Accountable Care Organizations ACOs are a healthcare delivery model designed to improve the quality and efficiency of healthcare services while controlling costs. They bring together groups of healthcare providers, such as hospitals, physicians, and other healthcare professionals, to collaboratively manage and coordinate the care of a defined patient population.
Here's an overview of how these organizations operate:
Formation and Structure
ACOs can be formed by hospitals, physician groups, or a combination of both. They are often established as partnerships or collaborations among different healthcare entities. The Accountable Care Organizations ACOs structure encourages shared responsibility for the health outcomes of a specific patient population.
Accountability for Quality and Cost
A primary goal is to improve the quality of patient care while controlling healthcare costs. These organizations are held accountable for meeting certain quality benchmarks and cost-effectiveness measures. These benchmarks may include patient satisfaction, preventive care, and the management of chronic conditions.