A rare call for transparency from within health care

NEJM Catalyst published a piece written by someone within health care, detailing why providers should publish physician performance data. One of the stated reasons resonates with some thoughts outlined earlier on this blog -- that providers will get to "define the terms of transparency" and to guide consumers in terms of what they should be looking for when selecting a provider. The author outlines some other reasons, which overall make for a persuasive piece as to why providers should engage in transparency efforts. Nevertheless, the author acknowledges that we've only witnessed the start of this movement, and the initial data has been "modest." We agree with the assessment that the trend is growing, and are encouraged that someone from within the healthcare community is pushing for transparency.

Interestingly, the author predicts that ratings outlets will be affected by the release of physician performance data. We agree, and look forward to the time when physician performance data is released in sufficient quantity in a sufficiently standardized manner that users can meaningfully compare providers.