ACOs employ a number of resources to accomplish their objectives. They include the use of preferred providers who are committed to quality, data analytics, care managers and professional management. The business model rewards physicians based on the results achieved.
DCE: The Next Generation for ACOs
Beginning April 2021, Medicare offers their Direct Contracting Model for traditional Medicare beneficiaries. This model will add preferred provider networks with negotiated discounts to the tools utilized by ACOs. There will be approximately 100 DCEs (Direct Care Entities) serving the populations of most states with the Professional and Global models. Starting in January 2022 the Geographic model is being considered in 15 major regions. Under this model 100% of traditional Medicare benefciaries will be assigned to a DCE. ACOs are the primary target for these new DCEs, along with health plans, MCOs and health systems for the new Geographic model.
The ACO/DCE Network
While ACOs are growing in popularity they are still a relatively new option in healthcare, especially as it relates to direct contracting. One limitation is that the employer's footprint covers a larger geographic area than that of the ACO. Well Team Partners remedies this shortcoming by developing a network of ACOs which overlap and cover many geographic areas. You can contract with multiple ACOs to meet your unique geographic footprint. DCEs will likewise offer new options to private, commercial and governmental payers while they accelerate the development of more extensive preferred provider networks.
The Well Team Partners' Solutions
With our ACO/DCE marketplace, healthcare stakeholders can find solutions for sustainability, growth and efficiency. We have also just launched our Preferred Provider Direct Contracting Network service where we connect high performing, top rated provider who are willing to negotiate contracts for discounted rates and/or alternative payment models.
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Current ACO/DCE service areas are highlighted in orange. States in gray are coming soon.