Association of Physician Group Participation in Accountable Care Organizations With Patient Social and Clinical Characteristics

Key Points Question Are physician groups that care for socially and clinically vulnerable patients less likely to participate in accountable care organizations? Findings This cohort study of US physician groups from 2010 through 2014 found that groups participating in Medicare Shared Savings Program accountable care organizations cared for more clinically high-risk patients than did nonparticipating physician groups. There was no difference in patient social vulnerability between the 2 groups. Meaning The findings suggest that Medicare’s Shared Savings Program accountable care organizations may be an effective approach to target care coordination among high-risk patients.