Ochsner Accountable Care Network Announces Over $11.5 Million in Savings

Program improves coordination and efficiency of healthcare for Medicare patients

The Ochsner Accountable Care Network, LLC is pleased to report its 2017 results, which included a reduction in the expected cost of care by over $11.5 million and improved coordination of care of over 40,000 Medicare beneficiaries. The Ochsner Accountable Care Network (OACN) is an Accountable Care Organization (ACO) that consists of over 2,250 providers in Louisiana and Mississippi. OACN was founded to improve health outcomes and support efforts to improve population health across Louisiana and the Gulf South.

OACN was founded in 2013 to ensure that patients, especially those with chronic conditions, get the right care, at the right time, in the right place. The largest ACO in Louisiana, OACN’s team includes Ochsner employed and community providers in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, St. Tammany Parish, Houma and South Mississippi. A savings in 2017 of 2.3% represents a payment of over $11.5M with OACN sharing in over $4.9M of that savings.

ACOs are groups of physicians, hospitals and other healthcare providers who come together voluntarily to provide coordinated, quality care to Medicare patients. The goal of ACOs is to improve efficiency and coordination of care, resulting in improved care delivery and reduced healthcare costs to the patient and organization. Patients see the benefit of ACOs through improved communication of their healthcare teams and reduced duplication in paperwork and medical tests.

“The Ochsner Accountable Care Network is an important part of Ochsner Health System’s strategy to change our community through patient-focused care and an ongoing commitment to improving the health of our patients and neighbors,” said David Carmouche, MD, Executive Director, Ochsner Accountable Care Network and President, Ochsner Health Network. “Healthcare organizations and providers have a responsibility to not only treat our patients, but find innovative solutions to challenges facing them, including reducing healthcare costs, improving care team communication and creating a better, more personalized healthcare experience. Ochsner saw the benefit of creating OACN and bending the cost curve, we’re able to better deliver on our mission to change and save lives.”

For more information on OACN or the 2017 results, please visit ochsneracn.org. For more information on ACOs, please visit https://www.cms.gov/medicare/m.