What is a primary responsibility of an Accountable Care Organization (ACO)?

The primary responsibility of an Accountable Care Organization (ACO) is to manage overall patient care collectively. ACOs are designed to bring together healthcare providers, including physicians, hospitals, and other care professionals, to work collaboratively in coordinating care for a specific patient population. This collective management aims to improve patient health outcomes while also controlling costs. By focusing on the overall care experience, ACOs strive to enhance the quality of care, ensure that patients receive the necessary preventive services, and reduce unnecessary hospitalizations or procedures.

In this collaborative environment, ACOs emphasize communication among providers, as well as between providers and patients. This coordinated approach is essential for meeting the goals of enhancing care quality and managing healthcare expenditures effectively.