Three independent physician groups partnered with Tucson Medical Center (TMC), a locally governed, non-profit community hospital, to form a virtually integrated ACO. TMC’s vision is to “enhance the quality of life and overall health for the people of Southern Arizona.” In line with this vision, TMC works with five medical home pilots to focus on outcomes via physician engagement and coordination.
Parent Organization Specifications
Type: Virtual Organization of Nonprofit Hospital System and affiliated practices
Legal Structure: 501(c)3
Patients Served Annually: 35,000 inpatients; 175,000 outpatients
Number Associated Hospitals:1
Number of Hospital Beds: 628
EHR Capabilities: EPIC, NextGen, and Allscripts
Other Reform Efforts: Patient Centered Medical Home practices, co-management service line agreements, SNF directorship and oversight
Clinical Transformation Tools: Timely data (admissions, discharges, transfers, quality, performance, efficiency, and communications)
ACO Specifications
Governance Structure: Executive Committee/Board
Legal Structure: SAACO, LLC; supporting Management Services Organization
Participating Payers in Year 1: United Healthcare
Date Initiated Discussions with Payers: January 2008
Year 1 Shared Savings Model:Shared Savings
Quality Metrics Used in Year 1:Brookings-Dartmouth starter set and additional measures. 35 total distinct quality, efficiency, and system measures
ACO Primary Care Providers: 75
ACO Medical Specialists: 10
ACO Surgical Specialists: 15