Hackensack University Medical Center became the latest New Jersey care provider to apply for an accountable-care organization with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services today.
HUMC applied for the creation of the ACO with 122 physicians, centered around five physician offices. If accepted, the ACO would begin operations on April 1.
“At Hackensack UMC, we are dedicated to providing superior clinical patient care that is accountable, cost-efficient and coordinated in the best way possible,” said Robert C. Garrett, president and CEO of the system, in the announcement. “The creation of this accountable-care organization will ensure that Hackensack UMC patients are offered a network of the very best physicians who are focused on the entire spectrum of care for that patient.”
ACOs focus on wellness and prevention through coordinated care by primary physicians in order to reduce costs and unnecessary emergency room visits. According to HUMC, there are an additional 457 physicians interested in joining the ACO once it is approved.
HUMC announced in September that its staff was being enrolled in an ACO, Hackensack Physician Alliance LLC, managed through QualCare, Inc.
Atlantic Health System announced earlier this month it has applied for the creation of an ACO, as well.
