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First, do no harm. Second, turn a profit.
The Journal of American Health Care
|August 6, 1994
Summary
Physicians are now evaluated on their ability to increase profits, a practice known as economic credentialing. This shift from patient care to financial performance is causing conflict within the medical community.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare Economics
- Medical Practice Management
Background:
- Traditionally, physician quality was assessed by clinical skills and patient rapport.
- Current healthcare trends emphasize financial performance and profitability in physician evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the emerging practice of economic credentialing in healthcare.
- To understand the implications of prioritizing financial metrics in physician assessment.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of current hospital and health plan policies regarding physician credentialing.
- Review of legal challenges initiated by medical groups against economic credentialing practices.
Main Results:
- Hospitals and health plans are increasingly implementing economic credentialing.
- Medical groups are actively opposing this trend through litigation.
Conclusions:
- The focus on economic credentialing represents a significant shift in physician evaluation criteria.
- The practice is generating substantial controversy and legal disputes within the medical field.