Rural ACOs that received loans from the CMS succeeded

Accountable Care Organizations that were launched in part through loans from the CMS saved Medicare $82 million after just one year of operations, according to a federal report released Friday. The CMS spent just $58 million in loans to qualifying ACOs.

One other interesting details in the report was that primary care providers equaled success for AIM ACOs, according to Ann Greiner, president and CEO of the Patient-Centered Primary Care Collaborative. 

The report noted increases in both annual wellness visits and care management activities which are spearheaded by primary care doctors.

"A conclusion of the AIM results is that you really need that relationship between a clinician and a patient to really help manage their condition," Greiner said."This leads to better outcomes and reduced costs."