Pay-for-performance (P4P) programs tie reimbursement to specific quality metrics, requiring a clear understanding of the measures to guide improvement efforts.
Option A (Obtaining a copy of the current measures for the physician): This is the correct answer. The NAHQ CPHQ study guide states, “To improve performance in pay-for-performance programs, the first step is to understand the specific measures and targets assigned to the provider” (Domain 4). Knowing the measures (e.g., HbA1c control rates) allows the quality professional to assess gaps and tailor interventions.
Option B (Suggesting the physician take a course on measurement): Education may be helpful later, but it is not the initial step, as it assumes a knowledge gap without assessing performance data.
Option C (Writing a plan to improve processes in the office): A plan is premature without knowing the specific measures and performance gaps.
Option D (Researching benchmarking data for practices in the area): Benchmarking is useful for comparison but secondary to understanding the physician’s specific measures and performance.
CPHQ Objective Reference: Domain 4: Performance and Process Improvement, Objective 4.6, “Support provider performance improvement in quality programs,” emphasizes starting with a clear understanding of performance measures. The NAHQ study guide notes, “Quality professionals must first identify the metrics in pay-for-performance programs to focus improvement efforts effectively” (Domain 4).
Rationale: Obtaining the current measures provides the foundation for assessing performance, identifying gaps, and developing targeted interventions, aligning with CPHQ’s data-driven improvement approach.
[Reference: NAHQ CPHQ Study Guide, Domain 4: Performance and Process Improvement, Objective 4.6., , , , , ]
