Who is credited with introducing the Accountable Care Organization model?

Elliot Fisher is credited with introducing the Accountable Care Organization (ACO) model. The ACO framework was developed in response to the recognized need for a new healthcare delivery system that emphasized coordinated care and improved health outcomes while also controlling costs. Fisher's work highlighted the importance of organizations that take responsibility for the quality and cost of care delivered to a defined population. This model encourages healthcare providers to work collaboratively to coordinate care, thereby reducing unnecessary services and improving efficiency, which is particularly essential within the context of value-based care initiatives. Through his research and advocacy, Fisher helped shape the policy discussions that ultimately led to the integration of ACOs within the Affordable Care Act, promoting a system that aligns interests of patients, providers, and payers.