Understanding Accountable Care Organizations

By John D. Cacciamani, Jr., MD, MBA

I find that my physician colleagues, many of whom are busy with everyday caring for their patients, need some explanation when it comes to understanding Accountable Care Organizations [ACOs]. There is not now a unified definition for an ACO, but one is starting to take shape.

ACOs are healthcare delivery models composed of groups of providers responsible for managing a defined population of patients. These ACOs will be accountable for the quality and cost of care delivered to that population and will also need to distribute dollars equally across these providers.

http://www.physiciansnews.com/2010/10/13/understanding-accountable-care-organizations/