Dr. Joyce Introduces Legislation to Streamline Data Collection and Improve Patient Safety and Outcomes

Washington, D.C. – Today, Representatives John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13) and Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-8), introduced legislation to allow clinician-led clinical data registries access to Medicare claims data. This bipartisan legislation will enable researchers to collect needed data to improve patient outcomes and care. 

“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,” said 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.” 

“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. Without full access to Medicare, Medicaid, and State Children's Health Insurance Program claims data, it is more difficult to understand how our therapies work over time. This bill cuts through the red tape, allowing clinician-led registries the ability to deliver more accurate insights, improve patient safety, and drive value-based care across the nation,” said the President of the American College of Cardiology, Christopher Kramer, M.D., FAAO

“AAOS is grateful to Representatives Kim Schrier and John Joyce for their leadership in introducing the Access to Claims Data Act. As the operator of five musculoskeletal clinical data registries, we know firsthand how critical access to Medicare claims data is for evaluating long-term outcomes and driving meaningful improvements in patient care. 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," said the chair of the American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons Advocacy Council, Adam Bruggeman, M.D., FAAO

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