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Citation

Kennedy, Gregory; Lewis, Valerie A.; Kundu, Souma; Mousqués, Julien; & Colla, Carrie H. (2020). Accountable Care Organizations and Post-Acute Care: A Focus on Preferred SNF Networks. Medical Care Research and Review, 77(4), 312-323. PMCID: PMC6312742

Abstract

Due to high magnitude and variation in spending on post-acute care, accountable care organizations (ACOs) are focusing on transforming management of hospital discharge through relationships with preferred skilled nursing facilities (SNFs). Using a mixed-methods design, we examined survey data from 366 respondents to the National Survey of ACOs along with 16 semi-structured interviews with ACOs who performed well on cost and quality measures. Survey data revealed that over half of ACOs had no formal relationship with SNFs; however, the majority of ACO interviewees had formed preferred SNF networks. Common elements of networks included a comprehensive focus on care transitions beginning at hospital admission, embedded ACO staff across settings, solutions to support information sharing, and jointly established care protocols. Misaligned incentives, unclear regulations, and a lack of integrated health records remained challenges, yet preferred networks are beginning to transform the ACO post-acute care landscape.

URL

http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1077558718781117

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year Published

2020

Journal Title

Medical Care Research and Review

Author(s)

Kennedy, Gregory
Lewis, Valerie A.
Kundu, Souma
Mousqués, Julien
Colla, Carrie H.

Article Type

Regular

PMCID

PMC6312742

Data Set/Study

National Survey of ACOs

Continent/Country

United States

State

Nonspecific