Contact: Beth Casteel, bcasteel@acc.org , 202.375.6275

Washington, DC – The American College of Cardiology’s (ACC) CEO, Jack Lewin, MD, today made the following statement following the release of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Accountable Care Organization (ACO) final rule:

“The ACC believes that the implementation of ACOs along with the continued efforts of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) will help to identify new models of care to address the ongoing burden of illness in the United States. 

“We commend CMS for its decisions to be responsive to comments on the ACO rule, and we are supportive of the focus on quality of care and care related to cardiovascular disease within this final rule.  While we do not know for certain how many organizations will form as ACOs in the coming years, we remain encouraged since these changes make it more feasible for physicians and hospitals to consider participating. 

“We are also supportive of new collaborative payment models and believe there must be continued flexibility for physicians and other providers to improve care.  We look forward to continuing to be strong supporters in the efforts to improve quality of care and reduce costs.”

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Interview requests for Dr. Jack Lewin can be made by contacting Beth Casteel or Shannon Cline.

 

About the American College of Cardiology

The American College of Cardiology is transforming cardiovascular care and improving heart health through continuous quality improvement, patient-centered care, payment innovation and professionalism. The College is a 39,000-member nonprofit medical society comprised of physicians, surgeons, nurses, physician assistants, pharmacists and practice managers, and bestows credentials upon cardiovascular specialists who meet its stringent qualifications. The College is a leader in the formulation of health policy, standards and guidelines, and is a staunch supporter of cardiovascular research. The ACC provides professional education and operates national registries for the measurement and improvement of quality care. More information about the association is available online at www.cardiosource.org/ACC.

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