Final ACO regulations issues

Looking for some light reading, as in 696 pages? Well you're in luck - the final ACO regulations have been issues at:

http://www.ofr.gov/OFRUpload/OFRData/2011-27461_PI.pdf

The following are some of the changes made in the final regulations:

Providers will not be required to share downside risk in order to participate in an ACO and will be able to earn revenue sharing based on ACO savings earlier as opposed to Medicare retaining all the initial savings.

Quality measures that ACOs will have to meet to qualify for performance bonuses have been reduced to 33 from 65.

Community health centers and rural health clinics, which were not allowed to form ACOs in the draft proposal, will be allowed to lead ACOs.

The ACOs will also be told up-front which Medicare beneficiaries are likely to be part of their system as opposed to not knowing which patients were in the ACO until the contract ended.

About the Author

Reed Tinsley CPA

This article is written by Reed Tinsley, a Houston, TX-based CPA with over 30 years of experience advising physicians and medical practices across Texas and the United States. Reed holds certifications as a Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA), Certified Healthcare Business Consultant (CHBC), and Certified Financial Planner (CFP), specializing exclusively in the healthcare sector. He is a published author, nationally recognized speaker, and trusted advisor to physicians on accounting & tax, practice management, and financial planning. Schedule a Free Consultation.