Although physicians have formed into groups sponsoring ACOs, they represent a wide variety of organizations: from large multi-specialty group practices to loosely structured independent primary care physicians groups modeled on the Independent Practice Association (IPA) model. Compared to health systems, many of these groups have limited resources and infrastructure to support the IT, claims, EMR, quality measurement and communication tools essential to their success.
Most medical groups are in early stages of EMR adoption and attestation for Meaningful Use, which further complicates their cost-effective inclusion in ACOs or any other programs designed for better Value-Based care. Add to that the adverse impact of the Medicare Sequester, PQRS compliance, NCQA/HEDIS compliance for the Medicare Advantage Stars program and ICD-10 adoption.
Valiante – Healthcare Management Solutions provides services to medical groups:
- ACO design, development and contracting
- Managed care contracting and negotiating
- IT system strategy and implementation
- Medical Group economics and compensation
- Quality measurement and application to practice improvements