Physician Fee Assessment

Chapter 153, Wisconsin Statutes, requires that the Department of Health Services assess physicians to support the costs of utilizing health care information for health care quality and safety improvements. The 2010 assessment is $70.00 per physician, covering the assessment period of July 1, 2009 - June 30, 2010. This assessment is not related to licensing or license renewal fees from the Department of Regulation and Licensing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who is exempt from this requirement?
This assessment is mandatory for all physicians holding a Wisconsin license and practicing in Wisconsin. The only exceptions are those Wisconsin-licensed physicians who: (1) did not complete their residency, internship, or fellowship by November 1, 2009; or who, during the entire assessment period: (2) will not practice in Wisconsin at all; (3) were employees solely of the federal government; or (4) were permanently retired. If you qualify for exemption, check the appropriate exemption box on your assessment letter, sign and date the statement, and return the remittance form with no payment.

I work as a physician in Wisconsin, but I don't see patients. Must I pay the assessment?
Yes. This assessment includes all working physicians practicing in Wisconsin, whether or not they see patients. It includes physicians who are salaried employees or consultants, physicians who teach, and physicians who are licensed in more than one state.

I am serving in a post-graduate training program, such as an internship, residency or fellowship. Do I pay this assessment?
No, residents, interns, and fellows who did not complete their post-graduate training programs by November 1, 2009 are exempt.

I don't work in Wisconsin, but I read x-rays of Wisconsin patients online. Do I pay the assessment?
No, as long as you don't physically practice in Wisconsin, you are exempt.

I don't live in Wisconsin, but I spend two weeks each summer volunteering at a summer camp in Wisconsin. Do I pay the assessment?
No, as long as you don't receive monetary compensation for the two weeks, you are exempt. Check the box on the tear-off remittance form for "Will not practice in Wisconsin."

I am a physician employed by a state facility. Am I exempt from the assessment?
No, state employees are not exempt.

I work as a locum tenens physician. Do I pay the assessment?
Yes, if you hold a Wisconsin license and practice in Wisconsin at all.

I work part-time or only practiced in Wisconsin for part of the year. Am I responsible for paying this assessment? If so, how much?
Yes. There is no proration of the assessment. You must pay the full $70.00.

I am on temporary leave of absence. Do I pay the assessment?
Yes. You must pay the full $70.00 assessment.

I am permanently retired from working as a medical doctor in any capacity, and receive no income associated with my medical license. However, I do some volunteer work. Do I have to pay this assessment?
No. You do not have to pay the assessment if you were permanently retired as of June 30, 2009, and you are providing services only on a pro bono basis.

Can my employer or physician group pay the assessment for me?
Yes. A physician group may make a single payment for one or more physicians, but should include the tear-off portion of the assessment letter for each physician covered by the payment. This is important to ensure your assessment was properly paid. Additionally, the physician group should supply a list of physician names and license numbers associated with the payment.

How are the assessment funds used?
Payers and health plans voluntarily submit patient claims data to the statewide Wisconsin Health Information Organization's (WHIO) Health Analytics Exchange. WHIO is a non-profit collaborative of leaders from insurance companies, health care providers, major employers, and public agencies who share a commitment to the future of health care. The physician assessment fees support the administrative, development, and maintenance costs of the Exchange, and physician performance reporting and engagement activities. WHIO's members and its subscribers are using the Exchange to improve the transparency, quality, and efficiency of health care in Wisconsin. For more information on WHIO, please visit http://www.wisconsinhealthinfo.org/. The assessment fees also support costs associated with planning and administering eHealth initiatives that promote and enable providers' adoption and meaningful use of interoperable health information technology (HIT), qualified electronic health records (EHRs), and health information exchange (HIE) as envisioned in the HIT for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act and needed for physicians and hospitals to apply for the Medicare and Medicaid HIT incentive payments. Expanded use of HIT, EHRs, and HIE by physicians will enable improvements in the quality and value of health care and population health programs. For more information on the Wisconsin eHealth program, please visit http://dhs.wisconsin.gov/ehealth/.

Where can I get more information?
You can e-mail the Department of Health Services, Bureau of Health Information and Policy, at DHSAssessments@wisconsin.gov for more information.

Where should I mail my assessment check?
Use the enclosed preaddressed envelope or mail to:

Department of Health Services
Physician Assessment
Box 93190
Milwaukee WI 53293-0190

Last Revised: February 25, 2010