The Physician Quality Reporting System (PQRS) was a quality reporting program, and rewarded eligible professionals (EPs) for practicing high quality care. Quality was measured by successfully reporting on clinical measures.
The was mandated under the Affordable Care Act, and required Medicare to differentiate physician payment based on quality of care compared to cost. The value modifier was based on PQRS participation.
The Electronic Health Records (EHR) Incentive Programs were designed to reward providers for demonstrating meaningful use of certified EHR technology. To qualify for incentive payments, EPs must have met meaningful use criteria determined by each stage of the program. As of 2015, EPs that did not demonstrate meaningful use annually were faced with a payment reduction in Medicare Part B reimbursement.