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What are accountable care systems and accountable care organisations?
In an accountable care system (ACS) several healthcare organisations agree to provide all health and social care for a given population. An accountable care organisation (ACO) is a body that manages the agreements to establish such a system and is accountable for all care. Distinctions between the two terms are often overlooked, and they are sometimes used interchangeably.
How did the terms originate?
Accountable care organisations began in the US, with groups of healthcare providers coming together to provide care for a given population. Examples include the Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound, Washington State; the Geisinger Health System, western Pennsylvania; and Intermountain Healthcare in Salt Lake City. 1 ACOs are accountable to patients and funders for care that meets particular quality metrics within set costs, often based on a capitation funding model. For some time, ACOs have been suggested as a way to help the UK improve integration of health and social care providers.
How are they likely to function in the NHS?
In the English NHS, ACSs are being established as a new phase in the development of sustainability and...