Frequently Asked Questions for Accountable Care Organization (ACO) Patients

An ACO is a group of doctors and hospitals that work together with you to coordinate your health care in order to ensure you are receiving the care you need. This group shares responsibility for the cost and quality of your care.

Your primary care provider is the first person you turn to for most of your health concerns. In addition to preventive care, your primary care provider helps you manage chronic diseases and makes sure you address other health issues early on. Studies have shown that people who see a primary care provider regularly enjoy better health. 

ACO patients see the doctor of their choice. ACO providers are dedicated to providing higher quality care because they share responsibility for the cost and quality of care delivered to their patients. In addition to routine care, an ACO provider focuses on preventive care and managing chronic diseases to keep you healthy, and that decreases costs. 

There are no additional costs for participating in an ACO. ACOs are not health insurance plans. ACO providers use a value-based model to get paid: They are rewarded for keeping you healthy and out of the hospital. This is different from the fee-for-service model, in which providers are paid based on the volume of care they provide. 

You may not notice any changes. Although your physician may refer you to a doctor within the ACO, you still have the ability to see the doctor of your choice. The only difference you may notice is that someone will call you to ensure you are being seen regularly by your primary care provider.

Your group of doctors, nurses, and hospital workers will have access to your medical records and can share that information with each other. This allows providers to view all of your medical history so they can provide high-quality care. But we always respect your privacy preferences. You can choose not to share your medical information. 

You do not enroll in an ACO. Your insurer has attributed your care to University of Iowa Health Care. This means we are responsible for your health, so we want to partner with you to provide whatever care you need. Part of our responsibility is to make sure you see your primary care provider regularly because it is an important part of maintaining your health.

No.

No. Unlike managed care, an ACO cannot tell you which health care provider to visit. Your ACO works with you and your provider to ensure you receive the care you need. 

• Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
• Medicare Shared Savings Program
• Welcome to Medicare
• Coordinating your care