physician incentive plan (PIP)

Any compensation arrangement at any contracting level between a managed care organization (MCO) and a physician or physician group that may directly or indirectly have the effect of reducing or limiting services furnished to Medicare or Medicaid enrollees in the MCO. MCOs must disclose physician incentive plans between groups or intermediate entities (e.g., certain individual practice associations [IPAs], physician-hospital organizations [PHOs]) and individual physicians and groups.

Physician licensing board

State organization responsible for issuing licenses, accreditation, or certification for a health care provider to practice. Also called Board of Healing Arts, Board of Medical Examiners, Board of Medical Practice, Department of Business and Professional Regulation, and medical licensing board.

Physician services

Medical services rendered by a physician to a patient. This may include surgery, consultation, home visit, office visit, hospital visits, and institutional visits. Physician services given while in the hospital that appear on the hospital bill are not included.