Ochsner Accountable Care Network Recognized Nationally for Quality and Efficiency

NEW ORLEANS – The Ochsner Accountable Care Network (OACN) was recently rewarded for its high quality, efficient providers. OACN scored 94.07 out of 100 points through the Merit Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) arm of the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) – a 2015 law that which changed the way Medicare rewards clinicians for value over volume through the creation of the Quality Payment Program. By scoring more than 70 points, OACN also qualified for the exceptional performance bonus from Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for their efforts in 2017.

MACRA’s value-focused approach emphasizes patient outcomes, patient experience and coordination of care with the goal of improving the quality of care. In accordance with MACRA, many groups of physicians, hospitals and other healthcare providers across the country came together voluntarily to provide coordinated, quality care to Medicare patients.

Known as Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs), these groups strive to improve efficiency and coordination of care, resulting in improved care delivery and reduced healthcare costs to the patient and organization. Patients see the benefit of ACOs through improved communication of their healthcare teams and reduced duplication in paperwork and medical tests. ACOs participate annually in MIPS and are graded on a bell curve.

“Ochsner continues to enhance its population health capabilities and demonstrates success under Value Based Care programs. We proudly offer our patients the best medical care possible with a focus on wellness, health maintenance and affordability,” said David Carmouche, executive director of OACN and President of Ochsner Health Network.

Founded in 2013, OACN ensures all patients, especially those with chronic conditions, get the right care, at the right time, in the right place. It is the largest ACO in Louisiana, serving both Ochsner employed facilities and community providers in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, St. Tammany Parish, Houma and South Mississippi.

OACN recently moved its ACO to a Track 1+ risk model, which requires the organization to absorb a greater portion of financial risk for the care of Medicare beneficiaries. Through this arrangement OACN is now considered an Advanced Alternative Payment Model (AAPM).

For more information on OACN, please visit ochsneracn.org.