Health officials say more than 500,000 Medicare patients in Illinois will have their health care needs coordinated by federally designated "accountable care organizations" this year.
Springfield-based Hospital Sisters Health System is one of several new such networks serving Illinois patients. Spokesman Brian Reardon says more than 21,000 patients will be part of the Hospital Sisters Health System accountable care organization, or ACO.
Medicare officials announced 121 new ACOs across the nation.
Accountable care organizations are networks of doctors and hospitals that collaborate to better serve patients with chronic medical conditions.
One goal is to lower costs. The groups can share in any savings with the government if they meet quality targets.
