In a study of 10 pilot accountable care organizations formed under the Physician Group Practice Demonstration initiative, researchers found the group of ACOs did not reduce spending for cardiovascular treatments and services.
The study compared cardiovascular treatments and services from before and after the organizations launched the pilot. The study found evidence-based care was provided consistently, however, discretionary tests that were not indicated as necessary were ordered often, increasing unnecessary spending.
"To achieve meaningful savings, ACOs need to consider specialty care directly," researcher Ellen R. Meara, PhD, said in a statement. "This should be in addition to their focus on the spending by primary care physicians. It's clear that more savings are possible, but it's going to take hospital leaders involving the entire care team."
More articles on accountable care:
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Iowa Specialty Hospital joins rural ACO group