Squire, Sanders & Dempsey to launch Accountable Care Forum

Squire, Sanders & Dempsey is launching Accountable Care Forum - From Volume to Value, a blog dedicated to analysis of the emerging accountable care organization (ACO) landscape. The launch coincides with regulations issued today by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

"The regulations are the centerpiece of health care reform legislation affecting physicians and hospitals across the United States," said David W. Grauer, head of Squire Sanders' health care practice. "We want our blog, www.accountablecareforum.com, to be a resource for our clients and others that need reasoned, real-time analysis of the regulations' impact."

Squire Sanders lawyers will review, analyze and comment on the regulations' seven key segments identified by CMS including provider involvement; beneficiary attribution; ACO eligibility/assessment; performance measurement, especially patient experience; shared savings programs; other payment models; and regulatory compliance/waivers.

The blog draws on Squire Sanders health care lawyers' perspective and commentary from representatives of the Association of Medical Device Reprocessors (AMDR).

Squire Sanders lawyers Scott A. Edelstein, Lisa G. Han, John M. Kirsner and Peter A. Pavarini have extensive background in ACO issues. Pavarini edited the ACO manual issued by the American Health Law Association, Han advises clients on insurance issues, and Edelstein and Kirsner have both presented at national panels. Additionally, several Squire Sanders health care lawyers are advising clients on ACO formation matters.

"We're very pleased to partner with Squire Sanders in providing much-needed perspective on the significant impact the ACO regulations will have on hospitals, doctors and the health care industry," said AMDR President Daniel J. Vukelich.