SCOTTSDALE, AZ USA (UroToday.com) - Quality measures and value have become increasingly emphasized as health care costs continue to rise each year.
Quality measure metrics (QM) have been progressively utilized and tied to physician reimbursement. Dr. W. Stuart Reynolds feels that QM needs to be better validated for specific urologic diseases and treatments. 
These metrics are now being publicly reported. Medicare.gov has “Physician Compare” and “Hospital Compare” to help consumer decision making. CMS implemented the Physician Quality Reporting System (PQRS). While participation in PQRS is voluntary, beginning in 2015 physicians will be penalized in their reimbursement if they do not participate. The AUA has developed AUA Quality Registry (AQUA) to assist members with compliance with PQRS. Additionally, participation in The Pelvic Floor Disorders Registry also allows for compliance with PQRS.
Presented by W. Stuart Reynolds, MD at the Society of Urodynamics, Female Pelvic Medicine and Urogenital Reconstruction (SUFU) Winter Meeting - February 24 - 28, 2015 - JW Marriott Camelback Inn Resort & Spa - Scottsdale, AZ USA
Reported for UroToday by Drew Freilich, MD. Dr. Freilich is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts Medical School and completed his urology residency at New York Medical College/Westchester Medical Center. He is currently a fellow in Female Urology, Neurourology and Reconstructive Urology at Medical University of South Carolina. He has authored more than 40 peer-reviewed articles, monographs, abstracts, and book chapters and abstracts. Dr. Freilich is a member of the American Urological Association and the Society for Urodynamics and Female Urology.