$840 million HHS initiative seeks to redesign healthcare delivery

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has launched a new initiative aimed at redesigning clinical practice and improving healthcare delivery.

The Transforming Clinical Practices Initiative will provide $840 million to 150,000 physicians over the next four years. The chosen applicants will be charged with finding innovative ways to modernize their practices and improve patient care. HHS says it will select candidates based on their abilities to achieve measurable goals, such as reducing unnecessary tests and admissions.

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“The administration is partnering with clinicians to find better ways to deliver care, pay providers and distribute information to improve the quality of care we receive and spend our nation’s dollars more wisely,” HHS Secretary Sylvia M. Burwell said in a written statement. “We all have a stake in achieving these goals and delivering for patients, providers and taxpayers alike.”

The American Medical Association (AMA) said it applauds the program.

“The AMA has been urging the Administration to assist physician practices in adopting new payment and delivery models and we’re pleased that they have created a program that supports physician leadership,” Barbara L. McAneny, MD, chair of the AMA’s board of trustees, said in a written statement. “We strongly believe that practice transformation can lead to improvements in the quality of care for patients, control health care costs and enhance practice sustainability as physicians embrace innovative new models.”

HHS will be accepting applications until November 20. To apply, visit the Transforming Clinical Practice website.