Incentive Programs: How does an extra $100,000 sound?

That's the suggested maximum yearly bonus being touted to doctors by Bridges to Excellence (BTE), a nonprofit coalition that works with large employers, health plans, physicians, and related organizations to improve quality and patient outcomes. By lowering their patients' cost of care-in particular, costs associated with patients who have chronic conditions-doctors who participate in the new BTE Medical Home program can earn a potential annual bonus of $125 for each patient covered by a participating employer, up to $100,000 annually. "Our research shows that patients who are well taken care of cost less," says Bridges to Excellence CEO Francois de Brantes. "The average potential savings per covered life would be approximately $250 a year."

According to The Wall Street Journal, last year the program paid out roughly $10 million in bonuses in the 18 states in which it's active. For more information, go to http://www.bridgestoexcellence.org.