Describe an "accountable care organization" (ACO).

An accountable care organization (ACO) is fundamentally characterized by a collaboration among various healthcare providers who come together to deliver coordinated and high-quality care to their patients. The primary goal of an ACO is to ensure that patients, especially those with chronic conditions, receive the right care at the right time while preventing unnecessary duplication of services and avoiding medical errors.

In this collaborative framework, the providers work together to manage patient populations effectively, focusing on both quality of care and overall cost management. By sharing information and coordinating treatment plans, ACOs aim to improve health outcomes while reducing costs, ultimately leading to a more efficient healthcare system.

In contrast, the other options highlight more isolated or narrow definitions: a single provider managing all care lacks the collaborative spirit that defines an ACO; focusing solely on financial outcomes ignores the essential aspect of patient-centered care that is central to the ACO model; and a government program for emergency care does not reflect the comprehensive and preventative approach characteristic of ACOs, which include a range of healthcare services.