May 28, 2020
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The health care media are full of articles asserting that ACOs have proven their mettle in delivering health care of highest quality. Citing ACO quality reporting results, CMS and advocates point to the majority of ACOs passing CMS quality standards, and that ACOs are improving their results on quality measures over time. The vast majority of ACOs meet quality measures, with 92 percent passing the qualification for shared savings in 2019. But is quality performance a distinguishing feature that ACOs can use competitively—and sustain the payment model’s long-term prospects?
ZS | May 20, 2021

Health plans in the United States are increasingly shifting away from traditional fee-for-service (FFS) reimbursement toward value-based care (VBC) models, which incent the quality of care as opposed to quantity. Although the promise of high-quality, cost-effective care is alluring, the adoption of and engagement in these programs has proven challenging for both plans and providers alike. Barriers include a lack of resources to support VBC programs, technology interoperability challenges, continuously evolving policies and regulations, unpredictable revenue streams and difficulty collecting and reporting data.
CMS won’t extend the Next Generation ACO Model through 2022 but will allow participants to apply for the standard track of its Global and Professional Direct Contracting Model, the agency said in a letter to Next Gens on Friday. The American Hospital Association, National Association of Accountable Care Organizations and other provider groups had lobbied the Biden administration to extend the Next Gen ACO Model through the end of next year. And their calls grew more urgent after CMS’ Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation announced it would pause new applications for its Global and Professional Direct Contracting Model in April.
“Low-value care” has been defined as care in which the potential for harm far outweighs possible benefits. When one has the opportunity to consider the phrase in conjunction with its definition, it evokes the notion that patients, their clinicians, and care team are discussing several dimensions of care, weighing the “pros” and “cons,” and arriving at a shared decision. In reality, low-value care is not experienced as a deliberative process.
Sponsored Webinars
RECORDED WEBINARS:

 How to Model and Evaluate your Network for Advanced Risk Models
Sponsored by: Trella Health

So now that quality reporting is done… How do we make it
easier next year?
Sponsored by: Salient Healthcare
Upcoming Conferences
11th National ACO Summit
September 20-23, 2021 (Virtual)

American Physician Groups Annual Conference
December 9-11, 2021 | San Diego, CA
Exhibitor Spotlight
⭑⭑⭑ NEWLY LISTED! ⭑⭑⭑
BioReference Laboratories, Inc., is the largest full service specialty laboratory in the United States that delivers reliable, convenient and innovative diagnostic solutions tailored to the specific needs of healthcare providers, patients and organizations. BioReference is a trusted laboratory partner for ACOs and IPAs, with a vision to provide high quality, personalized diagnostics to all patients.
Platinum Level Exhibitors
Thank you to our Platinum Level exhibitors. These organizations offer the absolute highest quality products & services to the ACO & IPA community. To learn more & visit their interactive booths, click on the logos below:
Gold Level Exhibitors
Thank you to our Gold Level exhibitors. To learn more & visit their interactive booths, click on the logos below:
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