This timely report from The Commonwealth Fund Commission on a High Performance Health System analyzes experiences with accountable care, reviewing the evidence that such models of health care delivery redesign can improve quality and reduce costs. The report also includes ten recommendations for designing and implementing accountable care organizations:
1. Strong Primary Care Foundation
2. Accountability for Quality of Care, Patient Care Experiences, Population Outcomes, and Total Costs
3. Informed and Engaged Patients
4. Commitment to Serving the Community
5. Criteria for Entry and Continued Participation That Emphasize Accountability and Performance
6. Multipayer Alignment to Provide Appropriate and Consistent Incentives
7. Payment That Reinforces and Rewards High Performance
8. Innovative Payment Methods and Organizational Models
9. Balanced Physician Compensation Incentives
10. Timely Monitoring, Data Feedback, and Technical Support for Improvement
The report will be an important reference as stakeholders consider the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services proposed rule for Medicare Shared Savings Program accountable care organizations issued on March 31, 2011. Several of the report’s authors have compared CMS’ proposed rule with the report’s recommendations, with comments for CMS’ consideration for finalizing the rule.
Ignatius Bau 