Accountable Care Organization (ACO)

An Accountable Care Organization (ACO) is a group of healthcare providers, like hospitals and doctors, who work together to deliver coordinated care to a specific patient population. Their goal is to improve health outcomes and quality of care while controlling costs. If the ACO successfully provides high-quality care and saves money, they share in the financial benefits. Essentially, an ACO promotes teamwork among healthcare providers to ensure patients receive the right care at the right time, reducing unnecessary tests and hospitalizations, and focusing on overall health and prevention.