Vision to Value: Transforming Care Through Medicare ACOs

Medicare Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) are evolving rapidly as CMS shifts its focus from volume to value, aiming to improve outcomes while lowering costs. Initially centered on shared savings and basic quality reporting, ACOs are now expected to deliver more measurable results through population health management, preventive care, and data-driven interventions.

Recent policy updates emphasize greater accountability, benchmark reform, alignment with primary care definitions, and expanded access to advanced payment models. These changes reflect a broader push to move providers into higher levels of risk while offering more tools—such as telehealth flexibility and health equity incentives—to succeed. As ACOs mature, they’re transforming from experimental partnerships into foundational models for Medicare’s value-based future.

A knowledgeable panel joined the podcast to discuss Medicare ACOs, including Dr. George Beauregard, Dr. Brent Staton, Rebecca Baker, RN, Michelle Mirkovic, and Kris Gates.

One topic of discussion was whether “Value-Based Care” truly captures the goals of healthcare. Our take? “Outcomes-Based Care” is a clearer, more meaningful term.