American Society of Breast Surgeons presidential address: could quality measures impede quality care?

Abstract

Transparency and accountability are becoming more important, and publically reported quality measures will be used increasingly to determine how surgeons are viewed and reimbursed. That is a good thing if it is done correctly, but poorly designed quality measures might actually interfere with patient care. It will be necessary for ASBrS to remain involved in the development of relevant, true data-based measures of quality that have appropriate benchmarks and no unintended consequences. Importantly, the quality measures need to include all reasonable treatment options so that quality care is enhanced and not impeded.