Daily Report Blog

​Today, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released a proposed rule on the Medicare Shared Savings Program, commonly referred to as Accountable Care Organizations​ (ACOs).  This policy is the source of great interest and confusion among osteopathic physicians and the health care industry at large.  After an initial review of the rules, the AOA supports the proposed rule’s emphasis on patient-centered care and sound foundation in primary care.  The AOA Strategic Plan calls on the AOA to influence the development and implementation of health system reform policies.  Consistent with this directive, President Nichols has asked the AOA’s Joint Committee on Quality and Payment (JCQP) to take the lead role in analyzing the ACO proposed rule.  In addition to the work of the JCQP, the AOA is forming an advisory committee consisting of DOs who have experience with integrated systems as well as an internal staff task force to examine the proposed rule and direct our future advocacy and education activities related to it, including a series of educational programs for our members regarding ACOs.  If you have comments and/or suggestions please send them to govt-issues@osteopathic.org; please include “ACO Comments” in the subject line.