Medicare Accountable Care Organizations Reduce Spending on Surgery.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Surgical care among older adults is costly. While Medicare accountable care organizations (ACOs) are designed around primary care, there are reasons to believe that participation may also affect spending on surgery. This study examines the impact that Medicare ACO alignment has on spending for inpatient and outpatient surgical care.

Study design

We conducted a retrospective cohort study using national Medicare claims (2008 through 2015). Among a 20% random sample of beneficiaries, we identified adults 65 years of age and older enrolled in fee-for-service Medicare, distinguishing between those aligned and unaligned with a Medicare ACO. We then measured payments for surgical services made on their behalf. Finally, we fit multivariable regression models to evaluate t

SUBMITTER: Modi PK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7561039 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature