The lack of patient support and surplus of patient suspicion over accountable care organizations may severely threaten their success, according to a piece by New York Times columnist Pauline W. Chen, MD.
Dr. Chen says patients are not fully aware of the merits associated with the ACO model, increasing the odds that patients will reject changes as they did in the 1990s. This suspicion stems from the use of jargon and obscurity when explaining ACOs, leaving them poorly informed and not fully understanding the potential benefits.
The piece also explored how patients disengaged with their ACO may tip the savings balance by having costly procedures done at hospitals not under the appropriate ACO umbrella. Incentives aimed at providers will not garner much support compared to those that add value for patients, according to the report. For instance, incentives such as lower co-payments for staying within a group of providers or lower premiums if patients choose economical ACOs may garner support.
Read the New York Times article on accountable care organizations and patient doubts.
- AHA Shows How 4 Key Federal Enforcement Laws Impair ACOs
- 5 Key Financial Challenges Hospitals Face Under ACOs, Other New Payment Arrangements
- 8 Aspects of UnitedHealthcare's Plans to Fund an ACO at Tucson Medical Center
Dr. Chen says patients are not fully aware of the merits associated with the ACO model, increasing the odds that patients will reject changes as they did in the 1990s. This suspicion stems from the use of jargon and obscurity when explaining ACOs, leaving them poorly informed and not fully understanding the potential benefits.
The piece also explored how patients disengaged with their ACO may tip the savings balance by having costly procedures done at hospitals not under the appropriate ACO umbrella. Incentives aimed at providers will not garner much support compared to those that add value for patients, according to the report. For instance, incentives such as lower co-payments for staying within a group of providers or lower premiums if patients choose economical ACOs may garner support.
Read the New York Times article on accountable care organizations and patient doubts.
- AHA Shows How 4 Key Federal Enforcement Laws Impair ACOs
- 5 Key Financial Challenges Hospitals Face Under ACOs, Other New Payment Arrangements
- 8 Aspects of UnitedHealthcare's Plans to Fund an ACO at Tucson Medical Center