In an article for Physician Insurer Magazine, Lockton's Dana Switzer clarifies what an Accountable Care Organization is and how each will be unique in its structure, governance, relationships, and delivery model.  Topics essential when evaluating risk-financing needs.

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The MSSP promotes the formation and operation of accountable care organizations (ACOs) to serve Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries.  According to CMS, this program is intended to encourage providers of services and suppliers (e.g., physicians, hospitals, and others involved in patient care) to join together and create a new type of healthcare entity, an ACO. The ACO must agree to be held accountable for improving the health and experience of care for individuals and improving the health of populations, while reducing the rate of growth in healthcare spending.

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_{Dana Switzer
Senior Vice President & Unit Manager
dswitzer@lockton.com
816-960-9601}

_{"Reprinted from the First Quarter 2012 issue of Physician Insurer Magazine, Physician Insurers Association of America.  Copyright 2012.}