Today, Representatives John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13) and Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-8) have put forward a bipartisan bill aimed at enhancing the quality of patient care by allowing clinician-led clinical data registries to access Medicare claims data. This legislation seeks to aid researchers in collecting essential data for improving patient outcomes.
“As a physician, I understand that the practice of medicine must continue to evolve so patients receive the highest quality care. 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,” said Rep. John Joyce, M.D.
“Many physicians do research to improve our practice of medicine, which is always evolving,” stated Congresswoman Schrier, M.D. “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.”
Christopher Kramer, M.D., FAAO and President of the American College of Cardiology emphasized the importance of this act: “Improving patient care starts with better data—and the Access to Claims Data Act is a critical step forward. For more than 25 years, the ACC’s National Cardiovascular Data Registry has helped transform cardiovascular care through real-world evidence and outcomes research. But the ability to track long-term effectiveness is hampered by regulatory barriers that block access to critical federal claims data.”
Adam Bruggeman, M.D., FAAO and chair of the American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons Advocacy Council also expressed support: “AAOS is grateful to Representatives Kim Schrier and John Joyce for their leadership in introducing the Access to Claims Data Act…This bipartisan legislation will help clinician-led registries like ours overcome current barriers and empower orthopaedic surgeons to continue innovating and improving healthcare for their patients.”
