MedeAnalytics Releases Results of Commercial ACO Market Research

Select group of payers and providers exhibits mutual understanding and shared perspectives

ORLANDO, Fla., Feb. 21, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- MedeAnalytics, a leading provider of healthcare performance management solutions, disseminated today the summary results of its recent market research on commercial ACOs at the HIMSS11 Annual Conference & Exhibition.

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Commercial ACOs, which have been described in a variety of ways, are distinct from Medicare ACOs in that a commercial payer, rather than Medicare, is the entity providing the financial incentives to the provider organizations for quality and cost performance.

In November 2010, MedeAnalytics commissioned a third-party healthcare market research firm to conduct nationwide primary research in the commercial ACO marketplace with senior executives from integrated delivery networks, physician practices and commercial payers which were already involved in commercial ACOs or planning to do so within a year. The overall objectives of the research were to assess perceptions, drivers, challenges and the developing needs related to creating or participating in a commercial ACO. The actual research was conducted in December 2010.

The market research found that for payers, the Medicare Shared Savings Program (Medicare ACO provision within health reform) and competition—not pressure from employers—are driving the formation of commercial ACOs. In addition, payers consider the financial implications (risks, model for shared savings) and gaining agreement on quality and cost/efficiency measures as the top two challenges to starting an ACO.

Providers also cited the Medicare ACO program and competition as the primary drivers behind the formation of commercial ACOs, and they feel that meaningful use of electronic medical records (EMRs) is virtually a prerequisite for an ACO.

To download the complete report, including top 10 lists of payer and provider findings, visit MedeAnalytics' ACO Resource Center 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.

SOURCE MedeAnalytics