Which of the following is a key characteristic of an ACO?

A key characteristic of an Accountable Care Organization (ACO) is the development of cost-effective care strategies. ACOs are designed to coordinate care among different providers and settings, aiming to improve quality and reduce costs. They emphasize preventive care and better management of chronic conditions, which ultimately leads to improved health outcomes for patients while restraining the rising costs of healthcare.

This approach involves collaboration among various healthcare providers to create a seamless experience for patients, where care is focused on the value and outcomes rather than the volume of services provided. By implementing strategies that promote efficiency and patient engagement, ACOs seek to achieve better care at lower costs, aligning the interests of patients, providers, and payers.

The other choices reflect aspects that do not align with the fundamental goals of an ACO. For instance, focusing on individual procedures contradicts the holistic approach of ACOs, which prioritizes comprehensive care. Limiting patient access to specialists would undermine the ACO's goal of providing coordinated care across a variety of services. Additionally, operating strictly on a fee-for-service basis does not accurately describe ACOs, as they often use value-based payment models that incentivize care quality over quantity.