Health IT

ACOs by the numbers: Where are we now?

Now that accountable care organizations as spelled out in the PPACA are growing out of the infancy stage, and CMS has delivered performance data from the first year of the Pioneer ACO Model, the healthcare industry is starting to see some clarity in the overall ACO movement. Leavitt Partners, a research firm that has been […]

By Deanna Pogorelc on August 16, 2013

Now that accountable care organizations as spelled out in the PPACA are growing out of the infancy stage, and CMS has delivered performance data from the first year of the Pioneer ACO Model, the healthcare industry is starting to see some clarity in the overall ACO movement.

Leavitt Partners, a research firm that has been tracking the growth of accountable care organizations since 2010, spelled out its observations in a new report, “Growth and Dispersion of ACOs: August 2013 Update” (PDF).

Here are some of the main takeaways, by the numbers.

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488 – The number of ACOs Leavitt Partners is tracking as of the end of July 2013. That’s more than double the number from June of last year. Generally, ACO activity tends to correlate with population density, the firm observed.

52 – Percentage of ACOs engaged in a contract with CMS to provide care to Medicare beneficiaries through the Medicare Shared Savings Program or the Pioneer ACO Model. This is a marked turning point; non-Medicare ACOs have been dominant since the inception of the ACO concept.

4 – Different models that have emerged, although none has yet established itself as the most successful. Leavitt Partners designates the four models as:

  • Formed by smaller physician groups. These involve fewer physicians and patients and may be more conducive to more personal patient engagement and coordination of care. Leavitt lists Primary Partners in Florida as a prime example of this model.
  • Governed by large hospitals. Because they cover more lives, these kinds of ACOs have an increased need for advanced health technology and reporting tools. That’s illustrated by Abbington Health and Independence Blue Cross’s deal with tech firm Lumeris.
  • Include multiple hospitals and physician groups. The large number of entities involved in these ACOs makes them especially reliant on technology to integrate care at multiple locations.
  • Formed by states for Medicaid populations.  Colorado, Oregon and Utah are a few of the states that have formed ACO entities comprising multiple providers and community resources.