MedeAnalytics' Ken Perez Sizes Up ACO "State of the Union" at Annual Accountable Care Organizations Summit

Time to start ACO journey is now, but proceed with knowledge, he tells audience

EMERYVILLE, Calif., Jan. 23, 2012  /PRNewswire/ -- According to Ken Perez, MedeAnalytics' senior vice president of marketing and director of healthcare policy, despite continuing political and financial uncertainty, payer and provider organizations should start the process of developing an accountable care organization (ACO) now. "It would be a mistake for participants to wait for all the pieces to be in place before starting the ACO journey," he said in his remarks today at the 2nd Annual Accountable Care Organizations Summit at the Hyatt Regency in Austin, Texas. At the same time, he cautioned his audience to avoid "overly simplistic quick fixes." MedeAnalytics is a leading provider of healthcare performance management solutions.

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In his presentation, "Accountable Care Organizations: The State of the Union," Perez summarized the societal, legislative and market context of the ACO concept and milestones in ACO development. He provided an update on Medicare ACOs (including current information on the Shared Savings Program, the Advance Payment Model and the Pioneer ACO Model), as well as an update on commercial ACOs.

His remarks also included a detailed comparison of healthcare reform efforts in the United States and the United Kingdom, noting the growing convergence of the two countries' respective approaches to reform, with a common emphasis on accountable or integrated care.

Perez explained how spiraling healthcare costs—driven in large measure by a lack of accountability— contribute significantly to the growing federal deficit and make American products less competitive in world markets. "This problem constitutes a serious threat to the economic wellbeing of our country. We need to summon the courage to address the structural weaknesses of our current system of healthcare. And while we may experience some bumps in the road during the early stages of our ACO journey, we must demonstrate the will to lead through the 'trough of disillusionment' onto enlightenment and productivity."

MedeAnalytics Accountable Care Organization Resource Center

More information about Accountable Care Organizations, including the white paper, "Accountable Care Organizations: Summary and Analysis of the Final Rule," and an ACO technology framework that identifies the technology building blocks to support an ACO, may be found at www.medeanalytics.com/aco.

About MedeAnalytics

Founded in 1994, MedeAnalytics delivers performance management solutions across the healthcare system—including hospitals, physician practices and payers—to ensure accountability and improve financial, operational and clinical outcomes. For more information, visit www.medeanalytics.com.

For more information:
Gary Summers
Lewis & Summers Public Relations
(925) 330-6055
[email protected]

SOURCE MedeAnalytics