An Accountable Care Organization, or ACO, is a coordinated health care system that strives to deliver quality care at a lower total medical cost by focusing on several key areas:

• Coordination of care across multiple medical specialties and care settings, both inpatient and outpatient.
• Evidence-based care practices.
• Use of information technology.
• Quality measurement and accountability for quality of care, patient satisfaction and the total cost of care.
• Incentives for prevention, care management and outcomes.

ACOs practice team-based care in which physicians, nurses and specialists work together to provide coordinated care for patients. These professionals come together and agree on ways to improve care outcomes. A strong emphasis is placed on proactive measures, including prevention, identification of disease, and ongoing intervention on disease states.

For more information, visit Accountable Care Houston.