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The forgotten players in ACO development: nursing homes.
1Health Law Practice Group, Chicago office of Duane Morris, LLP, USA. nmbilimoria@duanemorris.com
The Journal of Medical Practice Management : MPM
|May 19, 2012
Summary
Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) initially excluded nursing homes, but their inclusion is now recognized as vital for maximizing shared savings. This article explores why nursing homes are critical for ACO success and how they can participate.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare Management
- Health Policy
- Geriatric Care
Background:
- The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act shaped early Accountable Care Organization (ACO) development.
- Nursing homes were largely excluded from initial ACO formation and implementation phases.
- Recent recognition highlights the importance of long-term care within ACO models.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the historical exclusion of nursing homes from Accountable Care Organization (ACO) development.
- To elucidate the critical role of nursing homes in enhancing ACO effectiveness and achieving shared savings.
- To provide guidance on how nursing homes can strategically position themselves for ACO participation.
Main Methods:
- Historical analysis of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act's impact on ACOs.
- Review of current ACO models and their components.
- Examination of the value proposition for nursing home integration into ACOs.
Main Results:
- Nursing homes were not integral to the initial design and implementation of ACOs.
- ACOs, hospitals, and physicians are increasingly recognizing the necessity of long-term care and rehabilitation services for maximizing shared savings.
- Integrating nursing homes is essential for comprehensive patient care and financial performance within ACOs.
Conclusions:
- Nursing homes are crucial for the success of Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) by providing essential long-term care and rehabilitation services.
- Strategic positioning and business adaptation are necessary for nursing homes to effectively participate in ACOs.
- Future ACO models must incorporate nursing homes to optimize patient outcomes and financial outcomes.
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