Accountable. Care. Organizations. Together, the words comprise one of the most pressing provisions of healthcare reform. When learning about and considering developing ACOs, however, providers may focus on one word of the term more heartily than the other two. The following interpretations of ACOs — and motivations to develop them — are emerging as the model becomes clearer to the provider community, according to the book Accountable Care Organizations: Your Guide to Strategy, Implementation and Success, written by Marc Bard and Mike Nugent.
1. Accountable. With the emphasis on accountable, this first interpretation sees the model as a “way of being,” according to the authors. Providers who fall under this interpretation tend to lend strong emotional support towards ACOs, since they find accountability is a major factor lacking from today’s healthcare industry. While they may support the cause, these providers tend to be interested in the idea rather than invested in the action.
2. Care. Emphasizing the care aspect, providers under this interpretation see ACOs as a way to direct their organization. While providers focusing on the accountable aspect were interested, providers focusing on the care element are engaged in ACO development. Focusing on care coordination, these providers find value in care coordination and clinical integration. Those with an ACO-driven compass want to be in the pole position when the rules and regulations are finalized and announced. Also, Mr. Bard and Mr. Nugent say these providers tend to think of CMS as the “pot of gold” at the end of the ACO rainbow.
3. Organizations. Providers who focus on the organizational aspect of ACOs see the model as a way to reduce financial, competitive and operational threats. These providers consider ACOs to be a truly competitive destination and a great opportunity for survival. This is particularly true for safety-net and public hospitals that face operational and financial problems that are insolvable in this healthcare climate. With a somewhat do-or-die mentality, these providers are committed to the ACO model as they cannot survive under the current fee-for-service reimbursement system.
Learn more about Accountable Care Organizations: Your Guide to Strategy, Implementation and Success.
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