Clinician-led clinical data registries would have access to Medicare claims data under legislation unveiled on July 10 by U.S. Rep. John Joyce (R-PA) that would allow researchers to collect data needed to improve patient outcomes and care.
Specifically, the congressman sponsored the Access to Claims Data Act, H.R. 4331, with lead original cosponsor U.S. Rep. Kim Schrier (D-WA) to streamline data collection and support patients.
“As a physician, I understand that the practice of medicine must continue to evolve so patients receive the highest quality care,” Rep. Joyce said. “By introducing the bipartisan Access to Claims Data Act, we can ensure that clinical data is driving future innovations within the practice of medicine to ensure better outcomes for patients.”
If enacted, H.R. 4331 would require the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a process to expand access to claims data under certain federal health plans in order to facilitate research and quality improvement, according to the bill summary in the Congressional Record.
The bill has garnered support from the American College of Cardiology, the American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons Advocacy Council, and The Society of Thoracic Surgeons.
“Many physicians do research to improve our practice of medicine, which is always evolving,” said Rep. Schrier. “The massive quantity of data that Medicare can provide to those physician researchers will help them guide the rest of us in how to deliver the best care and outcomes to our patients.”
The measure is under consideration by both the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee and the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee.