On Feb. 25, 2026, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) hosted the 2026 CMS Burden Reduction Conference, uniting stakeholders in person and virtually for a focused discussion on minimizing administrative burden across the health care sector. The panel addressed transparency in health care, chronic care innovation, and the application of technology and artificial intelligence to empower clinicians and patients.
Throughout the sessions, participants emphasized clear, actionable priorities. Stakeholders urged quicker, measurable CMS interventions, stressing streamlined requirements, improved program coordination, and transparent, trackable reforms.
Prior authorization was identified as an immediate area for improvement, with strong consensus on standardized, automated procedures to cut documentation and facilitate real-time decisions. Attendees also stated that robust, consistent Medicare Advantage oversight could lessen downstream burden, improve provider experience, and expand patient access.
AASM staff shared member feedback regarding administrative burden, as it impacts patient access and clinician well-being. Staff also shared that technology, particularly AI tools, should reduce workload by seamlessly integrating with clinical workflows rather than increasing complexity.
Members may send questions about the 2026 CMS Burden Reduction Conference to coding@aasm.org.
