ACO requirements from the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act

That groups of providers have established structures for reporting quality and cost of health care, leadership, and management that includes clinical and administrative systems; receiving and distributing shared savings; and shared governance.

Willing to become accountable for the quality, cost, and overall care of the Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries assigned to it.

Minimum three-year contract.

Sufficient primary care providers to have at least 5,000 patients assigned.

Processes to promote evidence-based medicine, patient engagement, and coordination of care.

Ability to demonstrate patient-centeredness criteria, such as individualized care plans.

Source: “The Family Physician’s ACO Blueprint for Success; Preparing Family Medicine for the Approaching Accountable Care Era.”