Dr.Helen highlights an excellent point on the Medicare cut debate.

Money itself is secondary, whether it is a cut or raise. While AMA is being short-sighted by fighting a battle it cannot win, the Association of American Physicians & Surgeons (AAPS) essentially says: "take your money and shove it, you Feds are too much hassle already!".

Kudos to AAPS for understanding that a systemic reform is needed, beyond mere tweaking of the current rates.

However, AAPS opposes Medicare pay-for-performance (P4P). It is difficult to fathom how it is possible to make real progress on quality improvement without clear incentives. AAPS however has a point that the Feds are likely to screw it up. We know where many of the governments' best intentions have led.

What is interesting to know is AAPS position on pay for performance in private health plans.

The Medical Blog Network has always supported more openness and freedom in the healthcare system, for consumers and professionals alike. Of course freedom always carries responsibility.

UPDATE: Details on what does or does not work in pay-for-performance.