What is a key objective of Accountable Care Organizations?

A key objective of Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) is to improve individual and population health. ACOs are designed to provide coordinated care that enhances the quality of healthcare services while managing costs effectively. By focusing on preventive care, chronic disease management, and fostering collaboration among various healthcare providers, ACOs aim to deliver better health outcomes for patients. This is achieved by emphasizing patient-centered care, which not only improves the health of individuals but also addresses the broader community's health disparities.

Focusing on improving overall health aligns with the goals of the Affordable Care Act, which encourages health systems to shift from a volume-based payment model to one that rewards quality and efficiency. This fundamentally supports the ACO model, where providers share accountability for the health outcomes of their patient populations.