Principles for the release of physician-specific health care data: balancing the interests of patients and physicians.

Many state health departments and other agencies have become involved in the collection and analysis of physician-specific health care data. Two states--New York and Pennsylvania--have released surgeon-specific data on the results of coronary artery bypass graft surgery, and the Health Care Financing Administration is considering the release of physician-specific health care data. This article discusses those developments and presents suggested guidelines for the collection, use, and release of physician-specific data.