| BHM assists organizations making the transformation to Accountable Care with strategic planning that allows you to successfully convert to a quality driven organization. |
Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) are a hot topic in the healthcare industry. From shared accountability to quality improvement, ACOs are fully embracing the healthcare triple aim. If you are thinking of creating an ACO now would be the time. Based on current growth trends it is predicted by 2020 approximately 70 million people will be covered by ACOs, and some industry experts estimate coverage will expand to 150 million people by 2025.
Remember, the shift to accountable care and value based payment models is coming. Organizations who can effectively manage change and find success in the new healthcare paradigm will gain significant early adopter advantages. At their core ACOs work toward integrating care for the patient, this is encouraged by the Affordable Care Act.
Another ACO Blog click HERE.
Key Qualities of an ACO…
- ACOs are provider lead organizations who have a strong base for primary care. They are collectively accountable for quality, costs and the full continuum of care for their patients
- Payments reflect the value-based payment model, connecting quality of care to overall costs
- Performance measurement in ACOs is reliable and progressive. The environment of an ACO supports change and improvement to achieve costs savings by improving care
What makes a successful ACO…
- Knowing the definition of success in the industry
- Understanding value vs. volume when it comes to payment models & strategy for implementation
- Optimizing the utilization of healthcare and operational resources
- Using strategic initiatives for population management
- Focusing on Cost vs. quality balance
- Learning to coordinate care and physician alignment
ACOs & Behavioral Health
ACOs are in a very interesting spot in relation to the growing trend of Behavioral Health Integration. Because of their focus on patient care and the triple aim, a unique opportunity has arisen for them to become champions for the behavioral health sector.
ACOs are in search of ways to innovate and improve the patient experience, integrating or collaborating with Behavioral Health Organizations can only benefit their end goal.
Improving the patient experience and improving care outcomes are two factors that both behavioral health organizations strive for. Targeting mental health or substance abuse issues at the same time as the specific care for medical issues, put ACOs and behavioral health in a position to improve outcomes together.
For more AC News, click HERE.
BHM assists organizations making the transformation to Accountable Care with strategic planning that allows you to successfully convert to a quality driven organization.
