To contain the rate of growth in health care costs and enhance the quality of health care by improving and making more efficient the provision of medical and health insurance information, and for other purposes.

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

Title I: Standardization of Claims Processing

Title II: Electronic Medical Data Standards

Title III: Development and Distribution of Comparative

Value Information

Title IV: Additional Standards and Requirements; Research

and Demonstrations

Title I: Standardization of Claims Processing - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to adopt standards relating to each of the following: (1) data elements for use in paper and electronic claims processing under health benefit plans, as well as for use in utilization review and management of care; (2) uniform claims forms; and (3) uniform electronic transmission of the data elements.

Title II: Electronic Medical Data Standards - Requires the Secretary to promulgate standards for hospitals concerning electronic medical data, including: (1) a definition of a standard set of data elements for use by utilization and quality control peer review organizations; (2) a definition of the set of comprehensive data elements; (3) standards for an electronic patient care information system; (4) standards concerning the transmission of electronic medical data; and (5) standards relating to confidentiality of patient-specific information.

Establishes an advisory commission to advise the Secretary concerning the standards. Authorizes appropriations.

Title III: Development and Distribution of Comparative Value Information - Provides for the development and implementation in each State of a comparative health care value information program that covers the prices of health care services and health insurance plans. Authorizes appropriations.

Title IV: Additional Standards and Requirements; Research and Demonstrations - Provides for: (1) magnetized identification cards under both Medicare and Medicaid; and (2) a Medicare and Medicaid data bank that provides information on health plan payors under Medicare and Medicaid. Authorizes appropriations.

Preempts State quill pen laws.

Requires the use of standard identification numbers by health benefit plans.

Provides for the coordination of benefits when two or more health benefit plans are liable, if the Secretary determines there is a need for such coordination.