Medicare doctor listing highlights PQRI data

The online directory for physicians who accept Medicare has expanded to distinguish which doctors reported quality data to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and will soon indicate which doctors prescribe electronically.

The Physician Quality Reporting System, formerly known as the Physician Quality Reporting Initiative (PQRI) is a voluntary reporting program that rewards physicians and other eligible healthcare professionals for reporting data on quality measures related to services furnished to Medicare beneficiaries.

Although 200,000 physicians participated in reporting, many physicians expressed frustration with the program. Fewer than half (48%) were able to successfully access their 2008 PQRI feedback report, according to a survey released last year by the Medical Group Management Association.