Medicare data should stay private, government says in appeal

Los Angeles Times, April 21, 2008

The Bush administration is appealing a groundbreaking court ruling that would permit disclosure of Medicare billing records so patients could compare doctors' expertise and efficiency. Release of such information is advocated by consumer groups, employers and the health insurance industry, but is opposed by organizations representing doctors. Consumer and business groups said they were disappointed by the administration's appeal, but the American Medical Association has petitioned to join it.