NEW ROCHELLE, NY--(Marketwire - March 17, 2011) - In anticipation of the role of Accountable Care Organizations (ACO) in healthcare reform, Somnia Anesthesia (Somnia) has defined an ACO model of aligned accountability -- the Accountable Anesthesia Organization™ (AAO) -- designed to support ACO goals. The AAO model is described in a new resource document published by the national anesthesia services company.
The Affordable Care Act includes the establishment of an ACO shared savings program by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) no later than January 1, 2012. Under this program, which is still in development, physicians, group practices and hospitals would join together to form ACOs to care for specific patient populations.
An Accountable Anesthesia Organization (AAO) is a transparent, collaborative partner in the delivery of high-quality, cost-effective anesthesia care. "Anesthesia has a role in the care given in both acute and ambulatory care settings. Therefore, as hospitals and other providers consider the strategic alignments and transparent partnerships required for ACO participation, it is extremely important that anesthesia be included in the process," said Hugh Morgan, director of quality assurance at Somnia. "Anesthesia's participation is essential to the sustained success of ACOs," he said.
"Anesthesia clinicians are often the procedural intensivists in both acute and ambulatory care situations," said Morgan. "Therefore, they should have accountability for both the quality of care and cost efficiencies in anesthesia within the larger ACO."
An AAO promotes the delivery of high-quality, cost-effective care by focusing on five key areas that are aligned with the structure of ACOs: transparency, resource utilization, quality metrics, cost containment and patient experience. Ensuring that anesthesia quality and cost components integrate and align with ACO requirements offers a competitive advantage for organizations considering ACO participation.
To download a free copy of the Somnia resource document, "The Role of Anesthesia in Accountable Care Organizations," visit http://info.somniaanesthesiaservices.com/accountable-care/.
About Somnia Anesthesia
Founded in 1996 by practicing anesthesiologists, Somnia Anesthesia is a full-service clinical anesthesia solutions partner, providing support in all areas of anesthesia including leadership, recruiting, revenue cycle management, payor contracting, quality assurance, billing and credentialing to hospitals, surgery centers and office based surgical facilities. Owned and operated by physicians, Somnia provides locally recruited anesthesia teams, supported by an unmatched national infrastructure that delivers the economies of scale clients demand. Anesthesia continues to be Somnia Anesthesia's only business.
For more information visit: www.somniainc.com.
Contact Information:
Contact:
Melissa Weisstuch
914.637.3533