ACOs are HMOs on steroids
HMOs - pays lump sum to doctors - capitated care
ACOs - pays lump sum to Health Care Provider Group
ACO - Medicare Shared Savings Plan: Bonus vs Liability
Bonus - Keep treatment costs down - bonus for ACO
Liability - Treatment exceeds lump sum - ACO is liable
Holds everyone accountable for costs - except the patient
Result - A Challenge to Physician Ethics - Further divides your loyalty between your patient and the 3rd party payor
