NAACOS Spring Conference Unpacked: Coral’s Field Notes
The National Association of ACOs (NAACOS) held its annual spring conference in Baltimore April 22-24. The event brought together NAACOS members, industry thought leaders, and businesses building innovative tools for value-based care and health system transformation. Coral attended the conference, and Coral Partner Maria Alexander moderated a panel about practical strategies for addressing the unique challenges of value-based contracting for Medicaid populations. At the conference, one theme rose above all others: alignment. Across sessions, stakeholders called for better coordination of data, communication, and accountability between and among CMS, private payers, ACOs, providers, and patients to advance value-based care.
Data at the Forefront & CMS Signals More Data Sharing Ahead
From the opening plenary to breakout sessions, speakers emphasized the need for integrated health information systems. Effective value-based care requires relevant data in one place—to make decisions, track outcomes, and collaborate across stakeholders. In a fireside chat, CMS Deputy Administrator Kimberly Brandt reiterated the agency’s commitment to better integrate and share claims, clinical, and quality data back with ACOs—supporting fraud prevention and care improvement. For more on best practices for data sharing to support value based care, check out the Future of Value Playbook developed in partnership with AHIP, AMA, and NAACOS.
New Models Require Deeper Integration
A session on the new mandatory Transforming Episode Accountability Model (TEAM) and the dementia-focused GUIDE Model highlighted the push for aligning quality measures across programs. CMS aims to drive industry-wide focus by synchronizing expectations across voluntary and mandatory models, giving ACOs a clearer path to improving outcomes across multiple domains.
To learn more, visit the official pages for the TEAM and GUIDE Model. For deeper insights, check out our podcasts featuring discussions on TEAM and innovative dementia care solutions.
Quality Reporting: Progress and Challenges
A panel on Medicare Shared Savings Program (MSSP) quality reporting presented to a packed house of participants eager to hear how ACOs are adapting to eCQM and MIPS CQM demands. Despite concerns about all-payer data adjustments, many are leveraging the broader reporting requirements to boost quality across all business lines.
Specialty Care and Behavioral Health: The Next Frontier
Specialty care integration was a recurring topic, with a growing consensus that true value-based care depends on aligning primary, specialty, and behavioral health services, including addressing cost drivers like prescription drugs.
Innovation in the Exhibit Hall
Vendors showcased new data aggregation platforms designed to return actionable insights to ACOs, providers, and sometimes patients. AI and remote patient monitoring were prominent features, aiming to enhance both quality reporting and patient engagement.
Advancing Care Amid Change
Amid political uncertainty—over ACO REACH, MSSP reforms, Medicare Advantage, and Medicaid—conference discussions remained steadfastly focused on advancing patient outcomes and building a sustainable health system. As the landscape continues to evolve, organizations must stay proactive in navigating regulatory shifts, data integration challenges, and value-based care opportunities. Connect with the team at Coral Health Advisors to explore how we can support your organization in aligning strategies, optimizing performance, and driving success in today’s value-based care environment.