In July 2012, Mercy ACO became a recognized Accountable Care Organization under the Medicare Shared Savings Program. With the program’s focus of improved quality of care and increased patient value, the shared savings program was logical next step in the evolution of Mercy’s health care model. The Medicare Shared Savings Program further aligns incentives to providing quality health care, increased patient satisfaction and lower cost for this patient population.

• ACO Information from Medicare.gov
• ACO FAQ from Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
• ACO Program Initiatives