Performance feedback to providers. This feedback may be in the form of performance indicators to encourage providers to improve the delivery of preventive care. Performance measures can be computed for a medical service area, a group of providers, or individual providers. Feedback includes performance information on other providers for comparison. Financial incentives for providers.
Some programs link financial compensation to providers' performance.
Office staff reminders and procedures. Some programs use reminders, such as flowcharts and stickers placed in medical charts, or standardized office procedures to flag unmet needs for preventive care. The breast and cervical cancer screening programs we studied illustrate how managed care plans and associated medical group practices integrate health promotion and disease prevention activities in health care delivery. Others have relatively new programs and are experimenting with ways to promote their services. Prevention programs and supporting research efforts require substantial planning and resource commitments from sponsoring health plans.