The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a proposed rule that would improve the electronic exchange of health care data among payers, providers, and patients, and streamline processes related to prior authorization to reduce burden on providers and patients. By both increasing data flow, and reducing burden, this proposed rule would give providers more time to focus on their patients, and provide better quality care. The COVID-19 pandemic has shone a harsh light on many longstanding inefficiencies in the healthcare system—including the lack of data sharing and access. Today’s proposed rule aims to improve this for patients navigating care. The proposed rule would build on the Trump Administration’s Interoperability and Patient Access final rule published by the CMS in May.
