Rockingham County Rehabilitation and Nursing Center is pleased to share that it has joined the Accountable Care Organization (ACO) network for Exeter Hospital effective January 1, 2025. This partnership is an exciting step forward in enhancing the quality of care for our residents and ensuring coordinated, patient centered services. By joining the ACO, Rockingham County will be able to collaborate more closely with healthcare providers in the area to improve outcomes, reduce hospital readmissions, and streamline care for our residents.
Of the approximately 7,400 eligible individuals in the area, Rockingham County is proud to be one of only two providers available for ACO patients to choose from.
What is an Accountable Care Organization?
An Accountable Care Organization (ACO) is a group of healthcare providers, such as doctors, hospitals, and other care teams, that voluntarily come together to provide coordinated, high-quality care to Medicare patients. The goal of an ACO is to ensure patients receive the right care at the right time while avoiding unnecessary services and reducing medical errors.
If the ACO succeeds in delivering high-quality care and reducing healthcare costs, it may share in the savings it achieves for Medicare or other participating payers. ACOs emphasize preventative care and streamlined communication between providers to enhance patient outcomes and satisfaction.
What are the benefits of an ACO?
Joining an ACO offers several benefits for both patients and providers. Patients benefit from providers who work together to ensure their care is well-organized and aligned with their health goals. Additionally, organizations participating in ACOs must have high standards of care and quality ratings. Skilled nursing facilities must have a minimum of a three star rating in the CMS 5-Star Quality Rating System. At the skilled nursing facility, the patient benefits from personalized care that aligns with the ACO’s goals: focusing on recovery, preventing complications, and minimizing unnecessary hospital readmissions.
For providers, ACOs offer the opportunity for doctors and healthcare teams to share resources and data to improve patient care. This can help ensure smoother discharge transitions and a seamless transfer of information. Additionally, the ACO’s emphasis on communication means the skilled nursing facility stays in touch with the patient’s healthcare team. The ACO can also help arrange additional services like home care if needed.
ACOs help make healthcare simpler, more affordable, and focused on what matters most: keeping people healthy and providing the best care possible.
About Rockingham County Rehabilitation and Nursing Center
Rockingham County owns and operates Rockingham County Rehabilitation, Nursing Center, and Assisted Living Community. Founded in 1869, the community has long been a cornerstone for senior care, evolving over generations to meet the changing needs of our community while upholding the values that make us a trusted choice for families across Southern New Hampshire. For more information on the three levels of Medicare and Medicaid covered care offered by the center, please visit www.rockinghamcountyseniorliving.com
