The Physician Quality Reporting Initiative (PQRI) is extended through 2014 and the incentive payment is increased by .5 percent for 2011 to 2014. The program was improved with the addition of an appeals process and more timely feedback. In addition, Maintenance of Certification program participation was added as a participation option, including an additional .5 percent incentive payment. The PQRI continues to serve as an opportunity for practices to receive incentive payments from Medicare.
Beginning in 2015, physicians who are not successful participants in PQRI will receive penalties. The penalty for 2015 is 1.5 percent and for 2016 is 2 percent. The ACC has expressed opposition to penalties for unsuccessful participation in PQRI and will continue to do so. PQRI has considerable administrative issues and kinks that have prohibited physicians from successfully participating.