Dr. Mehmet Oz, nominated by President-elect Trump to be the next CMS administrator, will have his hands full when he takes the reins of our agency that provides health insurance for over 140 million Americans and accounts for one quarter of the nation’s budget. Through bold and principled leadership and effective communication, he holds the potential to make a positive, lasting difference.
It’s no secret our health care system is broken. We continue to spend more and more money without any clear return on investment when it comes to our nation’s health and well-being. In fact, nearly 50% of Americans live with one chronic health condition, such as diabetes, hypertension, or obesity.
And when it comes to children, one study predicts that over 220,000 people under the age of 20 will have type 2 diabetes by 2060, an increase of 700%.
Pair these findings with skyrocketing physician burnout and health care workforce frustration and retention issues in the face of an ever-increasing need for these professionals, and we are headed for serious trouble unless tangible changes are made.
CMS’ work is crucial to Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s pledge to ‘Make America Healthy Again.’ There are several key areas that Dr. Oz can focus on to play a role in this mission as CMS administrator.
For most physicians who see patients, the number of computer clicks and extensive documentation now required during even routine patient visits has become astounding. It consumes and replaces valuable direct patient-doctor interaction time and has progressively eroded satisfaction on both ends.
