Mercy-CR, UI Health Care Form Accountable Care Organization
Linn County LIVING WELL Magazine
In July, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that Mercy Medical Center and UI Health Care’s application to form a Medicare Accountable Care Organization was approved. The new ACO, formally named Mercy-CR/UI Health Accountable Care Organization, began operation July 1, 2012.
The approval means that the two organizations and their clinic systems will collaboratively participate in the new Medicare Shared Savings Program. The new Medicare ACO model emphasizes care coordination, as well as increased access to preventive care and improved support for chronic disease management.
The Medicare Shared Savings Program was created as part of the Affordable Care Act, the health care reform law of 2010, to better coordinate care for Medicare patients through ACOs. Instead of patients having to navigate the complex health system on their own, ACOs emphasize relationships with primary care providers and work hand-in-hand with patients to meet their individual healthcare needs. The approach will assure coordination of care regardless of care setting—doctors’ offices, hospitals and other health care locations.
“We are thrilled that our application has been accepted,” says Tim Charles, CEO, Mercy Medical Center. “Care coordination and efficient use of resources are a focal point for our two health care systems, and we look forward to expanding this commitment through our newly formed ACO.”
The Medicare Shared Savings Program will reward ACOs for meeting specific performance standards on quality of care, achieving better health outcomes and delivering a positive patient experience, while decreasing healthcare costs for Medicare beneficiaries. Provider participation in an ACO is purely voluntary. Medicare beneficiaries retain their current ability to seek treatment from any provider they wish.
“Through the coordination of truly comprehensive care for patients, we can improve outcomes, prevent illness, and reduce the cost of care,” says Jean Robillard, M.D., vice president for medical affairs, UI Health Care. “We look forward to working with Mercy Medical Center as our ACO partner to improve care for Medicare beneficiaries. We share a very strong focus on quality, safety and service, as well as the shared goal of creating a healthier community.”
For more information, visit mercycare.org.
