The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is asking for public input to create a National Directory of Healthcare Providers and Services (NDH).
CMS released a request for information (RFI) for help to create a directory of healthcare providers and services. The NDH aligns with the agency’s goals to improve access to care, reduce clinician burden and support interoperability in the health sector.
According to the agency, directories can serve as important resources for patients who need to locate providers or compare health plan networks. Directories can also facilitate care coordination, health information exchange (HIE) and public health data reporting. The NDH could also help bring together the fragmented healthcare industry, better enabling patients to find up-to-date information on providers in their networks.
Directories often don’t have current or accurate information and rarely support interoperable data exchange or public health reporting.
“A robust healthcare directory built on modern interoperable technology could greatly improve the availability of provider data and spur electronic health data exchange,” CMS stated. “CMS is seeking public input on a directory that could serve as a ‘centralized data hub’ for all healthcare directory and digital contact information with accurate, up-to-date, and validated data in a publicly accessible index, developed through streamlined information submission from providers.”
Specifically, CMS wants to know whether consolidating those data could help improve access to care and patient choice by making it easier to identify, compare and locate providers. The agency also wants public input on how a CMS-led directory could reduce maintenance burdens on providers through a single, centralized system that focuses on real-time accuracy for patients.
“Easy access to accurate and useful provider directory information is critical for patients trying to find health care that best meets their individualized needs and preferences,” CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure said in a statement. “CMS is seeking comment on how a National Directory of Health Care Providers and Services could better serve patients and reduce unnecessary burden placed on providers to maintain dozens of separate directories. We look forward to hearing from our stakeholders on the need for a single source for this information for the entire health sector.”
CMS said it plans to use the feedback from RFI responses to shape its understanding of the current landscape of healthcare directories. The agency specifically seeks input on the NDH concept and potential benefits.
Amy joined TriMed Media as a Senior Writer for HealthExec after covering home care for three years. When not writing about all things healthcare, she fulfills her lifelong dream of becoming a pirate by sailing in regattas and enjoying rum. Fun fact: she sailed 333 miles across Lake Michigan in the Chicago Yacht Club "Race to Mackinac."