What is the primary responsibility of an accountable care organization (ACO)?

The primary responsibility of an accountable care organization (ACO) is to coordinate patient care. This involves organizing services across various healthcare providers to ensure that patients receive the right care at the right time, avoiding unnecessary duplication of services and preventing medical errors. By focusing on care coordination, ACOs aim to improve the quality of care and promote better health outcomes for patients. This often includes managing chronic conditions, facilitating communication among healthcare providers, and implementing preventive measures to maintain patient health.

The structure of an ACO allows healthcare providers to work collaboratively to enhance patient experiences, optimize treatment plans, and ultimately reduce costs by ensuring efficient use of healthcare resources. This patient-centered approach is at the heart of the ACO model, aligning incentives for both providers and patients through shared savings programs.