Former U.S. Rep. John Fleming, MD, R-La., accepted a position as deputy assistant secretary for health technology in HHS under President Donald Trump's administration, according to NOLA.com.
Dr. Fleming, who worked with HHS Secretary Tom Price, MD, during their time in Congress, told NOLA.com he reached out to Dr. Price after he was chosen to head HHS. Their discussion ultimately led to Dr. Price's selection of Dr. Fleming for the deputy assistant secretary role.
In this position, Dr. Fleming said he will focus on physician use of technology. As an example, he commented on the importance of streamlining physicians' ability to share data across digital systems. Another area he touched on was looking into pay incentives to encourage physicians to embrace technology.
"I just want to be a part of taking down the barriers that are preventing innovation," Dr. Fleming told NOLA.com.
The HHS deputy assistant secretary for health technology role does not require a confirmation from the U.S. Senate. The two positions between Dr. Fleming's deputy assistant secretary role and Dr. Price's secretary role — deputy secretary and assistant secretary — have yet to be filled.
HHS has not determined Dr. Fleming's start date, according to NOLA.com.