Although the healthcare industry initially jumped on the accountable care organization (ACO) bandwagon to improve healthcare outcomes, lower costs and boost patient satisfaction, there has been little growth in new ACOs since September and it appears as if the downward trend will continue. Since the healthcare reform law passed three years ago, 488 ACOs have formed--and more than doubled since June 2012. But only 35 new ACOs have been announced since the end of January 2013 and that slowdown--combined with the slower growth in the number of individuals covered by ACO arrangements--is a troubling sign, according to a Health Affairs blog post. Read the full report from FierceHealthcare