Next-Gen ACOs saved $62M in first reporting year, CMS says

Dive Brief:

• CMS' Next Generation ACO Model saved Medicare roughly $62 million while maintaining quality of care for patients, according to an analysis of 2016 data, the first reporting year for NGACO participants.
• Among the key findings were a 1.3% monthly decline in acute care hospital days, 1.5% monthly drop in nonhospital evaluation and management visits and 11.9% increase in annual wellness visits. 
• Contributing to the savings was reduced spending in skilled nursing facilities (SNF), CMS notes. Four of the 18 active NGACOs in 2016 accounted for more than half the reduction in spending and utilization.