eBrightHealth ACO Achieves High Quality Care While Reducing Costs by $2.4M

The eBrightHealth Accountable Care Organization (ACO) reduced health care spending by approximately $2.4 million for its 27,000 Medicare beneficiaries in 2023, while achieving a quality score of 88.4%, according to recently released performance data by the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

“These strong results reflect eBrightHealth ACO’s steadfast commitment to our Medicare beneficiaries,” said Christine Donohue-Henry, M.D., MBA, president and CEO of eBrightHealth ACO.

“Our dedicated team of clinicians and health system partners remains focused on essential aspects of care, such as care transitions, coordination, data sharing, quality improvement and ongoing practice transformation. By emphasizing the health and wellness of our patients, we ensure they receive the right care, in the right place, at the right time.”

ACOs offer a market-based solution to fragmented and costly care, empowering local physicians, hospitals and other providers to collaborate, improve quality, enhance patient experience and keep care affordable. The Medicare Shared Savings Program incentivizes ACOs to invest in care transformation by enabling them to share in the savings they generate after achieving defined quality and cost goals.

eBrightHealth ACO, which included 2,000 primary and specialty care clinicians across multiple health systems in 2023, has achieved shared savings for four consecutive years and has reduced health care costs for its Medicare beneficiaries for eight consecutive years. The cumulative amount saved during the ACO’s participation in the program is $56 million.

The ACO helps clinicians address the comprehensive needs of Medicare beneficiaries, improving care coordination and health outcomes. The goal is to improve access to primary care, reduce unnecessary emergency room visits and prevent or minimize the need for hospital care. By maintaining regular communication, eBrightHealth ACO educates and empowers beneficiaries to take charge of their health, promoting medication adherence, annual wellness visits and other essential wellness activities.

In 2023, it garnered a shared savings payment of $1.16 million.

For the 2023 reporting period, eBrightHealth ACO received high marks for controlling blood sugar in patients with diabetes and blood pressure in hypertensive patients.

“The dedication and collaboration of our clinicians are genuinely improving the lives of our patients, helping them stay healthier for longer,” said Rose Kakoza, M.D., MPH, senior clinical network director, ChristianaCare Clinical Alliance. “We are working hard to deliver an exceptional experience for every patient and make a lasting positive impact on their well-being.”

eBrightHealth ACO is supported by the physician-led ChristianaCare Clinical Alliance, and care coordination services are provided by ChristianaCare’s award-winning care coordination company, CareVio®.

In partnership with community providers, CareVio’s multidisciplinary team of nurses, social workers, pharmacists and care coordinators serve as care managers for individuals with acute, chronic and complex health care needs. CareVio uses real-time data and predictive analytics to identify ways to help patients manage their health more effectively, preventing complications that could lead to unnecessary hospitalizations or avoidable emergency department visits.