It was our pleasure yesterday afternoon to welcome to the 2010 Legislative Conference a pillar in the medical community – new Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Donald Berwick, M.D.  As I've said before, I believe it is important that we have both a physician and someone who understands quality at the helm of CMS. Berwick has been a long-time friend of the ACC and I believe his presence at the Legislative Conference highlights his commitment to listening to us and understanding our issues.

While he didn't go into great detail, Berwick spoke at a high level about his vision for the health care system and ways the physician community can work with CMS to bring this vision to fruition. He outlined what he sees as CMS’ three main jobs:

1. To run a very large insurance and financing system;
2. To implementing affordable care; and
3. To help change health care in the U.S. and make it become what it can be.

According to Berwick, the key to the third job is dependent on clinical leadership. “Only the people that give the care can actually change the care,” he said. “Without complete partnership with the delivery and clinical providers in this country, we will not realize the full potential of our health care system.”

When asked about his alleged interest in rationing, he replied that he believes every patient should receive all the care that will help them – he would not deny anyone the care they need. But, he said we should not be giving care that is unnecessary, unscientifically sound or dangerous.

He encouraged a focus on acute care, integrated care and effective prevention. He challenged participants and the ACC to take what they know and make it applicable to a broader audience. He cited the ACC’s D2B Alliance, Hospital to Home initiative and registry work as examples of ways the ACC is leading and doing just that.

Berwick also encouraged conference participants to define a common vision of the health care system that brings the “triple aim” of better health care (quality), better health and lower costs. He noted that government can’t build the health care system alone. “If we don’t work together, I don’t think we’ll get there at all,” he said.

He closed by saying “authenticity matters.” He urged change, not the creation of new names for old ideas. The applauded the ACC as being an inspiring leader and example when it comes to dedicated professionals working to improve the delivery of health care.  The 400 bipartisan attendees gave him a long standing ovation! He definitely turned a lot of potential skeptics into avid supporters.

In what ways can CMS and the ACC work together? Share your thoughts by commenting below.

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