Accountable care organizations are a significant part of the healthcare reform legislation. Beginning in January 2012, the concept behind ACOs is based on a strong case that integrated care can improve quality while decreasing costs. But the case was made based on the experience of a few, highly organized providers: Kaiser, Geisinger, Mayo, and 31 others. The healthcare landscape of the past 20 years is littered with the detritus of failed attempts to integrate providers. While attempts at greater integration will be in everyone's future, successful organizations will have to clear operational, financial, IT, cultural, and legal hurdles, including how to align with physicians. Those who ignore ACOs may be overtaken by competitors. This Webinar examines these challenges and others boards will face, and provide advice on setting a clear organizational vision, the timing of major investments in these programs, and setting appropriate risk tolerance.

The following questions, among others, are covered in this program:

• Why are ACOs so important?
• How do ACOs fit with other key strategies?
• What questions should boards be asking about ACO strategy?

Presenters:

Don Seymour, president, Don Seymour & Associates and Governance Advisor, and John Harris, Principal, DGA Partners

Members and Webinar participants may log in to view the recorded Webinar and download the slides. See download buttons, “Member Download” and “Start Course” above (buttons will not appear unless you are logged in with your member or participant password).

Below are links to download publications and articles related to this Webinar topic.

“The Strategic Alignment Committee: A Ready Response to Reform” (E-Briefings article, September 2010)

“Hospital–Physician Integration” (Governance Spotlight DVD program, August 2010)

“The Potential Risk to Successful Hospital Integration Strategies Under the PPACA Posed by Physician Board Members’ Conflicts of Interest” (E-Briefings article, July 2010)

“Five Essential Strategic Questions Your Board Must Tackle by January 1, 2011” (BoardRoom Press article, June 2010)

“The Continuum of Care” (BoardRoom Press special section, April 2010)

“Making the Case for Clinical Integration and Accountable Care” (Boardroom Press article, April 2010)