What is the meaning of an "accountable care organization" (ACO)?

An "accountable care organization" (ACO) refers to a collaboration of healthcare providers that coordinates patient care across various services to improve outcomes. The essence of an ACO lies in its focus on universal patient care, integrating different elements of care management to ensure that patients receive timely and appropriate healthcare services.

By emphasizing coordinated healthcare, ACOs strive to improve not only the quality but also the efficiency of care delivered to patients. This cooperation among providers is essential for minimizing unnecessary tests and procedures, reducing hospital readmissions, and ultimately fostering a better patient experience. ACOs operate on the principle that well-coordinated care can lead to both better health outcomes for individuals and cost savings for the healthcare system as a whole.

The other options misrepresent the concept of an ACO. While some may allude to aspects of healthcare or management, they do not encapsulate the core purpose and operational philosophy of an ACO, which is fundamentally about collaboration and coordinated care to enhance overall health systems.