ACCOUNTABLE CARE ORGANIZATIONS
Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs)
ACOs were enabled by the Affordable Care Act. They are organizations of healthcare professionals who agree to be accountable for the quality, cost, and overall care of Medicare patients.
- ACOs facilitate coordination and cooperation among providers to improve the quality of care while reducing unnecessary costs
- ACOs that meet specified quality performance criteria will be eligible to receive a share of any savings they generate in Medicare spending
Reference:
- Accountable care organizations: improving care coordination for people with Medicare. HealthCare.gov. http://www.healthcare.gov/news/factsheets/accountablecare03312011a.html. Published March 31, 2011. Accessed April 28, 2011.
