Provider groups are applauding the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ proposed accountable care organization regulations. They allow post-acute care facilities, including nursing homes, to participate. First, though, quality measures for nursing homes need to be finalized.
An initial analysis by the American Health Care Association determined that the establishment of ACOs will “offer more comprehensive care and better serve the needs of rural communities.” ACOs are designed to act as incentive programs, pushing healthcare providers to provide high-quality care and keep patients out of the hospital or from being readmitted.
AHCA says its membership and other post-acute care providers are adept in coordinating patients’ care by working with physicians, hospitals and other key stakeholders, according to AHCA President and CEO Mark Parkinson.
CMS currently is soliciting ideas and comments about the kinds of providers and vendors that should participate in ACOs. The comment period ends June 6.
From the May 01, 2011 Issue of McKnight's Long-Term Care News
