Effect of ACOs on surgical care among racial, ethnic minorities

Editor's Note

In this study, researchers found persistent differences in the surgical care of racial and ethnic minorities despite the formation of Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs), which were expected to reduce healthcare disparities and improve access to surgical services.

Rates of surgical interventions in the ACO cohort were significantly lower than the non-ACO cohort for whites, African Americans, Hispanics, and Asians in both pre- and post-ACO periods (2009-2011 vs 2012-2014). The odds of receiving surgical interventions were lowest for minority patients in ACOs.

Programs to specifically incentivize ACOs to improve surgical access for minorities may be necessary, the authors say.

remains unknown. Methods: We used national Medicare data (2009-2014) to compare rates of surgery among white, African American, Hispanic, and Asian Medicare beneficiaries for coronary artery bypass grafting, colectomy, total hip arthroplasty, hip fracture repair, and lumbar spine surgery.

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