Study: Physician leadership and effective EHR use are key to ACO success

A new report from the Patient-Centered Primary Care Collaborative and the Robert Graham Center revealed that physician leadership and comprehensive, effective EHR use are two of six factors linked to the success of an accountable care organization (ACO).

Research for the study shows that high involvement of physicians in leadership roles (“physician champions” had a direct connection to success within an ACO when success is measured by the reduction of costs and the improvement of quality of care. This is evident in the positive correlation between the number of physicians holding a place on the governing board and the savings per beneficiary, which is detailed in the report.

Additionally, comprehensive use of EHRs has also been linked to improved patient care at ACOs. When embraced by physicians and used appropriately, EHRs make it possible to coordinate care among multiple physicians (including those who may not be in the hospital), identify high-risk patient groups, and track patient feedback regarding their care. Furthermore, another study showed that hospitals using EHR systems that have the abovementioned capabilities are also more effective at disease prevention.

The other factors linked to ACO success include prior experience with value-based reimbursement, the use of care management strategies, organization and environmental factors, and incentive and payer alignment.

Source: RevCycle Intelligence