TRENTON, NJ – Physicians in New Jersey are set to receive their first rewards from their participation in the Bridges to Excellence program, which recognizes and rewards healthcare providers who demonstrate that they deliver safe, timely, effective, and patient-centered care.

The program was launched in New Jersery last year, and 50 physicians are expected to receive their initial incentives.

"The Bridges to Excellence program makes quality a key component in the value equation of healthcare reform," said Cliff Feldman, executive director, Health and Wellness Benefits for Verizon. "Rewarding doctors who provide higher-quality, evidence-based care, helps drive better results and ultimately lowers healthcare costs."

Physicians who demonstrate they are top performers in diabetes care and employ standards established by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (such as blood pressure and cholesterol control as well as annual foot and eye exams) can earn up to $100 for each diabetic patient covered by a participating employer through the BTE Diabetes Care Link program. Participating employers fund these incentives from the savings they achieve through lower healthcare costs and increased employee productivity that results from delivery of higher quality diabetes care.

"We are pleased to see this effort progress in New Jersey," said Francois de Brantes, chief executive of BTE.