Accountable Care Organization

ACOs are a way for doctors and facilities independent from each other to come together to deliver coordinated care for patients. Patients benefit, because it means their primary care doctor, specialist and, if they’re receiving inpatient care, and hospitalist are all on the same page as care is provided. It gives these clinicians and hospitals a better way to communicate, follow up and provide safe care – all with the goal of keeping a patient healthier.

Another benefit for patients is increased price transparency. Previously, clinicians had little or no insight into the costs of medications. As a result, medical procedures and other healthcare costs became a leading cause of bankruptcy for American families. ACOs seek to help clinicians and patients become better equipped with the information and resources needed to get the right care in the right place and avoid costly, unnecessary care. Patients in an ACO will notice their clinicians discuss the affordability of their medications and work with them to make better decisions about their healthcare dollars.

Clinicians in ACOs recognize that "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" and have greater time to focus on preventative health. Preventing and identifying diseases early provides greater opportunities for curative treatment, allowing your doctors to help manage small problems before they become big ones. Patients in an ACO will find their doctors use evidence-based preventative medicine guidelines. They’ll spend time with patients with a focus on maintaining or regaining their health, not just treating them when they become sick.

No. If your doctor participates in an ACO, you can see any healthcare provider who accepts Medicare. Nobody - not your doctor, not your hospital - can tell you who you must see.

If your doctor is in an ACO, you’ll receive a letter with further information/instructions. You may also click below to view a list of ACO health care participants.

• UnityPoint Accountable Care Medicare Shared Savings Program (MSSP) Participant Providers
• HealthPartners UnityPoint Health (HPUPH) Network Providers
  
  

Over time, if you see a doctor participating in an ACO, you may notice:

• The healthcare providers you see all know what’s going on with your health, because they communicate with each other. You don't need to have the same medical tests repeated because your results are shared among your healthcare team. The providers participating in the ACO will be your partner in making care decisions.
• Some ACOs may hire people to help check on your care. They may call you after an appointment or a procedure to make sure you understand how to take your medicines or schedule follow-up visits. They’ll also share information with your doctor to make sure you get the right care.

What you pay, your benefits or the cost of your coverage should not increase. Your right to choose any hospital or doctor that accepts Medicare, at any time, will not change even if that hospital or doctor is not part of an ACO.

When your healthcare providers have access to your health information and may share that information with one another, they can give you better, more coordinated care. Each of your healthcare providers will not only know about the health issues they’ve treated, but also have a more complete picture of your health by communicating with your other healthcare providers.

If your healthcare providers are participating in an ACO, over time, you should see better more coordinated health care with you at the center and your satisfaction a goal of the ACO.

No. An ACO is a group of doctors, hospitals and other healthcare providers who work together to provide you with better, more coordinated care. Doctors and hospitals in an ACO communicate with you and each other to make sure you get the care you need when you’re sick, and the support you need to stay healthy and well.

An ACO isn't an HMO, managed care or insurance company. Unlike HMOs, managed care, or some insurance plans, an ACO can't tell you which healthcare providers to see and can't change your benefits.

The group of doctors, hospitals and other healthcare providers working together in the ACO can read your medical records along with other office staff authorized to help coordinate your care.

The privacy and security of your medical information is protected by Federal law. Call (800) MEDICARE (800 633-4227) 24 hours a day / 7 days a week. TTY users should call (877) 486-2048.

Your privacy is very important to us, so you may choose to have your name and other personal information removed from the information Medicare shares with your doctor.

For more information about ACOs, you can refer to the following resources:

• ACO Initiatives
• Medicare Information
• Call (800) MEDICARE (800 633-4227) 24 hours a day / 7 days a week.
  TTY users should call (877) 486-2048.

Medicare also regularly follows up with people with Medicare to ask about your experiences as a patient of a doctor participating in a Medicare ACO. As time gets closer, you’ll get a letter to let you know the survey is genuine. Medicare will use your feedback to help make sure you get high-quality care.