Berwick, White House Holding Meetings with Stakeholders on Reform Law

Medicare Administrator Donald Berwick, MD, and White House officials are about to hold a series of closed-door meetings with physicians and other providers on the healthcare reform law, according to a report by the Hill.  

An invitation to the meetings, which start Dec. 17, by White House health policy adviser Zeke Emanuel, MD, said they would be with "healthcare providers to exchange ideas on areas in need of attention."

Becker's Hospital Review previously reported that CMS officials are expected to release proposed rules for accountable care organizations, part of the reform law, in the short week before Christmas. However, the Hill report did not mention ACOs.

Republicans condemned the White House meetings, saying: "For a White House that promised 'an unmatched level of transparency, participation and accountability,' the administration's actions show a continued fondness for closed-door sessions."

The White House responded that stakeholders' input would strengthen implementation. "Just as we engage with members of Congress, we believe it’s critical to seek input from providers and leaders in the medical community," an administration official said. "Listening to doctors, academic leaders and other experts has been and will continue to be one of our top priorities."


Read the Hill report on healthcare reform.

Read more coverage on implementing ACOs:

- Proposed Rules on ACOs Expected Next Week; Attribution is Final Issue Being Worked Out

- Federation of American Hospitals Objects to NCQA Draft Criteria for ACOs


- 14 Thoughts on the Road Ahead for Hospitals With AHA Trustee Ron Anderson


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