Consortium of competing interest seek to create uniform approach to rating doctors

An array of large emlpyers, insurers, consumer groups, and physician organizations are working to create the first nationwide initiative to create uniformity among doctor-rating programs (Source: "Uniform doctor rating system sought," The Wall Street Journal, April 2, 2008).  This effort seeks to overcome the frustration of having insurers and others use different rating methods and approaches.  It encourages insurers to employ national standards, such as those developed by the National Quality Forum.

Among the features being agreed to by participating insurers are: using an independent reviewer to review individual insurer rating systems; having an appeals system for doctors; and using both quality and cost indicators to rate doctors.