#United States #St. Louis #Mercy Health #Healthcare Savings #ACO

Mercy Health's Commitment to Cost-effective Care

Mercy Health has made headlines for achieving remarkable savings and quality in patient care through its innovative Accountable Care Organization (ACO). In 2024 alone, Mercy's ACO saved taxpayers an impressive $102 million, marking a significant increase of $7 million from the previous year. Over the last seven years, Mercy's ACO has collectively saved taxpayers $462 million. This success can be attributed to their dedicated approach to ensuring high-quality healthcare for patients while keeping costs manageable.

A Leader in Patient Care

Mercy Health ranks among the top five ACOs in the United States, serving a vast number of patients while maintaining exceptional quality. In fact, it holds the third spot in terms of care quality among similar-sized organizations. According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Mercy's performance reflects their focus on patient-centered care, which emphasizes healthy living to minimize hospital visits and associated costs. Dr. Gavin Helton, Mercy's president of primary care, highlights the organization's commitment to prioritizing patient satisfaction and health outcomes.

"Our goal is to keep patients happy, healthy, and out of the hospital whenever possible," says Dr. Helton. This approach shows tangible results, as indicated by high-quality scores and reduced healthcare expenditure for the community.

Quality Metrics Enhancing Care

CMS monitors over 30 measures related to care coordination, patient safety, the effective use of preventive services, and patient experiences. At the core of this monitoring is the commitment to improving care for at-risk populations. As organizations like Mercy embrace these standards, the overall landscape of healthcare delivery shifts towards greater efficiency and patient satisfaction.

Focusing on Preventive Care

Mercy's emphasis on preventive care is fundamental to its mission. Steve Mackin, Mercy’s president and CEO, states, "Preventive care is the building block for every patient." He asserts that their ACO approach significantly enhances health outcomes for Medicare patients, and the same commitment extends to over 3 million patients cared for annually across various communities. By focusing on preventive measures, Mercy is not only enhancing individual health but also reducing the strain on emergency services and hospitals.

Roots in Innovation

Mercy was a pioneer in the ACO model a decade ago, aiming to better coordinate care for Medicare patients while eliminating unnecessary expenses. For any organization to qualify and maintain its ACO status, it must consistently score high on various quality metrics, proving its capability to deliver teamwork-focused healthcare.

Integrated Care Model

Mercy Health, one of the largest healthcare systems in the U.S., operates a wide-ranging network of medical services. With over 50 acute and specialty hospitals, urgent care locations, imaging centers, and pharmacies, they employ more than 5,000 physicians and advanced practitioners. This extensive infrastructure supports a robust system that is essential for providing quality care across Arkansas, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. In fiscal year 2024, Mercy committed nearly half a billion dollars to free care and community benefits, substantiating its mission-driven impact. The community consistently sees the tangible benefits of Mercy’s model.

A Sustainable Future

As the cost of healthcare continues to rise, organizations like Mercy offer a blueprint for sustainable practices that prioritize patient health while promoting fiscal responsibility. By continuing to excel in healthcare delivery, Mercy stands as a model for what can be achieved when high-quality care is combined with strategic cost management. Their accomplishments remind us all of the importance of innovative approaches to health that benefit both patients and taxpayers alike.