ACP: Improved Transparency Requires Reliable Data

Among its recommendations, ACP called for physicians and other healthcare professionals to have timely access to "assessed performance information prior to public reporting and the availability of a fair and accurate appeals process."

It also called for expansion of public reporting of physician performance differences that take into account technical capabilities to report "reliable, valid, and useful differences." ACP also said it supported the collection of both public and private data by trusted third-party entities so that physician and other clinician's performance "can be assessed as comprehensively as possible."

"Until they have access to accurate and useful information about what they are purchasing, both regarding price and clinical performance," Ralston said, "patients will not have the ability to make truly informed decisions regarding their healthcare."