What are Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs)?

Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) are defined as groups of doctors, hospitals, and other health care providers that come together to deliver coordinated high-quality care to their patients. The primary aim of an ACO is to ensure that patients, particularly those with chronic conditions, receive the appropriate care at the right time while avoiding unnecessary duplications of services and preventing medical errors. This coordination can lead to better health outcomes and lower overall healthcare costs.

In an ACO, participating healthcare providers share responsibility for the care they deliver and are incentivized to work collaboratively. This model encourages all members of the care team to communicate effectively and to engage in shared decision-making, ultimately improving the patient's experience and health results.

Other options present alternative concepts that do not fully encapsulate the purpose and structure of ACOs. While some may involve aspects of coordinated care or partnerships, none epitomize the collaborative network model that ACOs represent in the healthcare system.