January 19, 2012 – In France, a system for evaluating physicians has been in place since 1er January 2012. The attending physicians will now have the possibility of receiving a premium which can rise up to 9000 € per year.
This bonus will be calculated according to a list of objectives to be achieved, set by the Caisse Primaire d’Assurance Maladie (CPAM).
The treating physicians are free to refuse this evaluation. However, it is not based on a system of penalization, but only of “reward”, so that this measure is adopted by the greatest number of doctors.
The primary objective is to optimize the organization of medical practices by ensuring that all treating physicians use prescription assistance software.
Emphasis is also placed on prevention. Indeed, to gain points, doctors will have to offer vaccination against influenza and screening methods against certain cancers, such as breast or cervical cancer.
They will also have to closely monitor the evolution of chronic diseases such as diabetes or high blood pressure.
The CPAM is also asking doctors to increase the number of prescriptions for generic drugs.
These measures, which may appear to be beneficial for the patient, are controversial.
But the treating physicians and the CPAM reassure: the gain of points will not be done to the detriment of professional conscience. Indeed, doctors will continue to prescribe medical examinations and medications that are suitable for their patients even if they are not generics.
Anaïs Lhôte – PasseportSanté.net