ST. LOUIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Amerinet Inc., a leading national healthcare solutions organization, announces the release of a new executive briefing, “Healthcare Reform and Accountable Care: Where Do We Stand?” which examines the latest trends in healthcare reform and the advent of accountable care organizations (ACOs) from a member perspective. A complimentary copy of the executive briefing is available on the Amerinet website.
In response to the important need for accurate information and guidance, Amerinet engaged both the leaders among its executive membership, and the organization that brought the concept of accountable care to the forefront of our nation’s dialogue, the Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice (TDI) at the Amerinet Executive Roundtable Forum in February 2011. TDI is a preeminent research and educational institution dedicated to improving healthcare through education, research, policy reform, leadership improvement and communication with patients and the public.
“Amerinet has chosen to engage these members and industry leaders in exploring the issues that are most relevant to them, and create dialogue and resources that can provide all of our members the greatest benefit,” said Amerinet President and CEO Todd Ebert.
As part of the process, Amerinet also surveyed members in October 2010 with the objective of reviewing their perceptions and opinions regarding healthcare reform and ACOs. Generally, respondents to the Amerinet Healthcare Reform and ACO Survey expressed a negative opinion about healthcare reform, which appears to be mainly due to the uncertainty and lack of direction surrounding it. Respondents were more positive about the general concept of ACOs, with more than 80 percent considering the implementation of an ACO.
A major theme of the roundtable session was that whether ACO models take hold or not, the theory of accountable care – using systematic efforts to improve quality and reduce costs across the organization by addressing key issues such as capacity, patient engagement, process improvement and physician alignment – is essential for the survival of any healthcare organization in the future.
“While the healthcare community is still trying to determine the benefits and challenges of becoming an ACO, it is clear that the accountable care model will significantly change the way providers care for their patients, are reimbursed for care and are held ‘accountable’ for the health outcomes of patients they treat. While the details and processes are still being worked out, a few things are certain – cost reduction, improved quality, alignment of services and value-based purchasing will be key in any impending reform,” said Ebert.
Craig Westling, managing director, accountable care, and Dr. William Weeks, associate professor and course director, TDI, led the roundtable group in a discussion of the basics of ACO development, how shared savings models work, and how the success of ACOs will be measured.
Westling and Weeks also offered insight into several things healthcare facilities could start working on to prepare themselves for success in the era of value-based payment reform. These items included:
- Statistical analysis
- Shared decision making
- Microsystem strategies
- Comprehensive care centers
“It’s really about transforming the care model. We want to improve the quality of care, reduce unwarranted variation and control costs. This is the heart of the accountable care concept,” said Westling.
About Amerinet
As a leading national healthcare solutions organization, Amerinet collaborates with acute and non-acute care providers to create and deliver unique solutions through performance improvement resources, guidance and ongoing support. With better product standardization and utilization, new financial tools beyond contracting and alliances that help lower costs, raise revenue and champion quality, Amerinet enriches healthcare delivery for its members and the communities they serve. To learn more about how Amerinet can help you successfully navigate the future of healthcare reform, visit www.amerinet-gpo.com.
CONTACT:
Amerinet Inc.
Evan Danis, Director, Communications and Media, 724-778-3423
[email protected]
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