2 Studies Suggest ACOs’ Savings And Quality Improvements Increase Over Time
The research into accountable care organizations -- which link hospitals, doctors and other health providers together to provide more coordinated care and lower spending -- is published in JAMA Internal Medicine. One study shows that an ACO program set up by the health law saved Medicare money by reducing post-acute care but not hurting quality of care. The other study looks at Medicaid ACOs in Colorado and Oregon and found that despite different approaches, both programs saved money.
Medscape:
Medicare, Medicaid ACO Models Show Gains Increase Over Time
Two new studies show that although gains from Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) are moderate, they increase with time and come from diverse versions of ACOs. The studies and an invited commentary were published online February 13 in JAMA Internal Medicine. (Frellick, 2/14)
Modern Healthcare:
Studies Underscore Importance Of Nuances, Time In Judging ACOs
In the ongoing debate over how accountable care organizations can lower costs and improve health, two new studies offer insights into the nuances of how ACOs affect spending, utilization and quality. Authors of both studies emphasized the importance of time in assessing the effectiveness of ACOs. But this resource is in short supply as President Donald Trump and his new health secretary, Tom Price, look to dismantle the Affordable Care Act, which launched numerous initiatives to pay for healthcare on the basis of value, not volume. (Whitman, 2/13)
Forbes:
As Tom Price Takes Over HHS, Studies Back Accountable Care Organizations
Accountable care organizations are getting favorable reviews as a way to reduce costs and improve health quality for Medicaid and Medicare patients in two new studies out this week in JAMA Internal Medicine. The studies come as Dr. Tom Price, a conservative Georgia Congressman, begins his first week on the job as U.S. Secretary and Health and Human Services .... Price has spoken somewhat favorably about value-based care models but it’s unclear just how committed he will be to the move away from fee-for-service medicine. (Japsen, 2/13)
