Re: CPT letters to NYT

[Robert Gellman <rgellman@cais.cais.com>]

Jamie:  Could you clarify what you mean when you object to insurers
putting information in databases?  I don't understand exactly what you
object to and what you propose instead.  Health insurers get information
with the consent of the patient under the Senate bill.  Are they to be
prohibited from putting that data in a computer?  What exactly constitutes
a "database"? 

How do you envision the payment and oversight process working under your
scheme?  There are lots of people in oversight, fraud control, and cost
containment activities.  All of these programs have been developed to
control the costs of the health care system.  Do you object to these
activities?  If not, under what conditions can these players obtain the
information that they use to conduct their activities? 

It seems to me that how the information is stored is irrelevant.  The 
issue is what USES can be made of the information.  Both the Bennett and 
Condit bills include restrictions on use and disclosure.  The same 
restrictions apply whether the information is in a "database" or not.
It would also help if you could explain your objections to the 
restrictions in the bills.  Are there specific uses that are permitted 
that should be prohibited?

I am trying to understand what you are for and against, and it would be 
helpful if you were more specific.

Thanks.

Bob 

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