List date(s) this work was published or aired.
Feb. 6, 2012
Provide a brief synopsis of the story or stories, including any significant findings.
Medicare participation in 2012 was critical for physicians. The calendar year was their last to master quality reporting, electronic prescribing and other federal program requirements before performance would be used against them. In future years, a physician’s performance will be used to determine whether he or she will be penalized for failing to achieve quality objectives.
Explain types of documents, data or Internet resources used. Were FOI or public records act requests required? How did this affect the work?
Regulations from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, such as the 2012 Medicare fee schedule, were used to obtain the details of each program and future penalty.
Explain types of human sources used.
I spoke with physicians and groups representing organized medicine to gauge awareness of Medicare’s penalties.
Results:
Most doctors say they or their colleagues are unaware of the penalties and stand to have their future payments reduced.
Follow-up (if any). Have you run a correction or clarification on the report or has anyone come forward to challenge its accuracy? If so, please explain.
I have written several follow-up stories about the impact of penalties, estimates on how many physicians will be penalized, and how the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services plans to implement its policies. I have not written a correction or clarification for the story.
Advice to other journalists planning a similar story or project.
Federal regulations can provide a basic framework for a good story, but further reporting and interviews with practitioners are required to articulate how decisions in Washington effect physicians on Main Street.