A group of GOP physician lawmakers are warning that the Obama administration's proposed regulations could force doctors to spend less time with patients and more time reporting to the federal government.

In a letter to the administration, they said rules that will take effect under the Medicare Access and Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act could threaten patient health.

"If physicians are consumed with the administrative burdens under new reporting requirements, this may ultimately threaten the doctor-patient relationship," said Rep. Tom Price, R-Ga., one of the 18 lawmakers with medical backgrounds to sign the letter.