In 2015, the Northwell Health ACO chose to participate in the Medicare Shared Savings Program, with an effective start date of January 1, 2016. The Northwell Health ACO is governed by independent physicians, Northwell Health employed physicians, and a Medicare FFS beneficiary.

Northwell Health’s participation in the Medicare Shared Savings Program presents an opportunity to develop innovative approaches to health care delivery, streamline existing value-based programs, and promote wellness that will improve the health of our communities.

What is a Medicare Shared Savings Program ACO?

A Medicare Shared Savings Program (MSSP) Accountable Care Organization (ACO) is a new, national approach to health care delivery for Medicare fee-for-service (FFS) beneficiaries. Created under the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, a MSSP ACO works to improve quality and reduce unnecessary costs.

MSSP ACOs are not managed care organizations, do not use closed networks of providers, and do not limit a Medicare beneficiary’s ability to seek care from participating Medicare providers outside an ACO.

There is no financial downside risk or disruption to underlying Medicare fee-for-service billing. When an MSSP ACO succeeds both in delivering high-quality care and spending health care dollars more wisely, it will share in the savings it achieves for the Medicare program.

For general questions or additional information about Accountable Care Organizations, please visit www.medicare.gov/acos.html or call 1-800 MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048.

Our mission

The Northwell Health ACO’s mission is to improve the health and wellness of the community through the collaborative efforts of physicians and other healthcare providers who:

• Share a commitment to the provision of excellent healthcare services; and
• Seek to enhance delivery of quality, coordinated and efficient care.

The Northwell Health ACO provides an opportunity to collaboratively improve patient outcomes by:

• Providing better coordinated care for our patients;
• Improving the health of the communities we serve; and
• Eliminating unnecessary costs in health care.
• Code of ethical conduct
• Northwell Health resource guide

Northwell Health ACO annual compliance training (for participants only)