The PIP QI incentive

What is the PIP QI incentive?

The Practice Incentives Program Quality Improvement (PIP QI) Incentive pays eligible general practices for participating in continuous quality improvement in partnership with their local Primary Health Network (PHN). It commenced on 1 August 2019.

How much is the PIP QI payment?

Eligible practices can receive a maximum payment of $12,500 per quarter, calculated at $5.00 per Standardised Whole Patient Equivalent (SWPE) per year. Payment requires at least one quarterly data submission in the relevant quarter.

What are the 10 PIP QI measures?

The 10 quality improvement measures (QIMs) are the practice's share of regular patients with:

1. a current HbA1c result on file (diabetes)
2. a smoking status recorded
3. a height, weight and BMI classification recorded
4. an influenza immunisation (aged 65 and over)
5. an influenza immunisation (diabetes)
6. an influenza immunisation (COPD)
7. an alcohol consumption status recorded
8. the necessary CVD risk factors recorded to enable assessment
9. an up-to-date cervical screening (female patients)
10. a blood pressure result on file (diabetes)

There are no prescribed targets. Practices choose where to focus.

How does PIP QI relate to PDSA cycles?

PIP QI requires the practice to commit to continuous QI, not to specific cycles. PDSA cycles are one of several ways to meet the commitment. Many practices structure their PDSA work around one or more of the 10 measures.

What is the PIP Eligible Data Set?

The PIP Eligible Data Set is the de-identified practice data the practice submits quarterly to its PHN against the 10 measures. Submission is via compliant data extraction software (most commonly PenCS Cat4 or POLAR, depending on PHN arrangements).

Do patients need to give consent for PIP QI data sharing?

The data is de-identified before it leaves the practice. The Department of Health treats the data sharing as covered by the practice's existing clinical relationship. Patients who object can request their data be excluded from extraction; practices should document a process for this.

What happens if I do not submit quarterly data?

You fail the eligibility requirement for that quarter's payment. Reinstating the payment requires the next successful quarterly submission.

How is PIP QI paid?

Quarterly, through Services Australia, based on the practice's PIP registration and SWPE. The payment is paid to the practice, not to individual GPs.

Is PIP QI separate from other PIP payments?

Yes. PIP QI sits alongside the other Practice Incentives Program payments (for example, teaching, eHealth, after-hours). The eligibility criteria for each are separate.