Peer review: empirical data base and practical implications.

Abstract

Psychiatrists in the U.S. have raised a host of issues related to their experience with peer review including a concern for the patient's confidentiality, the need to correlate normative standards with local customary practice, the significance of the reviewer's theoretical orientation and training, the optimal documentation required and the impact of peer review on the reimbursement of claims for services rendered. The empirical and experimental evidence relevant to these issues is reviewed. The resulting implications for our clinical freedom and developing quality assurance network are discussed.