Patients with diseases like cancer and end-stage renal disease have more complex medical needs that cost more than those of the average patient. Therefore, according to the report, disease-specific ACOs can provide more value because they would reduce the cost of care for the most expensive patients.
The savings opportunities are there: In 2010, Medicare spent $32.9 billion on end-stage renal disease patients, and Medicaid and commercial payors spent $9.8 billion, according to the report. Also, $124.6 billion was spent nationwide on cancer treatments. The disease-specific ACOs would work to improve care quality and reduce the cost of caring for those patients.
Some disease-specific ACOs have already formed. Florida Blue has two oncology ACOs, one with Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Fla., which was announced in December; and another with Coral Gables, Fla.-based Baptist Health South Florida and an oncology group, which was formed in May.
More Articles on ACOs:
Seeking External Validation: Q&A With the Crystal Run Healthcare ACO Team
28 Statistics on Providers and ACO Development
Managing Physician Relationships in an Accountable Care Model
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