Expanding Access to Quality and Affordable Care

Some studies have concluded that as much as 30 percent of all medical treatment is unnecessary or duplicative. Several initiatives aimed at increasing quality and making care more affordable have gained traction over the last few years. This section of the 2008 Medical Cost Reference Guide highlights a number of quality incentives, pay-for-performance, electronic medical records and programs aimed at preventing fraud, waste and abuse.

To encourage widespread adoption of evidence-based medicine and improve overall health and healthcare, an increasing number of pay-for-performance initiatives are being implemented. Increasingly in the private and public sectors, physicians are being rewarded for adhering to evidence-based standards of care to increase the quality of care and reduce unnecessary medical treatments. More physicians are also adopting and using electronic medical records.

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