Healthcare & Technology

Health Management for ACOs

This contains information about how health is managed in ACOs. Recall that these organizations are paid based on the quality of care provided to their patient population.

How is delivery of care to patients affected by the formation of an ACO? What is the impact of an ACO to physicians and other clinical professionals, covered entities, and patients?

• Role of care coordination within the National Quality Strategy.
• Latest evidence and best practices.
• Pivotal role nurses play in care coordination.
• Connection between quality outcomes and care coordination.
• How is patient health monitored?

The National Strategy for Quality Improvement in Health Care (the National Quality Strategy) sets a
course for improving the quality of health and health care for all Americans. See the 2012 Annual Progress Report to Congress.

Accountable Care Organizations and Informatics

Link: ACOs

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) established a Medicare Shared Savings Program (Shared Savings Program) to engage providers, hospitals, and suppliers in an Accountable Care Organization (ACO) that improves the quality of care provided to a select population of Medicare beneficiaries. As of 4/2014 there are approximately 366 ACOs across the country.

Key facets of ACOs are coordinated care among medical professionals and preventive care that reduces healthcare costs and improves the health of patients. "When an ACO succeeds in both delivering high-quality care and spending health care dollars more wisely, it will share in the savings it achieves for the Medicare program."