ACOs using medical home physicians save money, yield higher quality, report finds

Dive Brief:

Medicare ACOs with a higher proportion of primary care physicians with patient-centered medical home experience were more likely to generate savings and demonstrate higher quality scores, according to the Patient-Centered Primary Care Collaborative’s (PCPCC) 2018 Evidence Report.

Researchers grouped 333 ACOs into quartiles from no PCMH experience (Q1) to 43% PCMH primary care physicians (Q4). After adjusting for organizational and beneficiary characteristics, the relationship between PCMH PCP and higher cost outcomes was positive, with ACOs in the 2nd, 3rd and 4th quartiles averaging savings of 1.9%, 1.3% and 1.2%, respectively — notable, given that the overall savings benchmark was 0.6%.

Regarding quality, ACOs in the highest quartile of PCMH PCP share performed better in clinical quality scores related to preventative screenings, chronic management, health promotion and health status.

Full Article