Iowa Specialty Hospitals & Clinics has joined the National Rural Accountable Care Consortium, an organization that makes it possible for rural and critical access hospitals to participate in the accountable care delivery model, according to The Messenger.
Rural hospitals and clinics, critical access hospitals, federally qualified health centers and independent practices join the consortium so they can meet the minimum requirements to participate in the Medicare Shared Savings Program, which requires each ACO to serve a minimum of 5,000 beneficiaries.
The accountable care initiative will focus on helping Iowa Specialty Hospitals & Clinics’ most vulnerable senior populations navigate the healthcare system, according to the report. Iowa Specialty Hospitals & Clinics has two campuses in Belmond and Clarion, Iowa, and employs more than 500 people, including more than 35 providers.