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U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services
Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs)
Guidance for defining Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) and learning more about them.
Issued by: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Issue Date: February 11, 2020
What is an ACO?
ACOs are groups of doctors, hospitals, and other health care providers, who come together voluntarily to give coordinated high-quality care to their Medicare patients.
The goal of coordinated care is to ensure that patients get the right care at the right time, while avoiding unnecessary duplication of services and preventing medical errors.
When an ACO succeeds both in delivering high-quality care and spending health care dollars more wisely, the ACO will share in the savings it achieves for the Medicare program.
Where can I learn more about ACOs?
CMS offers different learning opportunities for providers and organizations interested in learning more about ACOs. Visit the CMS Innovation Center website and Medicare Shared Savings Program website periodically to learn about the latest opportunities.
HHS is committed to making its websites and documents accessible to the widest possible audience, including individuals with disabilities. We are in the process of retroactively making some documents accessible. If you need assistance accessing an accessible version of this document, please reach out to the guidance@hhs.gov.
DISCLAIMER: The contents of this database lack the force and effect of law, except as authorized by law (including Medicare Advantage Rate Announcements and Advance Notices) or as specifically incorporated into a contract. The Department may not cite, use, or rely on any guidance that is not posted on the guidance repository, except to establish historical facts.
Date Published: 12/31/2020
