Contact:
Richard Gulla
Tel:
781-434-7101
Email: rgulla@mms.org
Waltham,
Mass. – August 21, 2013 – The Massachusetts Medical Society today announced the
release of a new publication for physicians and their practice managers, MMS Guide to Accountable Care Organizations:
What Physicians Need to Know.
The 49-page publication provides detailed guidance on the
issues that physicians should consider whether they are currently participating
in an accountable care organization, forming or joining an ACO, or entering
into an integration agreement with another health care organization.
These issues include:
- Assessing the readiness of a practice to join an
ACO
- Choosing the right ACO
- How to approach an ACO
- Technology considerations
- Legal and governance issues
- Financial impacts
- Achieving clinical integration
“It’s becoming more and more difficult for independent
practices to compete effectively in today’s health care system,” said Ronald W.
Dunlap, MD, president of the Massachusetts Medical Society.
“Many physicians are reassessing their role in this rapidly
evolving system,” he said. “For some, this means becoming an employee of a
larger health care organization. Others may want to retain some of their
professional autonomy, while integrating some aspects of their practice with an
ACO.
“These are complex issues, and there is a great need for objective,
third-party information. It’s our hope that this guide will help them in the
decision-making process,” said Dr. Dunlap.
The book was written for the MMS and its physicians by Chris
Collins, a principal at ECG Management Consultants of Boston, and J. Mark
Waxman, a senior partner in the Boston office of the law firm of Foley & Lardner. It is available to MMS members at www.massmed.org/ACOguide.
The Massachusetts Medical Society, with more than 24,000
physicians and student members, is dedicated to educating and advocating for
the patients and physicians of Massachusetts. The Society, under the auspices
of NEJM Group, publishes the New England Journal of Medicine, a leading global
medical journal and web site, and NEJM Journal Watch alerts and publications
covering 13 specialties. The Society is also a leader in continuing medical
education for health care professionals throughout Massachusetts, conducting a
variety of medical education programs for physicians and health care
professionals. Founded in 1781, MMS is the oldest continuously operating
medical society in the country.
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