Apparently the ACO concept is spreading within the private payer community

Here's some proof from CIGNA I read yesterday:

Cigna partners with Houston doctors for collaborative accountable care

"Cigna has partnered with doctors affiliated with St. Luke’s Health System Clinically Integrated Providers and Renaissance Physicians Organization on collaborative accountable care initiatives. The goals of the program are the same as those of an accountable care organization, the Connecticut-based insurer said in a Wednesday statement. They focus on expanding patient access to health care, improve care coordination, improving health outcomes, lowering total medical costs and increasing patient satisfaction. They build on Cigna’s push to move the health care delivery system to an outcomes-based system."

Cigna Launches New ACO With Denver Physician Group

"Cigna and New West Physicians P.C., a Denver-based physicians group, have launched a collaborative accountable care initiative, Cigna's version of an accountable care organization. The collaborative will benefit nearly 7,800 people covered by a Cigna health plan who receive care from the 60 primary physicians and 20 mid-level providers with New West Physicians. The group has 16 locations through the Denver metro area."