2010 Idea Factory Pilot
This page is the default forum for CMS employees. It shows the November 2010 pilot results. To access another forum, chose from the list of forums under “Give Feedback” in the far right column of this page.
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16 votes
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User ID and Password Management
With the number of applications requiring different user IDs and passwords, it would be beneficial to have a program such as Password Safe or KeePass Password Safe available for us to organize and store our many passwords in an encrypted place. Cost is free under Open Source Licenses.
10 votes -
The "cubicle" problem and its contribution to productivity loss
The "cubicle" problem and its contribution to productivity loss is much broader than simply the unfriendly appearance it presents. The lack of private quiet think space is enormously damaging to the quality and quantity of thinking that introverts do. Introverts represent about 40% of the population, but are over-represented in the top percentiles of intelligence. Agencies who do not sufficiently provide for quiet space are literally dumbing down their employees. Not to mention creating enormous stress for them. Many CMS employees yearn for a quiet space with no interuptions or auditory and visual distractions, just to think, analyze data, read,…
8 votes -
Have a bell or alarm ring every hour to alert people when they need to wrap up meetings.
This idea was moved to the Best Place to Work forum
1 vote -
Hands Free Automatic Flushable Toilets
As a healthcare organization, we should be looking to improve our own sanitary conditions. Hands free automatic flushable toilets and faucets, will reduce the spread of communicable diseases such as Influenza or the common cold.
10 votes -
Upgraded furniture to include desk, ergonomic chairs and carpet.
When not working at home CMS should provided squatter stations. CMS is in disparate need of upgraded furniture/desk, ergonomic chairs and carpet. The soft sided cubicle panels harbor dust and other airborne contaminants which cause allergy related issues. These panels have not changed in at least 10+ years and are incredibly dirty. Energy savings, reduce the number of lights.
11 votes -
End Irritating/Distracting Behaviors That Can Annoy Coworkers
The single best thing we can do as an agency to promote a healthier work environment is to practice common courtesy and respect. Too many CMS employees engage in distracting/irritating behaviors that prohibit their peers from operating at maximum efficiency.
Please read the list below and if you engage in any of these behaviors, please think twice and be considerate to your coworkers. After all, we work very close together and even the lowest of noises travels across many cubicles.
• Whistling -- there is a time and place, and it is not in the office
• Humming -- even…10 votes -
Allow for streaming video of meetings to desktops (e.g., CMS all staff)
Provide the ability to virtually attend All Staff (and other) meetings from our desktop. This would need to include the closed caption text so sound could be muted (with minor exceptions) to most desktops.
7 votes -
Provide a $300-400 preventive health allowance to employees for items not covered by health ins
... such as gym memberships, running shoes, sports equipment, exercise classes.
1 vote -
Fraud and Abuse Whistleblower hotline/website
Allow average americans who are concerned with the state of healthcare in this country to participate bringing integrity back into healthcare. Set up controlled criteria for submissions at first and overtime open up other categories
8 votesCMS has an incentive reward program for beneficiaries who report fraud that results in collected overpayments. These complaints can come through 1-800 Medicare and the OIG Tip Hotline.
Individuals are eligible to receive a reward of up to 10% or $1,000, whichever is less, if:
- the provider they reported is not currently under investigation by law enforcement or CMS contractors
- the complaint results in referral to law enforcement
- the investigation leads to the recovery of at least $100CPI does agree this program should be more actively promoted, and is working on a strategy to revitalize the program.
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2 votes
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CMS could benefit from a unified communications strategic plan
This idea was moved to the Best Place to Work forum.
CMS could benefit from a unified communications strategic plan that would provide a Webinar/Live Meeting capability and Outlook communicator for an instant messaging capabilities. I would like to recommend these innovations.
3 votes -
Restore the free physicals federal employees received every 3 years as a benefit until the 1980s
They were actually pretty good physicals. Besides the usual things one would expect, they also included things like an EKG, a full blood work up, cholesterol test and chest x-ray. There was a time when the government showed a true concern for the health and well being of its employees. It would be nice to see a return of that concern.
4 votes -
CMS would focus more on evidence based decision making
CMS routinely conducts audits of Medicare Advantage plans. However, CMS would focus more on the audit findings to make policy decisions. In terms of claims fraud, CMS would ensure staff are competent in this area. Everyone that conducts audits may not know what a CPT code is and how it relates to the claim. Additionally, CMS would consider finding and appraising evidence from the audits and investigations and use the information to impact policy.
6 votesOFM is currently developing a comprehensive vulnerability tracking system with input from CPI. The system will capture significant issues from a variety of contractors to identify program vulnerabilities, including contractors that oversee the Medicare Advantage plans. CMS will then implement corrective action plans, which could include policy and/or operational improvements, to address the vulnerability.
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Eliminate redundant, overlapping roles and responsibilities of various components.
Many areas of CMS have overlapping, unclear roles and responsibilities. This causes a lot of wasted time determining who is responsible for doing what. Review areas with overlap and develop MOUs regarding the roles of each component, and eliminate areas that have redundancies.
3 votes -
15 votes
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13 votes
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Redo outdoor cafe area to be more comfortable & accessible.
Many employees enjoy eating outside on the patio. Unfortunately the outdoor furniture is very heavy and in bad shape. People with disabilities have trouble moving the chairs. Their is no shade anymore and the trash cans have too small an opening for the the trays.
Also the door to go out on the patio have no mechanism for people in wheelchairs.14 votes -
3 votes
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Hold some small meetings outside in the fresh air...
The office gets pretty stuffy, no matter what season it is... Maybe a breath of fresh air will bring fresh ideas...
2 votes
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