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1991.02.15 :  Medicare Advisory Committee -- Administrative Burdens

Contact:  Bob Hardy (202) 245-6145
February 15, 1991

       HHS Secretary Louis W. Sullivan, M.D., announced today the
formation of a committee of eight physicians to advise the
department on the administrative burden that medical doctors
encounter in dealing with the Medicare program.
       The Advisory Committee on Medicare-Physician Relationships
will also recommend changes to lessen Medicare's paperwork burden. 
The committee will be chaired by Nancy E. Gary, M.D., senior
medical advisor of the Health Care Financing Administration, and
will report to the secretary and to Gail R. Wilensky, Ph.D., HCFA
administrator.
       "Medicare has become steadily more complex since its
inception 25 years ago," Dr. Sullivan said.  "It is time we review
Medicare practices to be sure they promote economical, high quality
care, without entangling practitioners with undue red tape."
       "Easing the 'hassle factor' that physicians associate with
Medicare has been a top priority of mine since becoming
administrator a year ago," Dr. Wilensky said.  "We take seriously
our obligation to assure the quality of care provided
beneficiaries, and to use taxpayer funds prudently in making
medical payments.  On the other hand, we also must avoid policies
that are needlessly intrusive or burdensome."

       The advisory committee will review existing Medicare
policies and procedures that directly relate to physicians'
provisions of service to Medicare beneficiaries.
       In addition to Dr. Gary, the Advisory Committee on Medicare-
Physician Relationships will include seven practicing physicians
selected by the secretary and representing the disciplines of
primary care, internal medicine and surgery.
       The committee's task is limited to a review of existing
Medicare policies.  It is expected to hold about four or five
public meetings and to issue a final report by the end of the year. 
The committee will complement the work of the legislatively
mandated Practicing Physicians' Advisory Council, which is charged
with advising the secretary on certain newly proposed changes in
regulations and carrier manual instructions related to physician
services.

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