Health
  • James Stewart, MD, Baystate Health
Document Type
Article, Peer-reviewed
Publication Date
1-1-2014
Disciplines
Abstract

PURPOSE:

To demonstrate the use of American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Quality Oncology Practice Initiative (QOPI) measures as part of a financial incentive plan for an academic health center-based hematology-oncology division. METHODS:

An 11-member QOPI-certified hematology-oncology division participated in a pilot variable compensation (VC) plan with group-specific targets selected based on prior below-average performance. Twenty percent of overall VC was linked to success in two QOPI categories: completion of treatment summaries within 90 days of end of chemotherapy and assessment of patients' emotional well-being by second office visit. Three tiers of achievement were set for each goal. A formula combining VC goals into year-end payout was driven by three levels of percent base salary: 8%, 12%, and 24%, with probability of achievement of each goal of 90%, 50%, and 10%, respectively. Practice leadership was educated about QOPI acceptance in the oncology community. RESULTS:

The division participated in QOPI during spring and fall 2012. With systems-based improvements, 40.54% of medical records audited had treatment summaries, resulting in achievement of tier III compensation. Documentation of emotional well-being increased, yielding 63% of patient cases compliant; however, the national benchmark concurrently improved, making this insufficient to achieve tier I. CONCLUSION:

QOPI metrics can be used as a quality incentive for oncologists in a VC plan. Non-oncologists can appreciate the strength of QOPI as a quality tool. The combination of a QOPI program through ASCO and use of various QOPI metrics can drive continuous improvement in an oncology group.

Citation Information
Makari-Judson G, Wrenn T, Mertens WC, Josephson G, Stewart JA. Using quality oncology practice initiative metrics for physician incentive compensation. J Oncol Pract. 2014 Jan;10(1):58-62.