Fitness, Knowledge, Progress: Assessing Physician Qualification

Authors

Lisa Sprague, George Washington University

Document Type

Issue Brief

Publication Date

2-28-2006

Abstract

The informed and empowered consumer is an ideal invoked by many would-be health care reformers. An actual consumer wishing to don the mantle of power may be hindered by the scarcity of information available, particularly with respect to choosing among physicians. How is one to know who is best qualified? This issue brief looks at the basics of physician qualification and the processes by which physicians are licensed, credentialed, and board-certified. It examines how the evolution of these processes (for example, the move from lifetime certification to ongoing maintenance of certification) affects clinicians and their patients. The rise of quality measurement and pay-for-performance programs is considered as well.

Comments

Issue brief no. 809

Recommended Citation

Sprague, Lisa, "Fitness, Knowledge, Progress: Assessing Physician Qualification" (2006). National Health Policy Forum. Paper 165.
https://hsrc.himmelfarb.gwu.edu/sphhs_centers_nhpf/165

Open Access

yes