AMGA Calls for Medicare Reform

Alexandria, Virginia — A full 2 weeks before HHS and CMS announced their intent to revamp the currently oft-despied prior authorization process, the American Medical Group Association addressed the issue, along with improving the documentation process, harmonizing quality measure reporting across CMS programs, and maintaining flexibilities for telehealth services in its response to CMS' Medicare Rrgulatory Relief request for information (RFI).

The RFI asked such questions as what changes can be made to simplify Medicare reporting and documentation requirements without affecting program integrity, are there documentation or reporting requirements within the Medicare program that are overly complex or redundant, and how can Medicare better align its requirements with best practices and industry standards without imposing additional regulatory requirements?

"Medicare’s regulatory framework is due for an update, and AMGA is pleased CMS is looking to modernize the system," said Jerry Penso, MD, MBA, AMGA president and CEO.

AMGA's response stressed the never-ending need to focus on patient care instead of working to meet administrative compliance requirements, and "ensuring regulations support rather than hinder the ability of multispecialty group practices and integrated systems of care to best meet the needs of their patients and community."

Read all about this report, and to see AMGA's complete response to CMS, click here.