NAI Consultant Stephen Rothenberg, J.D. presented a webinar on ACOs, titled The Essence of Accountable Care, to the Society for Healthcare Strategy and Market Development on October 12, 2011.

In theory, the ACO model will provide financial incentives to health care organizations to reduce costs and improve quality. In reality, given the dynamics and complexity of the structure required, ACOs are unlikely to solve these issues. This webinar outlined the challenges to the ACO model, and offer alternative strategies achieving better health outcomes at lower cost. The session included information on other alternative payment models and steps providers can take to improve clinical integration and cost management — without the complexity of creating a new organization.