Intermountain Health’s accountable care organization (ACO) ranked fifth nationally among participating organizations for Medicare savings in 2024, according to a September 21 statement. The organization generated more than $67.6 million in savings through the Accountable Care Organizations Realizing Equity, Access, and Community Health (ACO REACH) program.
The 2024 results marked the third consecutive year Intermountain ranked among the nation’s top five for gross savings. The ACO also earned a 100% quality score for the third consecutive year, qualifying as a High Performer and achieving nationally leading results on the ACO REACH hospital readmission measure.
Dr. Steve Clark, chief medical officer for Proactive Care Support Services (PCSS) at Intermountain Health, said the results reflect a shift toward proactive care through collaboration between physicians, care teams, and community partners. This approach aims to identify needs early, coordinate care, and help patients stay healthier at home.
The financial impact of these efforts included returning $31 million to primary care clinic providers in 2024. These funds help practices invest in services such as chronic condition management, improved access, and health initiatives for underserved communities.
Justin Brooks, the administrator of the ACO, stated that the sustained improvements in quality, patient experience, and cost performance reflect a commitment to partnering with health systems and primary care providers to deliver care throughout the Mountain West.
The performance of the ACO has resulted in several benefits for patients, including fewer avoidable hospital visits and improved communication with providers based on Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems measures. Additionally, the ACO achieved nationally leading performance in reducing unplanned hospital admissions and improved the use of healthcare resources to prevent duplicative or unnecessary services.
