The Government denies that it is being "inflexible" in responding to calls for change over its controversial health care reforms.
Health spokeswoman Baroness Northover said ministers were listening to concerns raised by peers and involved in "open discussion" with them on key areas like ministerial accountability.
She said it was for Lords to quiz ministers and "flag-up concerns" at the committee stage with "shifts" in policy usually coming at the later report stage.
"I can assure you that the Government is very much listening and discussing the issues that have come up in the Lords."
Lady Northover's response to criticism by Labour former health minister Lord Warner came as the marathon committee stage on the Health and Social Care Bill entered its 10th day.
Lord Warner said Health Minister Earl Howe had so far been "uncharacteristically inflexible" in responding to many of the demands for change made by peers .
"We haven't seen much evidence of the Government being willing to take away some of these issues and come back with amendments at a later stage," he added.
The exchanges came as ministers faced cross party demands to strengthen the professional status and role of directors of public health in tackling health inequalities and dealing with incidents such as an E.coli outbreak.
Lady Northover said ministers were seeking to give the job the "kind of status" demanded by peers.
Ministers expected to make an announcement "about how we will ensure the senior status of the directors of public health" in the new year, she told the House.