Which of the following is an example of an alternative payment model?

Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) represent a significant shift in the healthcare payment model by emphasizing value over volume. In traditional fee-for-service arrangements, providers are paid for each service rendered, which can encourage overutilization of services without necessarily improving patient outcomes. ACOs, on the other hand, are designed to promote collaboration among healthcare providers, aiming to improve care coordination and enhance the overall patient experience while reducing costs.

Under ACOs, healthcare providers agree to take collective responsibility for the health of a specific population. They are incentivized to keep patients healthy and minimize hospitalizations and unnecessary treatments, which aligns financial rewards with the achievement of better health outcomes. This proactive approach can lead to a more effective healthcare system where the focus is on quality of care rather than the quantity of services provided, making it a key example of an alternative payment model.

In contrast, the other options mentioned reflect more traditional or alternative structures but do not encapsulate the specific characteristics of an alternative payment model that prioritizes value, patient outcomes, and integrated care.