Care coordination an obstacle to meeting ACO objectives

Challenges with care coordination often stand in the way of hospitals meeting accountable care organization (ACO) objectives according to 62% of Massachusetts emergency department (ED) directors that responded to an Annals of Internal Medicine survey.

Like many healthcare initiatives, ACOs are aimed at decreasing costs while improving quality of care. The majority (88%) of respondents said there were no financial risks placed upon them because of their ACO contracts.

To reduce costs, 85% of respondents turned to case managers for assistance in ED patient care. While some EDs in Massachusetts have made strides in implementing strategies for reducing readmissions, costs, and utilization, the only widespread effort that has been made is with ramping up ED case management efforts.

Lack of familiarity with ACO goals also impeded 58% of respondents’ ability to meet ACO objectives. Some respondents believed physicians were not even familiar with the goals.