The NCQA recently concluded testing of its standards with 10 organizations that represent IPAs, multispecialty practice groups, and integrated delivery systems. One issue that came up during the testing is the importance of leadership within the ACO.
"We can define structural features that are important for [ACOs], but I think you cannot underestimate the importance of leadership and the cultural change toward patient centered care in forming these organizations," she said.
The Affordable Care Act also includes a pediatric ACO demonstration project that allows states to award incentive payments through the Medicaid program. That project is also expected to launch next year.
Alicia Ault and Naseem Miller contributed to this report.