What is an accountable care organization (ACO)?

An accountable care organization (ACO) is defined as a group of healthcare providers who come together to deliver coordinated, high-quality care to a specific patient population. The primary objective of an ACO is to ensure that patients receive the right care at the right time while avoiding unnecessary duplication of services and preventing medical errors. This coordinated approach helps improve the overall patient experience and leads to better health outcomes.

The emphasis on "coordinated" care is crucial, as it means that various healthcare providers—like primary care physicians, specialty providers, and hospitals—work collaboratively to meet the needs of their patients. In this model, care is often enhanced by increased communication and data sharing among providers, ultimately focusing on delivering value-based care rather than merely transactional healthcare.

In contrast, options such as focusing solely on profit, offering minimal patient coordination, or serving as a structure for marketing campaigns do not capture the essence of an ACO. These alternatives either misrepresent the foundational goals of ACOs or detract from their mission of improving care quality and patient outcomes.