Accountable Care Collaboratives Announced; 19 Health Systems in 15 States to Participate

OPEN MINDS Weekly News Wire Strategic Health Care News On May 20, 2010, Premier, a health care improvement alliance, announced the launch of two accountable care organization (ACO) collaboratives. Nineteen health systems located in 15 states have agreed to participate; those ready to launch an ACO will participate in ACO Implementation Collaborative. Readiness involves the ability to leverage existing payer partnerships, and a tightly aligned, engaged physician network. As ACOs, the health systems will provide health care services with reimbursement linked with achievement specific quality of care outcomes and efficiencies—they will be accountable for helping patients avoid intensive care . . .