What defines accountable care organizations (ACOs)?

Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) are defined by their emphasis on the coordination of high-quality care among groups of providers. This model focuses on improving health outcomes for patients while managing costs effectively. ACOs are designed to facilitate collaboration among various healthcare providers, such as primary care physicians, specialists, and hospitals, ensuring that patients receive comprehensive and well-coordinated treatment.

By fostering communication and collaboration, ACOs aim to reduce unnecessary tests and procedures, decrease hospital admissions, and ultimately enhance the overall patient experience. This alignment of providers not only improves care quality but also leads to better health outcomes by ensuring that all providers involved in a patient's care are informed and working together towards common goals.

This focus on care coordination stands in contrast to other options, which lack the collaborative framework necessary for effective healthcare delivery.