Articles Probe Financial Benefits of ACO's

Accountable Care Organizations remain in the headlines on a variety of topics. This week several sources explored the potential financial returns they may or may not generate.

Our Take: This issue appears to have gained visibility in light of extremely high projected savings forecasted as being possible for ACOs. Estimates that the Pioneer program could produce up to $1.1 billion in savings in five years plunged the topic of financials associated with ACOs further into the forefront. Among considerations being discussed are the startup costs, accreditation costs and infrastructure expenses associated with the ACO's. There will definitely be much more written on this topic. In the meantime the scrutiny is likely to increase in light of this month's CBO Report indicating that some Medicare demonstration projects have not provided the financial returns that were originally anticipated.