Investigating how Medicare's Quality Payment Program affects treatment for depression and anxiety in primary care.
Official title: Can the Medicare Quality Payment Program Incentivize Evidence-Based Treatment of Depression and Anxiety Disorders by Primary Care Providers?
Funded at Washington University · NIH-10874632 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how a program that pays doctors affects the way they screen and treat depression and anxiety in older adults on Medicare, with the goal of making it easier for them to get the mental health care they need.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | September 7, 2021 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $307,410 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH125820-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10874632 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are Medicare beneficiaries experiencing depression or anxiety disorders who receive care from primary care providers.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have access to Medicare or those with mental health conditions outside of depression and anxiety may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research examines the impact of the Medicare Quality Payment Program on the screening, diagnosis, and treatment of depression and anxiety disorders among Medicare beneficiaries in primary care settings. It aims to understand how financial incentives for primary care providers influence the delivery of evidence-based treatments for these common mental health conditions. By analyzing data on treatment rates and patient outcomes, the study seeks to identify barriers and facilitators to effective care. The ultimate goal is to improve access to mental health treatment for older adults and enhance their overall health outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment rates for depression and anxiety among Medicare beneficiaries, enhancing their quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that financial incentives can improve treatment adherence and outcomes in various healthcare settings, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Johnston, Kenton James — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Johnston, Kenton James
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.