Quality Improvement Programs

Quality improvement initiatives such as the Physician Quality Reporting System (PQRS) are intended to improve health care outcomes for patients. This section provides information about the trend and related material from the APA Practice Organization and APA.

Psychologists in Medicare must begin reporting in PQRS in 2013 or risk a reduction in payment for their services in 2015.

2013 Physician Quality Reporting System

• Quick reference guide for PQRS measures, procedure codes and G-codes

• PQRS measures for 2013

• Critical for 2013: Participation in Medicare quality reporting program

• PQRS: Questions and Answers for Psychologists

History of PQRS

Formerly known as the Physician Quality Reporting Initiative (PQRI), PQRS is a program that currently pays bonuses to eligible health care professionals who successfully report on the program’s quality measures. In 2015, incentives will be replaced with penalties for those who do not successfully report.

• Changes to Medicare reporting program in 2012 

• Get Ready for Mandatory Medicare Reporting  (PDF, 171KB)

• 2011 brings changes to PQRI

• PQRI to shift from bonus payment to penalty program 

• PQRI Measures and reporting period for 2010  

• Additional 2009 PQRI measures available to psychologists