In our Park View section of the site, Mark Parkinson and Marc Zimmet square off for a “thrilla” of a video debate in "Manila-pan" (Manalapan), N.J., over the issue of quality-based payments.

Mark P. loves such payments, Marc Z. does not, calling them “regressive,” among other things. In a long-term care forum just a little like the namesake Ali vs. Frazier classic “Thrilla in Manila” boxing match, the duo debates, discusses, and explains the ins and outs of why they like or dislike quality-based payments.

For Marc Z., the problem is facilities that need the payments the least are the ones that earn it, and the buildings in need of a boost do not.

“These are the facilities that are predominantly Medicaid that don't have staff or they're lower staffed or lower quality because they cannot afford to pay for the staff. Facilities with higher Medicare invariably have more staff and have better outcomes ...They're the ones that disproportionately earn the quality incentive payments,” he said.

Jabbing back, Mark P. said there is plenty of anecdotal evidence that the sector’s providers are scrambling to improve Quality Measures, which is the intended effect of quality-based payments.

Agree to disagree or just agree or not. But tune into the video and enjoy the friendly “fight.”

Comments or questions? Contact Patrick Connole at pconnole@parkplacelive.com.