CMS: Don’t wait on submitting staff data

Several providers are hopeful about a pilot program from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services that allows easier access to Medicare claims data. 

CMS’ Data at the Point of Care pilot program is a part of the agency’s MyHealthEData initiative. It allows providers to access Medicare claims data. Data being made more accessible through the pilot program would include past diagnoses, procedures and medication lists. 

The American Medical Group Association and LeadingAge are among the provider organizations that have expressed support for the pilot program.

LeadingAge “supports CMS’ efforts to promote interoperability,” said spokeswoman Lisa Sanders. “This pilot program is one example of that. We hope CMS’ focus on this area continues, and that the needs of aging services providers are considered in future initiatives.” 

AMGA praised the pilot in a recently submitted letter to CMS, saying it was “successfully managing a patient population requires that providers have access to claims data to ensure the most effective course of action in improving health outcomes,” Inside Health Policy reported.