The Rising Popularity of ACO Healthcare Models

Thursday, November 1st, 2012

Medicision has released a study that says the vast majority – 78% – of health plans are already participating in or are preparing to participate in an ACO, or accountable care organization. The rest said they are planning to participate in the future.

The parameters of the healthcare industry are rapidly changing, as this study shows, and changing towards better patient care and better resource management, especially for larger organizations.

“While health plans have been preparing for a changing marketplace for a few years, the pace and clarity of their plans are ramping, and their technology needs are expanding,” said Ellen Donahue-Dalton, executive vice president and chief marketing officer, Medecision.

Cost obviously plays a large factor in all types of health care, but patient-centered care is increasingly becoming a top priority for executives. Along with the growing prevalence of ACO healthcare models, patient-centered medical homes (PCMHs) are also on the rise. These emerging healthcare delivery models have the potential to change the field as we know it and the change is happening quickly.