'Who the hell is this person?' Trump's Mar-a-Lago pal stymies VA project
Always good to have friends in high places. dah!
‘Who the hell is this person?’ Trump’s Mar-a-Lago pal stymies VA project
https://www.politico.com/story/2018/04/30/trump-doctor-health-technology-508297
The intercession of a well-connected Florida doctor infuriated those overseeing the $16B contract.
By ARTHUR ALLEN
04/30/2018 05:01 AM EDT
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Dr. Bruce Moskowitz, an internist and friend of Trump confidant Ike Perlmutter, who advises the president informally on vet issues, objected to the $16 billion Department of Veterans Affairs project because he doesn’t like the Cerner Corp. software he uses at two Florida hospitals, according to four former and current senior VA officials. Cerner technology is a cornerstone of the VA project.
With the White House’s approval, Moskowitz has been on two or three monthly calls since November with the contracting team responsible for implementing the 10-year project,.....................................
Many doctors and health IT experts are skeptical of the VA deal — especially after the problem-ridden implementation of a similar system at military hospitals. However, the involvement of Moskowitz and Perlmutter, which has not previously been reported, infuriated clinicians involved in the VA project, including former Secretary David Shulkin, according to one of the sources, a former senior VA official. Several officials said they thought contract negotiations had been wrapped up earlier this year and had no idea why the project was being held up.
“Shulkin would say, “Who the hell is this person who practices medicine in Florida and has never run a health care system?” said the source. He said Moskowitz’s involvement was one of the irritants in Shulkin’s dealings with other White House-appointed officials, which contributed to his being fired March 28.
The behind-the-scenes talks, where Moskowitz questioned various aspects of the program, illustrate the degree to which members of Trump’s circle have been able to influence government decisions, even about extraordinarily specialized subjects.
That involvement has stupified policymakers, especially since members of Trump’s family had pushed the opposite agenda: Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, was instrumental in Shulkin’s June 2017 decision to choose the Cerner Corp. system with a no-bid contract. Shulkin announced the Cerner deal after several White House meetings with Kushner and aides from his Office of American Innovation.
But Moskowitz’s concerns effectively delayed the agreement for months, the sources said. VA spokesman Curt Cashour said Wednesday that finalizing a decision on the modernization of the VA’s health record system was a priority for acting Secretary Robert Wilkie. ..................................
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