On October 5th, CMS released a request for information seeking public input on the concept of CMS creating a directory that would include information on health care providers and services. They are calling this potential effort a “National Directory of Healthcare Providers and Services.” They note in the announcement and that directories are an important tool for consumers and can facilitate access to care and data reporting. They also note that the health care directory landscape is fragmented which results in struggles finding up-to-date information about providers and providers facing redundant and burdensome reporting requirements to multiple databases. They are seeking public input on a directory that could be a centralized data hub that would include up to date and validated data in a publicly accessible index. More information can be found here and comments are due December 6th.
