What is the purpose of accountable care organizations (ACOs)?

The purpose of accountable care organizations (ACOs) is to enhance coordination and quality of patient care. ACOs are designed to bring together groups of healthcare providers to work collaboratively in managing the overall health of a patient population. This integrated approach aims to promote better healthcare outcomes by coordinating care across various services and providers, thereby reducing redundancies and ensuring that patients receive timely and effective treatment.

By emphasizing teamwork among healthcare professionals, ACOs strive to ensure that patients receive comprehensive care that is well-coordinated, which can lead to improved patient satisfaction, better health outcomes, and reduced costs over time. This approach aligns incentives for providers to focus on the quality of care rather than the quantity of services. As a result, ACOs play a vital role in the shift towards value-based care in the healthcare system.