HEALTH NEWS
Medicare launches experiment to improve care
Posted: Dec 19, 2011 10:32 AM by Associated Press (JM)
WASHINGTON (AP) - Medicare says it's launching a national experiment to improve care for seniors, and hopefully save taxpayers money as well.
Officials announced Monday that 32 networks of doctors and hospitals around the country are becoming Pioneer Accountable Care Organizations, or ACOs.
Behind the acronym is a coordinated approach to medicine so that risks like high blood pressure and elevated blood sugars are managed better and patients get help leading a healthier lifestyle.
The networks will be eligible for financial rewards if they improve care and lower costs.
About 860,000 of Medicare's 47 million beneficiaries will be involved in the test. They'll still be free to go to any doctor.
Officials hope the test will lead to a new model for all of Medicare.
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Online:
Pioneer ACOs - http://innovations.cms.gov/initiatives/aco/pioneer
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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