Ed note: this was originally posted on the Healthcare.gov blog
The Affordable Care Act is bringing real change to a health care system that has cost us too much and could do a better job to keep Americans healthy. As a result the law, the Department of Health and Human Services has been partnering with doctors, nurses, hospitals, and other medical providers to help patients get the best care anywhere.
Accountable Care Organizations, or ACOs, are one of these new ways for doctors, hospitals, and other providers to be rewarded based on the quality of care they provide for patients, not just on how many tests they order or how many procedures they do.
Today, HHS announced 27 new ACOs have joined this partnership – and over 150 more potential ACOs have submitted an application to begin in July. There is enthusiasm and energy behind this program from all parts of the country, from all parts of the health care sector.
Already, 32 “Pioneer ACOs” representing health care groups with experience coordinating care for patients have been participating in a special demonstration program since the beginning of the year to improve Medicare beneficiaries’ health and experience of care, and reduce growth in health care spending.
Fonte: White House