Summary: The accountable care organization (ACO) --- a network of primary care physicians, one or more hospitals, and subspecialists that provide patient-centered care --- is receiving increasing attention as healthcare reform unfolds. Not only do ACOs complement the medical home model, but they are inextricably linked, says Dr. Craig Samitt, M.B.A., president and CEO of Dean Health System. Dr. Samitt discusses how ACOs complement the medical home model, the pros and cons of mandatory and voluntary ACOs and creating reimbursement strategies for ACOs. Dr. Samitt shared how Dean Health System uses its best practices to create an ACO that provides a high-value patient-centered care experience during the July 29, 2009 webinar, Meet the Medical Home Neighbor: Accountable Care Organizations, part of the Medical Home Open House webinar series.
