AMA Advances U.S. Healthcare Policy to Reduce Physician Burden and Support Digital Health

The American Medical Association (AMA) is actively engaging in U.S. healthcare policy advocacy aimed at reducing physician administrative burdens and improving patient care pathways. Key areas of focus include bipartisan legislation to reform prior authorization in Medicare Advantage plans, support for technology-enabled care models, opposition to certain Medicare coverage restrictions, and calls for revised cybersecurity regulations tailored to healthcare providers. The Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act targets streamlining prior authorization processes for Medicare Advantage, emphasizing the reduction of treatment delays and administrative overhead. Backed by a coalition of medical societies, the legislation has substantial Congressional support and incorporates principles agreed upon by diverse healthcare stakeholders. AMA survey data underscores the significant clinical impacts of prior authorization delays on patient outcomes. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), in partnership with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), has initiated the Technology-Enabled Patient Outcomes for Digital Health Services (TEMPO) pilot. This program encourages the adoption of digital health devices within the Chronic Care ACCESS model for Medicare beneficiaries, using a risk-based regulatory approach that includes real-world data collection to assess device performance. The AMA endorses the ACCESS model and TEMPO pilot, advocating for the integration of innovative digital health technologies to enhance chronic condition management among Medicare patients. Ongoing monitoring and support are planned to facilitate the effective implementation of these models. The AMA opposed CMS’s Local Coverage Determinations (LCDs) restricting evidence-based peripheral nerve block procedures, citing risks of compromised pain management and increased reliance on less optimal treatments such as opioids. The AMA has urged CMS to rescind these LCDs to preserve physicians’ clinical discretion and patient safety. Additionally, the AMA and allied organizations have requested the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to withdraw the proposed HIPAA Security Rule update. Concerns include excessive financial and operational burdens on healthcare providers and insufficient flexibility to accommodate diverse organizational needs while maintaining robust cybersecurity protections. AMA's advocacy underscores a commitment to balancing regulatory compliance, innovation, and patient-centered care. It also highlights the complexities of healthcare delivery requiring adaptable and evidence-informed policy frameworks. Finally, the AMA continues to disseminate relevant medical news, policy updates, and educational resources to healthcare professionals, emphasizing the evolving landscape of healthcare regulation and technological advancement. This ongoing engagement seeks to inform decision-makers and support quality improvement across the medical profession.