A one-year-old pilot accountable care organization between Louisville, Ky.-based Norton Healthcare and health insurer Humana is increasing utilization of appropriate clinical laboratory testing and improving patient outcomes, according to a Business First report.
Results from the first year of the pilot program show that diabetic patient testing rose by 6 percent after the first year of the ACO group. As a result, cholesterol management for diabetics increased by 8 percent.
Further, the ACO pilot showed a decrease — a 7 percent drop — in the use of imaging studies for patients with newly-diagnosed lower back pain. Decreasing the use of imaging is a target to improve quality and lower healthcare costs, according to the report.
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Results from the first year of the pilot program show that diabetic patient testing rose by 6 percent after the first year of the ACO group. As a result, cholesterol management for diabetics increased by 8 percent.
Further, the ACO pilot showed a decrease — a 7 percent drop — in the use of imaging studies for patients with newly-diagnosed lower back pain. Decreasing the use of imaging is a target to improve quality and lower healthcare costs, according to the report.
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