The National Journal's Health Care Expert's Blog is currently discussing the recent commitment of leading health care industry groups to voluntarily lower the health care spending growth rate by 1.5 percent for the next decade—for a total savings over 10 years of $2 trillion dollars. Here are my thoughts on the matter:

Some have dismissed the letter and offer to reduce cost growth from industry trade associations on Monday. I have no doubt this event was not about altruism. But I also doubt it was entirely about public relations. In fact, I think this event is important, maybe even catalytic.

Essentially, industry spokespersons—whose job is usually defined as "just saying no" —sanctioned a level of savings that many of us (myself included) have long argued is achievable despite skepticism from others. In today's tight budget times, this level of savings may actually be necessary for us to afford coverage expansion. Leaders in Congress should feel emboldened to ask far more from providers than they have so far to achieve our shared goals.

Industry leaders have agreed substantial savings are possible, now it is up to experts—like those who are part of the Center for Payment Reform—and those who actually do business in our health system—like the group we've helped organize, Health CEOs for Health Reform—to add payment and delivery system reform specifics to this promise. Stay tuned.