Building a Legacy of Better Care for our Region
We were originally formed to carry on the work begun by the Adirondack Region Medical Home Pilot, which began in 2010 and ended in 2017. The Pilot was created to help transform the way primary care is delivered in the Adirondacks and northern New York State. The Pilot recognized all participating primary care practices as National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) Patient-Centered Medical Homes (most at Level III), which gave them a larger role in coordinating patient care. The Pilot also established procedures for 24/7 access to care, initiated transitional care programs, and made significant investments in technology and enhanced care coordination.
Adirondacks ACO entered its first contract with Medicare in 2014 as part of the Medicare Shared Savings Program (MSSP), which addressed the rising cost of care by incentivizing providers to focus on value over volume. The program offered accountable care organizations the opportunity to coordinate care for Medicare beneficiaries and share in potential cost-savings if certain quality measures were met.
Following the success of that contract, ADKs ACO has expanded its contracts with government plans and developed similar value-based-payment contracts with commercial payers.
We at ADKs ACO carry on the work of the Medical Home, as we continue to work with primary care providers and hospitals, and expand into working with mental health providers, substance use treatment centers, and other sectors in health care. Our network providers are committed to whole-person care and to improving health care for all who live and work in our region.