HIMSS Digital Office Newsletter features an article by Ascendian's VP, Jef Williams
Acountable care has arrived. With the final rule submitted, approved and published, we now have a good idea of the qualifications and requirements for participating in shared savings. What the final rule does not provide, however, are the logistics for how organizations will execute to the policy. We expect over the next several months more information to be gathered and shared among those planning and participating as ACOs. As organizations ramp up for this effort, it will be critical that physicians and providers play a prominent role in the process.
Historically, physicians have focused most, if not all, of their time and energy on patients. This is, after all, why they went to school. Doctors are scientists, and they are best at practicing medicine. Besides, in a Fee for Service (FFS) model, income is directly tied to patient and procedural volume. But success in building an ACO will require that forward-thinking physicians provide leadership in preparing and positioning themselves – and their practices – for success in the future.
Here are several important areas where clinical expertise will serve ACO leadership well.
