As many people are discussing methods to improve healthcare, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is giving stakeholders an opportunity to send in their thoughts on this topic.  In CMS’s April 14, 2017 proposed rule, CMS issued a “Request for Information” (“RFI”), where they described their desire to have a “national conversation” about improving the health care delivery system.

CMS would like to know, amongst other ideas: (1) How CMS can help make its healthcare delivery system (Medicare) less bureaucratic and complex; and (2) How CMS can reduce the burden on clinicians, providers and patients in a manner that increases quality of care and decreases costs.  “CMS is soliciting ideas for regulatory, sub-regulatory, policy, practice and procedural changes to better accomplish these goals.”

Per CMS, some ideas could include recommendations regarding payment system re-designs; elimination or streamlining of reporting; monitoring and documentation requirements; and operational flexibility; amongst others.  CMS is also looking for ideas on how CMS issues regulations and policies, and how these could be simplified.

In a separate RFI in the same proposed rule, CMS also seeks information on how the scope and restrictions imposed on “Physician-Owned Hospitals” affect the delivery system, particularly with regards to Medicare beneficiaries.

To the extent respondents have data and specific examples, CMS requests such information be included in the submission.  If a proposal involves novel legal questions, CMS is also welcoming analysis regarding CMS’ authority.

If you wish to submit your comments to CMS, you have until June 13, 2017 to do so.

For more information please see the CMS Fact Sheet for Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 Medicare Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) and Long Term Acute Care Hospital (LTCH) Prospective Payment System Proposed Rule, and Request for Information CMS-1677-P.

[View source.]