Physician Ranking Bill Passes Ohio House

The Ohio House of Representatives passed HB 122 regarding physician designations, February 3, by a vote of 96-1.  The bill sets requirements for how health care insurers rate physician quality, cost efficiency or clinical performance through the use of a grade, star, tier, or any other rating.  It permits an insurer to disclose its physician designations to any individual, but requires the insurer to include with the disclosure a written statement explaining that designations are intended to be used only as a guide in selecting a physician; designations should not be the sole factor used in selecting a physician; designations have a risk of error; and individuals should discuss designations with a physician before a selection is made.  It also provides a physician appeal mechanism. The bill was initiated by the Academy of Medicine of Cleveland and Northern Ohio.