What does the Medicare Shared Savings Program use to assess PAR providers?

The Medicare Shared Savings Program evaluates Participating Accountable Care Organizations (PAR providers) primarily on their performance in various domains. This performance assessment includes factors such as the quality of care provided to patients and the efficiency of the care delivered. The program encourages providers to implement strategies that improve patient outcomes while also reducing costs, thereby fostering an environment of accountable care.

While quality of care metrics and patient satisfaction can be integral components of performance assessment, the overarching criterion is indeed the overall performance of the providers in managing both quality and cost-effectiveness. The program aims to align incentives, so providers who demonstrate high performance in these areas can share in the savings generated, making performance a central focus of the assessment.