Press release by Franciscan Health:

MISHAWAKA, Ind. — Newly released results for the 2022 Medicare Shared Savings Program (MSSP) show Franciscan ACO (Accountable Care Organization) far outperforming the national average.

In 2022, the first year under the Enhanced MSSP model, Franciscan ACO achieved a quality score of 86.36% and saved the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services $31.4 million, earning Franciscan ACO $23.1 million in shared savings.

As a participant in the MSSP, Franciscan ACO is responsible for the total cost and quality of care for approximately 41,000 patients. Franciscan partners with physician groups, hospitals and other advance practice providers to provide highly coordinated, quality care to patients.

Franciscan ACO had the 23rd highest payout of all ACOs nationwide. Franciscan’s savings rate, at 6.0%, is higher than the national average at 3.7% and the 86.36% quality score is higher than the 81.5% national average.

Quality performance results that exceeded 90% included controlling high blood pressure; screening for future fall risk; tobacco use screening and cessation intervention and statin therapy for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease.

Franciscan ACO patients’ ratings on how well providers communicate was 93.92% and ratings of office staff courtesy and helpfulness was 93.16%. Both scores are above the national ACO mean.

“Each year we gain a better understanding of how to best serve those patients participating in the CMS Enhanced MSSP program,” said Franciscan Health Chief Medical Officer Al Tomchaney, MD. “Our providers focus first and foremost on improving the health status of our patients and utilize chronic care management and health maintenance to lower the costs of caring for these individuals. Delivering the right care at the right time with a focus on prevention has enabled Franciscan Alliance to save the Medicare program $31 million for the 2022 year.”

Franciscan ACO is committed to identifying social determinants of health, reducing barriers to care and engaging patients in care plans that suit their needs while reducing unnecessary costs in care to create higher patient satisfaction and a more efficient healthcare experience.

In 2012, Franciscan Health was the first hospital system in the state of Indiana to form an ACO with Medicare as part of the Medicare Pioneer ACO program. Franciscan transitioned into the MSSP program in 2015 and continues to participate in similar shared savings, value-based care agreements with other Medicare Advantage and commercial payer groups.