Sharing financial information with doctors: making it work.

Abstract

Physicians are becoming increasingly aware of how their practice patterns affect the financial viability of their practices and of the hospitals in which they work. Programs of diagnosis-related group (DRG) analysis may be used not only to educate physicians but to provide data for physician-directed efforts to reduce variations in practice patterns and deal with physicians whose practice habits may be counter to cost-effective, high-quality care. A combination of early, extensive physician involvement and subsequent multidisciplinary interaction will ensure the development of and adherence to cost-effective, high-quality patient care.