Tavenner hailed as 'excellent choice'

(Story updated with additional comment at 4:20 p.m. ET Wednesday.)

The news that Marilyn Tavenner will assume the top spot at the CMS following Dr. Donald's Berwick's departure prompted reactions from across the healthcare industry.

The American Hospital Association issued a statement lauding Berwick's efforts to improve healthcare quality and develop new models of payment delivery. The AHA also said it looks forward to working with Tavenner.

"Her varied and rich background as a former nurse, healthcare executive, and government official at the state level gives her a very unique perspective in understanding both the implications of public policy and their implementation," AHA President and CEO Richard Umbdenstock said in the statement. "We have no doubt that she will provide strong leadership in these challenging times."

The Association of American Medical Colleges also released a statement calling Tavenner “an excellent choice for CMS administrator.”

Tavenner currently serves as the CMS' second in command and will take the helm of the agency on Dec 2 when Dr. Donald Berwick resigns his post, according to a statement from the Obama administration. Senate Republicans had pledged to block Berwick's confirmation, leading many to urge President Obama to select a different nominee as Berwick's recess appointment neared its end-of-the-year deadline. .

Tavenner, former Virginia secretary of health and human services, will serve as interim administrator until a Senate vote on her nomination, which will likely take place next year.

Berwick, founder and former head of the Cambridge, Mass.-based Institute for Healthcare Improvement, was a target of vocal opposition by Republicans who cited his past statements praising Britain's socialized medicine system. Following several unsuccessful efforts at nominating Berwick for the top spot at the CMS, President Obama bypassed Congress and named him to the post in July 2010 using a recess appointment.

A well-known quality and patient-safety advocate, Berwick was widely viewed as an engine for implementing the president's healthcare overhaul. He spearheaded the rollout of a slew of new initiatives, including the CMS' introduction of value-based purchasing and the unveiling of the government's Partnership for Patients program.

In an e-mail to staff, HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius expressed gratitude for Berwick's service. “Under Don's leadership, CMS has undertaken innovative new work to drive better care, better health, and lower costs through improvement while keeping the needs of patients and a commitment to quality at the center of all decisions,” Sebelius said in the e-mail. “His efforts are helping Medicare to lead the way in achieving care coordination and more affordable costs.”

And in another e-mail, Berwick asked his colleagues at the CMS to support Tavenner as she transitioned into her new role. “You already know, as I do, that she shares deeply our commitment to the important work of CMS especially as we launch new programs that are transforming health and our healthcare system,” Berwick said in the e-mail. “With Marilyn, our senior leadership team, and the accomplished CMS staff, I am confident that you will continue to make a positive difference in the lives of the millions we serve today and those you will serve in the future.”