CMS rule would allow qualified entities to share/sell analyses of payer data

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services today issued a proposed rule that would allow organizations approved as qualified entities to confidentially share or sell analyses of Medicare and private claims data to health care providers, employers and others to support improved care. The rule would require the entities to meet privacy, security and annual reporting requirements. The Qualified Entity Program, authorized by the Affordable Care Act, allows qualified organizations to access patient-protected Medicare data to publicly report on provider and supplier performance across multiple payers. CMS has approved 13 qualified entities to date, most of which are still preparing for public reporting. “Today’s rules seek to enhance the current qualified entity program to allow innovative use of Medicare data for non-public uses while ensuring the privacy and security of beneficiary information,” CMS said. The rule will be published in the Feb. 2 Federal Register, with comments accepted until March 29.