An organization established by the Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act (TEFRA) of 1982 to review quality of care and appropriateness of admissions, readmissions, and discharges for Medicare and Medicaid. These organizations are held responsible for maintaining and lowering admission rates, reducing lengths of stay, while insuring against inadequate treatment. PROs can conduct review of medical records and claims to evaluate the appropriateness of care provided. PROs also exist within private carriers and providers. Peer Review itself is a process whose confidentiality in private organizations is protected by law. This allows hospitals and groups to conduct internal investigation and monitoring of care decisions and outcomes without the production of related documents in court proceedings. Providers have fought for these protections.
