Which of the following statements about accountable care organizations (ACOs) is most correct?

The statement regarding accountable care organizations (ACOs) that is most accurate is that ACOs can distribute bonuses when targets are met and impose penalties when targets are missed. This reflects the foundational principle of ACOs, which is to promote value-based care. ACOs aim to improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs by incentivizing healthcare providers to meet specific performance benchmarks.

In practice, when an ACO successfully reduces costs while maintaining or improving the quality of care, it can share in the savings generated. Conversely, if the ACO fails to meet established targets for savings or quality, it may face penalties, reinforcing accountability among the participating providers. This performance-based model encourages collaboration and alignment of incentives across the healthcare system to enhance patient care.

The other statements do not accurately depict the structure or operational regulations of ACOs. ACOs operate with government oversight, particularly when they are part of Medicare programs. Participating providers within ACOs are allowed to share in any savings achieved, which is central to the financial success of the organization. Lastly, ACOs do not focus solely on patient billing practices; rather, their mission is broader, encompassing coordination of care, improving health outcomes, and promoting preventive services.