ACOs: preparing for Medicare's shared savings program

Organizations that qualify as accountable care organizations under Medicare's Shared Savings Program will be required to participate for at least three years. Among the benefits of participation are those resulting from healthcare delivery system innovation, enhanced community benefit and reputation, improved payer relations, organizational and management development, systems enhancements, and financial gains to the participants. There are also risks to providers that participate, including legal risks and risks associated with the uncertainty surrounding HHS's implementation approach, the high cost of participation, inevitable game change, and the possibility of being disqualified.