Mass. panel urges broad release of discipline data

Article Abstract:

A panel in Massachusetts has recommended a plan to provide the public with information on physician discipline and malpractice. Most of such information is kept confidential by the state medical board, but members of the panel and consumer groups say the information should be available to help consumers choose physicians. The panel also proposed better monitoring of peer reviews by the medical board. The state's doctors have proposed a similar plan in response to the public's demand for more information.

Social policy, Massachusetts

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Undoing case review: new PRO contract will ax random samples, boost collaboration with providers

Article Abstract:

Patients rights organizations (PRO) will stop the practice of random case review that has made them unpopular with health care providers. Medicare's PROs are changing from a punitive stance to a focus on improving care by analyzing practice patterns rather than individual cases. The new plan begins with those PROs that have new contracts beginning in 1996. In 1990, PROs reviewed 18% of all Medicare hospitalizations. Under the new contract, only certain specific types of cases will be reviewed.

Health Care Services, Health care industry, Medicare

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Closer ties urged for societies and medical boards

Article Abstract:

State medical boards and physicians' societies should cooperate to improve the quality of care, according to a joint report by the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) and the American Medical Assn. The number of disciplinary actions by state boards rose to 3,685 cases in 1994, a 12% increase from the previous year. The FSMB must retain independence and objectivity in reviewing reports of incompetence or crime among physicians.

Offices & clinics of medical doctors, Physicians & Surgeons, Offices of Physicians (except Mental Health Specialists), Health Programs-State, Conferences, meetings and seminars, Medical care quality, Health policy, Federation of State Medical Boards of the United States

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