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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 Hospitals & Clinics. 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
  • UnityPoint Health
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Sidebar content

  • Your Visit
    • Billing, Insurance, and Financial Assistance
      • Financial Counseling Services
      • Financial and Billing Assistance
        • Billing Checklist
        • How to Read Your Bill
        • Options and Steps for Paying your Bill
        • Rights and Protections Against Surprise Medical Bills
        • Billing for Hospital-Based Clinics
      • Frequently Asked Questions About Billing, Insurance, and Records
      • Insurance Coverages and Patient Registration
        • Frequently Asked Questions for Accountable Care Organization (ACO) Patients
        • Medicare Coverage
        • UI Health Care Insurance Contract List
      • Medical Records Request
    • Visitor Resources
      • Visitor guidelines
        • Face Mask Guidelines and Requirements
        • Visitor Restriction FAQs for Family Members
      • Things to Do in the Iowa City Area
      • Places to Stay in the Iowa City Area
        • Overnight Stay for Guests
        • Ronald McDonald House and Hope Lodge
      • Things to Do in the Hospital
      • Email a Hospitalized Patient
      • Festival of Cultures 2022 - Virtual Gallery
      • Holiday Resources for Patients and Visitors
        • Holiday Hours
      • Send a gift
    • Patient Resources
      • Patient Rights and Responsibilities
        • Social Media Policy
        • Nondiscrimination Notice
        • Health Content Permissions Policy
        • HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices in English
          • Cuidado de Salud de la Universidad de Iowa Aviso sobre las prácticas de privacidad
        • SMS Terms and Conditions
      • Get to Know MyChart
        • MyChart Care Companion
        • eCheck-in with MyChart
      • Spiritual Services
      • Create a Patient Blog
      • Interpretation and Translation Services
      • Office of the Patient Experience
        • About Our Patient Experience Surveys and Provider Ratings
        • Our Commitment to the Patient Experience
        • Patient Relations Specialists
        • Patient and Family Advisory Board (PFAB)
        • UI Health Care's Commitment to Diversity
      • Telephone Numbers at UI Health Care
        • Integrated Call Center
        • Is 319-338-2111 calling you? It's UI Health Care
    • Driving directions and parking
      • Traffic Notifications
      • UI Hospitals & Clinics
      • Iowa River Landing
    • How to Prepare for a Visit
      • New to the US? - Find The Right Care
      • On-Going Care and Follow-Up Visits
        • Home Care Options and UI Community HomeCare
        • On-Going Care Options
        • Therapy Options
      • Understanding your Health Care Team Roles
    • Your Visit to UI Hospitals & Clinics
      • Services and Amenities
        • Lost & Found
        • UI Home Solutions–Medical Supply Store
          • Mommy and Me Bedside Delivery
        • Banking Services
        • Dietitian Services
        • Discharge Lounge
        • Environmental Services
        • Fourth Floor Salon
        • Gift Shop - Wild Rose Gifts
        • Guest and Concierge Services
        • Mailboxes and Mailing Addresses
        • Patients' Library
          • Gale Virtual Reference Library
          • Patient Library Catalog
        • Play Spaces
        • Project Art
          • Artist—Art and Illness Series
            • As I Live and Breathe
          • Medical Museum
          • Performing Arts
          • Project Art Online Gallery - Permanent Pieces
          • Project Art Staff Directory
          • Requesting art for patient-focused spaces
          • Temporary Exhibits
            • 43rd Annual Staff Art Show
            • Become a Project Art Exhibitor
            • Past Temporary Exhibits
        • Wheelchairs and Patient Escorts
        • Wifi Network and Computer Access
      • Places to Eat
        • Atrium Dining Room
        • Compass Express
        • Patient Room Service
        • Rooftop Café and Rooftop Terrace
        • The Fountain Dining Room
        • The Marketplace
      • Driving Directions and Parking

Patient Financial Services

Patient Billing

To make payment arrangements or discuss financial assistance, please contact:

  • Phone: 1-319-384-2196
  • Toll free: 1-866-393-4605
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Pay your bill online 24/7

Registration

To update your insurance, please contact:

  • Phone: 1-866-309-0832
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Update using MyChart

Financial Counseling Services

For estimates, please contact:

  • Phone: 1-319-384-6275
  • Toll free: 1-866-452-8506
  • Email: [email protected]

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