CMS Plans to Sell Access to Extensive Medicare Claims Database

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced last week a final rule allowing consumers, insurers and employers to buy access to an extensive Medicare claims database. This will allow the creation of performance report cards that evaluate providers on quality. "This is a giant step forward in making our health care system more transparent and promoting increased competition, accountability, quality and lower costs," Marilyn Tavenner, acting CMS administrator, said in a press release.