Value-Based Care

Insurer UnitedHealth Group recently noted it will more than double payments made to physicians who participate in accountable care contacts. ACOs have already demonstrated an immense positive growth in quality care, and a reduction in medical costs.

With new models of care delivery, reformation of outdated fee-for-service payment systems, and collaboration of groundbreaking provider-payer partnerships, the changing landscape of the healthcare industry is irrefutable. Yet, the integration of health information technology (HIT) continues to be an area of deliberation for many managed care professionals.

According to Douglas Chaet, Senior Vice President, Independence Blue Cross, incentives for providers in accountable care organizations (ACOs) should stem from wanting to get an edge on the competition.

In January 2012, 32 healthcare organizations became the first to participate in the Medicare Pioneer Accountable Care Organization (ACO) model. Now, over a year into the initiative, as many as 9 organizations are in deliberation of leaving the program.

To create a strong sense of co-ownership between health systems and physicians, Robert Williams, MD, Director, Deloitte, Consulting LLP, says it's important to encourage physician engagement with organizations.

A population health management approach to identify, track, and intervene with diabetic patients before their blood sugar becomes poorly controlled can improve their overall health.

Hospital systems across the country are increasingly vying to establish some of the first treatment centers to provide proton beam therapy, a high-tech radiation treatment for cancer.

Charles Kennedy, MD, MBA, CEO, Accountable Care Solutions, Aetna Inc., says that part of an Accountable Care Organization's (ACOs) objective is changing how care is delivered.