Health chief tells Senate panel review committee has yet to be created

Health Secretary Víctor Ramos Otero (Facebook via Senado de Puerto Rico)

By The Star Staff

Expressing a willingness to move forward, Health Secretary Víctor Ramos Otero said Tuesday at a public hearing of the Senate Health Committee that a review committee to help doctors with insurers has yet to be created.

The subject of the hearing was Senate Resolution 63, which investigates compliance with Act 73-2023.

The law, passed last year, aims to resolve a longstanding issue with the credentialing process for physicians by insurers, particularly the slow and repetitive procedures healthcare professionals face in order to practice in Puerto Rico.

Ramos admitted that upon taking office a few months ago, he encountered significant delays. As a result, the Central Review Committee has not yet been established, and the reports required by law have not been submitted. He emphasized, however, that actions are already underway.

“We know this can’t wait,” Ramos said. “We are evaluating the profiles of candidates to join the Central Review Committee, and as required by law, we will announce its composition before June 30. That is our commitment, and we will fulfill it.”

“Law 73-2023 is not just a legislative procedure; it is a tool designed to relieve the burden on doctors, clinicians, psychologists, and other providers,” added the health secretary, who is a pediatrician. “History shows that many have had to fill out the same forms repeatedly for different insurance companies. With this law, that changes. We are implementing a single form and a centralized digital system that reduces redundancy and streamlines the process.”

Ramos further noted that the Office of the Insurance Commissioner has already activated the Online Credentialing System (SICRO).

“This platform allows providers to submit a single application for multiple health plans, including government and Medicare Advantage plans. One process, multiple results. Every time we eliminate redundancy, we fulfill Governor Jenniffer González’s mission of eliminating bureaucratic barriers,” he said. “This makes it easier for providers to stay on the island, open offices, serve more patients, and ultimately save more lives. This is not just a technical issue; it is deeply humane and focused on benefiting patients.”

Ramos reiterated his “conviction that Puerto Rico’s health system can and must be transformed -- from the operational to the human aspect.”