Investigating how Medicare's Quality Payment Program affects treatment for depression and anxiety in primary care.

Can the Medicare Quality Payment Program Incentivize Evidence-Based Treatment of Depression and Anxiety Disorders by Primary Care Providers?

NIH-funded research Washington University · NIH-10874632

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 typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWashington University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Saint Louis, United States)
Project IDNIH-10874632 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are Medicare beneficiaries experiencing depression or anxiety disorders who receive care from primary care providers.

Not a fit: 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.

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 performed: 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

Saint Louis, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Anxiety Disorders
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.