A distinguished panel of clinicians who are all involved with value-driven or accountable care models of practice in North Carolina discussed their experiences with this innovative approach. The participants were:
- Conrad L. Flick, MD, FAAFP, Family Medical Associates of Raleigh
- John J. Meier, IV, MD, MBA, Wake Internal Medicine and Pediatrics
- Stephen W. Nuckolls, CEO, Coastal Carolina Health Care, PA
- Ward S. Oakley, Jr., MD, Pinehurst Surgical
- David C. Oliver, MD, FACC, New Bern Internal Medicine & Cardiology;
- Grace Terrell, MD, FACP, FACPE, President, CEO, Cornerstone Health Care
Leaders from within the medical profession in North Carolina are moving definitively to implement value-driven health care models, for which the private sector is pushing. These models include Accountable Care Organizations. Value-driven models represent real opportunities for doctors to lead the implementation of the care improvements that clinical data show will benefit patients and improve efficiency.
Speakers shared information regarding their organizations’ unique experiences regarding the path toward becoming an ACO or engaging in other forms of value-based payment models.
Many of the transitions discussed required investments in technology such as Electronic Health Record (EHR) and participation in Meaningful Use programs, changes to the organization’s contracts with both their payers and with their own physicians, and movements toward new models of care coordination for a population of patients, including high risk patients.
Through the work of the North Carolina Toward Accountable Care Consortium and Initiative a number of resources are now available for both primary care physicians and specialists seeking to join value-based payment models. Visit the TAC webpage for additional information: https://www.compassionatecarenc.org/pages/advocacy_govt_affairs/accountable_care.html.
