What is the goal of an accountable care organization (ACO)?

An accountable care organization (ACO) aims primarily to decrease healthcare costs while simultaneously improving the quality of care provided to patients. This model encourages healthcare providers to work together, sharing responsibility for patient outcomes and encouraging a more coordinated approach to care. By focusing on preventive care and efficient resource use, ACOs strive to minimize unnecessary hospital admissions and reduce the overall costs associated with healthcare while ensuring that patients receive high-quality services.

This dual goal of cost reduction and quality improvement is essential for ACOs, as it promotes not only a financially sustainable system but also enhances patient satisfaction and health outcomes. The shared savings model incentivizes providers to focus on value rather than volume, leading to better management of chronic diseases and more efficient use of healthcare resources.

The other options diverge from the primary purpose of ACOs. For example, reducing the number of healthcare providers does not align with their mission, as ACOs aim to incorporate various providers to ensure comprehensive care. Increasing hospital admissions contradicts the goal of improving care quality by emphasizing prevention and efficient care. Lastly, ACOs do not provide free healthcare services; instead, they work within existing payment frameworks to enhance care quality and reduce costs for patients and payers alike.