CMS could get new director

After more than three years without a permanent leader, CMS might have a new administrator. Obama plans to nominate to the post Donald Berwick, MD, a pediatrician, health policy scholar, and CEO of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement.

Berwick, who would need to be confirmed by the Senate, has challenged doctors and hospitals to provide better care at lower cost, and that payments should be based on the value of services, not the volume, according to the NY Times.

As the head of CMS, Berwick would certainly have his work cut out for him in the wake of the healthcare reform legislation.

MGMA applauded the news in a statement: “As healthcare organizations and professionals shape a reformed healthcare delivery system, his knowledge and proven leadership will be critical to success.”