Coordinating Care for Better Outcomes: An Analysis of 30-Day All-Cause Readmissions and Accountable Care Organization Attribution

Published in Population Health Journal

The journal Population Health Management published a study by researchers at Bon Secours Mercy Health and Premier that revealed beneficiaries attributed to Medicare Shared Savings Program (MSSP) accountable care organizations (ACOs) had a 6 percent lower readmission rate compared to non-ACO beneficiaries.

Analyzing Medicare claims data from 2022 to 2024 and focusing on 30-day all-cause readmissions, the researchers found that the benefits were even more pronounced among patients with higher clinical complexity and those with multiple hospitalizations. Even after accounting for factors such as differing patient complexity and hospitalization patterns, ACO attribution remained strongly associated with reduced readmission risk.

Also included is a framework shared by Mercy Health Select ACO for addressing the complex needs of patients during vulnerable care transitions. These core aspects and key activities may serve as actionable steps for others’ clinical performance improvement.