What major change does the Deficit Reduction Act implement regarding Medicare?

The Deficit Reduction Act (DRA) introduced significant reforms aimed at improving the efficiency of Medicare. One of the major changes is the requirement for quality control standards in reimbursement processes. This means that healthcare providers are incentivized to deliver higher-quality care, as reimbursement rates can be affected by the quality of services provided. The DRA emphasizes the importance of quality in healthcare delivery, ensuring that patients receive effective care while managing costs for the Medicare program. This aligns with broader healthcare trends that prioritize value over volume in patient care, moving away from a system that rewards the quantity of services provided to one that emphasizes quality outcomes.