ACO Final Rules Ease Requirements, Reduce Risk

During Berwick's remarks, he mentioned that ACOs are supposed to change the way care is provided. "If you want to know what we're after," Berwick said, "just ask patients.

"For them, great healthcare means time with your doctor, so you can get your questions answered and learn more about how to stay healthy... it means that your doctors are working together, in very close communication so you can keep your care organized so you don't get confused, you don't get lost or feel forgotten.

"It means 100% reliable access if you have an emergency in the middle of the night, and a promise that your own doctor will know right away when that happens.

"And that when you go home from the hospital, the help doesn't stop. It means that someone is making sure that you have the information and the help you need to stay home, and stay healthy instead of bouncing back into the hospital with a complication that could have been prevented."

Read the full shared savings final rule, and a fact sheet.

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