#United States #Nashville #Medicare ACO #Sound Physicians #SLTCM

Sound Long-Term Care Management Invites New Providers to Join Its Medicare ACO

Sound Long-Term Care Management (SLTCM), a prominent accountable care organization (ACO) affiliated with Sound Physicians, has announced an invitation for clinical groups to apply for membership in its highly regarded Medicare Shared Savings Program (MSSP) ACO. This is an exceptional opportunity for clinical entities with an interest in enhancing care for individuals within long-term care and facility-based settings.

From June to August, SLTCM will open its enrollment window, which allows clinical groups to join their physician-led organization recognized for its exemplary performance in the long-term care sector. The year 2024 saw SLTCM leading the pack among MSSP ACOs focused on long-term beneficiaries, proving its mettle by achieving nearly $114 million in shared savings for Medicare in just its second operational year, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

Michael Camacho, president of accountable care at Sound Physicians, emphasized the model's success: “Over the last three years, we've demonstrated that our approach best positions providers, patients, and facilities for success.” The SLTCM ACO specializes in serving complex and high-risk Medicare populations, equipping it to accurately monitor financial performance and efficiently enhance patient outcomes while reducing common challenges faced in value-based care.

Key achievements of SLTCM in 2024 include:

• - A 7.6% reduction in emergency department visits
• - A 13.3% decrease in short-term hospitalizations

Value-based payment models can present significant challenges for many clinical groups, particularly those lacking the necessary resources and expertise. By partnering with SLTCM, these groups can:

• - Enhance care coordination and improve overall patient experience
• - Achieve better clinical outcomes while optimizing care efficiency
• - Foster collaborative treatment approaches and manage costs effectively
• - Share best practices and resources to mitigate risks

Dr. Tom Kim, the chief medical officer at SLTCM, noted a vital advantage of collaboration with their organization: “We have a robust team of clinical leaders who provide active support to our ACO participants through educational initiatives, protocol development, and ongoing performance assessments.” Furthermore, innovative solutions, including virtual health programs, allow for increased delivery of care at patients' homes, thereby minimizing unnecessary hospital visits for vulnerable populations.

Moreover, SLTCM is also preparing to apply for the newly introduced Long-term Enhanced ACO Design (LEAD) model by CMS, which is set to launch in 2027 and will provide additional avenues for improving patient care.

Interested clinical groups can learn more about joining SLTCM's MSSP ACO by visiting their official partner opportunities page: Sound Long-Term Care Management.

By embracing the chance to become part of SLTCM, clinical groups will not only elevate their service delivery standards but also fortify their capabilities within the Medicare framework, ensuring comprehensive care for long-term care beneficiaries while fostering financial sustainability.

For more information on SLTCM and its offerings, including their commitment to telemedicine and value-based care, please reach out to Supreme Communications, the media contact for Sound Long-Term Care Management.