'Million Hearts' Plan to Shape Physician Quality Reporting

More stupid s**t from the same people who bring you the government.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) today unveiled an ambitious plan to reduce cardiovascular disease that will have a wide effect on physicians, ranging from quality bonuses to electronic health record (EHR) systems.

The so-called Million Hearts Initiative aims to prevent 1 million heart attacks and strokes over the next 5 years through clinical interventions and changes in diet, exercise, and tobacco use.

Strokes and heart attacks strike more than 2 million Americans each year, and almost half of them die, according to HHS.

"This isn't just a human tragedy, it's also a huge drain on our economy," HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said today during a press conference, noting that medical costs and lost productivity related to cardiovascular disease add up to roughly $450 billion a year.

The cure is far less expensive, she said. "We know that most heart attacks and strokes can be prevented with simple, low-cost care."

The issue is not and really has never been "care."

The issue is and has always been patient compliance and stupidity.

These are insurmountable issues by everyone else except the patient.

Another total waste.