MDNews - Cleveland-Akron-Canton

ABIA Begins Work on First U.S. Accountable Care Community Institute in Akron (ABIA) has launched its Accountable Care Community (ACC) initia- tive. The ABIA initiative integrates area assets into a shared responsibility framework among regional institutions to enable improvement in population health, to close gaps in healthcare delivery, and to measure impact as innovative health strategies are implemented. “The purpose of creating an ACC is to W develop a sustainable health model for the Akron region that will lessen the burden of disease, and achieve a level of success that can be replicated across the country,” states Frank L. Douglas, MD, ABIA president and CEO. “In implementing an Accountable Care Community, we will reduce health care costs and improve lives and the productivity of our community.” The ACC effort is at the forefront of developing healthier communities and has great significance in light of recent healthcare reforms at the national level and increasing prominence of Accountable Care Organizations (ACO). An ACO is a network of doctors and hospitals that share responsibility for providing care to patients. Taking this concept one step further, an ACC uses a collaborative, multi- institution approach that emphasizes a shared responsibility for the health of the community. By focusing on chronic diseases, such as diabetes, obesity, asthma and hypertension, and integrating the efforts of health-focused community organizations, community wellness and quality of life increases. Additionally, ACCs lower healthcare costs and increase productivity thus benefitting the local economy. The ultimate goal is to create a sustainable health model in Akron that can then be adapted and delivered in other communities. n MDNEWS.COM  JULY-AUGUST 2011  MD NEWS Cleveland-Akron-Canton | 33 ITH THE INTENT to create a healthier community and lessen the burden of disease, the Austen BioInnovation

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