Based on ASA's quick, preliminary analysis of the Accountable Care Organization (ACO) final regulations, it does not seem that anesthesiologists and specialists, in general, will have much of a role in ACOs. While CMS made significant changes in the final rule, the program is still directed toward primary care. We will be posting a more comprehensive analysis of the changes in the final rule based on ASA’s comment letter to CMS on the proposed regulations.
To learn more about ACOs, visit ASA's ACO page.