News and briefs: Survey shows minimal ACO participation among physicians

Physician participation in accountable care organizations (ACOs) is miniscule, according to a recent Medscape report. Only 3% of surveyed physicians participate with ACOs with about 5% more planning to get involved within a year.

Major reasons for the lack of participation in ACOs cited in the survey include a fear of reduction in physician income and patient care. About half of the 3,200 surveyed physicians believe quality measures in ACOs will have a negative impact on patient care, opposed to 25% who believe ACOs will improve care.

About two-thirds of physicians said they will not reduce the volume of tests, procedures, and treatments to comply with ACO treatment guidelines, because the guidelines are not in the best interest of their patients and physicians believe in practicing defensive medicine.

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