Physician payment methods: a focus on quality and cost control.

With rising health care costs, governments must develop innovative methods to deliver efficient and equitable health care services. With physician remuneration being the third largest health care expense, the design of remuneration methods is a priority in health care policy. Otolaryngology-Head and Neck surgeons should have an understanding of the behavioural incentives associated with different physician payment methods. This article will outline the different physician payment methods with a focus on discussing the impact on quality of care and health care costs.