Audiologists have the opportunity to improve both the profession of audiology and quality of care provided to patients by participating in the Medicare Physician Quality Reporting Initiative (PQRI) program. The Audiology Quality Consortium (AQC) has created a step-by-step guide on reporting PQRI measures. PQRI is a voluntary program designed to improve the quality of care to Medicare beneficiaries. Beginning January 1, 2010 audiologists that bill Medicare Part B and who participate in PQRI by reporting on approved quality measures are eligible for a 2% incentive payment.

This is the third in a series of PQRI informational resources for audiologists published by the AQC. Over the last few weeks, the AQC posted a list of Frequently Asked Questions for audiologists who are enrolled as a Medicare provider and are interested in learning more about the PQRI program, and PQRI Audiology Measures Information to provide facts about the new PQRI measures.

For further information, please contact Kate Romanow, ASHA's Director of Health Care Regulatory Advocacy, at kromanow@asha.org or 800-498-2071, ext. 5671; or Anne Oyler, ASHA's Associate Director of Audiology Professional Practices, at aoyler@asha.org or 800-498-2071, ext. 5791.