Leadership Roles in Accountable Care Organizations

This report presents the findings of the first national survey of accountable care organizations (ACOs), focusing on the leadership and ownership dynamics within these models of care. The survey indicates that over half of the ACOs surveyed are led by physicians, with one-third being co-led by both physicians and hospitals. Notably, physicians make up the majority of the governing boards in more than three-quarters of ACOs and own 40 percent of them. The report discusses the transition to population-based care models and its implications for physician autonomy, income, and clinical practices. It emphasizes the importance of physician involvement in governance for effective communication and trust-building. Furthermore, the report highlights that physician-led ACOs often consist of independent practices and have access to programs like the Advanced Payment Program, which supports their establishment. The American Medical Association (AMA) is actively working to identify effective care delivery models and provide resources for physicians to navigate these changes.