CMS has shared details on the looming second round of its Open Payments program and has promised challenges that plagued the first round will be resolved, according to a Law360 report.
The Open Payments program requires physicians and teaching hospitals to report on payments from drug, medical device and biologics companies, and the program aims to create greater transparency around the financial relationships of these entities.
In September 2014, CMS' Open Payments website was finally launched for the public, despite months of questions, criticisms, objections and several occasions of being taken offline.
Almost immediately after the website launched, physicians began complaining the Open Payments database included incorrect information that was giving "the public the wrong impression about their industry ties," according to a Wall Street Journal report.
While some pharmaceutical and medical device companies acknowledged they had provided incorrect information, others blamed the misinformation on CMS.
On a Jan. 15 call with medical device manufactures, CMS officials said there were going to be "major changes" made to the Open Payments program "to avoid confusion that marred the inaugural disclosure," according to Law360. On the call, CMS officials said the most significant improvements "will be aimed at ensuring reported payments are attributed to the correct physicians," according to Law360.
More articles on the Open Payments program:
CMS releases final 2015 payment rules for Medicare: 10 things to know
The 10 pharmaceutical companies with most physician payments
Pharma, device and biotechnology industry leaders voice concern about Open Payments database