An HHS release listed a variety of accomplishments for 2010, including the following seven.
1. Implementation of healthcare reform law. HHS implemented parts of the healthcare reform law, including the Patient’s Bill of Rights, coverage for young adults and small business tax credits.
2. Attacking healthcare fraud and waste. Through joint efforts of HHS and the Justice Department, more than 500 people have been charged with defrauding more than $1 billion from Medicare. The department is continuing its efforts to meet the goal of reducing improper Medicare fee-for-service payments by 50 percent by 2012.
3. Campaigning against healthcare-acquired infections. HHS is working with hospitals to eliminate serious infections in ICU patients and is supporting a grant to Washington State to promote safe surgical care.
4. Expanding use of healthcare IT. Through regional extension centers, HHS is providing training for the healthcare IT workforce and health information exchanges to share information. Upcoming incentives for hospitals and physicians to use healthcare IT are helping to boost the number of users.
5. Revamping FDA approval process. A new partnership between the FDA and NIH will provide tools to quickly assess the risks and benefits of a treatment and help researchers navigate the regulatory process.
6. Opening a consumer website. A new website, www.HealthCare.gov, "helps consumers take control of their healthcare and make the choices that are right for them by putting the power of information at their fingertips," the release said.
7. Subsidizing employment programs. HHS employees worked with states to fund subsidized employment programs for more than 200,000 jobless parents and disadvantaged youth.
Read the release on HHS' 2010 accomplishments.
Read more coverage of HHS activities.
- Kathleen Sebelius Highlights Progress, Future of Affordable Care Act Benefits
- HHS Issues Proposed Rule on Insurance Premium Hikes
- HHS Secretary Seems to be Bullying Insurers, Congressmen Say
1. Implementation of healthcare reform law. HHS implemented parts of the healthcare reform law, including the Patient’s Bill of Rights, coverage for young adults and small business tax credits.
2. Attacking healthcare fraud and waste. Through joint efforts of HHS and the Justice Department, more than 500 people have been charged with defrauding more than $1 billion from Medicare. The department is continuing its efforts to meet the goal of reducing improper Medicare fee-for-service payments by 50 percent by 2012.
3. Campaigning against healthcare-acquired infections. HHS is working with hospitals to eliminate serious infections in ICU patients and is supporting a grant to Washington State to promote safe surgical care.
4. Expanding use of healthcare IT. Through regional extension centers, HHS is providing training for the healthcare IT workforce and health information exchanges to share information. Upcoming incentives for hospitals and physicians to use healthcare IT are helping to boost the number of users.
5. Revamping FDA approval process. A new partnership between the FDA and NIH will provide tools to quickly assess the risks and benefits of a treatment and help researchers navigate the regulatory process.
6. Opening a consumer website. A new website, www.HealthCare.gov, "helps consumers take control of their healthcare and make the choices that are right for them by putting the power of information at their fingertips," the release said.
7. Subsidizing employment programs. HHS employees worked with states to fund subsidized employment programs for more than 200,000 jobless parents and disadvantaged youth.
Read the release on HHS' 2010 accomplishments.
Read more coverage of HHS activities.
- Kathleen Sebelius Highlights Progress, Future of Affordable Care Act Benefits
- HHS Issues Proposed Rule on Insurance Premium Hikes
- HHS Secretary Seems to be Bullying Insurers, Congressmen Say