Donald Berwick testified on implementation of the health care law and patient protection provisions for Medicare and Medicaid recipients. This was Mr. Berwick’s first appearance before lawmakers since his July recess appointment by President Obama.
In his testimony he said major health legislation passed earlier in the year gave the two programs new tools to control costs so they do not run out of money. He also said his agency would look at “bundling” payments for multiple procedures and “health home” models in which patients with at least two chronic conditions can designate a provider to coordinate treatments.