HHS on Monday launched an ambitious, double-pronged strategy to shift primary care from fee-for-service payments to a global fee model where clinicians and hospitals could assume varying amounts of risk. HHS Secretary Alex Azar told a crowd of stakeholders at the American Medical Association in Washington that the CMS projects the new voluntary programs will…
The population-based movement is well underway, as is the growth of accountable care organizations (ACOs). The idea behind ACOs, as established by the Affordable Care Act (ACA), is that payers hold providers jointly accountable, financially and for their patients’ outcomes, to spur more coordinated patient care, ensure patients are receiving the care they need, and…
Large U.S. employers are beginning to ask: Could contracting directly with health systems reduce costs while improving employee health? As part of a growing trend, more companies are seeking direct-to-employer accountable care organization (ACO) arrangements. The goal is to create a more affordable health benefit option for employees that is outcome-oriented and results in a…