AMA Sends CMS List with ‘Most Burdensome’ Federal Regulations

The American Medical Association recently sent CMS Administrator Donald Berwick a list of what it deems the “most burdensome” federal regulations — some of which relate to health IT — that physicians say could interfere with patient care, increase administrative costs and create additional paperwork, HealthLeaders Media reports.

According to AMA President Cecil Wilson, the list and its accompanying proposed solutions are the result of a survey of more than 2,000 physicians from various specialties (Commins, HealthLeaders Media, 4/14).

AMA’s Concerns

AMA said physicians are burdened by conflicting requirements within the electronic prescribing and meaningful use incentive payment programs (Goedert, Health Data Management, 4/13).

The e-prescribing program started paying out incentives in 2009 and will continue to do so through 2013. Medicare providers who do not e-prescribe would face penalties beginning in 2012 (iHealthBeat, 3/18).

Under the 2009 economic stimulus package, health care providers who demonstrate meaningful use of certified electronic health record systems can qualify for Medicaid and Medicare incentive payments.

The discrepancy between the programs could compel physicians to purchase a stand-alone e-prescribing system this year and then purchase a certified EHR system in 2012 to avoid an e-prescribing penalty, according to AMA.

In addition, AMA said quality reporting measures under the Physician Quality Reporting System vary from those laid out under Stage 1 meaningful use requirements (Health Data Management, 4/13).