Reactions pour in on Tom Price pick for HHS secretary

President-elect Donald Trump named Rep. Tom Price Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and healthcare consultant Seema Verma chief of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services on Tuesday. Below are some of the reactions we've received from healthcare organizations, as well as statements posted by politicians and insiders on social media:

[Also: Tom Price to lead HHS, Seema Verma to lead CMS]

American Medical Association

"The American Medical Association strongly supports the nomination of Dr. Tom Price to become the next Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). His service as a physician, state legislator and member of the U.S. Congress provides a depth of experience to lead HHS. Dr. Price has been a leader in the development of health policies to advance patient choice and market-based solutions as well as reduce excessive regulatory burdens that diminish time devoted to patient care and increase costs. We urge the Senate to promptly consider and confirm Dr. Price for this important role."

American Hospital Association

"As health care continues to evolve and as care becomes more patient centered, Dr. Price's experience both as a surgeon, along with practicing at Emory University and Grady Memorial Hospital, makes him uniquely qualified to lead the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). He has spent most of his career working in hospitals as an orthopedic surgeon, and his experience as a provider of care will serve patients well in this new role. We have worked with him as a member of the House Ways and Means Committee and as Chairman of the House Budget Committee. His clinical knowledge along with his congressional experience make him an impressively qualified candidate for HHS secretary."

Federation of American Hospitals

"In light of expected legislative action on the ACA, it is noteworthy that [Tom Price's] repeal and replace proposal recognizes the need to protect access to hospital care for millions of Americans by restoring deep Medicare and Medicaid cuts. His leadership will be critically important in the days ahead, and we look forward to working constructively with Chairman Price on any effort to ensure that Americans can obtain affordable health care coverage. President-elect Trump's selection to lead CMS, Seema Verma, has a solid reputation as an effective innovator in assisting states in reforming and modernizing Medicaid programs for low income Americans. A number of our members have experienced her efforts in Indiana and other states and FAH looks forward to developing a strong working relationship with her as she makes the transition to her new and important role in Washington."

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

"Dr. Price has decades of leadership on health care policy issues and firsthand experience caring for patients for nearly twenty years. He has worked closely with AAOS on issues including repeal of the Medicare sustainable growth rate formula, oversight of mandatory bundled payment models, increasing flexibility within electronic health record programs, defending important in-office ancillary services, and protecting the patient-physician relationship. He has been an indispensable voice within the House Republican Doctors Caucus, making significant contributions to health policy reform and furthering the interests of patients. And he has been one of the most important champions in improving the care of patients in the specialty, rural, and small or solo practice settings."

HIMSS

"As a physician, Chairman Price is uniquely aware of the healthcare challenges facing our nation.  He has been an advocate for utilizing health IT to improve health outcomes for patients, while decreasing unnecessary burden on providers. HIMSS anticipates the same straightforward, thoughtful approach during his tenure at HHS, where he will be responsible for implementing value-based care delivery solutions and advancing medical research and care delivery models that produce 21st Century results. During our many engagements with Chairman Price at HIMSS conferences and meetings, and as a congressional supporter of the HIMSS Foundation's Institute for e-Health Policy education sessions on health IT solutions, we have found Chairman Price to be an advocate and an ally to those transforming healthcare."

Bruce Siegel, CEO, America's Essential Hospitals

"Rep. Tom Price has an extensive clinical, administrative, and academic background in health care and long experience in the legislative process. Seema Verma, MPH, offers a deep understanding of health care delivery and policymaking and can contribute an important state-level perspective on Medicaid, insurance, and public health. We are especially proud of her accomplishments as a graduate of the association's Fellows Program. Particularly noteworthy about both nominees is their experience caring for low-income and other vulnerable people, shaped by their work at hospitals with a safety net role - essential hospitals. We look forward to working with Price and Verma to ensure essential hospitals can sustain their commitment to those in need and to underserved communities."

Indiana Hospital Association

"Our team at Indiana Hospital Association has had the pleasure of working closely with Seema Verma for years. She is smart, dedicated and has a truly transformational vision for health care. She also deeply understands the critical importance of coverage to those served by programs like Medicare and Medicaid, and is a superb choice to lead the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services."

House Speaker Paul Ryan

.@RepTomPrice has made health care his life's work. He is the absolute perfect choice for HHS Secretary.

My full statement ↓ pic.twitter.com/CBMmN2EvIT

-- Paul Ryan (@SpeakerRyan) November 29, 2016

U.S. Sen. Rand Paul

My friend and fellow physician @RepTomPrice is a great pick for Secretary of HHS. Let's repeal Obamacare & fix our broken healthcare system

-- Dr. Rand Paul (@RandPaul) November 29, 2016

U.S. Rep Erik Paulson

Congrats to my @WaysandMeansGOP colleague @RepTomPrice on his appointment to lead @HHSGov! Well suited to improve our nation's health care

-- Rep. Erik Paulsen (@RepErikPaulsen) November 29, 2016

U.S. Rep. Steny Hoyer, Democratic Whip 

U.S. Sen Charles Schumer, Democratic Minority Leader

Nominating Rep Price @HHSGov Sec like asking a fox to guard the hen house; risks seniors, women, people w/ disabilities' healthcare access.

-- Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) November 29, 2016

This will be updated

Twitter: @HenryPowderly
Contact the author: henry.powderly@himssmedia.com