The burdens of Medicare: Push for regulatory reform is on

Advisory panel will look for commonsense ways to provide real relief for health care professionals.

By Markian Hawryluk, AMNews staff. Jan. 21, 2002.

Washington -- Paperwork reduction has already become a mantra in Washington this year.

Even as Medicare regulatory reform legislation awaits consideration by the Senate, Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson has named the Advisory Committee on Regulatory Reform to address paperwork reduction issues. And in response to a congressional request, the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission has issued a list of recommendations to reduce Medicare complexity and minimize the program's regulatory burden.

While some of the efforts will likely need congressional action, both initiatives offer the promise of real regulatory relief for physicians and other health care professionals this year.

Thompson said he hoped the 27-member advisory committee he named in late December would share recommendations as they develop them, rather than waiting until the fall deadline he imposed.

"When you look at a rule that comes through and you get something that really bothers you, sit down and write me a letter," Thompson told the panel at its first meeting, held earlier this month at a Washington, D.C., hospital. "How can it be done better -- that's what I want you to focus on."

The panel is charged with finding ways to reform and streamline the regulatory process at HHS, but in particular at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and the Food and Drug Administration. The committee will hold field hearings across the country to gather insight from physicians, consumers and businesses. Its goal, according to Thompson, is to focus on areas where real changes can be made to improve the quality of care for large numbers of patients. [...]